Discoveries, Adventures, Friendships.
Welcome
TO IPSWICH PREP SCHOOL
At Ipswich Prep School we believe childhood should be filled with discovery, curiosity and joy.
Our role is to provide a supportive environment where every child feels encouraged to love learning, to grow in self-confidence and to explore a wide range of interests. Having a school full of teachers that ignite their curiosity ensures that each child reaches their full potential, both academically and pastorally.
The Prep School is made up of two sections: Lower Prep (Reception to Year 2) and Upper Prep (Year 3 to Year 6). At each stage, children are happy: happy because they enjoy their lessons; happy because they have a wealth of exciting activities to take part in; and happy because they are taught by staff who genuinely care about them and know them well. Through our care, the children at the Prep School grow and thrive.
Our School core values of Care, Passion, Potential and Communication underpin every aspect of school life at the Prep. Also entwined in all that the children accomplish are our five school Learning Dispositions. The children at Ipswich Prep are always proud to share how they have achieved their ‘Ruffles Resilience and Risk Taking’ stamp, or how they have demonstrated ‘Cooperation and Collaboration’ in their learning!
Pastoral care is at the heart of everything we do. Your child’s form teacher spends a great deal of time with them and builds a close understanding of their needs and strengths, supported by a wider team of specialists and resources. With everyone working together to nurture your child, you can be confident they are in the very best hands.
A child’s time at Ipswich Prep is full of discoveries, adventures and friendships. I look forward to welcoming you and your family to our School where you can see this with your own eyes.
Mrs Lucy Southgate Head
EARLY YEARS AND LOWER PREP (AGES 4–7)
Our staff are dedicated to giving every child a first class start to their education, creating a happy, relaxed atmosphere that encourages confidence in all aspects of school life.
From the beginning, children learn the importance of kindness and respect for others, while developing a growing awareness of acceptable behaviours. Beyond the classroom, opportunities abound for school trips and after-school clubs, helping to spark curiosity and widen horizons.
Most children transition to Reception from The Lodge Nursery’s Pre School class. We also warmly welcome other children from the September following their fourth birthday. Teaching is led by highly qualified teachers who know and care for each child as an individual, supporting them to fulfil their potential. Emphasis is placed on the core skills of numeracy and literacy within a broad and balanced curriculum that fosters creativity, personal growth, and a love of learning. Specialist teachers inspire pupils in Music, French, Computing, PE, Games and Swimming.
Throughout the Prep School we have small class sizes where children are truly known and pupil voice is established. Strong partnerships with parents are an important part of school life; contact is actively encouraged; written reports are provided; and Parents’ Evenings are held throughout the year, all of which foster a two-way conversation between home and school.
At the end of Year 2, children move confidently across the playground to the Upper Prep, ready for the next stage of their journey.
A place where children feel safe, inspired, and ready to learn.
“ I like that we get to try so many things.”
Pupil
UPPER PREP (AGES 7-11)
The Upper Prep has its own purpose-built building, complete with specialist teaching rooms and spacious, well-equipped form rooms. It is here that children continue to flourish with greater independence, while still enjoying the strong pastoral support that runs throughout the Prep School.
In Years 3 and 4, much of the curriculum is taught by the form teacher in the classroom, ensuring continuity and care. Alongside this, pupils benefit from specialist teaching: professional musicians lead music lessons (including the opportunity for every child in Year 3 to learn a stringed instrument); Science is brought to life in a dedicated laboratory, and our Languages curriculum inspires a love of German, Latin and Classics, Spanish and French.
Alongside Science, our unique Art and DT teaching space fully supports engineering and STEAM topics within our ever-evolving curriculum to meet the needs of our changing world. Robotics clubs extend the children’s opportunities and horizons for those with a particular interest in this subject area. Equipped with 25 stand-alone computers, suites of iPads, and Chromebooks and 3D printers, our children are empowered to be creative and innovative, whilst being guided to take their learning to new limits. Coding challenges are popular amongst our pupils, reflecting their keenness to learn in an environment that fosters a growth mindset.
As the children progress through Upper Prep, they begin to experience more movement between classrooms and subjects taught by specialists, helping them to develop confidence and independence as they prepare for the pattern of study in the Senior School.
Throughout Upper Prep, the form teacher remains responsible for each child’s wellbeing. We believe academic progress goes hand in hand with personal growth. It is this careful balance of nurture, challenge and encouragement that enables our children to thrive.
