It became a comprehensive in 1970 at which point its name changed to Eaton (City of Norwich) School and co-educational in 1971.

Previously a community school administered by Norfolk County Council, City of Norwich School converted to academy status on 1 September 2014 and is now sponsored by Ormiston Academies Trust.

The pupils from Years 7 to 11 at CNS are split into five houses named after notable coastal villages in Norfolk: Blakeney, Holkham, Kelling, Thornham and Winterton.

Pupils in Year 12 and 13 are not categorised into houses and instead belong as a singular community known as CNS Sixth Form.

The week involves antics such as Total Wipeout, The X Factor, a teacher auction and CNS Got Talent.