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THE IPSWICHIAN The Ipswich School Yearbook

Prefects and Sports Captains 2025 - 26 Rigaud

Sports Captains

Senior Prefects: Erin Hammond and Finley Ridgers

Hockey Girls - Bea Noordhuis Boys - Archie Kinsman

Prefects: Immy Bennett, Noah Butterworth, Harry Griffith, Megan Haynes, Oliver Joslin, Zara Musoni, Edward Ogilvie, Adam Revell, Kuruvilla Thommen, Arthur Williams Ganzoni Captains: Molly Talbot and Archie Kinsman

Head Girl Megan Palmer (Sherrington)

Head Boy

School Senior Prefects: Evie Montgomery and Aakash Vasanthakumar

Senior Prefects Boarding

Prefects: Chloe Hiscock, Joe Kearton, Anna Lower, Jude Nightingale, Beatrice Noordhuis, Barbara Skorczak, Imogen Taylor, Sahara Walker

Jennifer He (Holden) and Tristan Wong (Broke)

Ganzoni Captains: Sophie Morehouse and Isobel Johnson

Colin Chung (Broke)

Broke Senior Prefects: Lottie Hitchcock and Matthew Heutink Prefects: Ivo Allen, Henry Brice, Anna Geileskey, Nicholas Hong, Tom Maston, Pip Rawlings, Emily Sparrow, Florence Whitley, Tristan Wong, Ganzoni Captains: Darcy Gladwell and Tom Baldwin

Felaw Senior Prefects: Sasha Reid and Henry Harrington Prefects: Jessica Baker, Megan Curry-Hyde, Alex Hillman, Jacob Masseti, Olivia Orbell, Olly Pashby, Jake Warnes, Olivia Woodruff Ganzoni Captains: Lottie Howard and Ollie Van Slooten

Holden Senior Prefects: Emilia Oxborrow and Bradley Bohmer Prefects: Grace Bennett, Josh Burgoyne, Isabel Chittock, Elizabeth Cresswell, Henry Jillett, Matthew Swartz Ganzoni Captains: Ella Morgan and David Shepherd

Sherrington Senior Prefects: Beatrice Gilfedder and Noah Deasy Prefects: Thomas Bradshaw, Rafe Chapman, Heidi Cilliers, George Collis, Evelyn Cook, Henry Lamb, Jemima Mayes, Matilda Walker Ganzoni Captains: Mia North and William Burton

Rugby Capt - Brad Bohmer Vice-Captain - George Herbert Cricket Boys - William Menzies Girls - Molly Talbot Netball Captain - Megan Palmer Vice-Captain - Evie Montgomery Cross Country Darcy Gladwell Will Burton Fives Boys - Daniel Ingram Girls - Abbie Gammage

Welcome to the latest edition of the Ipswichian.

THE IPSWICHIAN

2026 The Ipswich School Yearbook

As we reflect on the pages that follow, one thought continually comes to mind: how do you capture an entire year at Ipswich School in a single publication?

The honest answer is that you cannot. What follows is a snapshot of another remarkable year; one filled with academic excellence, sporting success, outstanding creativity, memorable performances, adventurous expeditions, charitable endeavour and countless moments of personal growth. It celebrates national champions alongside first-time performers, prestigious university offers alongside acts of quiet kindness, and achievements both great and small that together define life at Ipswich School. Behind every article is a story of curiosity, commitment and ambition. Whether in the classroom, on the sports field, on stage, in the laboratory, in the Combined Cadet Force, through Duke of Edinburgh, on international tours or in service to others, our pupils continue to embrace opportunities with enthusiasm and purpose. They challenge themselves, support one another and continually demonstrate the values that make our School such a special place. None of this happens by chance. It is made possible by an extraordinary community of teachers, support staff, coaches, volunteers, parents and Old Ipswichians whose dedication, expertise and encouragement inspire our young people every day. Their willingness to give so generously of their time and talents creates an environment in which pupils are encouraged not only to succeed, but to discover who they are and who they might become. This magazine is, above all, a celebration of that community. It reflects another year of learning, laughter, friendship and achievement, while preserving the memories that will remain long after the academic year has drawn to a close. We hope you enjoy reading it as much as we have enjoyed bringing it together. Extraordinary Pupils. Extraordinary Staff. Extraordinary School.

Art Prefect Lily Hoyland-Lynch

Chapel Prefect Bea Gilfedder

Drama Prefects Chloe Hiscock, Henry Jillett, Barbara Skorczak, Molly Talbot

Library Prefects Barbara Skorczak, Henry Jillett, Matilda Walker

Contents Exam Results

Sport & Sports Day

House Reports

104

Speech Day

Combined Cadet Force

Charity

112

Academic

Trips

Development

116

Music

Events

Old Ipswichians

118

Drama

Clubs

Leaving Staff

120

Art, Textiles & Photography

Boarding

100

Marketing Round-up

124

Music Prefects Flo Clare - Senior Music Prefect Basti Todd - Music Prefect Millie Wood - Music Prefect Welcome

EXAM R E S U LT S A Levels August brought plenty to celebrate for our Year 13 students, with Ipswich School recording one of its strongest sets of A Level and BTEC results in the past two decades.

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An impressive 84% of grades were awarded at A*–B or their BTEC equivalents, a figure bettered only once at the School in the past 20 years. More than half of all grades 53% were at A or A*, while well over 40 students achieved three A grades or higher. The results represented an outstanding conclusion to the students’ time in the Sixth Form, but academic achievement tells only part of the story of this year group. Throughout their time at Ipswich School, students have combined their studies with an extraordinary breadth of interests and achievements across music, sport, performance and many other areas of school life. Behind the statistics were individual stories of hard work, determination and ambition, and a wide variety of exciting next steps. Students secured places at leading universities in the UK and overseas, while more leavers than ever before chose to pursue degree apprenticeships.

Head of Sixth Form Ben Cliff paid tribute to the breadth of talent within the year group and, in particular, the individual journeys behind their achievements, including students who have performed at national and international level alongside their academic studies. The results continued Ipswich School’s long record of academic success and provided a fitting end to a memorable chapter for our leavers. As they head to universities, apprenticeships and other opportunities beyond Ipswich School, they do so with much to be proud of, and much to look forward to.

Exam Results

Well over 60% of all grades were awarded at grades 7, 8 or 9, with more than 40% at grades 8 or 9. Thirteen pupils achieved the remarkable feat of securing a clean sweep of grades 8 and 9 across all ten of their GCSE subjects. The strength of the results extended right across the year group.

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Of the 122 pupils receiving their results, 65 achieved grades 7, 8 or 9 in at least seven subjects, an impressive reflection of the consistency and breadth of achievement within the cohort.

GCSEs There was more to celebrate a week later as our Year 11 pupils received an exceptional set of GCSE results. For many of these pupils, however, their five years in the Senior School have been about much more than academic results. They have made an enormous contribution to school life through Sport, Music, Drama, CCF and countless other activities, while bringing energy, enthusiasm and positivity to the School community. Head of Middle School Andrew Bradshaw reflected particularly on the character of the year group, many of whom have been together since Prep School, praising not only their academic success but also the courtesy, optimism and enthusiasm they have shown throughout their time in the Senior School. Results day therefore marked both an ending and a beginning. With their GCSE years complete, the vast majority of the cohort will continue their Ipswich School journey in the Sixth Form, ready for the opportunities and challenges ahead. It was a fitting conclusion to five busy and rewarding years, and a moment for pupils, families and teachers alike to celebrate everything this year group has achieved.

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Exam Results

Speech Day: The Head’s Review Experiences, Memories and Friendships As another remarkable year at Ipswich School drew to a close, Head Nick Gregory returned to three words that have become an important theme in his reflections on school life: experiences, memories and friendships. Academic achievement matters enormously, but an Ipswich School education is about much more. For those leaving at the end of Year 13 – whether they joined the School at three, seven, eleven or sixteen – the hope is that their time here has provided experiences that have helped shape who they are, memories of special moments and friendships that will remain with them long after they leave.

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Particular thanks went to outgoing Heads of School Colin Chung (Broke) and Megan Palmer (Sherrington), who have set an outstanding example academically and through their wider contributions to School life.

Colin has combined his studies with singing, leadership in the CCF and an exceptional contribution as a violinist, while Megan has balanced elite-level Hockey and Netball with an impressive EPQ on autism in girls and outstanding work in Art. As they prepare for their next steps, they leave a considerable legacy. Their successors, Jemima Lashmar (Sherrington) and Jim Notcutt (Broke), together with the new Prefect team, will take up the responsibility of leading the pupil body in 2026/27. The Senior Prefect team also made its mark through its support of 4YP, a local youth charity providing safe spaces for young people aged seven to 25. More than £5,000 was raised during the year, reflecting the School’s desire for pupils to develop a strong sense of gratitude, service and consideration for others.

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Academic Excellence Looking back over the academic year also provided an opportunity to reflect on another excellent set of public examination results. Well over 80% of A Levels and BTECs were secured at A*–B or Distinction level, with seven pupils achieving a complete set of As. Seven Extended Project Qualifications were also awarded A grades. At GCSE, 35% of grades were at 8 or 9, with just under 60% at grade 7 or above. Seven pupils achieved clean sweeps of grades 8 and 9, while 74 pupils secured at least six subjects at grade 7 or above. Such achievements depend upon the skill, dedication and expertise of the School’s teaching staff, whose work in the classroom is complemented by the additional support, advice and opportunities they provide beyond it.

Speech Day

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The annual Snape concert once again provided one of the musical highlights of the year and offered a particularly fitting showcase for an exceptional cohort of Year 13 musicians.

On stage, the School Musical, Seussical, brought together pupils from Years 8 to 13 in a production that combined humour and fun with moments of real poignancy. Year 9 later tackled two 30-minute Shakespeare productions, Macbeth and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, while 50 pupils from Years 7 and 8 brought energy, skill and imagination to the Lower School production of The Jungle Book. Creative excellence was equally evident at the GCSE and A Level Art Exhibition in June, which showcased an impressive breadth of work across Fine Art, Textiles and Photography.

