Energy and empowerment through sport

Education: Norwich High School for Girls

Norwich High’s empowering approach offers every girl – aged from three to 18 – the chance to participate in sport and flourish, while also encouraging staff to embrace an active lifestyle with access to the on-site pool, fitness studio and staff Pilates sessions.

Inclusive sport for all

At Norwich High, sport goes beyond physical activity to build self-belief, teamwork and a lifelong love of movement. In the school’s all-girls environment, students explore activities free from gender stereotypes.

Director of Sport, Debra Smith, explains: “By focusing on a love of being active and trying new opportunities, every girl can discover a sport she enjoys.”

This inclusive approach ensures high participation across all age groups, balancing the nurturing of natural talent for individual and team competitive success, with enjoyment for all. Students engage in diverse team sports, from hockey and netball to cricket, football and rowing, with opportunities to compete at regional and national levels. Individual sports also include swimming, equestrian, dance and kayaking.

Championing football

Football has always been popular with the students, and the success of England’s Lionesses sparked even wider interest. The school has embraced this momentum, offering clubs and competitions from Prep through to Senior School. Students participate in tournaments across our Trust of 26 girls’ schools – the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) – as well as local tournaments. They enjoy recreational games at break-time and revel in the camaraderie of events like the annual Prep Football Festival, which brings together over 100 primary-aged girls from across Norfolk.

“Football is an inclusive sport at Norwich High,” says Prep School Teacher, Harry Barker, a former Norwich City FC youth player. “It’s all about giving every girl the opportunity to play, regardless of ability.”

This ethos underpins achievements such as the U11 team’s GDST Football Tournament win and the U13 team’s strong EFL Football Cup performance.

Swimming, rowing and beyond

The school’s 25m heated swimming pool supports a thriving programme in partnership with Norwich Swan Swimming Club. Weekly lessons, galas and clubs help every student build water skills and confidence.

Beyond swimming, partnerships with local clubs like Norwich Canoe Club and Swardeston Cricket Club provide opportunities in rowing, kayaking, cricket and tennis. The Tennis for Life programme, led by Mrs Andrews, attracts over 60 participants, fostering skills and enthusiasm across year groups.

GDST benefits

Being part of the GDST enhances sport at Norwich High. Students enjoy events like the Day of Dance, Swimming Galas and the Condover Hall netball weekend, connecting with peers from across the country. GDST Select challenges top athletes in hockey, netball, cricket and football with expert coaching and competitive experiences. Collaboration with other GDST schools ensures a girls-focused approach, building confidence and teamwork. Sports scholars also meet inspiring athletes, including Team GB Olympians, who fuel their ambition.

Wellbeing and outdoor learning

Sport at Norwich High nurtures mental health alongside physical fitness. Yoga, cheerleading and fitness clubs promote relaxation and confidence, while outdoor learning connects students with nature’s restorative powers.

Debra Smith notes: “There are so many damaging beliefs and expectations around girls’ participation in sport, but our girls-first environment ensures they are free to explore without barriers.”

Lifelong skills

Norwich High also places a strong emphasis on leadership development. Initiatives like Little Swimmers and the Tennis Leaders programme allow Senior School students to mentor younger girls, gaining qualifications and invaluable experience in the process. These opportunities underscore the school’s commitment to equipping students with skills that extend far beyond the sports field. 

Leadership reflections

Highlighting the integral role of sport at Norwich High, I frequently take an early morning swim on-site with members of the local community, and it’s wonderful to see such high levels of participation across the school, and the joy and commitment of students when they find a sport they love. My heartfelt thanks go to our PE Department, who consistently go above and beyond, taking students to fixtures and tournaments, including over the weekends.

Norwich High School for Girls continues to champion a passion for movement and an active, balanced lifestyle. From cricket pitches to swimming pools, Norwich High students are shaping a future where energy and empowerment go hand in hand.

Parent and student testimonials

Students and parents alike value the school’s sporting ethos.

A Year 6 student said: “It’s great that girls play football at school – it’s fun, easy to learn and shows we can do anything we want.”

A Senior School student added: “Last term, I enjoyed playing hockey. We all got the chance to play and I was proud to represent the B team in goal. This term, I’m excited to improve my netball skills at the lunchtime club.”

Parents echo this enthusiasm: “The PE Department are fantastic. Their energy is infectious and they inspire all the girls to get involved, whatever their level,” one parent remarked.