On Saturday 7 February, 52 pupils from Prep and Senior School took part in the Gresham’s Annual Piano Festival.
As an All-Steinway school, the festival reflects the strength and integrity of our piano programme, delivered and developed by Heidi Shinn, Head of Keyboard Studies.
The event brought together musicians of all abilities, from beginners to accomplished Grade 8 performers. Each pupil performed a solo piece before a supportive audience and a panel of expert adjudicators.
The adjudicators offered individual feedback designed to encourage, inspire and guide each performer on their musical journey. For many pupils, the festival provided a valuable opportunity to gain performance experience, build confidence and share their progress with peers, teachers and family members.
Local contractors are at the heart of our new £40 million Dyson Campus
News > Local contractors are at the heart of our new £40 million Dyson Campus
As work on the new Dyson Campus continues, we would like to acknowledge the local contractors that are central to the development of our landmark new Prep School, supported by a £40 million investment from alumnus, Sir James Dyson.
We will be working alongside Pentaco Construction Ltd, our main contractor, to relocate the current Prep School to the Dyson Campus (formerly Holt Hall).
Opening in September 2027, the Dyson Campus will be a state-of-the-art centre for education, allowing pupils to discover, explore and thrive. Nestled within 86 acres of ancient woodland and lakes, the new development will offer an exceptional learning environment for boys and girls aged 7-13, blending tradition and nature with innovative, future-proof facilities.
The new school will include:
World-class science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM) facilities, ultra-modern classrooms and cutting-edge laboratories.
A sustainable, naturally ventilated, mirrored new building adjacent to the hall, inspired by Dyson’s research building (D9) in Malmesbury, Wiltshire, that blends into the local environment and reflects nearby ancient woodland.
Careful restoration of Grade-II listed Holt Hall, which will become the heart of the new Prep School.
A strong commitment to sustainability, including solar panels, low-carbon heating and cooling via a ground source heat pump and an irrigation system using recycled rainwater.
A dedicated music centre with fully equipped practice rooms and specialist teaching resources.
Exceptional sports facilities including a modern sport pavilion, expansive rugby and cricket pitches, and top-tier athletics facilities.
Andrew Grady, Managing Director at Pentaco Construction Ltd, said of the project:
“We are incredibly proud to have been appointed to deliver this exceptional Design & Build project, which brings together the best of both worlds: an ultra‑modern educational facility alongside the careful conservation of the much‑loved historic Holt Hall. This project represents not only a significant investment in the future of the site, but also a sensitive respect for its past.”
Construction work is now underway, with restorative work taking place on the Grade-II listed Victorian hall, alongside groundworks for the new mirrored extension and landscaping. In keeping with its commitment to the local community, Gresham’s has appointed several regional specialists to deliver the project, ensuring that the local economy and businesses directly benefit from the £40 million investment.
Working alongside Gresham’s are:
Canham Consulting, Norwich
Daniel Connal Partnership, Norwich
Denny’s Construction, Sheringham
Guarda Landscape, Norwich
John Briggs and Son Ltd, Norwich
LSI Architects, Norwich
Norwich Electrical, Norwich
PJ Plumbing, Norwich
Sash Window Preservation Company, Norwich
Headmaster, Douglas Robb, commented:
“We are excited to get construction underway at the new Prep School. There’s a wealth of skill, engineering and ingenuity in the region and partnering with local contractors reflects our ongoing commitment to Norfolk and ensuring this major investment benefits the region as a whole. Sir James Dyson is enabling us to deliver a campus that is not only academically ambitious, but also inspiring and innovative”.
Gresham’s is creating more than a new school building. The new Dyson Campus will be a place where children are inspired by their surroundings, supported by exceptional teaching and facilities, and encouraged to grow into confident and curious individuals.
STEAM Outreach Programme launches with Prep trial run
News > STEAM Outreach Programme launches with Prep trial run
We were thrilled to launch our STEAM Outreach Programme by welcoming our very own Year 6 pupils from Gresham’s Prep. The day began with an inspiring welcome talk and tour of The Dyson Building, setting the scene for a hands-on exploration of science, creativity and innovation.
Pupils then jumped straight into action with a series of exciting STEAM team challenges: building O-Wings rockets, creating their own Scribblebots, and designing wind-powered cars. The afternoon was filled with creating, team collaboration, experimenting and plenty of fun. The activities were aimed at sparking curiosity and confidence while inspiring the next generation of innovators, engineers and creative thinkers. Overall, it was a brilliant start to a programme that celebrates learning through discovery.
Pupils selected to represent Norfolk Cricket Foundation
News > Pupils selected to represent Norfolk Cricket Foundation
We are delighted to share some fantastic cricketing news from across the school community.