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Success extended well beyond public examinations. Highlevel achievement in UK Mathematics Trust challenges, Science Olympiads, debating, Modern Languages translation competitions and BEBRAS Computational Thinking challenges continued across the School.

There were also two notable team achievements. A Senior team of two Year 13 and two Year 12 pupils progressed through the regional rounds of the UKMT Maths Challenge to reach the national final – believed to be a first for Ipswich School – while six Year 12 chemists finished seventh nationally in a competition hosted by the University of Cambridge.

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Sport: Participation, Character and Success Sport once again produced some remarkable achievements, including international representation and national titles. Yet two aspects of the year stood out beyond results alone: the breadth of participation and the way pupils represented the School. More than 300 pupils played Hockey for Ipswich School during the year, with 15 Boys’ Hockey teams fielded during the Lent Term. Basketball and Tennis teams competed, Rugby enjoyed a full 2nd XV fixture programme, Netball fielded as far as a 4th and occasionally 5th VII, and Cricket continued to provide B-team and 2nd XI opportunities. There were also powerful examples of character in competition. The Girls’ Hockey players showed tremendous togetherness and resilience when National Finals Day did not deliver the results they had hoped for, while the Under 16 Rugby side demonstrated remarkable composure and sportsmanship amid the uncertainty that followed their national final.

Among many exceptional individual performances, Year 13 pupil Matthew Gibson enjoyed a particularly extraordinary year. Having earned a Roentgenium Award in the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge, placing him among the top 75 of approximately 15,000 entrants, he went on to qualify for the British Maths Olympiad before finishing second out of 17,000 entries in the 2026 Chemistry Olympiad.

Music, Drama and Art Ipswich School Music enjoyed another exceptional year, beginning with a memorable tour to Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans, involving 32 pupils from Years 8 to 13. Concerts and performances throughout the year demonstrated the extraordinary standard of music across the School, alongside numerous Grade 8 passes and several successes at Diploma level.

Speech Day

And there was plenty of winning to celebrate too. The 1st XV won more than three-quarters of its fixtures against some of the country’s strongest rugby schools and finished ranked fourth nationally. The Under 16s secured the first national-level Rugby success in Ipswich School history, while the Under 14 Sevens finished runners-up in the Plate at Rosslyn Park. Girls’ Hockey enjoyed an outstanding season, with both the 1st XI and Under 15s reaching Finals Day of the Independent Schools’ Hockey Cup. The Boys’ Under 16 Indoor team finished third nationally, while the Year 7 boys became County champions. The 1st VII Netball team reached the regional competition for a second consecutive year, finishing sixth out of 14 schools, while younger teams recorded highly encouraging seasons.

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Eton Fives enjoyed one of its finest years, with the School’s three coaches jointly named Coach of the Year at the Eton Fives Awards and Ipswichians featuring prominently in the Young Player of the Year standings.

Prize Winners The Business Prize - Lottie Hitchcock The Academic PE Prize - Evie Montgomery Charles Steward Prize for Senior Divinity Evie Montgomery The Economics Prize - Krishna Sinha Swinyard Prize for Art - Lily Hoyland-Linch Holden Prize for Latin - Henry Harrington Rasaiah Community Service Prize Henry Harrington Peter Marsden Prize for Fieldwork Lottie Howard Finch Public Speaking Cup - Zara Musoni Caroline Barnes Prize for English Essay Evelyn Cook Sewell Prize for Senior Music - Evelyn Cook Crewe Prize for Politics - Matilda Walker The Library Prize for Reading Matilda Walker Charles Keene Prize for Senior Art Teddy Jones The Reading Prize - Henry Ryan Trehearne Prize for English Literature Sasha Reid Parry Cup for Drama - Molly Talbot Parry Cup for Drama - Barbara Skorczak Geoffrey Barnard Prize for Sixth Form Reading - Barbara Skorczak The Psychology Prize - Barbara Skorczak Mistral Prize (Dr and Mrs Monk) Academic Excellence and National Recognition in another sphere - Isobel Johnson Hamblin Prize for History - Olly Pashby Broadway Prize for Applied Science Emily Sparrow The Spanish Prize - Emily Sparrow Howlett Prize for Senior Biology Beatrice Gilfedder The Annabel Griffiths Award for the best STEM-related EPQ and/or AE lecture Beatrice Gilfedder Tanqueray Prize for Senior Geography Sophie Morehouse Tom Lethbridge Cup for Design Arthur Williams Fears Watch Company DT Prize Esmond Wong T C Grice Prize for Senior Mathematics Matthew Gibson Bartlett Prize for Chemistry Matthew Gibson Notcutt Prize for Physics - Matthew Gibson Caroline Barnes Prize for Poetry Florence Clare Paton Cup for Outstanding Service to Ipswich School’s CCF - Grace Bennett Paton Cup for Outstanding Service to Ipswich School’s CCF - Edward Ogilvie The Chorister’s Prize - Colin Chung

Bantoft Sword for Outstanding Leadership in the Combined Cadet Force - Colin Chung Bantoft Sword for Outstanding Leadership in the Combined Cadet Force Megan Curry-Hyde The Notcutt Award for Adventurous Activity - MacKenzie Milligan Caroline Barnes Prize for French Rufus Springall Cowell Prize for Classics - Matthew Swartz Grimwade Cup for Photography Adiella MacFarlane Viscount Falmouth Prize for Practical Physics - Matthew Heutink Friends of Ipswich School Prize for Charitable Work - Finley Ridgers Fisher Prize for Boarding - Pelle Knoop Staines Salver for Music (recognising instrumental achievement, contribution and musicianship) - Basti Todd Staines Salver for Music (recognising instrumental achievement, contribution and musicianship) - Millie Wood Hayward Prize for German - Austin Fox Broadway Prize for Outstanding Work and Promise in Science - Fionnuala Willis The Rebecca Moldram Computing Prize Dhruv Pai Joah Hunt Prize for Outstanding Work and Promise (Arts) - Edie Ayliffe Middle School Latin Prize - Edie Ayliffe Cobbold Prize for Mathematics Jessie Zhang Kettle Prize for Middle School Geography Amelie Quinn Josselyn Prize for Middle School Divinity Isabella Fairweather Year 11 Prize for Effort - William Newland Junior Essay Prize - William Newland Junior Essay Prize - Lucy Purcell Middle School History Prize - Lucy Purcell Woodcraft Cup for Drama - Joel Revell Scammell Prize for Junior Biology Aiden Jijo Edward Poynter Prize for Middle School Art - Nathan Hong Wilson Prize for Music - Nandi Bushell Collins Prize for Middle School Classics Florence Turner Millington Prize for Critical Thinking Calum Button Palmer Prize for Middle School Chemistry Ali Abidi Crewe Prize for Attainment Year 11 Owen Polkinhorn Crewe Prize for Attainment Year 11 Sophie McGready Thring Prize for Design - Sophie McGready

Michael Lee Prize for Modern Languages Conner Mayhew Michael Lee Prize for Modern Languages Richard Batchelor Michael Lee Prize for Modern Languages Emma Cable Noel Sullivan Prize for Modern Languages Lanya Ahmed Noel Sullivan Prize for Modern Languages Anastasia Moore RAF Shield for best all-round Year 10 cadet (RAF Section) - Anastasia Moore Year 10 Effort Prize - Anastasia Moore Ben St Joseph Shield for best all-round Year 10 cadet (Army Section) - Amelia Jones Crewe Prize for Attainment Year 10 Lilia Cook Warnes Prize for History - Maisie Mann Year 9 Effort Prize - Maisie Mann Crewe Prize for Attainment Year 9 Nikita Wong Junior Philosophy, Religion and Ethics Prize - Krrish Prabhakar Palmer Prize for Junior Chemistry Krrish Prabhakar 8A Prize for Attainment - Krrish Prabhakar 8A Prize for Effort - Thomas Last Sewell Prize for Junior Music - Thomas Last 8B Prize for Attainment - Rachael McGready Rowley Elliston Prize for Junior Reading Rachael McGready 8B Prize for Effort - Rachael McGready Junior Geography Prize - Sasha Bland Edward Ardizzone Prize for Junior Art Sasha Bland 8B Prize for Effort - Sasha Bland 8C Prize for Attainment - Holly McGready T C Grice Prize for Junior Mathematics Alexander Kempkens 8C Prize for Effort - Summer Westlake Simon Boutflour Cup for Best Cumbria Log Summer Westlake 8D Prize for Attainment - Eliza Ling 8D Prize for Effort - Ruby Le Mare Norman Stonex Prize for Classics William Pipe Norman Stonex Prize for Classics Nathaniel Moore 7A Prize for Attainment - Ollie Jones 7A Prize for Effort - Clara Vellacott 7B Prize for Attainment - Oscar Lyons 7B Prize for Effort - Sam Burden 7C Prize for Attainment - Simran Kaur 7C Prize for Effort - Lucas Fish Farebrother Prize for History of Science Essay - Tanvi Shyamala 7D Prize for Attainment - Tanvi Shyamala 7D Prize for Effort - Magnus Roots

Speech Day

Celebrating Service The end of the academic year also provided an opportunity to recognise members of staff whose service to Ipswich School has made a lasting contribution. Simon Duncombe reached the remarkable milestone of his 100th term at the School during the year, ending 2025/26 on 102 terms of service. The School also said goodbye to a number of long-serving colleagues. Helen Christian leaves after 25 years, Anthea Emeny after almost 24 years and Sue Wright after 26 years, while Katherine Allen concludes more than a decade at Ipswich School and Dr Beth Fredrikssen-Jones leaves after 19 years encompassing Chemistry teaching, CCF leadership and her role as Assistant Head of Sixth Form. Particular thanks were also given to Senior Deputy Head Tom Allen, who leaves after 12 years of exceptional service to Ipswich School and who has provided invaluable support and leadership during Nick Gregory’s first two years as Head.

