News > The Michael Goff Lecture Theatre officially opens
Today, current and former Governors joined staff and the Goff Family to celebrate the opening of the Michael Goff Lecture Theatre in the Reith Block.
Michael’s association with Gresham’s stretches back to his time as a boarder in Farfield House and he has been a pupil, parent, OG Club chair, Governor and Foundation Committee member as well as serving as Chair of Governors from 2018-2024.
The lecture theatre provides a fantastic facility for pupils and forms part of the newly refurbished Reith building.
An important ‘Movember’ message from OG, Joe Nash
News > An important ‘Movember’ message from OG, Joe Nash
Yesterday, our community continued its Movember initiative with an inspiring Chapel talk from OG Joe Nash, who courageously opened up about his own mental health journey.
Joe has been a remarkable advocate for men’s health. Last year, he became Movember’s highest fundraiser out of 23,000 students and was nominated in the organisation’s international awards for “Changing the Face of Men’s Health.” During that time, he ran 5k every day throughout November, sharing his reflections, along with contributions from around 30 others, on his dedicated Instagram page
Joe’s message resonated with pupils, as he encouraged everyone to seek support when they need it and to strive to be someone others can confide in. He also urged listeners to live life fully and authentically, without the fear of judgment and to always choose kindness, reminding his listeners that all that unkind words can have a profound negative impact.
We are grateful to Joe for returning to share his story and for helping to strengthen the culture of openness, empathy and support within our school community.
Year 9 journey through the Gresham’s Archives
News > Year 9 journey through the Gresham’s Archives
Year 9 classes marked Remembrance Week by visiting the School Chapel to investigate its status as a war memorial and also researched the impact of the First World War by exploring some of the many fascinating documents from the School Archives.
Pupils explored the 1903 school prospectus, Gresham’s magazines of 1914-18, the Vellum Roll of the First World War Fallen of the junior boys, the diaries of junior housemaster, Dallas Wynne Willson, and a couple of contemporary photograph albums.
This provided a unique opportunity to handle original documents and to draw inferences about the School’s relationship with the First World War.
This weekend, the school came together to mark Remembrance — first in Chapel on Saturday and then at the Town Service in Holt on Sunday.
As part of the Holt Remembrance commemorations on Sunday, several of our pupils played very special musical roles. Sophie began and ended the two-minute silence with a beautifully performed solo of the Last Post and Reveille on her trumpet, played with great dignity and clarity. Our Gresham’s Bellringing Club also joined the St Andrew’s ringers at Holt Parish Church for a special peal of half-muffled bells to mark the occasion.
Our CCF contingent on parade in Holt was the largest ever, and we were immensely proud of all the pupils involved, who showed such respect and reverence throughout the occasion.
Burne-Jones window restoration project complete in Big School
News > Burne-Jones window restoration project complete in Big School
A remarkable chapter in Gresham’s history has come full circle with the recent restoration of two stunning stained-glass windows to Big School Hall, exactly one hundred years after their original installation.
The windows, depicting St Cecilia and the Cimerian Sibyl, were originally gifted to the school in 1925 by Mr D.A Wynne Willson, on his retirement. Crafted by the renowned firm Morris & Co. from designs by Sir Edward Burne-Jones, these works of art are part of a trio of stained-glass lights. The third window in the set now resides in Frome Church, Somerset.
What makes these windows particularly special is their journey. Before arriving at Gresham’s, they were housed in a residence in Oxford where Burne-Jones himself was known to stay. Mr Wynne Willson (a long-standing member of staff) acquired them in 1919, and they have since become treasured artefacts of the school’s heritage, especially notable for predating the school’s move to its current Cromer Road site.
Now, thanks to the expert craftsmanship of Devlin Plummer Stained Glass, who specialise in the conservation and restoration of stained windows and lead glazing work, the windows (both stained and non-stained) have been restored to their original splendour. Their return not only enhances the architectural beauty of Big School Hall but also reconnects the present-day school with its rich artistic and historical legacy.
This term, we’ve seen some outstanding sporting success for our teams, along with notable personal achievements by several pupils as they pursue their passions.
Cricket
In cricket, there’s been lots to celebrate. JC M has been selected for Northants County Cricket Club Academy and also the Norfolk Winter Emerging Players Programme. JC worked incredibly hard on his game at School and County level, performing consistently well with the bat, scoring numerous half centuries and a century during the last season.
