Norwich High School for Girls has been recognised for two national awards: Independent Girls’ School of the Year and Independent Pre-Prep School of the Year at the Independent Schools of the Year Awards 2024.

We are thrilled to be finalists in the Independent Girls’ School of the Year category and shortlisted in the Independent Pre-Prep School of the Year category.

The Independent Schools of the Year awards are designed to give independent schools an opportunity to celebrate and showcase their extraordinary achievements.

“The innovative and life-affirming student experience which independent schools provide to their students is awe-inspiring and the stories told in the entries are both moving and humbling. It was wonderful to receive so many nominations which clearly celebrate ‘excellence in education’ and showcase the myriad of activities in which our students have the opportunity to excel.” – Dr Helen Wright, Chair, Independent Schools of the Year 2024

Our whole school learning ethos which focuses on approach rather than attainment was highlighted in the submission for the Independent Girls’ School of the Year award. We place importance on problem solving, collaboration and creative thinking alongside and within subject disciplines. When surveyed, 92% of students agreed that their teachers know how to meet their needs in lessons.

In addition to our academic approach, our girls embrace multiple opportunities to find a passion. They become outstanding leaders, sportswomen, musicians, actors and are inspired to explore a wide range of pursuits. 93% of students agreed that they have good opportunities to take part in a range of activities that interest them outside of lessons.

Whilst we focus on an approach rather than attainment, our results also continue to be the best in the region. We were named the top Independent School in Norfolk in the Sunday Times Parent Power League 2024 based on the 2023 examination results at GCSE and A Level.

When surveyed:
97% of parents agreed that their child is happy at school
96% of parents agreed that Norwich High helps their child to make good progress
96% of parents agree that the school supports their child’s social and emotional development
98% of parents and 95% of students agreed that Norwich High helps students to be respectful of different groups including those with protected characteristics.

Head of Norwich High, Alison Sefton, comments: “We are girls-first and know that girls put enough pressure on themselves without more pressure linked to attainment. By focussing on approach we are having a broader impact as girls can nurture their own individual interests and strengths. We are ‘Made by Girls’ – our school community is shaped by our students. We prioritise pastoral care alongside academic and co-curricular with an experienced and motivated team across the school implementing a comprehensive pastoral programme in line with our mission: Know yourself. Look after yourself. Make it happen.”

The breadth of opportunities available to our girls makes life in our Pre-Prep special. We have specialist on site teaching including swimming, music, French, dance and forest schools which starts from the age of 3 in our Nursery.

Head of Early Years, Rhian Barton, explains: “Our unique position as girls’ education experts provides an outstanding all through school approach. Everything is designed for girls and Nursery and Reception are fully integrated into whole school life. Whole school events including our Winter Arts Festival include our Early Years pupils. The 2024 programme, Find Your Rhythm, included a visiting beatboxer, skateboarder, artists and dancers to share their passion, as well as connecting with a local independent bookshop.”

As well as gaining boundless inspiration, pupils benefit from the leadership, peer support and care of older students. Year 6 play and read with younger students. Senior School volunteers help in the Early Years swimming lessons and on site Rainbows pack. The Early Years students are allocated a House from our whole school system giving them the chance to interact with students up to the Sixth Form. 

We build strong and lasting relationships with families and really get to know them. This builds confidence in the girls who feel comfortable to be completely themselves. We are girls-first. We make learning fun and engaging as it is led by them – or ‘Made by Girls’.

Susan Roberts, Head of Norwich High Prep School and Nursery, comments: “As well as seeing happy and confident girls in school and hearing testimonials from happy families, we have seen an incredible increase in enquiries and new families joining the school community. Much of this growth is driven by word of mouth recommendations.”