Ipswich School
Ipswich School is a co-educational independent boarding school located in the county of Suffolk. We are a 3-18 school with boarding from Year 7.
Key Information
Our consistently excellent academic reputation, with a broad and challenging curriculum, made us Suffolk's top independent school in the Sunday Times Schools Guide for the last eight years. We pride ourselves on dynamic and interactive lessons, with small class sizes. We have a strong pastoral system to support our pupils. Most importantly, life at Ipswich School is busy and full, with all students taking part in a wide range of co-curricular activities outside the classroom. Boarding is of a high standard with three houses (Boys, Girls and Sixth Form) with approximately 40 students in each house.
History of the School
The earliest record of Ipswich School is a bill, sadly unpaid, dating back to 1399. The school, which has Cardinal Thomas Wolsey as one of its former pupils, was established on several different sites throughout Ipswich until it moved to Henley Road. Prince Albert laid the foundation stone for the Henley Road building in 1851. Acknowledging its Tudor past, the school has a tower, reminiscent of both the Dean's Turret House of Cardinal College and Christchurch's Tom Tower at Oxford, and a main entrance recalling Wolsey's Gate which can be found near Ipswich Waterfront.
Pre-16 qualifications
GCSE Art and Design Drama Music Business Studies English Geography History French German Spanish Classics and Latin Mandarin Chinese Biology Chemistry Computer Science Design Technology ICT Mathematics Physics
Post 16 qualifications
A Level & BTEC Art and Design Drama Music Business Studies and Economics English Geography History Philosophy, Religion and Ethics (PRE) Politics French German Spanish Classics and Latin Mandarin Chinese Biology Chemistry Computer Science Design Technology ICT Mathematics Physics Psychology PE and Sport Physical Education BTEC Sport and Exercise Science
Academic performance
2024 A Level Results Number of students: 126 A*: 18% A* - B: 84% A* - C: 97% 2024 GCSE Results Number of pupils taking GCSE exams: 136 Grade 9: 22% Grades 9-8: 42% Grades 9-7: 67% Pupils achieved 5 or more GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Maths: 100%
Boarding accommodation
We provide a welcoming boarding experience within an outstanding British co-educational independent school. Westwood Boys' Boarding House is a Victorian mansion set in wooded grounds, just a 5 minute walk from the main school site. Anglesea Heights Girls' Boarding house located across the road from the main school site is a modern building with a combination of shared rooms for younger girls and single rooms for the older girls. Anglesea Heights Sixth Form Boarding House is a modern attractive space, with ensuite facilities providing an experience similar to a university hall of residence.
Pastoral care
Our students are happy, reaching their potential, supported by outstanding pastoral care and part of our friendly community. There is a team of friendly staff, who are experienced in looking after our boarders. Tutors keep a close eye on each individual student to ensure that they balance their activities and are happy and fulfilled. As well as tutors, there is also a member of staff on duty from 07:00 - 22:30, with houseparents on call overnight.
Extra-curricular activities
At Ipswich School we believe in educating the whole child. An excellent academic education is something we expect to deliver for our pupils, but we believe that they also all deserve a broad and enriching Extra-curricular provision. Consequently, our Extra-curricular programme allows each pupil to reach their full potential no matter where their passions lie. Activities include CCF, Duke of Edinburgh.
General school facilities
All academic lessons take place on our main school campus, alongside this we have a standalone music school within this campus. We have a Sports campus 10 minutes from main school which has all indoor and outdoor facilities. Students are transported there and back on school transport.
A Quick Summary
We accept the Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) for Forces Boarding families. We offer scholarships for exceptional students in the areas of Academia, Music and Sport.
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