Celebrating Hewett Academy Through the Ages

One of Norwich's most iconic schools threw open its doors at the weekend so that students, staff and the community could take one last look in the buildings before a major development starts this winter. 

The school welcomed around 3,000 visitors on Saturday 9th November, ranging from students from the first classes in the 1950s through to those who only left with the GCSEs last year!  They enjoyed memorabilia from the school, including old year books, a display of uniforms and artefacts from the school. Lots of former teachers also attended to find out where their students ended up! 

Principal Antony Little said:

“Being headteacher at Hewett is an honour and I am always aware of my role as the steward of this incredible school.  Never more so was this clearer in my mind than this weekend, as people came from as far away as Spain to say their farewells to the building and catch up with old friends.  Some hadn’t been in the school for decades and had nostalgic trips back in time to remember the people and the places that shaped their lives.” 

“The thousands who came to see us this weekend are proof of the role this school has played in our Fine City’s history.” 

“We wanted to thank the small but incredible group of former students who helped put this together, along with Helen from the RSPCC whose team provided tea and cake – raising thousands for charity in the process!” 

One guest of honour was Kate Russell – daughter of noted former headteacher Dr Walter Roy – who came from Bedfordshire to see her old school. 

Kate said: “Big thanks for the brilliant research, sharing stories and putting together all the history of the school.  Mr Little, Miss Nicolson and all others at the school – you did an amazing job of pulling all this together in such a short time.  I was amazed at the numbers who attended and stayed for the full 4 hours.  Thank you to everyone who talked to me about their experiences of being a pupil or teacher at the school – such interesting stories.  An emotional day to hear from those who remembered my late father.  What a day!” 

Mr Little said: “It was wonderful to see Kate and to hear about her father’s belief in the power of education to change lives.”