Experiences Beyond the Classroom The theme of experiences, memories and friendships was perhaps nowhere more evident than in the extraordinary range of opportunities pupils enjoyed away from the classroom. The traditional Year 8 residential in Cumbria and Year 12 trip to Devon again provided memorable shared experiences, alongside the Music Tour to the United States, CCF field trips, Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, Hockey and Netball tours to the Netherlands, a ski trip to Italy and Modern Languages visits to France and Spain. Three Year 13 pupils also completed their Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awards before leaving the School, while another group prepared for an expedition to Vietnam during the summer. And the opportunities continue. Before Christmas 2026 alone, pupils will have the chance to travel to China, Poland, Switzerland, South Africa and the French Alps as another programme of international experiences gets underway.

Competing at the Highest Level Across the School, pupils continued to perform at regional, national and international level in an extraordinary variety of sports. The School community included national champions in Cycle Speedway and Cyclocross, one of the country’s leading Under 16 Tennis players, a pupil approaching Great Britain representation in Water Polo, leading East Anglian Cross-Country runners, and competitors at a high level in Skiing, Squash and Equestrian sport. Ipswich School pupils also continued to progress through elite pathways in Football and Triathlon, while members of the 1st XV and Girls’ 1st XI represented Scotland, England and Ireland internationally. Cricket produced another exceptional summer. Several boys’ and girls’ teams became County champions, while the Girls’ 1st XI and Boys’ Under 15 and Under 17 teams reached the quarter-finals of national

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competitions. The Under 15 girls enjoyed a particularly memorable season. They became national indoor champions at Lord’s, finished third nationally in the T20 competition and progressed to the final four of the national Hundred Ball Cup. Four national successes were celebrated across the year: Millie Hodgkinson and Betsy Laws became national Girls’ Fives champions at Under 15 and Under 16 level; the Under 15 Girls’ Cricket team won the national indoor title; the Under 16 Rugby side became national champions; and Daniel Ingram and Charlie Dinmore secured an historic Open-level national title in Senior Boys’ Fives. Sports Day provided a suitably energetic conclusion to the sporting calendar, with School House taking overall honours and doing enough to overhaul Felaw and claim the Ganzoni Trophy, while 7A won the Cardinal Cup.

Looking Ahead For the Year 13 pupils leaving Ipswich School, the end of the year marked the conclusion of one chapter and the beginning of another. The hope is that they leave grateful for the opportunities they have enjoyed, prepared for what comes next and equipped with ambition, optimism and self-confidence – as well as the friendships that have accompanied them through School.

For everyone returning in September, attention already turns towards what comes next. Another Ipswich School year will bring new challenges, new achievements and, most importantly, another collection of experiences, memories and friendships.

Chair, Governors, Mayor, Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, Ipswichians (both ‘Old’ and current). When I stood here this time last year, I found myself extolling the virtues of “… experiences, memories, friendships …”. I so want an Ipswich School education to be an enjoyable one. I hope so very much that it has been so for those of you in Year 13 for whom today is your final day. Yes, you have achieved and accomplished important things and I will mention some of them in a moment. However, whether you have been here since you were three, seven, eleven or sixteen, I hope that there have been experiences that have helped shape you to become the person that you are today; that you leave here with some special memories of particular moments; and that you have created, cultivated and invested in friendships that will go with you into your future lives.

Among you, I would like to thank specifically our Heads of School, Colin Chung (Broke) and Megan Palmer (Sherrington). One wants the people in those roles to set a great example to the School and my goodness they have done, academically (of course) but also, in Colin’s case, with his singing, his CCF leadership and his truly remarkable contribution on his Violin and, for Megan, with her ability to juggle elite level commitments in both Hockey and Netball and yet also manage to write the most wonderful Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) on Autism in girls and create some truly exceptional Art. Medicine at the University of East Anglia awaits Colin (we hope) and Neuroscience at Bristol or Manchester for Megan - wherever you both go, they are very lucky to have you.

I have every faith that next year’s Heads of School, Jemima Lashmar (Y12, Sherrington) and Jim Notcutt (Y12, Broke), and their team of Prefects, will set a similarly outstanding example to the rest of the School.

Speech Day

ACADEMIC

Academic Excellence Lectures The Academic Excellence Lecture series continued to provide students with a platform to explore, research and present areas of personal academic interest, inspiring younger pupils while showcasing the depth of curiosity, ambition and talent across Ipswich School. The series began with Barbara Skorczak, who delivered a thought-provoking lecture entitled How Effective Is Psychiatry in Helping People? Barbara explored psychiatry from both historical and modern perspectives, considering how beneficial it can be and raising important questions about the effectiveness and ethics of different forms of therapy, medication and mental health diagnosis. Alex Hillman followed with The Journey from War to Peace: From Global Conflict to Experimental Art. Through music, art and literature, Alex explored the transition from war to peace, focusing particularly on Britain while also touching on the USA. His lecture considered the impact of the Second World War and the Cold War before moving into the avant-garde and Fluxus movements of the 1970s and 1980s.

Chemistry Olympiad 2026

The Ipswichian

Ipswich School pupils achieved an outstanding set of results in this year’s Chemistry Olympiad, with Gold, Silver and Bronze awards recognising their exceptional knowledge and problem-solving abilities.

Gold certificate and progressed to the second round of the competition at the University of Nottingham over the Easter break, becoming the first Ipswich School pupil to achieve this milestone.

Congratulations to Matthew G, David S, Joshua B and Beatrice G, whose performances placed them among the highest-achieving students in the country. Special congratulations go to Matthew G, who achieved the second-highest score in the UK from more than 17,000 entrants. Matthew also earned his second consecutive

These excellent results reflect the pupils’ dedication, curiosity and commitment to academic excellence. Congratulations to everyone involved on a fantastic achievement.

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In the Lent term, Bea Gilfedder delivered an informative lecture entitled How Can an Understanding of Female Hormones Have the Potential to Improve Women's Sports Performance? Drawing on both primary and secondary research, Bea explored how increased awareness of the menstrual cycle could support improvements in physical and psychological performance for female athletes. She considered how training schedules and diet could be adapted to match changes in energy levels and performance at different stages of the cycle. The series also included planned lectures from Molly Talbot and Zara Musoni. Molly’s lecture, How the 2004 Spanish Train Bombings Impacted Society, was due to explore the causes and consequences of the bombings, including changes in Spanish law and their lasting impact on modern Spanish society. Zara’s lecture, The Validity of Unjust Law, was due to consider whether laws can become invalid because of their immorality, drawing on legal theory, history and examples from 20th-century fascist regimes.

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Matthew Gibson then delivered a fascinating lecture on What Are the Limits of Logic? His talk explored what can and cannot be discovered through deductive reasoning, considering statements that cannot be proved true or false, whether logic is consistent with itself, the role of axioms and the distinction between physics and metaphysics.

Together, the lectures reflected the confidence, independence and intellectual curiosity of Ipswich School students, sparking important conversations and encouraging deeper understanding across a wide range of disciplines.

Emilia Oxborrow presented Can the Genetic Manipulation of Pharmacogenomics Transform the Efficacy of Medicine? Exploring the future of personalised, or "smart", medicine, Emilia explained how a patient's genome can influence their response to drugs, including side effects and dosage. Her lecture offered a fascinating insight into how advances in pharmacogenomics could help clinicians tailor treatments to individual patients and potentially transform the future of healthcare.

Academic

BTEC Sport Students Visit Ipswich Town FC

Junior Maths Challenge

Eight BTEC Sport and Exercise Science students enjoyed an unforgettable visit to Ipswich Town FC, gaining exclusive behind-the-scenes insight into a high-performance sporting environment.

A total of 122 pupils from Years 6, 7 and 8 took part in this year's UKMT Junior Maths Challenge, a 60-minute, 25-question multiple-choice competition sat by approximately 250,000 pupils in Year 8 and below each year.

The day offered students a fascinating look at the demands of elite sport, from observing gym preparation and activation drills to analysing the intensity of a first-team training session from pitch-side.

The challenge encourages mathematical reasoning, precision of thought and fluency, while inspiring students to think creatively and logically.

Students also experienced a performance-focused lunch, learning more about the important role nutrition plays in athletic success before observing post-session recovery work with the strength and conditioning team.

The pupils performed exceptionally well, achieving 27 Bronze certificates, 28 Silver certificates and 13 Gold certificates.

The visit concluded with an invaluable Q&A session with first-team fitness and rehabilitation coaches, giving students insight into the wide range of career pathways within the sports industry.

The following pupils achieved a Gold certificate, placing them in the top 8% nationally: • Year 6: Charlie Kerr • Year 7: Oliver Tolhurst, Edward Wong • Year 8: Finley Card, Ethan Cole

It was a brilliant opportunity to bring classroom learning to life and inspire future sports professionals. Sincere thanks to Ipswich Town FC for hosting such an insightful and inspiring visit.

The following pupils not only earned a Gold certificate but also placed in the top 0.06% nationally, qualifying for the follow-up Kangaroo round: • Y ear 7: Ollie Jones, Oscar Lyons, Jason Ren, Tanvi Shyamala • Y ear 8: Alexander Kempkens, Krrish Prabhakar, Said Tukmanov

University of Essex Human Performance Unit Visit A Level PE and BTEC Sport & Exercise Science students enjoyed an inspiring visit to the University of Essex Human Performance Unit. Students explored cutting-edge exercise physiology laboratories, taking part in VO₂ max testing, sub-maximal cycle tests and Wattbike sprint assessments to measure fitness, power and performance. The afternoon focused on biomechanics, using reflective markers and vertical jump tests to analyse movement and force. The visit was a brilliant hands-on experience, bringing sport science learning to life while giving students valuable insight into elite performance testing.