Also selected for the Norfolk Winter Emerging Players Programme by the Norfolk Cricket Foundation this year was Oli C and Theo C. The boys will receive extra cricket coaching sessions from Norfolk coaches over an 18-week period to further enhance their recognised skillset.
Finley S was selected to train with Derbyshire Emerging Players Programme for 2025-26. Finley impressed the Derbyshire selectors with spectacular all-round performances, with 565 runs at an average of 33.24 and two hundreds and one fifty to his name, including a magnificent 150 not out.
Grace HK and Georgia D were chosen for the Essex Emerging Players Pathway in recognition of their hard work at County, Club and school level.
netball
Year 11 pupil Adeola A has made it through to the U17 Netball Mavericks Player Development Programme and her fellow classmate Millie B was selected for the Mavericks Future U15 Netball Programme.
rugby
In rugby, Toby G has been trialing with Northampton Saints and has now been invited to stay on in their U17s Academy Programme. Meanwhile, Lewis B has been training with the Leicester Tigers U17s Academy this term and is thriving in the professional sports environment.
hockey
Recent alumna Lucy Walton, currently on a scholarship to Northeastern University, is competing in the CAA Conference as a freshman, having previously represented England U16s.
Gresham’s named Independent School of the Year: Central
News > Gresham’s named Independent School of the Year: Central
Gresham’s has been named Independent School of the Year: Central – a recognition of our vibrant school community and the exceptional pupil experience on offer.
The Independent Schools of the Year Awards said “The focus of the 2025 awards will be to celebrate the demonstrable benefits of an independent school education and showcase the innovative, caring and life-enhancing student experience which pupils in our schools receive”.
The competition was strong, six outstanding schools were shortlisted for the award including Repton School and Malvern College.
The judging chair, Helen Wright, who presented the award said “Gresham’s won for the way in which it crafts its education around and through its location in a market town, and in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and for how it integrates with the local community as well as making extensive use of the countryside for its activities”.
This latest award follows recent wins, including: Best Public School – Tatler School Awards 2026 Best School for Creative and Performing Arts – Talk Education
This year marks a significant milestone for the School Archive, which has celebrated its 20th anniversary. Since its establishment in December 2004, the archive has grown into a vital resource for preserving and sharing the rich and varied history of Gresham’s School.
Over the past two decades, the archive has moved location several times and expanded its collections, digitised key materials, and supported research projects, exhibitions, and commemorations. From photographs and documents to personal stories and artefacts, it continues to safeguard the legacy of generations past while remaining a dynamic and accessible resource for the present.
As we look ahead, the archive remains committed to its mission: to collect, preserve, and share the School’s heritage with pupils, staff, alumni, and the wider community. It remains a living resource, one that not only honours the past but also informs the present and inspires the future.
Here’s to the next 20 years. Please keep on supporting the archive, which is now based in the School Library.
Please do contact Lucinda Robb if you wish to visit, access material or donate items.
We are honoured to have been named Best Public School at the Tatler School Awards 2026.
Tatler’s Education Editor, Tori Cadogan, and her team visited schools across the UK, engaging with pupils, parents, and staff to uncover what makes each school special. Their rigorous process included thousands of questionnaire responses and in-depth research.
With nearly 14,000 votes cast this year, winning Best Public School reflects the extraordinary spirit and accomplishments of our pupils, the unwavering support of parents and alumni, as well as the commitment of our dedicated staff.
Gresham’s faced stiff competition from some of the nation’s most respected schools, including Eton College, Brighton College, Canford and Caterham, making this accomplishment all the more remarkable.
OGs return to share tips on navigating university challenges
News > OGs return to share tips on navigating university challenges
It was a pleasure to welcome back Old Greshamian’s Lucy Matthes and Andrew Kinder for an Enrichment Talk, where they shared thoughtful reflections on their individual university journeys. Both speakers offered valuable insights into the often complex process of higher education, beginning with the challenges of choosing – and, in some cases, changing – a degree course to better align with evolving interests and strengths.
They spoke candidly about the realities of university study, highlighting both the rewards and the unexpected demands of academic life. Lucy and Andrew also addressed the importance of coping strategies in the face of learning differences such as dyslexia, emphasising the value of self-advocacy and the support networks available to students.
Reflecting on their studies, both agreed that university provided more than subject-specific knowledge; it fostered independence, critical thinking, and the confidence to navigate uncertainty. They concluded that degree study equips graduates not only with academic expertise but also with confidence, knowledge and transferable skills essential for success in today’s employment sector.
