Education

Primary Schools Directory

Norwich offers a diverse array of primary schools, each providing unique educational experiences for young learners. Notable schools include Bluebell Primary School, which emphasises inclusive education and a nurturing atmosphere, Henderson Green Primary School, recognized for its strong leadership and well-planned curriculum, and Mile Cross Primary School, known for its dedicated leadership team and vibrant curriculum. Charles Darwin Primary School focuses on high ambitions and exceptional educational standards, while St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Primary School offers a high-quality Catholic education with a strong emphasis on academic excellence. Norwich Primary Academy and Valley Primary Academy provide supportive and inclusive settings for a diverse student population. Parents can find comprehensive listings and details about primary schools in Norwich through resources like the Norfolk Schools Web Directory and the Norfolk School Finder, allowing them to search for schools based on various criteria to find the best fit for their child’s educational needs. Overall, Norwich’s primary schools are committed to fostering positive learning environments, encouraging personal growth, and preparing students for future academic success.

Secondary Schools Guide

City of Norwich School: City of Norwich School is a co-educational state school with a good Ofsted rating. It is known for its academic excellence and its wide range of extracurricular activities.    https://cns-school.org/ 

Norwich School: This is an independent co-educational school with a long and distinguished history. It is consistently ranked as one of the best schools in the UK.    https://www.norwich-school.org.uk/ 

Notre Dame High School: Notre Dame High School is a  Roman Catholic girls’ school with a good Ofsted rating. It is known for its strong pastoral care and its commitment to the education of the whole child.   https://www.ndhs.org.uk/ 

Hewett Academy: Hewett Academy is a co-educational academy with a good Ofsted rating. It is known for its inclusive environment and its focus on personalised learning. It has a large campus outside the city centre. https://www.thehewettacademy.org/ 

Sewell Park Academy: Sewell Park Academy: is a co-educational academy. It is known for its supportive learning environment and its focus on academic achievement. https://www.sewellparkacademy.co.uk/

Adult Education Classes 

• Norfolk County Council: The council’s website provides a comprehensive list of adult learning courses, including qualifications, English and maths, creative and cultural, and more. You can search by keyword, location, and category.   https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/ 
• City College Norwich: This college offers a variety of part-time and full-time courses for adults, including vocational training, professional development, and leisure courses.    https://www.ccn.ac.uk/ 
• The UEA: The University of East Anglia offers a variety of short courses and workshops for adults, covering a range of topics from history and literature to business and IT.       
• Norwich Community Learning: This organisation provides a variety of free and low-cost courses for adults, including English and maths, IT, and creative courses.

Scholarship and Grant Information

• The Norwich Community Foundation: This organisation manages several scholarship funds that may be open to you, including the New London Community Scholarship Fund and the William W. Backus Hospital Scholarship Fund. Visit their website for more information and to apply. https://www.norfolkfoundation.com/ 
• Norwich Public Schools: This school district offers a few scholarships for students who are new to the district. You can find more information on their website. https://www.norwichpublicschools.org/ 

Online Learning Platforms

Norwich offers a range of online learning platforms that provide flexible and accessible education to students and professionals. Norwich University stands out with its comprehensive online degree and certificate programs, utilising the Moodle platform to accommodate various learning styles. The city also has several other online distance learning options available, offering courses in diverse fields like languages and professional development. These programs prioritise convenience and affordability, making education more accessible. There are other platforms that provide online learning like NILE [ Norwich institute for Language Education] and Flying Classroom.  Online learning in Norwich not only provides academic opportunities but also fosters a sense of community among students through interactive elements like webinars and discussion forums, enabling learners to connect despite geographical barriers. This combination of flexibility, diverse course offerings, and community engagement makes Norwich a significant hub for online education, empowering individuals to pursue their academic and professional goals remotely.