The Ipswichian

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Finally, Chang Cao, of Year 7, placed in the top 1,000 nationally, qualifying for the Junior Mathematical Olympiad—an exceptional achievement. Congratulations to everyone who took part, and good luck to those who have qualified for the next rounds.

NLT Reading Champions Quiz In March, eight Lower School pupils (Rachael M, Ibrahim M, Tanvi S, Alistair L, Holly M, Nathaniel M, Angus L and Simran K) travelled to Northgate High School in Dereham to compete in the National Literacy Trust’s Senior Reading Champions Quiz. It was an amazing day of literary trivia (with plenty of sweets!). The Reading Champions Quiz involved nine rounds of questions relating to books, including anagrams, true or false, first and last lines, and even cryptic video clues. The questions were tough, and with 25 teams competing from across East Anglia, everybody had a great time. After the quiz had been completed, Ipswich School’s Team B finished in a superb joint first place. Following an incredibly tense tie-break to decide the national qualifiers, Team B finished third overall. It was an exceptionally close competition. Team A also performed brilliantly, finishing fourth overall and just one point away from sharing first place. Congratulations to everyone on such an impressive performance, and a huge thank you to Mrs Steward for taking us! Tanvi S, Rachael M and Holly M (Years 7 and 8)

Academic

History Club Dazzles on the Red Carpet and Impresses at the Lectern

Psychology Brain Day Sixth Form Psychology students enjoyed an inspiring and thought-provoking Psychology Brain Day with Dr Guy Sutton, exploring the fascinating world of neuroscience through an interactive one-day tutorial. Throughout the day, students explored a wide range of topics, including brain anatomy, neuroplasticity, EEG and consciousness. They also considered how smartphones, sleep and drugs can affect the brain, learning more about the impact of substances such as cannabis, ketamine and vaping on brain function.

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Another outstanding year saw Ipswich School’s History Club combine academic curiosity, creativity and public speaking, delivering an exceptional Academic Excellence Lecture before achieving regional success in the prestigious Dora Love Prize.

Students were introduced to cutting-edge methods for exploring the brain, from neuroimaging to brain stimulation. A particular highlight was the sheep brain dissection, which brought theory to life as students examined key structures including the cortex and corpus callosum, discussed common brain myths and learned about split-brain patients.

Meeting every Friday lunchtime, History Club brings together enthusiastic historians from Years 9 and 10, who explore historical topics beyond the curriculum through discussion, research and collaboration.

The day concluded with a fascinating look at the future of neuroscience, including brains in a dish, brain-computer interfaces and neurobionics. Students also explored links between the brain and criminal behaviour, including the role of genes, disorders and brain damage. A huge thank you to Dr Sutton for delivering such an engaging and memorable day.

This year’s Academic Excellence Lecture, Fashion Is More Than Just Fabric!, offered an original exploration of the relationship between clothing, identity and society. Dressed in costumes representing different historical periods, pupils guided the audience through the Tudor, Regency, Victorian and modern eras, examining how women’s fashion has reflected social expectations, reinforced gender roles and, at times, acted as a form of oppression.

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Combining historical scholarship with engaging presentation, the lecture demonstrated that fashion can provide a powerful lens through which to understand wider social and cultural change. History Club also enjoyed considerable success in the Dora Love Prize, organised by Professor Rainer Schulz at the University of Essex. The competition encourages young people to reflect on the lessons of the Holocaust and consider how understanding the past can help build a better future. Responding to the theme, Bridging Generations: How can learning about past genocides help prevent them from happening in the future?, Bunny C-B and Penny D (Year 10), together

with Alice D (Year 9), produced a powerful film and presentation exploring more recent examples of genocide, including those in Bosnia and Myanmar. Their thoughtful research, which included interviews with members of the School community, demonstrated both academic rigour and a commitment to raising awareness of important but often overlooked events. The judges praised the pupils for addressing complex and sensitive issues with confidence, compassion and maturity, awarding them second place in the regional finals and a place in the Grand Final. Together, these achievements reflect another exceptional year for History Club, showcasing the pupils’ intellectual curiosity, creativity and willingness to engage thoughtfully with challenging historical questions.

Music Academic Excellence Opportunities Throughout the year, pupils enjoyed a variety of Academic Excellence opportunities linked to music. These included a lecture-concert debate at the Southbank Centre in London, a neuroscience and music lecture in November, and, in the Spring Term, a concert by the renowned cellist Steven Isserlis at The Apex.

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Each of these experiences gave pupils the opportunity to explore the wider context of music, deepening their understanding through listening, discussion and exposure to professional performance at the highest level.

Academic

Year 11 Work Experience

Employer Feedback

Our Year 11 pupils recently completed a week of work experience, gaining valuable insight into a wide range of professions and workplaces.

The feedback received from employers following this year’s Year 11 Work Experience programme was overwhelmingly positive, with many commenting on our pupils’ professionalism, enthusiasm and maturity.

From healthcare and engineering to law, education, business and the creative industries, pupils embraced the opportunity to experience working life first-hand. Throughout the week, they developed new skills, built confidence and gained a greater understanding of the opportunities available to them as they begin to consider their future careers.

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Work experience forms an important part of our careers programme, enabling pupils to apply their learning beyond the classroom while developing the independence, communication and professionalism that employers value.

We are extremely grateful to the many businesses and organisations that generously hosted our pupils and helped make the week such a rewarding and inspiring experience. Their support continues to play a vital role in preparing our pupils for life beyond Ipswich School.

Some of the comments included: • Thanks for sending another two wonderful work experience students this year. • He was a delight to have onboard last week. • It has been amazing to have Allegra join us this week. The children love her. • Lara has been a delight. The presentation of her project was detailed and well thought out. • She was a delight to host for the four days and we would welcome her back in future as she showed great promise in this sector. • It has been a pleasure to host James this week. He has been polite, courteous, engaged, personable, hard-working, enthusiastic and organised. • Richard was a delight to have in the office. • Charlie has been a delight. He is a fast learner and it’s been great to see him progress through the week. • Casper was a delight to work with. • Toby did very well and it was clear that clients and colleagues took to him. • Richard gave each task thought and has demonstrated a fantastic attitude to learn throughout the week. • Lucy was a diligent and conscientious student who showed strong attention to detail, great levels of responsibility for their work and followed instruction with care and professionalism. She could have joined our team with no issues. • Fab Student! Engaging, considerate and asked great questions. • Fantastic Student! Very polite, well spoken and engaging. Great feedback from all the staff. • It was a great pleasure to have both Eliza and Will with us - they were both engaged, interested and asked sensible questions, and were impeccably well-mannered, so a credit to your school. • She truly has been an absolute pleasure to work with. I have every faith that she will accomplish her dreams. She is welcome back any time. • Elliot showed a fantastic mix of technical curiosity, structured thinking and attention to detail.

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Academic

UKMT Senior Maths Challenge

Lower Sixth Chemists Reach National Final An exceptional achievement from our Lower Sixth chemists saw Rosie, Sasha, Panos, Fionnuala, Cyrus and Hannah secure an impressive 7th place nationally in a prestigious chemistry competition. Following their success in Round 1, the students travelled to the Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, for the national final, where they competed against some of the strongest schools in the country. The final placed students in a fast-paced and intellectually demanding environment, requiring each participant to deliver a six-minute presentation on an innovative scientific idea. Topics ranged from improving the detection of broken glass to exploring alternatives to colour-change indicators in titrations. Their ideas were then challenged by opposing teams before being questioned further by postgraduate judges, giving the students a real insight into the pressures and excitement of high-level scientific debate. The team rose brilliantly to the occasion, demonstrating confidence, resilience and exceptional scientific thinking throughout the competition. To finish 7th nationally is a remarkable achievement, of which the whole school community can be incredibly proud.

Ninety-three Ipswich School pupils took part in this year's UKMT Senior Maths Challenge, joining more than 74,000 students from across the UK in one of the country's most prestigious mathematics competitions. Our pupils achieved an outstanding set of results, earning 16 Gold, 18 Silver and 28 Bronze certificates. Gold certificate winners were placed in the top 10% nationally and qualified for the followon Kangaroo Round, an international competition organised through the Association Kangourou sans Frontières, which promotes mathematical thinking among young people worldwide. Congratulations to Andrea, Max, Owen, Cyrus, Winnie, Charlie, Ben,

Albert, Alan, Lucas, Krishna, Aimee, Sicilia, Evelyn and Kerensa, who all qualified for the Kangaroo Round. Special congratulations go to Matthew, who qualified for the British Mathematical Olympiad for the second consecutive year. Achieving full marks once again, Matthew placed in the top 0.14% nationally— an exceptional accomplishment that reflects both his remarkable talent and dedication to mathematics.

PhysiXfactor Competition

Congratulations to all the pupils who took part. Their enthusiasm, perseverance and success are a testament to the strength of mathematics at Ipswich School.

Pi Day Challenge Ipswich School celebrated Pi Day with the annual Pi Day Challenge, as students competed to see who could recall the most decimal places of π. Congratulations to Soha in Year 8, who took first place with an incredible 208 decimal places. This was an impressive improvement of 64 digits on last year's total, earning Soha a special prize and trophy to mark the achievement. Second place went to Jiachang in Year 7, who recalled 130 decimal places, while Henry in Year 9 Broke secured a very close third place with 122 decimal places. Well done to all the students who took part in the challenge. After such an impressive display of concentration and number skills, everyone enjoyed celebrating with some well-earned pies.

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Congratulations to the five winners of this year’s PhysiXfactor competition, who impressed the judges with their creativity, scientific understanding and presentation skills.

The competition provided an excellent opportunity for pupils to apply their classroom learning in a practical and engaging way, while developing their confidence in communicating complex ideas.

Pupils designed and built a range of interactive physics models, exploring concepts including forces, motion, electricity and engineering. Each project demonstrated not only a strong grasp of scientific principles but also imagination, innovation and effective problem-solving.

