Ipswich School: See Reviews, Rankings, Fees, And More
Ipswich School is widely regarded as one of Suffolk’s leading independent schools, known for its strong academic results and long-standing reputation. In this article, we explore student reviews, school rankings, and the key factors that make Ipswich School a top choice for families seeking high-quality education.
Table of Contents
Key Features of Ipswich School
- Boarding: Yes
- Local authority: Suffolk
- Pupils: 968
- Age: 3-18
- Religion: Non-denominational
- Fees: Day £8,849 per term; Boarding £17,991 per term (inclusive of VAT)
- Open days: September
- Ranking: 90
Ipswich School Results
Latest Results:
- GCSE Results (2025): 58.8% achieved grades 9-7.
- A level Results (2025): 50.2% achieved A*/A
Past Results:
- GCSE Results (2024): 67% achieved grades 9-7.
- A level Results (2024): 53.8% achieved A*/A
- GCSE Results (2023): 63% achieved grades 9-7.
A Level Results (2023): 50% attained grades A*/A.
The culture of the school is about being smart, working hard, and having lots of fun! Typically, students join super curricular in Year 10 as they begin working towards entering their dream universities.
Teaching and Learning at Ipswich School
Ipswich School offers a comprehensive and engaging curriculum from the Preparatory years through to the Sixth Form.
Lower Prep (Ages 5–7)
In the Lower Prep, the focus is on building strong foundations in numeracy and literacy within a broad curriculum. Students are encouraged to develop creativity and personal growth through various subjects and activities.
Upper Prep (Ages 7–11)
Upper Prep students benefit from specialist teaching rooms and well-equipped form rooms. The curriculum includes core subjects and a range of co-curricular activities, fostering a well-rounded education.
Senior School (Years 7–11)
The Senior School offers an enhanced curriculum that includes multiple foreign languages and subject clinics. Students are prepared for GCSEs through a broad range of subjects, with flexibility to cater to individual interests and strengths.
Sixth Form (Years 12–13)
In the Sixth Form, students choose from a wide range of A-Level subjects, taught by specialist teachers in smaller groups. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for university and future careers, with additional support through programmes like ‘The Edge,’ which focuses on life skills and personal development.
Boarding Experience in Ipswich School
Only around 10% of Ipswich students are boarders (70 boarders), forming a close-knit community here. Westwood House stands as the main boarding hub for years 9-13, offering a charming Victorian villa setting just a stone’s throw from the school campus. The 50 or so students here find solace in their own comfortable haven at the end of each day, with older pupils enjoying the luxury of private rooms, many with hand basins for added convenience.
At Westwood House, culinary delights await, courtesy of the dedicated chef and kitchen team. With flexibility at its core, students relish in the freedom to enjoy snacks throughout the day, while hearty meals are served in the evening, perfect for fostering bonds over shared experiences. The spacious sitting room provides the ideal backdrop for relaxation and socialisation, complemented by a well-equipped kitchen featuring toasters and kettles for on-the-go treats.
Each pupil is also greeted with brand new duvets and pillows upon arrival, a personal touch that embodies the school’s commitment to student comfort and well-being. The modern amenities, including newly renovated showers and toilets, ensure that every aspect of boarding life is met with convenience and care.
For the 20 senior students residing in Anglesea Heights, a converted former hospital complex, the allure of ensuite rooms and a vibrant common area beckons. With main meals shared at Westwood House, students at Anglesea Heights enjoy a slightly more adult atmosphere while still benefiting from the reassuring presence of dedicated house staff.
Weekday Schedule:
- 7:30am: Rise and shine
- 8:00am: Breakfast
- 8:30am: Classes
- 4:15pm: Snacks, relax back at the boarding houses
- 5:00pm: Dinner
- 6:30pm: Prep time
- 8:00pm: Free time
On a side note, there is a strict mobile phone policy at Ipswich. Students are allowed to use their phones before and after classes, but they need to hand the phones in before bedtime.
Extracurricular Activities in Ipswich School
Despite excelling academically, Ipswich also demonstrates prowess in various other domains including music, arts, drama, sports, and more.
