Welcome

Welcome to The school enjoys an enviable setting in the Gresham’s. I am beautiful Georgian market town of Holt in North very proud to and is surrounded by rolling countryside introduce you to and a spectacular coastline. Supported by this remarkable staff with a real concern for their well-being, school. We were our pupils have the time and space to develop founded in 1555 into well-rounded, self-assured adults able to after a bequest to manage the demands of modern life. Of course the Fishmongers’ the real test of an education is how balanced, Company to found focused and happy our pupils are well after they a school by Sir have left us. John Gresham; It is important to me that every child’s strengths they continue to and talents, whatever they may be, are work closely with recognised and nurtured. Gresham’s is not a the school to this production line which designs curriculum with day. This prospectus gives you an impression of the sole focus of climbing the school league all that a Gresham’s education can offer but is tables. Instead every pupil is valued and their no substitute for a visit; I can promise you will individual successes recognised and celebrated receive a very warm welcome. by peers and staff alike. It is this ethos that has Gresham’s success is in part due to the close led to an extraordinary range of notable alumni partnership between the school and our parents. including public figures such as WH Auden, Families joining us immediately feel part of a Benjamin Britten, Tom and Ben Youngs, Olivia community and are reassured of their crucial Colman and James Dyson to name but a few. involvement and continuing role in their child’s There are many opportunities to visit the school, school life. including Open Days and Taster Events, or you We are not afraid of tradition at Gresham’s and can arrange an individual tour and meeting with place a strong emphasis on good manners and me at any time. We look forward to welcoming courtesy. We have not found the need to teach our you soon. pupils how to be happy; it seems to come rather Douglas Robb more naturally to them here. Headmaster A school with broad horizons

Gresham’s was founded in 1555 by Sir John Surrounded by countryside and with grounds Gresham. He went on to become Lord Mayor of totalling 200 acres, the atmosphere at and forged close ties with the Worshipful Gresham’s is one of space and freedom. Company of Fishmongers. Strong links with the Classrooms, boarding houses and communal remain today. facilities are all spacious and modern. The Senior School is located on the edge of the Sporting facilities are first class and cater thriving market town of Holt, just four miles from for an unusually wide range of activities. the spectacular coastline, most of There are also large modern art studios, which is designated as an Area of Outstanding and excellent drama facilities, both Natural Beauty. indoors and out. Academic – open to wider influences

We select from a wide range of abilities and followed by the International Baccalaureate recognise talent, creativity and determination Diploma Programme (IBDP) or A levels in the as well as academic success. Our goal is to help Sixth Form. each pupil to reach their full potential, whether Classroom learning is supported by a wealth of in the arts, the sciences or any other subject, as academic societies and clubs, which encourage well as helping them to develop skills that will be pupils to explore beyond the classroom. Regular invaluable in lifelong learning. field trips around the region, nationally and We expect high standards and offer a coherent internationally continue this outward focus. and challenging curriculum leading to GCSE, Pastoral care – understanding and fulfilment

Our aim is for each pupil to fulfil their potential, teacher’s enthusiasm, and however obscure an in whatever field that might be. Pupils thrive at interest, we do our best to encourage it. Gresham’s, and happy students make successful The Chapel is at the heart of the School, learners. Our boarding houses provide a providing spiritual support and an opportunity framework for the life of the school and the for reflection. It’s also a constant reminder of boarding ethos builds strong community spirit our broader responsibilities to the community for the benefit of both boarders and day pupils. through fundraising and volunteering. A comprehensive range of weekend and after- A fully staffed Health Centre provides expert 24/7 school activities keeps pupils focused outside medical care and the School Counsellor is always of lessons. Lifelong interests are often born as available for help with any personal issues. a result of a Housemaster’s, Housemistress’s or We have almost 300 boarders and we valued, integrated, guided and supported, both Boarding – moving believe that boarding cultivates confidence, emotionally and socially. responsibility and self-reliance, and that living Students joining in the Year 9 share a small together is rewarding for all ages. dormitory, while older pupils share study forward together There are seven boarding houses, each run bedrooms, and most Sixth Formers have their by a resident Housemaster or Housemistress, own room. There’s a shared kitchen and common helping to imbue each house with its own unique room for relaxing and socialising. Older pupils style and character. They provide a warm and can become House Prefects, acting as positive welcoming environment for both boarders and role models for younger ones. day pupils, thus ensuring all pupils feel equally Art – a wide-eyed perspective

We’re committed to providing a truly By the same token, we’re committed to contemporary art education built on strong bringing students’ work wide exposure, and we technical and conceptual skills, as well as the have frequent exhibitions, within Gresham’s and ability to engage on the most sophisticated level outside – for example at the Holt Arts Festival – with an increasingly visually literate world. and further afield. Students are exposed to a wide range of styles Our large modern art studios in the Cairns and influences, as well as materials and techniques, Centre enable students to develop work that and encouraged to push the boundaries of their is ambitious in scale and purpose and our understanding and to experiment. The result Nicholson Gallery hosts a series of exhibitions is distinctly contemporary, but with a strong throughout the year. grounding in established tradition. Drama – a broader stage