Congratulations to all the pupils who took part for their enthusiasm and commitment, and special congratulations to this year’s five winners on their well-deserved success.

Academic

Battle of the Books 2026

Award-Winning Author Simon James Green Visits Ipswich School

The Carnegies 2026 Battle of the Books was hosted in June by Thomas Mills High School, Framlingham, on behalf of the Suffolk Librarians’ Forum.

In June, award-winning author Simon James Green visited Ipswich School for a series of engaging and inspiring sessions with pupils across the School.

The quiz was split into four rounds, with teams answering a total of 80 questions. It was incredibly close throughout, and at the end three teams, including Ipswich School, were tied on 72 points. The ensuing tie-break resulted in a win for Chantry Academy, with Thomas Mills taking second place and Ipswich School finishing a very close third.

He began the day with Year 7, entertaining pupils with stories about being a misunderstood pre-teen and sharing tips on how to spot when someone may not be telling the truth. Year 8 pupils also enjoyed Simon’s hilarious school stories and his message about the importance of being able to laugh at yourself. Throughout both Lower School sessions, Simon encouraged plenty of audience participation, with pupils helping to give emoji summaries of some of his books.

This year’s Carnegie shortlist featured eight brilliant and very different books, making the winner a difficult choice. Tia Fisher’s Not Going to Plan won the attendees’ vote, with Beth O’Brien’s Wolf Siren coming second. Within the Ipswich School team, Alice’s favourite book was Ghostlines, Penny’s was Not Going to Plan and Bunny’s was The Boy I Love.

The day concluded with a powerful session for Year 10 pupils. Simon spoke openly about his own experiences of growing up as a gay teenager during the time of Section 28, the controversial 1988 legislation that prohibited schools from promoting the acceptability of same-sex relationships. He explained that the legislation remained in place until it was repealed in 2003.

All the teams had submitted questions in advance to Kate Rolfe, author and illustrator of Wiggling Words, which won the Carnegie Medal for Illustration 2026. The teams then watched her responses via video, followed by a livestream of the awards ceremony held in London. The Carnegie Medal for Writing is awarded by children’s librarians to an outstanding book written in English for children and young people. We highly recommend the books on the Writing Medal shortlist to our pupils; they are all available to borrow from the Library. Congratulations to our team of Bunny C-B and Penny D (Year 10), and Alice Davy (Year 9). #PugnaLibrarum!

Book Mastermind In January and February, 25 pupils from Years 7, 8 and 9 took part in Ipswich School’s Book Mastermind Competition to decide who would be crowned the Ipswich School Book Mastermind Champion and go on to represent the School at the Suffolk Book Mastermind Final. Five heats took place over the course of several weeks. Pupils were required to answer 20 questions on a book of their choice in just two minutes. The winner was Nathaniel M (Year 8), who achieved an incredible score of 20/20 with an amazing 24 seconds to spare. His chosen book was Eragon by Christopher Paolini. William P (Year 8) finished second with 19/20, Edward R (Year 7) was third with 18/20, and Dhyan S (Year 7) was fourth with 17/20. In May, the Suffolk Book Mastermind Final took place, organised by the Suffolk Librarians’ Forum, where Nathaniel competed against contestants from 10 other schools. He narrowly missed out on victory, finishing in an outstanding second place, just half a point behind the winner. After the final, Nathaniel and the other Ipswich School finalists (Edward R, Dhyan S and William P) took part in a workshop with the author Julian Sedgwick. During the session, they created their own ghost stories inspired by Japanese Noh theatre.

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He also discussed the dangers of book bans and censorship, highlighting that book banning is currently more common in parts of the United States. One surprising example he shared was the children’s picture book The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt, which has been challenged in some areas because the peach crayon loses its wrapper and was therefore considered to be “naked”. Simon concluded by emphasising the importance of ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard.

The visit received an overwhelmingly positive response from pupils. Krrish reflected: “His energy was infectious. Through countless stories about his awkward and hilarious school days, he talked us through his writing process, his debut novel, and the tips he would give to young writers like us. The main spectacle was the way he interacted with us. Simon called up seventeen volunteers to narrate the story of his first book with him.”

experiences and how they affected his perspective on life. We also played games such as Red Herrings and learnt how to lie convincingly! The extracts from his book, The Double Life of Ted Amos, were incredibly amusing. He inspired us all to see the funny side of life and not to take everything so seriously. I would like to thank the amazing Librarians and Mr Doshi for arranging this brilliant author visit!” Year 10 pupils were equally enthusiastic about the session. They described Simon as “very engaging and funny while sending a message about LGBTQ+”, said they “loved his energy”, and praised his openness in speaking honestly about his experiences. Pupils described the talk as “very eye-opening” and appreciated its messages of acceptance, courage and inclusion. One pupil commented: “He teaches us to be ourselves, whatever people see us as. He made me become more brave and proud of myself. He did not only help the LGBTQ+ community, but also everyone.”

Maisie said: “He told us some very funny stories about his experiences at school, including the time he turned a moment of fear into something entertaining during a game of rugby. He told us that he has learnt to laugh instead of taking things too seriously. It was all very inspirational and we all had a giggle.” Tanvi added: “Simon James Green was extremely funny. We enjoyed listening to his laugh-out-loud school

Academic

Careers Convention Ipswich School's annual Careers Convention was once again a valuable opportunity for pupils to explore the wide range of pathways available to them beyond school. Open to students in Years 9 to 13, the event brought together local and national employers, leading universities, overseas study providers, gap year organisations and representatives offering international opportunities. Pupils were able to speak directly with exhibitors, ask questions and gain a better understanding of the many options available to them after Ipswich School.

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The evening also featured a series of insightful seminars covering topics such as apprenticeships, choosing the right university course, navigating applications and exploring different career sectors.

We were especially pleased to welcome back a number of Old Ipswichians, who exhibited at the event and shared their own experiences with current pupils. Their real-world insight and advice offered valuable inspiration as students began to shape their future ambitions. Events such as the Careers Convention play an important role in helping pupils make informed decisions, build confidence and engage with the world beyond the classroom. It was an inspiring and impactful evening, and we are grateful to all the exhibitors, speakers, Old Ipswichians and staff who helped make the event such a success.

Business and Economics Enrichment Business and Economics pupils have enjoyed a wide range of Academic Excellence opportunities, designed to stretch their thinking beyond the curriculum and help them explore future pathways in business, economics, university study and apprenticeships. Throughout the year, pupils were encouraged to take part in additional reading, competitions and enrichment opportunities, with resources and guidance provided by their teachers. Pupils also received information to help them identify possible university and apprenticeship routes beyond Ipswich School. Business Club continued as a Thursday afternoon activity for pupils in Years 10 to 13, using an award-winning computer-based simulation.

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Teams competed against one another while running businesses of increasing complexity, from school cafés to electronics stores and travel agencies. Around 25 studentterms of participation were recorded during the 2025/26 academic year.

Pupils were also supported in entering a range of competitions, including the John Locke Essay Competition, the Young Economist of the Year Competition and the IEA Budget Challenge. The department celebrated a John Locke shortlist entry in each of the last two years, as well as one team reaching the semi-finals and final of the IEA Budget Challenge. Further opportunities included the GAIN Girls Are Investors Investment Challenge, entered by a team of three Year 11 girls, and a Year 10 shipping information day competition with MSC, a global leader in shipping. Year 13 Business students also visited Clip 'n Climb to hear from the founder about running a business, while Year 12 students explored the challenges of running Colchester Zoo, including its marketing strategy. Pupils in Years 10 to 13 also benefited from a bespoke information day at Essex Business School, including a taster lecture and a range of activities. Together, these opportunities gave pupils valuable insight into enterprise, economics, investment, marketing and the real-world challenges of running successful organisations.

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Winnie Selected for UniHive Future Researcher Initiative Finals Ipswich School was incredibly proud to see Winnie represent the School at the UniHive Future Researcher Initiative Finals, held at Jesus College, University of Cambridge, on 10 November 2025. From more than 250 applicants across 38 regions, Winnie was selected as one of just 28 global finalists—an outstanding achievement reflecting his academic curiosity, ambition and dedication. At the finals, he presented his research proposal, Personalised Medicine: Gene Analysis and Targeted Drug Delivery, to a panel of Cambridge professors, including the Head of Materials Science at the University of Cambridge. Winnie’s hard work and academic excellence were recognised with a £300 scholarship towards a professor-led summer programme at Cambridge. Huge congratulations to Winnie on this remarkable achievement.

EPQ Exhibition The EPQ continues to be a real academic beacon for those who undertake it, enabling our students to independently curate a high-level question and to research the topic to a point of great understanding and critical engagement. This year’s EPQ Exhibition was another fantastic opportunity to showcase the incredible hard work that the Year 13s have put into producing their projects. With titles ranging from ‘What are the benefits and barriers of implementing pharmacogenomics in clinical practice?’ to ‘How did Japan transition so quickly from the Sakoku period, to a fully industrialised imperial power within three quarters of a century?’ The students presented their findings to a wide and varied audience, engaging in high-level questioning from both peers and staff. It was fantastic to see them grappling with their questions with confidence and articulately displaying their newfound knowledge.

Academic

A YEAR IN MUSIC AT IPSWICH SCHOOL

Bringing together performers from across the School, from our youngest Prep musicians to departing Sixth Form pupils, the concert showcased the exceptional breadth of musical talent at Ipswich School. Choirs, orchestra, Big Band and a range of ensembles delivered a varied and ambitious programme, reflecting months of dedication, rehearsal and hard work. The concert began with an impressive combined brass and percussion ensemble, bringing together pupils from the Prep School through to Sixth Form. Among the many highlights were Sebastian Todd’s performance of the first movement of Lalo’s Cello Concerto and Colin Chung’s performance of Beethoven’s Romance for violin. The evening concluded with excerpts from Karl Jenkins’ The Armed Man, performed by a large combined choir and orchestra of pupils, staff and parents, directed by Mr James Davy. It was a powerful and memorable finale to a remarkable evening of music. The audience responded with overwhelming praise, describing the concert as “truly splendid”, “uplifting” and

The Summer Term opened with the annual Snape Spring Concert at Snape Maltings, once again providing a spectacular celebration of music and one of the major highlights of the Ipswich School calendar.