PASTORAL
At Ipswich Prep School, pastoral care is at the heart of everything we do. Care is one of our four core values, shaping the ethos of the school and helping every child to grow in self-esteem, confidence, independence and responsibility.
We are committed to supporting the personal and social development of every member of our community, regardless of age, gender, background or faith. Children feel safe, valued and secure and are able to participate fully in the life of the school and beyond. Strong links between home and school are an essential part of this, helping us to create the best environment for learning and personal growth.
Every teacher and member of support staff shares responsibility for the wellbeing of our pupils. Through lessons and daily interactions they build confidence, nurture resilience, and guide children in making thoughtful choices about right and wrong. The form teacher plays a central role, providing day-to-day care and maintaining close communication with parents on matters of health, behaviour and academic progress. We also encourage parents to share any changes at home that might affect their child, knowing that together we can offer the right support.
Pastoral care runs through every part of school life, from a child’s very first day until the time they move on to the next stage of their education. Our staff are known for going the extra mile to ensure children are happy, and it is this that makes Ipswich Prep such a warm and welcoming community.
“ It’s a privilege to teach children at this age, when they’re so open to trying and discovering.”
Teacher
CO-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES
At Ipswich Prep, we provide children with outstanding opportunities to develop skills, confidence and creativity through a wide range of activities both within and alongside the curriculum. We refer to these as ‘co-curricular’ activities, reflecting that they are just as important as academic studies.
TRIPS
Exciting trips are a regular part of school life. These are mostly day visits, while children in Years 4–6 also enjoy residential outdoor adventures, including bushcraft and outward-bound experiences. Recent trips have included Christchurch Park, Hedingham Castle, Flatford Mill, Minsmere, Layer Marney Towers, Colchester Zoo and Colchester Castle, among many others.
Whether it’s encountering big bugs and reptiles in the classroom, or learning to light a fire in the great outdoors, every experience offers something new and memorable for our children.
ACTIVITIES AND CLUBS
All children enjoy a wide variety of stimulating ventures incorporated into a timetabled ‘Activities’ slot each week. From Reception upwards, children can also take part in a broad range of clubs; these may be in the morning, during a lunch break or after school. Clubs vary by term, but we aim to provide a broad range of opportunities including skiing, construction, coding, orchestra, fives, chess, robotics and more.
MUSIC AND SPEECH & DRAMA TUITION
At an additional cost, tuition is available on a wide range of musical instruments, singing and LAMDA (Speech and Drama). Many children take advantage of these opportunities, with lessons delivered by visiting specialists during the school day, following a rota. Music lessons are available from Year 2 upwards, and Speech & Drama from Year 3 upwards.
Outstanding opportunities to develop skills in a wide range of activities.
THE ARTS AT IPSWICH PREP
At Ipswich Prep, we believe in the power of creativity to inspire, enrich, and transform young minds. Every child is encouraged to explore and develop their talents across Music, Art, and Drama, both in timetable lessons and through co-curricular opportunities.
Our approach combines expert teaching with a wealth of opportunities in a nurturing environment, enabling children to discover and express their creative voice. Whether it’s mastering a musical instrument, experimenting with different artistic media, or performing on stage, there is something to ignite every child’s passion.
From specialist teachers to a wide range of co-curricular activities, pupils are supported to take their creativity to new heights. They can join one of our Music ensembles, participate in Drama productions, or showcase their work in vibrant Art exhibitions. Children grow and thrive, developing their confidence along the way by performing on stage, reading in a Chapel service or singing a solo in a production. Our dedicated, well-equipped teaching spaces in Music, Art and Drama allow many learning and performing opportunities.
Creativity is at the heart of life at Ipswich Prep, and we are proud of the achievements of our pupils, whose artistic growth is celebrated across the School and within the local community. We look to provide opportunities for all children to develop and grow holistically through the Arts at Ipswich Prep.
“ Being on stage at Snape felt amazing!”
12 Discoveries, Adventures, Friendships.
Pupil
SPORT AT IPSWICH PREP
Sport is an integral part of school life at Ipswich Prep. We believe that physical activity not only promotes health and fitness but also helps children develop teamwork, resilience, and a sense of fairness and equality.
Our broad programme offers opportunities for children of all abilities to take part in competitive and recreational sport. From Games lessons within the curriculum to inter-school fixtures, tournaments and House competitions, pupils are encouraged to challenge themselves, build confidence, and celebrate success of themselves and others.
