Nestled in the sleepy Norfolk town of Holt, just a stone’s throw from stunning beaches, Gresham’s School offers a highly dynamic, innovative and individualised education for each child. The campus masterfully combines historic charm with cutting-edge facilities, creating an environment where students can thrive academically, creatively, and socially.
To hear all about the ethos and educational opportunities at Gresham’s please watch the video interview of our Founder, Catherine Stoker, talking with Headmaster, Douglas Robb, accompanied by Spaniel Ziggy, in Doris, the Company Defender.
A co-ed school, with approx. 550 boarding and day students in the senior school, and 250 in the prep school, the atmosphere at Gresham’s is truly welcoming. It’s a calm, friendly environment where students seemed genuinely happy and engaged with their day-to-day lives. It’s a true community where kindness is encouraged, and every child is known and valued. My two tour guides could not have been more different. One, a boarder who lives in London has a place at LSE to study Psychology and Neuroscience next year. The other, who lives only 30 minutes from school and is new to sixth form, has yet to discover what interests her as a post-school pathway, but is enjoying studying Geography and English literature.
A standout feature of the school is its incredible Dyson Building, funded by Sir James Dyson, a former pupil. This state-of-the-art facility houses world-class science, art, design, and technology resources, including a “tinkering space” where students are encouraged to explore their ideas to create practical solutions to everyday challenges. Collaboration and teamwork are at the heart of this innovative space, nurturing critical thinking skills for the future.
Academically, Gresham’s offers a wide range of subjects at GCSE, as well as both the International Baccalaureate (IB) and A Levels in the sixth form, as well as some BTEC subjects, giving students the flexibility to choose the pathway that best suits their strengths and ambitions. There’s a strong track record of students gaining places at top universities across the UK, US, and Europe, thanks to its excellent teaching and tailored guidance.
The arts are equally well-supported at Gresham’s. A music technology suite, complete with a recording studio and the school’s own record label, allows students to develop their talents in composition, production, and performance. Practice rooms and ensemble spaces abound, ensuring that creativity is never stifled by a lack of resources. The sporting programme is extensive with top coaching and fixtures across most sports.
Boarding at Gresham’s is a comfortable and community-focused experience. The houses, which accommodate both day and boarding students, have been recently refurbished to provide modern, cozy living spaces. I visited one of the girls’ houses with its ensuite rooms, inviting sofas, and relaxation areas designed for socialising with friends—a perfect balance of independence and comfort. There’s a good number of boarders in school every weekend with lessons and Saturday mornings, sports fixtures and plenty of trips and activities to choose from.
Looking ahead, with further investment from Sir James Dyson, plans to build a new prep school complete with its own STEAM centre are well underway. This project reflects the school’s forward-thinking ethos and commitment to delivering an education that equips young people with the critical thinking and problem-solving skills for the future. Who knows what careers will be available when they leave school. I came away feeling Gresham’s is aware of the need to deliver education which is relevant to a future which we do now know about yet.
For families seeking a school that blends academic excellence with creativity and a warm sense of community, Gresham’s is a compelling choice. Its inspiring environment, underpinned by both tradition and innovation, makes it a place where children can truly flourish. If you can work out the best way to get there, a visit to this oasis of innovation mixed with traditional educational values, will not disappoint.