“full of precision, grace and charm”. For many of our Sixth Form musicians, some of whom have been part of Ipswich School since Reception, performing at Snape marked a fitting milestone in their school journey. Sincere thanks to Director of Music, Bev Steensma, and the entire Music Department for their dedication, expertise and encouragement in preparing such an ambitious programme. We are also grateful to all the staff, accompanists and supporters who help our musicians flourish throughout the year. The Spring Concert continues to celebrate not only musical excellence, but also the commitment, confidence and creativity that define Ipswich School pupils.

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Music – Snape Spring Concert

Music Department Review 2025/26 has been a busy and rewarding academic year for the Ipswich School Music Department. From largescale collaborations to individual distinction, pupils have engaged in a wide range of musical activity both within and beyond the School, with many performances shared with the wider community. The year began with a vibrant and varied Music Festival, setting the tone for the months ahead. In October, we were delighted to welcome jazz pianist Pete Letanka, who worked with pupils before an evening Jazz Night performance featuring the Big Band. This was closely followed by a side-byside project with the Prometheus Orchestra. Pupils performed Haydn’s Symphony No. 104 alongside professional musicians, and Evelyn Cook (Year 13) gave a poised performance of the Chaminade Flute Concerto, accompanied by the orchestra.

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A Choral Festival brought together the Chapel Choir, Suffolk Chamber Choir and local singers, culminating in a joint performance involving more than 100 voices. It was a memorable example of the strength of choral music within the School and the wider community.

Throughout the year, pupils enjoyed a variety of Academic Excellence opportunities and events. These included a lecture-concert debate at the Southbank Centre in London, a neuroscience and music lecture in November, and, in the Spring Term, a concert by the renowned cellist Steven Isserlis at The Apex. All of these opportunities gave pupils the opportunity to explore the wider context of music, deepening their understanding through listening, discussion and exposure to professional performance at the highest level.

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October also saw 35 pupils embark on an unforgettable music tour to the southern United States. Visiting Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans, the group explored the roots of jazz, blues and country music.

In February, pupils took part in a joint Candlemas Evensong at Ipswich Minster, continuing our strong tradition of liturgical music. We also held a violin masterclass with Matthew Jones, Head of Chamber Music at the Guildhall School, who offered valuable individual coaching and insight for our string players.

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The group also visited Oak Alley Plantation in Louisiana, where pupils learned about the historical context of the Deep South. Performances formed a central part of the tour, including informal sets outside the Country Music Hall of Fame and a final performance beside the Mississippi River in central New Orleans. The visit concluded with the opportunity to experience New Orleans’ famous Halloween parade. It was an exceptional and exciting tour, filled with memorable moments and experiences that will not easily be forgotten.

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December brought a lively production of Seussical the Musical, directed by Mr Wren, with a pit band made up of both pupils and staff. Karl Daniels, one of the Music Department’s longest-standing and most valued supporters, celebrated his 90th birthday with a special lunch held in the Music School, followed by a pupil recital in his honour. The term concluded with our Carol Services: the Wolsey Consort, directed by Mrs Williams, performed beautifully at the Operation Smile Carol Service in Chelsea, and the whole School gathered at Ipswich Minster for a festive and reflective end to a busy term. The Lent Term began with an Academic Excellence trip to the Royal Opera House to see Turandot, providing pupils with the opportunity to experience the very best that opera has to offer.

Alongside their performances, pupils visited a number of significant musical and cultural sites, including the Grand Ole Opry, where they attended a live radio show, RCA Studio B and the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville, as well as Graceland in Memphis. These visits provided valuable context for the music they were performing.

In November, the Lower School Concert showcased the enthusiasm and developing musicianship of our younger pupils, with performances from the Year 7 SHOUT Choir,

Lower School Choir, Stage Band and a number of soloists. Later in the term, the Winter Concert, one of the largest events in the calendar, featured the full range of School ensembles. Particularly memorable were the Orchestra’s performance of Mozart’s Overture to The Magic Flute and Florence Clare’s accomplished performance of the first movement of Lalo’s Violin Concerto.

March was particularly busy. The annual Music Competition concluded with a highquality final featuring nine outstanding finalists. The overall winner was Nandi Bushell on the saxophone.

The Ipswich School Chamber Concert, held at Jubilee Hall in Aldeburgh, celebrated the work of our many chamber ensembles, including a compelling performance of Mendelssohn’s Octet. The month ended with a Big Band Charity Concert at Copdock Hall, in collaboration with the Ipswich Musicians’ Union Big Band. With a full audience and a lively atmosphere, the evening raised £2,000 for charity. The Summer Term opened with the Snape Spring Concert at the end of April. It was a major highlight of the year and a significant showcase for music at Ipswich School. The concert began with an impressive combined brass and percussion ensemble, bringing together pupils from Prep through to Sixth Form. Among the highlights were Sebastian Todd’s performance of the first movement of Lalo’s Cello Concerto and Colin Chung’s performance of Beethoven’s Romance for violin. The finale of the concert was a performance of excerpts from Karl Jenkins’ The Armed Man, featuring a large combined choir and orchestra of pupils, staff and parents, directed by Mr James Davy. In May, the Lower School Chamber Choir, directed by Mr Ben Vonberg-Clark, was invited to perform at the Aldeburgh Festival alongside the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. Joining other local school choirs, they took part in a performance of Britten’s Welcome Ode, conducted by Ryan Wigglesworth—an exceptional opportunity enjoyed by all. The year concluded in June with the Summer Soirée. Blessed with fine weather, it provided a fitting and enjoyable celebration of the wide-ranging musical accomplishments of pupils across the School.

Midsummer Soirée

Chamber Concert at Jubilee Hall

Our annual Midsummer Soirée once again brought the Ipswich School community together for a wonderful evening of music, celebration and summer sunshine on the School Field.

The Ipswich School Chamber Concert, held at Jubilee Hall in Aldeburgh, celebrated the work of the School’s many chamber ensembles.

Families, friends, alumni and members of the local community enjoyed a varied programme of performances from our orchestras, choirs, ensembles, Big Band and contemporary musicians. Each performance reflected the talent, commitment and enthusiasm of our pupils, who entertained the audience throughout the evening.

The programme included a compelling performance of Mendelssohn’s Octet, alongside a range of other chamber works. It was a valuable opportunity for pupils to perform in a professional setting and share the results of their dedicated rehearsals.

The Midsummer Soirée is a much-loved tradition in the School calendar, providing an opportunity to celebrate the breadth of musical talent across the School in a relaxed and welcoming setting. It was a pleasure to see so many members of our community enjoying the performances and supporting our young musicians. Our sincere thanks to the Music Department, all the staff and volunteers who helped organise the event, and, of course, to every pupil who performed. Their hard work and dedication made the evening a memorable success, and we look forward to another fantastic Midsummer Soirée next year.

Choral Festival The Choral Festival brought together the Chapel Choir, Suffolk Chamber Choir and local singers, culminating in a joint performance involving more than 100 voices. It was a memorable celebration of choral music and a wonderful example of the strength of singing within both the School and the wider community.

Prometheus Orchestra Side-by-Side Project Pupils enjoyed a memorable side-by-side project with the Prometheus Orchestra, performing Haydn’s Symphony No. 104 alongside professional musicians. A particular highlight was Evelyn Cook’s poised performance of Chaminade’s Flute Concerto, accompanied by the orchestra. The project gave pupils valuable insight into professional orchestral performance and the experience of working alongside experienced musicians.

Karl Daniels’ 90th Birthday Celebration

Jazz Night with Pete Letanka

Karl Daniels, one of the Music Department’s longest-standing and most valued supporters, celebrated his 90th birthday with a special lunch held in the Music School.

In October, Ipswich School was delighted to welcome jazz pianist Pete Letanka, who worked with pupils during the day before joining them for an evening Jazz Night performance.

The celebration was followed by a pupil recital in his honour, providing a warm and fitting tribute to someone who has given so much to music at Ipswich School.

The event featured the Big Band and gave pupils the opportunity to learn from an experienced professional musician, deepening their understanding of jazz performance before sharing their own music with the audience.

Music

Drama Productions Cast & Crew Alessandra Al-Nammari

Beatrice Gaskin

Faye Monteath

Gus Allen

Anna Geileskey

Anastasia Moore

Stervan Bakir Demir

Darcy Gladwell

Emma Morehouse

Daisy Barber

Andrea Guo

Savanna Musoni

Thomas Bates

Catherine Hall

William Newland

Imogen Bender

Lauren Hewitt

Luka Nye

Maisie Bennett

Chloe Hiscock

Ivie Okpiabhele

Rosanna Birch

Lottie Hitchcock

Leo Porter

Lawrie Booth

Imogen Hodge

Krrish Prabhakar

Albie Brennan

Isla Hodge

Edward Ransome

Logan Brusaferro

Tilda Holland

Amelia Rauf

Sam Burden

Bella Hollis

Joel Revell

Our Lower School Chamber Choir enjoyed a memorable opportunity to perform at the iconic Snape Maltings alongside the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and fellow schools from across Suffolk and Norfolk.

Darcy Butcher

Beth Howes

Izzy Sadler

Calum Button

Henry Jillett

Amari Sammy-Peters

The choir performed Benjamin Britten’s Welcome Ode, taking to the stage in one of the country’s most celebrated concert venues. Performing with a professional orchestra was an inspiring experience and a wonderful opportunity for our pupils to develop their confidence and musicianship.

Finley Card

Ralphie Kam

Tanvi Shyamala

Lochlan Chalcraft

Hugo Lamplough

Barbara Skorczak

Sky Chambers

Thomas Last

Lottie Snell

The rehearsals and performance reflected the choir’s dedication, enthusiasm and hard work, while also creating memories that will stay with them for years to come.

