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.

Rifle Club members perform exceptionally with British Schools Team

At the end of last term, several members of the Rifle Club shot qualifying cards in the hope of representing British Schools against New Zealand Schools in 2026. This fixture had been held annually until 2018, when it was discontinued for several years. The match was reinstated in 2025 and is now hoped to continue as an annual event once again.

Following the qualifying round, four pupils from Gresham’s School earned places in the 12-strong British Schools squad. Amir R qualified as the top shot in the country, achieving an outstanding score of 493 out of 500. Bella B, Ilana B and Henry J also performed strongly to secure their places in the final 12.

All 12 competitors then shot their match cards, with the top 10 scores counting towards the final team total. Ilana B, Henry J and Amir R were among those selected, meaning Gresham’s accounted for just under a third of the final team of 10 and was the most represented school in the British Schools side.

British Schools scored an impressive 1945 out of 2000 but were narrowly defeated by New Zealand Schools, who recorded a superb 1948. It was an extremely close match, and congratulations go to New Zealand Schools, as well as to all the Gresham’s pupils who represented the team so well.

Visiting historian explores the Wars of the Roses with Sixth Formers

On Wednesday afternoon, our Year 12 and 13 A level historians studying the Wars of the Roses were fortunate enough to be addressed by Andy Johnson, a former Gresham’s parent, who has recently published a book entitled ‘York versus Lancaster: The Battles and History of the Wars of the Roses’.

Mr Johnson explored the origins of the conflict and explained how recent scholarship is challenging the traditional explanations of battles such as St Albans I, Wakefield and Towton. His Q & A session followed, exploring all aspects of the conflict through to the 1460s.

Record-breaking LAMDA exam results

Pupils celebrated outstanding success in their recent LAMDA examinations, achieving a record set of results from the exams held in December. More than forty of our pupils took part, sitting assessments in Acting, Speaking in Public, and Speaking Verse and Prose.

The strong performance marked a significant milestone for the programme, with many pupils also gaining extra UCAS points after completing the prestigious medal-grade exams, providing an important boost for future university applications.

Our LAMDA teacher praised the pupils’ dedication and commitment throughout the process, saying, “I couldn’t be prouder of every single pupil. They all worked so hard, and they are a pleasure to teach. These exams enhance clear communication skills and confidence, which are incredibly useful tools to take forward in life.”

Year 13 pupils explore the history of taxation with Kaff Booty

We were delighted to welcome OG, Kaff Booty, to speak to our Year 13 pupils as part of their Academic Enrichment series. Kaff delivered an engaging and highly informative session on the subject of tax.

Kaff provided pupils with a clear and accessible overview of the history of taxation, exploring why tax exists and the vital role it plays in funding public services. The talk helped demystify a topic that can often feel complex or intimidating, breaking it down into real-world examples that were directly relevant to pupils as they prepare for life beyond school.

Overall, the talk was both insightful and highly beneficial, equipping our Year 13 pupils with a stronger understanding of the tax system and greater confidence in managing their future finances.

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

U18 Girls – Amelie H, Georgia D, Grace H-K, Olivia M

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

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.

Klyne Training and Saxon Air STEAM Outreach visit

This week, we were delighted to welcome visitors from Klyne Training Ltd. and Saxon Air to Gresham’s School STEAM Outreach, where they spent time exploring the Makerspace in The Dyson Building and discussing plans for an exciting future Aviation and Innovation Showcase.

The visit focused on shaping a future innovation programme, using aviation as the lens to inspire pupils and showcase the wide range of opportunities available, from engineering and sustainability to design, technology and problem-solving. As a bonus, our visitors also met pupils working on the F24 electric car project, seeing first-hand how learning translates into real-world engineering challenges.

Gresham’s named among The Cricketer’s Top 100 Schools for Cricket 2026

Gresham’s has been recognised as one of the leading cricketing schools in the country after being included in The Cricketer magazine’s Top 100 Schools for Cricket 2026.

The prestigious accolade reflects the significant commitment, expertise and hard work of the school’s cricket staff and players, whose dedication has helped establish a thriving cricket programme. The recognition highlights the strength of cricket at Gresham’s across all levels, with the school proud to offer high-quality opportunities for both boys and girls.

Inclusion in the Top 100 Schools list is widely regarded as a benchmark of excellence in school cricket and underlines Gresham’s continued investment in developing talent and nurturing a passion for the sport.

The full report is available in the current edition of The Cricketer magazine online.

Year 12, Pullo W, organises exciting Lord Denning Mock Trial Competition

Pupils gathered in Chapel on Monday evening for an engaging Lord Denning Mock Trial Competition, organised by Pullo W.

The event was great fun, and the judges Mr Kinder and Rev Jack were bowled over by the knowledge shown of the complex issues in both cases.  

In the first trial, Kitty R, Jemima P and Will R successfully prosecuted Napoleon despite a strong defence from Will B, Connor M and James C. The second case saw Pablo B-G, Kai S and Paula A secure the acquittal of Oliver Cromwell against charges brought by Sophia L and Jack S.

The evening also highlighted the confidence and ability of Year 9 pupils, who more than held their own against Sixth Form competitors. Vega VS and Alex H contributed thoughtfully in their roles as jurors, helping to bring the trials to a close. The competition was a great success, and thanks go to all involved, particularly Pullo W, for making the event possible.