Children have access to excellent facilities and specialist coaching in a range of sports, including rugby, netball, hockey, swimming, cricket, athletics, gymnastics and tennis. There are also seasonal clubs (both before and after the school day) providing further opportunities to develop skills and enjoy team activities in a range of sports. Sports clubs include skiing, fives, athletics, running, dodgeball, trampolining, table tennis, hockey, netball, football, golf, judo and dance.
Participation is inclusive, with every child encouraged to play, improve, and enjoy being active. Whether on the playground, in the sports hall, at our facilities at ISSC Rushmere, or on the field, sport at Ipswich Prep is about developing skills, friendships, and a lifelong love of activity.
sports with friends.”
County Cricket Champions
IPSWICH SCHOOL NURSERY
The Lodge Day Nursery offers exceptional childcare for children aged 3 months to 4 years, in the heart of Ipswich. With professional, qualified staff and a caring, supportive environment, your child is in the best possible hands from their very first day.
Our approach is guided by our four core values, which underpin everything we do:
Care: Meeting each child’s individual needs and interests.
Communication: Valuing partnership with parents to ensure every child feels happy and supported.
Community: Providing a welcoming environment where friendships can flourish.
Encouragement: Celebrating achievements and positive behaviours to nurture confidence and pride.
LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT
The Lodge is designed to meet the needs of children at different stages of development. There are four age ranges:
• Discoverers
• Explorers
• Adventurers
• Pre School
Children move to the next stage when they are ready, supported in specially designed rooms that encourage exploration, social interaction, and purposeful play.
Every child enjoys regular access to our large garden and outdoor play areas, helping them develop confidence, curiosity, and independence.
Leading the way in childcare, we employ a highly qualified team of Early Years practitioners, providing expert, personalised care for your child. Each child is assigned a key person, who meets them every day to help them settle in, building a sense of security and continuity.
For our youngest children, we follow home routines to make the Nursery feel familiar and comforting. Each child has their own cot, and parents can provide their own bed linen (if they wish) so that rest times feel like home.
We keep parents informed with regular updates, including parent meetings and electronic learning journeys, so you can celebrate your child’s progress and milestones.
ENVIRONMENT & FACILITIES
Situated near Christchurch Park and close to Ipswich School, The Lodge is easily accessible in the centre of Ipswich. The building offers:
• Bright, age-appropriate rooms designed for each stage of learning
• A large garden and outdoor area for daily play and exploration
• Free on-site parking for convenient drop-off and collection
Our locally sourced, freshly prepared meals are made on-site by our chef. For ease of mind, we have a supply of selected nappies to hand.
LEARNING, AND BEYOND
At The Lodge, we aim for every child to thrive, learn and be happy. We celebrate achievements, encourage potential and support children in feeling proud of themselves and others. Children are supported every day to feel confident, secure, and ready for the next stage of their learning journey.
The Nursery is open all year round (except Christmas week and one week in August) from 7.30am to 6.00pm, with term-time options available for children attending Ipswich Prep or Ipswich School.
We invite you to visit The Lodge and experience the warmth, energy, and nurturing environment that makes it a place where children flourish. See how professional care, thoughtfully designed spaces, and strong partnerships with parents create the very best start.
“ From the moment we walked in, we knew this was the right place for our child to begin their journey.”
Parent
ADMISSIONS
School Tours
We always recommend visiting on a normal school day. This allows you to see first-hand the enthusiasm of our pupils and staff, gain honest answers to the questions that matter most, and observe the interactions between teachers and children.
Registration Procedure
Parents wishing to apply for a place at Ipswich Prep (Reception–Year 6) can complete an application form. A non-refundable registration fee of £90 is payable. Once we have received your form, we will contact you to progress your application.
When a place is offered, parents will be asked to complete an acceptance form and pay an acceptance fee of £200. This fee formally reserves the place and is refundable at the end of the last term a pupil is at Ipswich School, including the Senior School. The acceptance fee is payable only once, and the usual notice periods for withdrawal then apply.
Where places are available, mid-year entry can also be accommodated.
“Choosing Ipswich Prep was the best decision we ever made.”
Inspired? Why not get in touch to book a visit and find out more! Contact our Admission Team at prepadmissions@ipswich.school or call on 01473 281320
“ We wanted somewhere our child would be stretched but also happy; Ipswich Prep has given us both.”
“ There’s always something fun to do, and the teachers help you when you need it.”
“ It’s a joy to teach curious, energetic children in such a friendly and supportive school.”
Ipswich School Pupil