Abigail Chung

Thomas Lawson

Oscar Stapleton

Poppy Clark

Winny Lee

Teal Stimpson

Ollie Clarkson-Fieldsend

Evie Lewis

Charlie Swallow

William Clowes

Jonah Lightfoot

Molly Talbot

Evelyn Cook

Adam Liu

Grace Tallent

Bunny Crompton-Battersby

Alistair Lovering

Imogen Taylor

Abi Cussins

Coco Lu

Rex To

Tanisi Das

Tristan Lucas

Charlotte Tubb

Alice Davy

Oscar Lyons

Joshua Vanderley Kocurek

Madeleine Dedman

Arthur Macdonald

Clara Vellacott

James Dolphin

Nevaeh MacLean

Catherine Wang

Clemence Drummond

Erin Madgwick

Jazmine Wang

Winter Concert

Michelle Dunu

Molly Mann

Yuquan Wang

Penny Durance

Rachael McGready

David Wei

Later in the Michaelmas Term, the Winter Concert brought together the full range of School ensembles for one of the largest musical events in the calendar.

Sam Earl

Isaac Mclean

Poppy Williams

Alexander Elder Perea

Jonty Mclean

Tristan Wong

Kate Elliott

Matilda Mclean

Isabella Wyndham

Elystan Evans

Oliver Michael

Jolin Ye

Lucas Fish

Isabella Miles

Hannah Zhou

Sarah Gannon

Ibrahim Mohsin

Young Musician of the Year Final Ipswich School enjoyed a wonderful evening of music at the Young Musician of the Year Final, celebrating the remarkable talent within the School community. Congratulations to all of this year’s outstanding finalists — Henry, Oscar, Catherine, Flo, Evelyn, Nandi, Emilia, Harriet and Scarlett — who delivered exceptional performances following two weeks of impressive heats and musical showcases. Special congratulations to Nandi Bushell, who was crowned Young Musician of the Year after a superb performance of the first movement of Phil Woods’ Sonata on the saxophone. The standard throughout the competition was exceptionally high, with pupils performing with confidence, artistry and dedication. It was a joy to see so many talented musicians sharing their hard work and passion for music. Sincere thanks to all the staff who supported and organised the event, and to Alison for kindly judging the competition. Well done to everyone who took part in such a memorable celebration of music.

Violin Masterclass with Matthew Jones

Lower School Chamber Choir Performs at Snape Maltings

Congratulations to every member of the Chamber Choir for representing Ipswich School with such professionalism and pride. We are also grateful to the Music Department for making this exceptional opportunity possible and for its continued encouragement of our young musicians.

Ipswich School was pleased to welcome Matthew Jones, Head of Chamber Music at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, for a violin masterclass. The session provided valuable individual coaching and insight for our string players, giving pupils the opportunity to develop their technique, interpretation and confidence under expert guidance.

Particular highlights included the Orchestra’s performance of Mozart’s Overture to The Magic Flute and Florence Clare’s accomplished performance of the first movement of Lalo’s Violin Concerto. The concert was a fitting celebration of the depth and variety of music-making at Ipswich School.

The Ipswichian

Music Festival The year began with a vibrant and varied Music Festival, setting the tone for the months ahead. The event showcased the enthusiasm and talent of pupils across the School and provided a fitting opening to another busy year of music-making.

Music and Drama

DRAMA Senior School Production:

Seussical the Musical December saw Ipswich School stage a spectacular production of Seussical the Musical, bringing the imaginative world of Dr Seuss vividly to life.

Combining memorable characters, colourful staging and outstanding musical performances, the production delighted audiences over three performances and became one of the highlights of the School year. Following auditions in June and rehearsals beginning in September, pupils from across the Senior School came together to create an ambitious production. For the first time in many years, the cast represented every year group, creating a supportive company in which older and younger pupils worked closely together throughout the rehearsal process. Great School was transformed into the vibrant world of Dr Seuss, with imaginative scenery, striking costumes and creative lighting bringing the story to life. Much of the scenery was painted by staff and pupils during Thursday afternoon activities, while the live pit band, comprising professional musicians and pupils, provided an outstanding musical accompaniment. The cast embraced the humour, energy and imagination of the production, delivering performances full of confidence, warmth and enthusiasm. Their months of dedication culminated in three memorable evenings that received widespread praise from audiences. One pupil reflected: “Regardless of what the play is, the experience of working with friends and castmates over months, all leading up to the final week of long rehearsals and the performance nights, never gets old.” Another added: “For the last two weeks of rehearsals we were practically living and breathing the show. But it was all worth it – it culminated in three incredible performances.” Audience members were equally enthusiastic:

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“There was a dynamic energy and warmth to the production that the cast sustained quite brilliantly for more than two hours.”

“The music, costumes, set design, and the sheer enthusiasm and determination of the learners were an absolute delight to watch.” The production was a fitting celebration of the creativity, teamwork and commitment that define Drama at Ipswich School, providing an unforgettable experience for everyone involved, both on and off the stage.

The Ipswichian

Drama – Senior School Production

The productions featured Macbeth and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, each adopting a distinctive artistic approach. Macbeth embraced a striking minimalist style, relying on carefully choreographed movement and simple staging to create tension and atmosphere. In contrast,

Year 9:

Shakespeare Performances

A Midsummer Night’s Dream celebrated colour, humour and spectacle, transforming the stage into a vibrant woodland world. Pupils embraced the challenge of performing two very different Shakespearean works, confidently adapting their performance styles while demonstrating excellent characterisation and ensemble work.

Year 9 pupils concluded the academic year by staging two contrasting Shakespeare productions at The Gallery Studio Theatre in Ipswich, giving them the opportunity to rehearse and perform in a professional theatre environment.

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Audience members praised the performances, with one describing them as: “A stellar Year 9 production... you created a really magical piece of theatre, twice!”

A member of staff reflected: “The contrast between the two productions was superbly realised, with the cast moving effortlessly between the intensity of Macbeth and the joyful energy of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Performing in a professional theatre made the experience particularly memorable and provided pupils with valuable insight into the demands and rewards of live performance.

The Ipswichian

Drama - Year 9 Production

Exploring themes of courage, friendship and belonging, the production showcased not only the pupils’ acting ability but also their creativity and teamwork. Throughout the rehearsal process, the cast learnt extensive dialogue alongside a range of theatrical techniques, including giant puppetry and shadow puppetry, bringing the world of Mowgli vividly to life.

Year 7 & 8 Production:

The Jungle Book

Despite challenging temperatures under the stage lighting, the cast and backstage crew delivered two outstanding performances to enthusiastic audiences, creating an energetic and visually impressive production that captured the imagination of everyone present.

Great School was transformed into the Indian jungle for this year’s Lower School production of The Jungle Book. Based on Jessica Swale’s adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s much-loved story, the production involved almost 50 pupils from Years 7 and 8.

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One audience member commented: “I absolutely loved it. It was a fantastic production and a wonderful retelling of a favourite childhood story.”

Another wrote: “You could see how much effort the Drama Department and the pupils had put into every aspect of the production. We thoroughly enjoyed it.” Congratulations to every member of the cast and crew for creating another memorable Lower School production and for bringing the world of The Jungle Book so vividly to life.

The Ipswichian

Drama – Year 7 & 8 Production

Community Service:

George’s Marvellous Medicine As part of Thursday afternoon Drama activities, pupils in Years 9 and 10 devised, rehearsed and performed their own adaptation of Roald Dahl’s George’s Marvellous Medicine, taking the production into local primary schools as part of the department’s community outreach programme.

Reflecting on the project, one pupil commented: “I have enjoyed the collaborative effort of creating a new version of George’s Marvellous Medicine.”

Alongside the 20-minute performance, pupils designed and delivered interactive drama workshops for children in Years 2 to 5. Activities included drama games such as Buzzy Bees and Grandma’s Footsteps, as well as creative mask-making workshops that encouraged younger pupils to become part of the performance.

The project was warmly received by participating schools, with one member of staff commenting:

The production toured local schools including Copdock, Bentley and St Margaret’s, performing to audiences of up to 420 pupils. Throughout the project, Ipswich School pupils demonstrated creativity, teamwork and leadership while gaining valuable experience of performing for younger audiences.

Another said: “I have had a great experience making something that children have been able to enjoy and seeing the smiles on their faces.”

“I just wanted to pass on a big thank you to the students and staff who visited St Margaret’s yesterday. I heard that the children really enjoyed the performance.”

Drama Sharing Evening Following the success of Seussical the Musical, pupils from the School’s Drama clubs, Tuesday afternoon Dance activity and LAMDA programme came together for an outstanding Sharing Evening, showcasing the breadth of performing arts at Ipswich School. Years 7 and 8 devised and performed their own original sketches inspired by the theme The Window, while Year 10 presented an imaginative adaptation of Agatha Christie’s The Body in the Library, written by Bunny C-B. Supported by Drama prefects and staff, pupils demonstrated creativity, confidence and excellent ensemble performance, with several groups directing their own pieces.

The project was another excellent example of how Drama at Ipswich School extends beyond the classroom, using performance to inspire and engage the wider community.

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The evening also featured accomplished performances from LAMDA pupils, who presented monologues and group performances, alongside impressive dance pieces choreographed by members of Mrs Denby’s Tuesday afternoon Dance activity.

Creative lighting, designed and operated by Henry through Mr Bond’s Technical Theatre activity, added a professional finish to the performances. The Sharing Evening provided an excellent opportunity for pupils to celebrate their achievements with family and friends while demonstrating the creativity, confidence and collaboration that flourish within the Drama Department.

