City of Norwich School celebrates student success with Class of ‘23

Teachers, families, and the class of ‘23 alumni all came together at City of Norwich School (CNS) for a wonderful celebration of student achievement.

The academy, which is part of Ormiston Academies Trust, presented over 80 awards to former Year 11s, looking back on a year of personal accomplishments and exceptional performance.

Highlights from the night include Kumi Stevens taking home both the Westergate Cup for Outstanding Achievement at GCSE, having received nine Grade 9s and The Guildhall Trophy for Music and Drama, for her dedication to music and orchestra.

Alongside this, Phoebe Baxter-Smith was awarded The Ward Trophy for Extraordinary Achievement for her ongoing courage and positive attitude, and Lola Howard was praised for her incredible progress at CNS with The Leckenby Cup for Progress from Key Stage 2 to GCSE.

The students’ commitment to their community was also celebrated, with Ben Quinton winning the CNSA Cup for Services to the CNS Community and Minnie Harrington recognised for her work with the school council and leadership team with The Philpott Award for Student Voice.

Alongside awards, talented student musicians from CNS led the evening with spirited music and a speech from Headteacher Jo Philpott highlighted the academy’s strong community, long history and tradition of development and progress. 

Joining the school as keynote speaker for the evening was the Sheriff of Norwich, Dr Jan Sheldon, who spoke to the audience about the importance of community, aspirations for future success and embracing opportunity. 

Speaking on the evening, one parent said “the school’s students are shaped by their community and environment, and I feel that this is as much an accolade to the school as to their students.”

The school was recently awarded Secondary School of the Year at the EDP’s inaugural Norfolk Education Awards, held in October 2023. The award, sponsored by City College Norwich, recognised the school’s inclusivity, commitment to learning and students’ emotional, physical and social development.

Ms Philpott, Headteacher at City of Norwich School said:

“The evening was a wonderful celebration of our students’ achievements and contributions to the CNS community, and it was lovely to share with families such pride in our young people’s amazing successes.

“We are so lucky to have such an incredible team and group of students and alumni at CNS, who are incredibly hard-working, passionate, and kind in all that they do. Our students undoubtedly have a bright future ahead of them, and we look forward to seeing their continued achievements.”