The library: the jewel in the crown of Norton Hill

In this section you will learn about:


Our well stocked Library, of around 12000 books, including a large Classic Book Section, a wide variety of fiction and nonfiction books and a Careers Library, is run by our Librarians Cate Fortune and Jo Wheway, and a team of Student Librarians. The Library is a busy hub of the school and is open during lunch time and after school everyday. Students can quietly read a book or use the new set of Chromebooks to support them with reading projects or other homework. Our librarians are ‘expert’ readers who support the delivery of reading across the curriculum, particularly in English lessons; students are advised on book choices, encouraged to see themselves as readers and to read for enjoyment regularly, listened to and supported whilst reading aloud, and assisted with accessing STAR reading tests to gauge reading ages.

The library has fantastic links with a range of other libraries and with childrens’ authors, and arrange regular events with visiting authors. 

The resources available in the library

The Library is a well-resourced area for up to 120 students with 28 PCs and 10 chromebooks to support students’ study. We have a varied catalogue of around 12000 books that students are able to borrow free-of-charge. We are always open over lunch and after school for homework, reading and quiet study. 


In the KS3 and KS4 section of the library, there are 13 PCs. We have a wide range of fiction and nonfiction books, which we regularly update with fresh titles. Some magazines are also available to support regular reading for pleasure. 


We have a separate study area for the 6th Form, with 15 PCs and a large stock of non-fiction and fiction, academic magazines and newspapers.

Our online resources include a range of subject specific e-magazines and Gale for Schools’ extensive database of online news, articles and academic journals.

How our librarians support students day to day

There is always at least one librarian on hand to support students, assisted by student librarians at lunchtime. The librarians assist students with choosing books to borrow and read. In reading lessons they listen to and support students. They also discuss their reading habits with them and encourage them to read for enjoyment regularly.