Skip to content ↓

Walpole Cross Keys Primary School

Latest News

December 2025

Archive

  • Young writer’s story to be read by Sir Stephen Fry

    Published 19/12/25

    The Christmas wish of one of our pupils has come true, as no less than Sir Stephen Fry will be reading his story online this week.

    Matthew Edwards entered a competition with King’s Lynn estate agents Russen and Turner, who were looking for a very special festive story in under 500 words.

    The competition was open to children aged under 11and was backed by Book Life Publications and Radio West Norfolk. As part of the prize, Matthew’s story will be read by the author and actor on Friday (19) and again by Radio West Norfolk DJ Simon Rowe on Christmas Day.

    Sir Stephen has strong ties to Norfolk and is a former student of the Norfolk College of Arts and Technology – now the College of West Anglia. His family moved to Norfolk when he was young, and he later owned a home in the West of the county.

    Assistant Headteacher Billy Overton said everyone was delighted for Matthew whose story was great.

    “We are very proud of Matthew and his excellent story – it really was a pleasure to read. We’re grateful to Russen and Turner for the opportunity they gave the children, and to Book Life for the prizes. They have come in really useful for us, especially as we are refreshing our library and continuing to develop children’s love of reading. 

    “We’re also excited to hear Stephen Fry read the story.”

    It tells the story of Edwin the cheetah who lives in Africa and dreams of snow. Santa heard his wishes and helped his dream to come true.

    Matthew, 7, said he was ‘really pleased to win’ and was especially happy with books for the prize.

    Friday’s broadcast will be available via the Russen and Turner Facebook page.

    His story, Edwin’s Christmas Wish, secured him a £50 Amazon voucher, a signed copy of Stephen Fry’s book mythos, £150 of books and a further £500 of books for the school library.

    Read More

  • West Norfolk pupils celebrate the season at St Nicholas

    Published 18/12/25

    Young voices came together to celebrate the season, when our school joined others from across the West Norfolk Academies Trust and Windmill Federation for the annual WNAT Christmas Carol Service.

    The popular event at St Nicholas Chapel took place on Wednesday 3 December, and featured performances from around 250 pupils from across the primary and secondary schools within the Trust and the Windmill Federation.

    “The annual event is a traditional Christmas Carol Service with a selection of readings, a blessing from Canon Mark Dimond from the Minster, and also communal carols, as well as each group of schools performing a song on their own,” said Robin Norman, who is Director of Music at WNAT.

    “This is the fourth time we have run this event, and it was my ‘brainchild’ to bring a more traditional feel to an event in the town,” he continued. “One that could bring together all of our schools, our parents, and the local community in general – something that would become magical and truly give the Christmas Spirit.

    “We started with around 250 in the congregation for the first one in 2022, and this year there was ‘standing room only’, so I am absolutely thrilled how it has grown.”

    Participating primary schools included WNAT members Clenchwarton, Gaywood, Heacham Infant, Heacham Junior, Snettisham, Walpole Cross Keys, and West Lynn, along with Terrington St John, Tilney St Lawrence, Walpole Highway, and West Walton from the Windmill Federation; while the WNAT high schools taking part were Marshland, St Clements, Smithdon, and Springwood.

    “Many members of staff have been involved in the organisation, but a particular thanks to Emma Pearman in the Admin Team for her work on the logistics,” added Mr Norman.

    “Also, a huge shout-out to all the teachers across all the schools who worked with the children and made it a truly memorable event. It really helps bring the community together and bring a magical start to the Christmas Season.”

    Read More

  • WNAT pupils share love of music

    Published 02/12/25

    Music-making took centre stage when our pupils joined others from across the West Norfolk Academies Trust to play and perform together at St Clement’s High School in Terrington St Clement – which is itself a member of WNAT.

    Students from St Clement’s were joined by younger children from feeder schools in the area for the WNAT Musical Instrument Tuition Initiative (MITI) Workshop, with participating primaries including Clenchwarton, Terrington St Clement’s, Walpole Cross Keys, and West Lynn.

    “We had just under 70 primary school students participating, along with Year 7 students from St Clement’s, offering a wonderful opportunity for musical development, ensemble experience, and cross-school camaraderie,” said Trust Peripatetic Music Lead Benjamin Howell, who organised the event with the support of WNAT Peripatetic Music Team Members Eddie Seales, Robbie Germeno, Helen Johnson, and Nic Bouskill, as well as WNAT Director of Music Robin Norman.

    The workshop concluded with a performance for parents, carers, family members, and friends, where the young musicians had the chance to showcase their skills, and share what they had learned.

    “These workshops play an important role in nurturing the musical progress of our primary school instrumentalists,” added Mr Howell.

    “They provide the opportunity to rehearse and perform in ensemble settings, develop confidence, and come together as young musicians within the Trust.”

    Other MITI Workshops taking place earlier in the month were hosted by fellow WNAT high schools Marshland and Smithdon.

    Read More

December 2025

Archive
Cookie Policy