Educational Supply Stores

Norwich is home to several educational supply stores that cater to the needs of students, teachers, and parents. Becker’s offers a wide selection of over 781 items, including classroom essentials and specialised teaching materials at competitive prices. The Norwich University of the Arts (NUA) Shop specialises in art and stationery supplies, providing essential materials for students and faculty during weekdays. Additionally, Walmart at 220 Salem Turnpike offers a variety of school supplies, making it a convenient option for stocking up on essentials. These stores play a vital role in supporting the educational community by providing access to necessary materials and resources for students and educators alike.

Study Abroad Program

Norwich is an attractive destination for study abroad students, particularly through the University of East Anglia (UEA), a top-ranked research university that offers a diverse range of courses. Students can choose to study for a semester or an academic year, benefiting from UEA’s extensive support services and world-class facilities. The university’s vibrant campus life includes over 250 clubs and societies, fostering opportunities for social engagement and personal growth. Known for its affordability and safety, Norwich provides a welcoming environment for international students. The city’s rich history and cultural scene, along with its central location in England, make it easy for students to explore both locally and across Europe. Overall, studying in Norwich allows students to gain a global perspective, develop new skills, and create lasting memories.

Tutoring and Mentorship Services

Norwich offers a variety of tutoring and mentorship services to support students of all ages. Key providers include Norfolk Tutors, which matches students with vetted tutors for personalised one-on-one sessions, and Tutor Doctor Norwich, which provides customised in-home and online tutoring. SUNY Morrisville Norwich Campus offers free tutoring services for its students, while First Tutors connects learners with top-rated private tutors across various subjects. Additionally, mentorship programs like The Mentoring Project pair adult volunteers with young people to build confidence and life skills, and the Norwich City Community Sports Foundation offers mentoring for 16-25 year-olds to help them transition into education or employment. These services reflect Norwich’s commitment to helping students reach their full potential through tailored academic support and mentorship.

Educational Policy Updates

The Norwich Opportunity Area (NOA) initiative has been instrumental in driving educational policy updates in the city, focusing on upskilling staff through continuous professional development, networking, and accredited training. This holistic approach has enabled schools to better support vulnerable children, particularly during the pandemic, by enhancing access to mental health resources, remote learning, and quality tutoring. Recent reports indicate promising signs of improvement in pupil outcomes, reflecting the positive impact of key projects initiated under the NOA program. Norwich schools have embraced collaborative efforts to share best practices and address common challenges, leading to higher expectations and a commitment to evidence-based approaches. Additionally, there have been calls for increased education on LGBTQ+ rights and issues within schools, with three secondary schools participating in the Norfolk Educating with Pride programme to foster awareness and inclusivity. Overall, the educational landscape in Norwich is evolving, with a strong emphasis on collaboration, professional development, and addressing the diverse needs of the student population.

University and Higher Education

Norwich is home to the University of East Anglia (UEA), a prominent public research university established in 1963. Located just two miles from the city centre on a 320-acre campus, UEA serves over 15,000 students from around the world and is recognized for its high-quality teaching and research, particularly in fields such as agriculture, health, and environmental science. The university is part of the Norwich Research Park and has produced notable alumni, including Nobel Prize winners. UEA offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, with a strong reputation in creative writing and environmental studies. The campus features extensive facilities, including the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts and the Sportspark, along with a supportive student community that hosts over 200 clubs and societies. With excellent transport links and proximity to Norwich International Airport, UEA ensures accessibility for students. The university also guarantees accommodation for new international students, providing various housing options. 

School Uniforms 

School uniform policies in Norwich emphasise inclusivity, community identity, and practicality across various educational institutions. Schools like The Clare School, Norwich High School for Girls, and City of Norwich School have distinct uniform requirements aimed at fostering a sense of belonging among students. The Clare School mandates a royal blue and light blue uniform for students from Year 1 to Year 11, prioritising affordability and flexibility to accommodate individual needs. Norwich High School for Girls promotes inclusivity by respecting diverse cultural and religious requirements, adopting the Halo Code to embrace various Afro-hairstyles and providing guidelines on makeup and accessories. City of Norwich School emphasises a high-achieving ethos with a strict uniform policy, requiring full adherence while allowing basic items to be sourced from supermarkets. Support is available for families facing financial difficulties regarding uniform costs.