This year the prestigious Norwich School will be welcoming reception pupils for the first time at new facilities on Bishopgate.

The school will be expanding its provision to the pre-prep age range (Reception to Year 2) from September 2018.

The new cohort will be housed in brand new facilities by a conversion of the ground floor of the Lower Close pavilion within the existing Lower School on Bishopgate.

The Norwich School dates back to around 1096 - established by the first Bishop of Norwich.

In the 16th century the school came under the control of the city of Norwich and moved to Blackfriars' Hall following a successful petition to Henry VIII. The school was refounded in 1547 in a royal charter granted by Edward VI and moved to its current site beside the cathedral in 1551.

For most of its history it was a boys' school, before becoming co-educational in the sixth form in 1994 and in every year group in 2010.

Head Master, Steffan Griffiths, said: 'We look forward to the educational benefits we can bring to children at this younger age-group, both during their pre-prep years and as a foundation for the rest of their time at Norwich School. This positive development also answers a long-standing request from a growing number of parents for a simplification of their children's school career.'

The development continues a period of improvements in all parts of the school. It builds particularly on recent Lower School developments such as the addition of the science laboratory, the astroturfing of the tennis courts and the construction of the outdoor classroom.

Master of the Lower School, John Ingham, said, 'The Lower Close is a wonderful educational environment and we are delighted that it continues to go from strength to strength, including children being able to experience it from a younger age.

'This innovation will enable us to expand our collaborations with other schools and make further positive contributions to Norfolk's overall provision.'

Registration for applications is open and an information evening will be held at 7pm on February 1, 2018 at the Lower School. To register for this event please visit www.norwich-school.org.uk/admissions/register-your-interest.

The deadline for applications for September 2018 entry is February 14, 2018.