Drama promotes confidence, co-operation The range, scale and variety of performances and inventiveness in addition to helping to to which our pupils have access deliver a develop freedom of expression. uniquely rich experience. The Auden Theatre, named after Old Greshamian WH Auden, An enormous number of students participate provides a professional and versatile venue in our school productions each year, all of which for performance, while our Theatre in the involve large casts. Woods also provides a dramatic backdrop for These also provide ample opportunities for outdoor productions. those interested in the technical aspects of Many pupils have gone on to achieve success theatre. Recent performances have included in the performing arts, most notably in recent Sondheim’s Follies, A Midsummer Night’s years the actress Olivia Colman. Dream, Les Miserables and adaptations of Jane Eyre and David Copperfield. Music – raising the bar

Music plays a significant role in the life of many Gresham’s is also an All-Steinway School. All- pupils, whether at the daily chapel services, in Steinway Schools demonstrate a commitment academic music studies or in individual lessons. to excellence by providing students and faculties There are also numerous instrumental and vocal with the best equipment possible for the study ensembles, including choirs, choral groups, of music. orchestras, separate wind, string, brass groups, A popular slot in the music timetable is Music jazz bands and rock bands. and Munch, every Thursday in the Auden The Music School boasts an impressive list of Theatre foyer. Members of the public are invited Old Greshamians, including Benjamin Britten, to come along and enjoy lunch and listen to the who actually composed some of his earliest pupils perform. There is also the annual House works while at the school. Music Competition, which brings out a fierce competitive nature in every pupil as they strive The department is equipped with a suite of Apple to win the coveted prizes. Mac computers with state-of-the-art sequencing and notation software, linked to the most up-to- date digital mixing desk in the Recording Studio. Sport – ensuring everyone wins

Sport has always been an integral part of healthily competitive environment. Taking part education at Gresham’s. We believe in educating is a big part of school life, and even those who the ‘whole person’ – mind, spirit and body – aren’t naturally sporty can benefit and enjoy and seek to cultivate healthy and committed themselves. team players who value the importance of Our sporting facilities are first class, and include collaboration and leadership. Astroturf pitches, 25-metre indoor swimming We encourage all students to become involved pool, two sports halls, over 30 tennis courts and in any of the various sports we offer, and we an indoor shooting range, six rugby pitches, an benefit from an enviable reputation in hockey, athletics track and a cross country course. rugby, cricket, netball and shooting. Our Other available sports include squash, football teams compete at school, local, national and and badminton, while other optional activities international level. include aerobics, dance, fencing, basketball, Above all else we seek to help students make golf, martial arts, trampolining and sailing. the most of their sporting abilities in a fun and There really is something for everyone.

Co-curricular – opening up the outside world

Alongside cultural and social pursuits, we An important part of growing up is learning encourage students to take an interest in the responsibility and decision making. Here, local community and the wider world, helping opportunities include roles such as Head of them to learn vital life skills and to discover new House, House Prefects and School Prefects. challenges. A diverse range of available hobbies and Many Senior School pupils join the Combined activities include, among many others, sailing Cadet Force or participate in the Duke of and kayaking on the Norfolk Broads and coast, Edinburgh Award Scheme. Others undertake creative writing, electronics, robotics, gardening, Community Service via fundraising or wildlife studies, journalism, music technology volunteering. Every year we have a nominated and world cookery. charity who we actively work with. Old Greshamians Your next steps – potential realised A good starting point for more information is Alternatively, you may wish to arrange an our website, www.greshams.com appointment with the Headmaster and a tour Old Greshamians have achieved great success the artist Ben Nicholson, the film director of the Senior School by contacting us on in business, politics, sport, the arts and many Stephen Frears, the broadcaster Lord Reith, the The best way to look further into a Gresham’s 01263 714614 or [email protected]. other fields. journalist Sir John Tusa, hovercraft inventor Sir Christopher Cockerell, and international rugby education is to visit us and experience it for You are more than welcome to visit the As well as WH Auden, Benjamin Britten and players Tom and Ben Youngs. yourself. Our website has details of the dates of Pre-Prep or Prep School at the same time if Olivia Colman, mentioned earlier, they include our Open Days, when you can look around the you wish and we would be happy to arrange the inventor and businessman James Dyson, school and meet our pupils and staff. this for you. Gresham’s Senior School, Cromer Road, Holt, Norfolk NR25 6EA Telephone: 01263 714500 [email protected] Gresham’s School (Registered Charity No. 1105500) Gresham’s School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children www.greshams.com and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.