A number of our pupils have been selected to represent the Norfolk Cricket Foundation age-group teams for the 2026 season. This is a significant achievement and reflects the dedication, talent and hard work shown by the players both in school and in their club cricket.
Those selected are:
U14 Boys – Oli C
U15 Boys – Jack H, Theo C, Thomas H
U16 Boys – Charlie S, Henry R, Will C
U18 Boys – Archie C, JC M, Will P
U13 Girls – Tallula C (Prep)
U14 Girls – Hannah C, Sophia S
U16 Girls – Angelica H, Gen H, Issy P, Livs S, Lotty D, Tilly B
Director of Cricket, Pete Free, praised the pupils for their achievement, saying:
“The school is incredibly proud of the efforts shown by all the players in gaining their places in the respective squads. We wish them the very best of luck for a successful 2026 season.”
We congratulate all those selected and look forward to following their progress as they represent Norfolk in the year ahead.
Gresham’s girls shine at National Schools Equine Association jumping event
News > Gresham’s girls shine at National Schools Equine Association jumping event
Six talented riders from Gresham’s Prep and Senior School proudly represented the school at the National Schools Equine Association (NSEA) show jumping competition held at Forest Edge on Sunday 18 January. Competing against strong opposition from local schools, the girls delivered outstanding performances throughout the day.
Year 5 pupil Bea W impressed with three superb clear rounds, qualifying for the Hickstead Grassroots Final, both individually and as part of the team. Year 7 rider Darcy N also enjoyed a successful day, jumping two excellent clear rounds and contributing to the team’s qualification. Year 8 pupil Mia R added to the team’s success by qualifying with just four faults.
The Senior School riders continued the success in the higher classes. Eliza B claimed victory in the 70cm class and also qualified as part of the team in the 90–95cm category. Year 10 pupil Hettie L finished an impressive fifth individually in the 90–95cm class and was a member of the qualifying team. Fellow Year 10 pupil Georgia H rounded off a fantastic day by qualifying as part of the team in the 90–95cm class, before going on to qualify individually in both the 105cm and 110cm classes.
Facing tough competition throughout the event, all six riders did Gresham’s proud and represented the school superbly.
IAPS Chess U9 and U13 Bonus Qualifier Team Battle 2026
News > IAPS Chess U9 and U13 Bonus Qualifier Team Battle 2026
Our U13 Chess team from the Prep School recently went pawn to pawn for a full hour against 26 other leading IAPS schools, showing real focus and determination throughout the tournament. After a series of tightly contested rounds, they secured an impressive 5th-place finish overall. Congratulations to our top scorers: Hansen W, Ella P, Archie C and Freddie P, whose strong performances helped drive the team up the leader board. We now wait eagerly to find out whether this result will be enough to earn us a place in the final.
Our U9 team also put in a spirited effort. Cleo, George W, Arthur A and Athena played with great enthusiasm and resilience, finishing 12th in a competitive U9 section. A big well done to all involved!
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.
Year 5 pupils enjoy educational trip to Norwich Synagogue
News > Year 5 pupils enjoy educational trip to Norwich Synagogue
Year 5 pupils from the Prep School recently enjoyed a fascinating and educational visit to Norwich Synagogue. The visit provided a wonderful opportunity to deepen their understanding of Judaism through first-hand experience and engaging discussion. Their host, Deborah, warmly welcomed the children and was full of praise for their exemplary behaviour, curiosity and enthusiasm throughout the day.
The pupils took part in a range of hands-on activities that brought their classroom learning to life. They explored the Torah and learnt about its importance within Jewish worship, discovered the meaning and traditions of Shabbat, and gained insight into the many Jewish festivals that shape the year. A particular highlight was learning to write in Hebrew – this experience inspired much excitement and concentration!
The day offered not only a rich learning experience but also a valuable opportunity to appreciate and celebrate cultural diversity and religious traditions. Overall, it was a visit that pupils will remember for a long time to come.
Year 3 pupils explore ancient Egypt at Norwich Castle Museum
News > Year 3 pupils explore ancient Egypt at Norwich Castle Museum
Year 3 pupils from the Prep School recently enjoyed an exciting and educational trip to Norwich Castle Museum, bringing their history lessons to life with a special focus on Ancient Egypt.
During the visit, pupils had the chance to view genuine Egyptian artefacts up close, deepening their understanding of this fascinating ancient civilisation. They also took part in interactive workshops, where they learned about the mummification process, prepared a traditional Egyptian-style feast, and crafted their own decorative collar necklaces to take home as a souvenir.
The trip was a memorable experience that helped reinforce the children’s learning in a fun and engaging way.
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.
