GDST school crowned ‘Independent Girls’ School of the Year 2019’

Girls, staff and parents of Norwich High School for Girls are thrilled to have received the highly prestigious ‘Independent Girls’ School of the Year 2019’ award.

This took place at the Independent School of the Year Awards ceremony, held at the Royal Thames Yacht Club in Knightsbridge, London. The judges asked to see evidence of success stories that feature both innovative practice and individual success stories, adjudicated by a panel of 14 comprised of heads, governors, parents and representatives from across the education sector and chaired by Dr Helen Wright, former President of the Girls’ School Association and Vice-Chair of the Independent Schools Council.

This year saw a record number of entries from a wide range of schools; from small rural pre-preps through to large urban Senior Schools in a broad range of geographical areas. There were 20 awards across the sector covering the arts, sports, outreach, student success and careers programmes, as well as the top individual school awards. Headmistress of Norwich High School and one of the EDP’s Top 100 Inspiring Women of 2019, Kirsty von Malaisé, attended the champagne reception and was thrilled to receive the top accolade for the school.

“Norwich High School is an outstanding school and I could not be more proud that we have received national recognition of this, particularly with the exceptionally strong competition in this category. We were lauded not only for our pioneering Inspiring Females programme which has supported well over 3,000 young women from Norfolk and beyond over the last three years, but also for our bold ambitions for the girls in many other exceptional initiatives.’

In addition, last Monday the school received ‘Apple Distinguished Schools’ status for 2019 to 2022, another prestigious award with only 32 other schools in the UK holding this accreditation, and the only Senior School in Norfolk to do so. This status not only recognises the outstanding work that Norwich High staff and girls accomplish on the iPad, but also includes benefits to the school including a published iBook showcasing the learning we achieve with technology at Norwich High.

Moving from a figurative apple to a real apple, Norwich High has also been doing some excellent work on outdoor learning, ranging from launching a wonderful new Heritage Orchard on the site, which is managed by the girls and was home to four Wensleydale rams in the Summer, to conservation work on Mousehold Heath and clearing plastic from local beaches.

Today, the whole school has been celebrating the success; the new award has been taken around the school and shared with girls, staff and even Casper the school dog.

”Congratulations to all of the girls, staff, community and supporters of Norwich High who have worked with enthusiasm and passion over the last few years to make our school continue to excel – this award is for you all.”

See the full EDP story here.