Music: At the heart of our musical community lies the Britten Faculty of Music, boasting a recital hall and practice rooms where students can hone their talents. From choir performances to orchestras and jazz bands, there are endless opportunities to showcase musical prowess. Music scholars benefit from exclusive masterclasses, enriching their skills under expert guidance.
Drama and Art: For budding thespians and artists, drama and art are integral parts of school life. From timetabled drama lessons to annual theatrical productions in the school’s own theatre, students have the chance to explore their creative flair on stage. Meanwhile, timetabled art classes, including sculpting, printing, and photography, foster artistic expression from prep through to year 8. GCSE and A level art students showcase their work in exhibitions, including the prestigious River Church display.
Thursday Afternoons (No Classes): Thursday afternoons are dedicated to a diverse range of activities for years 9-13. From volunteering opportunities in local primary schools to drama performances in care homes and eco projects, students engage in service-oriented pursuits that enrich their community and personal development. The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme offers adventurous expeditions, while “The Edge” programme equips sixth formers with essential life skills for success beyond school.
Weekends: Fixtures and English language lessons usually full up Saturday mornings, and then the fun starts in the afternoon. The town is pretty popular among the students, with the cinema and the bowling alley being among the top options. The school organises trips on Sundays where most students are free. They will usually plan further trips for the students, including Warner Studios at the end of the year.
Sports in Ipswich School
For sports enthusiasts, Ipswich School offers a dynamic sporting environment. Hockey, rugby, and cricket are the mainstays of team sports, with professional coaching ensuring high standards and inclusivity. Girls excel in hockey, netball, and cricket, boasting national championship titles. With splendid grounds and sports facilities, including a large gym and fives court, students can pursue their sporting passions to a high standard. Club activities such as riding, golf, and skiing offer additional avenues for physical activity and skill development.
Admissions Process: Entering Ipswich School
Prep School Entry:
- Main Entry Points: Reception, Year 3, and Year 5.
- Additional Entry: Places available in all year groups if space permits.
- Assessment Day: Potential pupils spend a day in school completing tasks to assess potential, including literacy, numeracy, and non-verbal reasoning.
- References: References from the child’s current school will be requested.
- Early Years: Children as young as three months can join the Lodge day nursery, including the pre-school class within lower prep.
Senior School Entry (Year 7):
- Entrance Test: All pupils, including those from Ipswich Prep, take the entrance test in November.
- Test Components: Includes non-verbal reasoning, maths, and English papers, along with a confidential reference.
- Available Places: 120 places are available for Year 7 entry.
Year 9 Entry:
- Entrance Options: Entrance exam in February or Common Entrance.
- Admissions: Spaces are reserved for Year 9 entry, with many pupils coming from local preps like Orwell Park and Holmwood House School.
Sixth Form Entry:
- GCSE Grades: Entry dependent on GCSE results.
- Interview: An interview with the headmaster is required.
- School Reference: A school reference is needed.
- Subject Grades: Grade 7s in subjects to be studied at A level (Grade 8s for biology, chemistry, physics, maths, or computer science), with at least six Grade 6s overall.
- BTEC Option: For studying a BTEC in sport and exercise science plus one A level, six Grade 5s and a Grade 7 in the relevant subject for A level are required.
SEN Support in Ipswich
The academic team at Ipswich places a high priority to cater to students with special educational needs. In fact, the head of learning support is a Dyslexia specialist. Here are some of the needs they are capable of handling:
- Autistic Spectrum Disorder
- Aspergers
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders
- Dyscalculia
- Dysgraphia
- Dyslexia
- Dyspraxia
- Mental health
Ipswich School Testimonials and Reviews
Fun and inclusive to all
Great!
Frequently Asked Questions
Ipswich Prep School is a selective, independent, co‐educational IAPS, HMC school.
School starts at 8.35am and finishes at 3.30pm for this part of the school. The school is open from 8.30am and children may arrive from this time. All children have a school lunch, the cost of which, for a child in Reception, Year 1, 2 or 3, is included in the fees. Ipswich School lessons take place Monday to Friday.
The fees range from £12,705 – £20,985 for day school and £40,464 – £44,787 pa for boarding.
Approximately 800 students, with 10% of them being international students.
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