Glebe House School & Nursery update

Ahead of the new term starting next week, Hannah Searle shares the end of summer term news from the school.

With only three school days before the summer holidays, July was short but no less special. It marked the exciting conclusion to a busy, memorable and truly remarkable academic year, one that saw the close of our 150th anniversary celebrations and the beginning of our Beyond 150 chapter. Read on to discover the experiences our pupils enjoyed before heading off for a well-earned summer break.

Summer Spectacular

This year’s Summer Spectacular brought the academic year to a joyful close, brimming with music, dance and celebration. Held in the marquee in front of the whole school and an audience packed with families and friends, every performance shone! With every child from Reception to Year 8 taking part, there was an incredible breadth of performance; from the Prep School’s rousing Eye of the Tiger opener to dazzling solos, graceful ballet and high-energy musical numbers. Junior Prep charmed with Pot of Gold, while Senior Prep impressed with Grease hits. The finale, On Eagles’ Wings, sung by the whole school, was a moving tribute in Glebe House School’s 150th anniversary year.

Summer Fete

We hosted our first-ever pupil-led Summer Fete, which was a joyful celebration run entirely by pupils for the whole school community. Stalls and activities ranged from glitter bars and archery to football shoot-out and the ever-popular “Sponge the Teacher,” with our Head amongst other staff members gamely taking part! Glorious weather, laughter-filled games and a warm, welcoming atmosphere made it a true highlight of the summer calendar. Families joined for the finale, rounding off the final week in perfect Glebe House style; child-led, community-minded and unforgettable.

Speech Day & Prize Giving

Our last day of term was a fabulous celebration of our pupils and our traditions. This year’s Speech Day was a fitting finale to an extraordinary year, celebrating pupil achievements both in the everyday and the exceptional. The day began with a poignant service at St Mary’s Church in Old Hunstanton, before moving to the school marquee, where over 400 pupils, parents and guests gathered. In this milestone 150th year, speeches from the Chair of Governors Hannah Searle and the Head Adrian Stewart reflected on the past, while looking ahead with optimism. The heart of the day was our Division VIII leavers, who spoke with warmth and gratitude, sharing some fabulous and treasured memories. The ceremony closed with their welcome into the Old Aquilians, symbolising the close of one chapter and the bright beginning of another, one filled with opportunity, adventure and pride.

150th Anniversary Glebe Summer Ball

The Friends of Glebe House School hosted an unforgettable Summer Ball to mark our 150th anniversary. This year’s enchanting theme was Narnia. Welcoming over 180 guests, including former pupils, parents and staff, it became our most successful Summer Ball to date. Thanks to generous prize donations, raffle ticket sales and lively auction bids, over £20,000 was raised for projects that will benefit our much-loved school. It was a fabulous evening of music, laughter and community spirit, perfectly capturing the joy of this milestone year. Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made it possible, and we can’t wait to welcome you back for another magical night next year!

‘Beyond 150’

Fundraising Success

This year, Glebe House launched its ‘Beyond 150’ fundraising campaign to support major future-orientated projects for our whole school community to benefit from. Our first target was to raise £35,000 for the renovation of the School Hall, which will be named The Crofts Memorial Hall, in remembrance of our late past Headmaster John Crofts. As we closed the school year, the first round of fundraising was almost complete! Pupils showed creativity and drive, from lemonade stands and swimathons to running the Great East Anglian Run. The Prep School’s Inter-House Triathlon, sales of ‘Beyond 150’ hoodies, and a very generous donation from the Summer Ball all boosted funds. The renovation began as soon as school closed and will be unveiled in September when our pupils return.

Looking Ahead: The Beyond 150 Era

Glebe House steps confidently into the ‘Beyond 150’ era, ready for a year of further growth and opportunity. September will begin with more pupils on roll than last year, with Reception numbers up 50% and Nursery remaining oversubscribed. Over the summer, the Prep School’s top-floor corridors will be redecorated and the School Hall transformation will get underway. We’re also excited to enhance our Early Years provision with closer Nursery to Reception links, while welcoming Lucy Hawkins as Director of Studies in our Prep School will lead the next stage of our curriculum development for every Glebe House pupil.

Come and see us! Does your child start Reception or Senior School in September 2026? Is your child looking for a new school? Would your child benefit from a new start?

Did you know we offer a comprehensive co-curricular programme until 6pm? And that we provide daily transport from many convenient locations across North West Norfolk?

Find out more about the opportunities at Glebe House School. Contact Mrs Fraulo on 01485 532 809 or email tjf@glebehouseschool.co.uk to book a visit.