Ipswich School Review: Rankings, Fees, And More
Ipswich School is an independent co-educational boarding school that offers quality education programmes for students aged 3–18. Our comprehensive guide highlights what makes Ipswich School the leading academic institution in Suffolk, covering everything from student reviews to school rankings and more.
Table of Contents
Summary Of School
- Type of school: Co-educational
- Age range: 3-18
- Pupils: 800
- Boarders: 65
- Fees: £17,168 per term for full boarding
- 2024 A Level Results: 53.8% A*-A
- 2024 GCSE Results: 67% 9-7
Overview
Ipswich School is dedicated to inspiring its pupils to explore their passions and shape their own extraordinary futures. Known for its dynamic, interactive lessons and small class sizes, the school also prides itself on a strong pastoral system that supports pupils, with its wellbeing provision shortlisted for two national awards this year. Life at Ipswich School is vibrant and fulfilling, with all students engaging in a broad range of co-curricular activities beyond the classroom.
At the heart of its education lies a commitment to inspiring pupils, ensuring they graduate with a wealth of knowledge, a portfolio of skills, and a strong sense of self-worth and self-awareness. The school aims to develop key skills in collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking.
Ipswich School takes great pride in its academic success, ranking among the top ten independent schools in East Anglia. By the end of Prep School, pupils are typically a year ahead of national expectations, with some achieving even higher. In the Senior School, GCSE and A Level results are consistently outstanding, placing the school at the top of local results tables.
Ipswich School Courses and Programme
Lower School (Years 7 & 8)
The Lower School offers modern, engaging, and challenging lessons, encouraging pupils to explore various aspects of the world and beyond. The dedicated staff inspire pupils to achieve their full potential through specialist teaching and close monitoring of individual progress. Pupils in the Lower School study the following subjects:
- English
- Maths
- French or Spanish
- Art
- Geography
- History
Middle School (Years 9 – 11)
The Middle School focuses on guiding pupils to maximise their performance in GCSE examinations. Starting in Year 9, pupils explore a diverse range of subjects, including Russian, Latin, Design and Technology, Geography, History, and the three sciences, providing a broad foundation for their GCSE selections. The timetable is designed with flexibility, enabling pupils to choose subject combinations tailored to their individual interests and aspirations, free from a rigid structure. To further support their success, the school offers regular revision sessions and subject-specific ‘clinics,’ ensuring pupils are well-prepared for their GCSE exams.
Sixth Form
In Year 12, students begin with four A-level subjects, giving them time to become familiar with the nature and demands of their chosen courses. There is an option to reduce to three subjects in Year 13, although many students choose to continue with all four. The school supports this approach whenever it aligns with the student’s needs and fits within the timetable.
The school offers a wide range of academic A-level subjects typical of a leading independent institution, alongside distinctive options such as A-levels in Russian and Drama and Theatre.
The Ipswich School Results 2024
Ipswich School students achieved excellent results in the recent A Level and GCSE examinations.
- A Level results 2024: 53.8% A*-A
- GCSE results 2024: 67% A*
Ipswich School Entry Requirements
For International Applicants
The school requires the following information before issuing an official offer of placement:
- Two years’ school reports, preferably with teacher comments
- Details of hobbies, interests, and achievements
- A comment regarding English language proficiency
For entry into Year 9, Year 10, or Year 12, international students must sit entrance tests in Maths, English, and Non-verbal Reasoning. Successful performance in these tests will result in an invitation to an interview, which can be conducted online if needed. Prospective students and their families are also warmly encouraged to visit the school in person to experience Ipswich School firsthand.
Ipswich School Entry Deadline
For boarding admissions, applications should be submitted by September of the academic year prior to the desired start date. For example, to secure a place for either September 2025 or January 2026, applications must be received by September 2024.
