House Music 2025-26

The last Friday of term saw an incredible team effort from every house to present House Music 2025. Our esteemed judge, Rollo Armstrong, notably known as the producer in Faithless and for the artist Dido, joined us for the occasion.

Each house presented three items:

Instrumental

Woodlands stormed to the top with an incredible rendition of Tune 88 by Jeff Corder – the band sounding like a professional jazz-funk set-up. 

Part Song

There was a dash of traction from most of the boys’ houses, keeping with the barbershop style and adding some contemporary twists. However, it was Oakeley’s stunning arrangement of Aurora’s Runaway, with complex harmonies and textural variations, that completely transcended the space and took us to another world entirely.

Unison Finale

Every pupil in the school took to the stage, with dance moves, costumes, and (fortunately!) impressive singing to match. Everything from The Fratellis to Madonna was performed, but it was Oakeley’s party anthem “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” that took the category.

This meant that Oakeley took the overall House Music competition, with Woodlands an incredibly close second place – only one point behind!

Well done to all, and it shows that the house spirit is still very much alive.

Sixth Form pupils present their work experience reflections

This week, Year 13 pupils enjoyed an enriching talk from four of their peers, each reflecting on the value of their work experience placements. Toby W spoke about his agriculture placement, Yssy D shared her virtual experience with Norfolk & Suffolk Constabulary, Jamie P discussed his week with stockbrokers Barratt & Cooke, and Cerys D presented on her London placement with KPMG.

All four delivered superb presentations, demonstrating how real-world experience builds skills, insight and confidence, while helping shape Post-18 decisions. A fantastic showcase of ambition and professional awareness — well done to all involved.

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.

Gresham’s gets behind Movember with ‘Stash the Tash’ challenge

This November, Gresham’s will be supporting Movember, the movement dedicated to changing the face of men’s health. From mental health and suicide prevention to prostate cancer and testicular cancer, our Stash the Tash challenge will aim to raise awareness and start important conversations.

Pupils and staff are invited to follow the Stash the Tash journey throughout the month, as the mysterious moustache makes surprise appearances around the school.

Whilst our focus is going to be on raising awareness and helping people develop the skills and confidence to spot the signs, the annual Movember campaign works hard to raise funds helping to support those who need it.

Anyone wishing to support the campaign can do so by following the donation link here.

Senior rugby players embark on exciting tour to Cardiff

During the first half of Half Term, our Senior Rugby players embarked on an exciting tour to Cardiff, immersing themselves in Welsh rugby culture and enjoying a range of brilliant activities along the way.

A real highlight of the trip was the visit to the Principality Stadium, where the boys explored behind the scenes – from the players’ changing rooms and hospitality suites to walking out pitch-side where so many rugby greats have played. In the Media Room afterwards, the group had great fun interviewing each other, testing their quick thinking and seeing how they’d handle the spotlight.

Thank you to Glamorgan Wanderers RFC for hosting our fixture against Caerau RFC. It was an excellent game played in great spirit, with plenty of tries scored and Gresham’s finishing with a well-earned win.

Off the field, the tour offered a perfect mix of team bonding and adventure – from white water rafting and canyoning to a more relaxed evening of bowling and fun challenges. The boys represented the school superbly throughout, showing great camaraderie, enthusiasm and sportsmanship.

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.

BEFORE

afTER

IB pupil explores Nostradamus in History Society talk

The first half of term was a very busy one for the History Department at Gresham’s. The second meeting of the History Society saw IB History pupil, Pablo B-G, addressing the fascinating topic of Nostradamus. In his presentation, Pablo explored the meanings behind Nostradamus’s prophecies and examined their historical context.

On Sunday, Gresham’s was proud to host a branch meeting of the Norfolk and Norwich Historical Association at which Dr Alan Metters delivered an engaging lecture about the Jacobean merchants of King’s Lynn. 

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.

Sporting success

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

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