Ipswich School Fees
Fees 2024 / 2025 per term
- Full Boarding: Years 9 – 13 – £17,168 (Includes VAT)
- Weekly Boarding: Years 9 – 13 – £15,511(Includes VAT)
Ipswich School Boarding Experience and Pastoral Care
The institution provides a boutique boarding experience within an outstanding British co-educational independent school. Westwood Boys’ Boarding House, a charming Victorian mansion set in wooded grounds, is just a 5-minute walk from the main school site. Anglesea Heights Girls’ Boarding House offers a modern and inviting environment, complete with ensuite facilities comparable to those found in university halls of residence. All boarders enjoy a warm, home-like atmosphere.
Students thrive in this nurturing environment, supported by excellent pastoral care and a welcoming community. A dedicated team of experienced staff ensures the well-being of every boarder, with tutors closely monitoring each student’s progress to maintain a healthy balance between activities and personal growth. In addition to tutors, a staff member is available on duty from 07:00 to 22:30, while houseparents remain on call throughout the night, ready to listen, provide support, or discuss any concerns the boarders may have.
Ipswich School Extracurricular Activities
Ipswich School offers an extensive co-curricular programme designed to provide students with a well-rounded education, emphasising the importance of learning beyond the classroom to foster the holistic development of well-balanced individuals.
Music
The Britten Faculty of Music caters to everyone, from enthusiastic beginners to highly accomplished musicians. All pupils receive music lessons as part of their timetable up to Year 9, ensuring every student gains exposure to music. The New Music School provides exceptional teaching and practice facilities, including a spacious rehearsal room, a keyboard laboratory, and a music technology centre. High academic standards are upheld within a creatively enriching musical environment, supported by dedicated teachers and a team of thirty outstanding Visiting Music Teachers, renowned across the region for their expertise.
Sports
Sport is an integral part of life at Ipswich School, where a proud tradition of excellence extends to focus sports and international representation across various disciplines.
The school’s exceptional facilities include:
- The hockey, netball, and tennis centre at Rushmere.
- Expansive playing fields for rugby, cricket, and athletics at Nottcutts.
- The 1st XI Cricket Square at the main school, which has hosted first-class matches and two annual Suffolk first-team fixtures.
Additionally, the school boasts two sports halls (one on-site and one at Rushmere), two indoor cricket lanes, an indoor swimming pool, and an athletic development suite equipped with the latest Push software.
Community Service
At the end of Year 9, students can choose to participate in a Community Service Activity for the following two years. Many students in Years 12 and 13 choose to continue their involvement, as these programmes are highly rewarding and enjoyable. They allow students to give back to younger peers and the wider community, fostering a strong sense of responsibility and connection.
Ipswich School Reviews from Parents/Students
My son went to Ipswich School a couple of years ago. His school life was very positive, and he got to be active in music, art, community service, as well as academic work.
Sending our son to Ipswich School is probably one of the best decisions we have ever made. We have to consider the fee by far the best money that we have spent.
The school is fun and inclusive to all.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ipswich School
Ipswich School provides education for children aged 3 in the Preparatory School up to age 18 in the Senior School and Sixth Form.
The school follows the National Curriculum for England, offering GCSEs and A-levels in the Senior School.
Ipswich School promotes academic excellence through rigorous programmes, expert teaching, and a tailored focus on individual learning needs. The school emphasises critical thinking, independent learning, and a lifelong love of learning.
Yes, Ipswich School places a strong emphasis on sports and physical education, offering activities such as football, rugby, cricket, swimming, and athletics. The school features exceptional facilities, including extensive playing fields, gymnasiums, and a swimming pool.
Ipswich School Contact Information
- Official website: https://www.ipswich.school/
- Phone call: +44 01473 282800 (Preparatory School); +44 01473 408300 (Senior School).
- Email: prepenquiries@ipswich.school (Preparatory School); enquiries@ipswich.school (Senior School).
- Location: 3 Ivry Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 3QW (Preparatory School); Henley Road, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 3SG (Senior School).
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Speak to us today for free application assistance and education advice. Our expert consultants are more than happy to help!