The Ipswichian

Drama

ART Celebrating Excellence in Art:

Anna Airy Award Exhibition 2025

Ipswich School was proud to have pupils’ GCSE and A Level artwork featured in the prestigious Anna Airy Award Exhibition, an annual showcase celebrating the work of young artists aged 16–20 from across the region. Named after Anna Airy, one of the most acclaimed artists of her generation and the first woman appointed as an official war artist during the First World War, the exhibition continues her legacy of creativity and courage.

Congratulations to Madeleine, who was named winner of this year’s Anna Airy Award for her stunning oil-on-canvas work, Order and Disorder. This was a wonderful achievement and a fitting recognition of her talent and hard work. The School was also delighted to celebrate the work of Alexandra, Claudia, Sophie, Eliana, Rosa, Henry, Annabelle, Jessica, Olivia, Abigail, Anastasia, Orla and Neve, whose artwork was also selected for exhibition. Hosted at the University of Suffolk, the exhibition provided a wonderful opportunity to showcase the creativity, skill and imagination of Ipswich School’s young artists.

The Ipswichian

Art

Whole-School Art Exhibition Ipswich School hosted a wonderful whole-School Art Exhibition, showcasing an inspiring range of work from pupils across both the Prep and Senior School.

GCSE and A Level

Art, Photography and Textiles Exhibition

The exhibition celebrated creativity across a wide range of year groups and artistic disciplines. Work on display included William Morrisinspired prints by Years 3 and 4, animal-inspired clay jars by Year 7, photography collages and Tetra Pak prints by Year 10, and screen prints by Year 12 artists. The evening also gave visitors the opportunity to engage directly with the creative process through interactive printmaking activities. It was a wonderful celebration of the imagination, skill and talent of Ipswich School pupils, and an excellent opportunity to appreciate the breadth of creativity across the School community.

Anglesea Heights was transformed into a gallery for the GCSE and A Level Art, Photography and Textiles Exhibition, welcoming pupils, parents, staff and members of the Ipswich School community for a memorable evening celebrating creativity.

The exhibition showcased months of dedication, experimentation and artistic development, with every piece reflecting the talent, skill and hard work of the pupils involved. From initial ideas and creative exploration to final outcomes, the work on display demonstrated both imagination and technical confidence across Fine Art, Photography and Textiles. Visitors enjoyed an extraordinary collection of work while celebrating the achievements of the School’s young artists. Pupils also shared their reflections on what they had enjoyed most about studying creative subjects at Ipswich School, offering a personal insight into the creative process behind the exhibition. Congratulations to all of the exhibitors, and sincere thanks to the Art Department for its tireless efforts in creating such an inspiring and memorable showcase.

The Ipswichian

Art

Rugby Report Building from the Foundations

The 2025–26 rugby season will live long in the memory at Ipswich School. From the youngest players beginning to establish themselves in blue and gold to a history-making National Cup triumph and one of the Hounds XV’s finest seasons, there was much to celebrate.

The U12s and U13s both completed full programmes of fixtures, approaching the season with tremendous enthusiasm and determination.

Yet the story of the season was about more than results. Across every age group, Ipswich players showed commitment, resilience and togetherness, embracing the challenges of competitive rugby while continuing to develop as individuals and teams.

One Club, One Season From the U12s through to the Hounds XV, the season demonstrated the strength and growing depth of rugby at Ipswich School. There were trophies and notable victories to celebrate, but equally important were the less visible successes: players learning from difficult afternoons, teams growing closer, younger boys developing confidence and senior players earning opportunities through their performances.

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For the U12s, an excellent campaign brought plenty of success. They lost just once during their block season and produced a particularly strong showing at the Finborough Festival, where they finished as runners-up.

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Results were harder to come by for the U13s, who recorded one victory, but the scoreline told only part of their story. Their development in resilience, togetherness and collective determination was considerable. They continued to compete, learn and improve throughout the season, establishing foundations that should serve them well in the years ahead.

The National Cup triumph will rightly occupy a special place in the School’s rugby history, while the Hounds’ fourth-place Daily Mail Trophy finish provided another significant landmark.

Taken together with the progress made throughout the age groups, these achievements made 2025–26 a season of which everyone involved in Ipswich rugby can be immensely proud. Above all, it was a season that showed what wearing the blue and gold is about: competing wholeheartedly, developing together and representing Ipswich School with pride.

Strength in Depth The Dragons XV demonstrated the strength of senior rugby at Ipswich with an excellent campaign of their own, recording notable victories over Framlingham, Felsted, Oundle and Henley.

SPORT 48

The Ipswichian

An important ambition at the beginning of the season was to fulfil every Dragons fixture and approach each match with a genuinely competitive mindset.

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The players delivered emphatically on both counts, meeting every commitment with enthusiasm and determination.

Just as importantly, the Dragons continued to provide a valuable pathway into the Hounds XV. Several players seized their opportunities, developed through second-team rugby and subsequently stepped up to represent the Hounds – an encouraging reflection of the depth and progression within the senior programme.

Perhaps most encouraging was the progress made over the course of the year, with their growing confidence and understanding increasingly evident in their performances.

Memorable Moments for the U14s and U15s There was plenty to admire in the seasons of both the U14s and U15s, with each group combining important development with some outstanding performances. For the U14s, a trip to Oundle produced one of the highlights of their campaign.

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Facing strong opposition away from home, Ipswich delivered a superb team performance. Grit, determination and a refusal to give in were rewarded with an impressive victory and a result that reflected the character developing within the group.

The U15s produced their own memorable display at the Langley Festival. Playing with skill and resilience throughout the competition, they progressed all the way to the final before narrowly losing to Bedford to finish as runners-up. It was a performance that showcased both their rugby ability and competitive spirit.

Sport – Rugby

Hounds Among the Country’s Best At the top of the programme, the Hounds XV enjoyed an outstanding season, securing their jointbest-ever finish in the Daily Mail Trophy with an impressive fourth place. Excellent victories over Whitgift, Campion, Oundle, Felsted and Denstone underlined the quality and consistency of the side.

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The achievement was made all the more encouraging by the youthful nature of the squad, which was composed predominantly of Lower Sixth players.

Their performances combined skill with character and represented an exciting indication of what this talented group may yet achieve.

U16 National Champions

Six Nations Call-up for Bohmer Greyhounds XV captain Brad Bohmer was selected for the Scotland U18 squad for the Six Nations, a significant achievement following a challenging year in which he returned to rugby after knee surgery. After being released from his academy during the summer, Brad responded with an outstanding season for Ipswich School, establishing himself as one of the leading performers on the schoolboy circuit and earning international recognition. Brad’s selection was a fitting reward for his determination, commitment and performances throughout the season, and another proud moment for Ipswich School rugby.

The Ipswichian

Ipswich School made history by becoming the first school in the East of England to win the U16 National Cup, following a remarkable final against Collegiate School, Bristol at Oundle School.

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Ipswich led 15–7 at half-time before Collegiate fought back to take a 20–15 lead with just five minutes remaining. A dramatic last-minute Ipswich try levelled the scores at 20–20 and brought an extraordinary final to a close.

National Cup Fixtures Round 3 v Culford 77–0 Round 4 v Campion School 50–0 Round 5 v Bedford Modern 16–0 Quarter Final v Warwick School 26–17 Semi Final v St Anselm’s College 24–14 Final v Collegiate 20–20* won on total tries scored

Initially, Collegiate were awarded the victory on the basis of scoring the first try. However, following a review of the competition rules, Ipswich were confirmed as National Cup Champions on total tries scored. A historic achievement for the players and coaching staff, and an unforgettable moment for Ipswich School rugby.

Sport – Rugby

The Under 15A team continued its impressive development, winning eight of its eleven fixtures and producing strong performances throughout the term, including victories over Norwich School, Haileybury and Culford School. Although narrowly defeated in a penalty shootout in the Independent Schools’ Hockey Competition, the team progressed into the Plate competition. Indoor hockey brought further success. All four Ipswich School teams qualified for the East Regional Finals, a significant achievement in itself. The standout performance came from the Under 16 Boys, who won the regional title before progressing to the National Finals at Whitgift School. An outstanding campaign saw them reach the semi-finals and ultimately finish joint third in England.

Hockey Season Report Hockey continued to flourish at Ipswich School this year, with pupils from Year 7 through to the senior teams representing the School with enthusiasm, commitment and pride. Across the Michaelmas and Lent terms, the programme demonstrated impressive strength in both participation and performance, with more than 300 pupils involved and over 100 fixtures played in each term.

A particular highlight was the exceptional level of involvement at junior level, where every girl in Years 7 and 8 represented the School in competitive fixtures. The Under 12 teams enjoyed an excellent season, recording impressive victories against Royal Hospital School, Norwich School and King’s Ely. The Under 12A team also finished third at the Suffolk County Tournament, demonstrating the depth of talent within the year group.

The Under 13 squads showed tremendous resilience throughout a challenging fixture programme. While results were mixed, the teams developed significantly over the course of the season, with the Under 13A side producing notable performances, including an excellent victory over Bishop’s Stortford and hard-earned draws against Norwich School, Ipswich High School and Royal Hospital School. The Under 14 teams also enjoyed successful campaigns. The Under 14B side secured convincing victories over Norwich School and Haileybury, while the Under 14A team recorded impressive wins against Woodbridge School, Framlingham College and Ipswich High School before progressing to the second round of the England Hockey Tier 1 Cup.

Under 12A – Elizabeth Richardson

Under 13B – Holly McGready

Under 14B – Annie Joslin

Under 12B – Imogen Bender

Under 13C – Rachael McGready

Under 15A – Izzy Gebhard

Under 12C – Sienna Whetstone-Bigg

Under 13D – Sarah Gannon

Second XI – Charlotte Kelly

Under 13A – Kitty Abrey

Under 14A – Freya Hargreave

First XI – Beatrice Noordhuis & Isobel Johnson

The Ipswichian

International Hockey Honours for Izzy and Emilia

Izzy has been selected for the England Under 18 squad, while Emilia has earned selection for the Ireland Under 16 squad. Both will compete during the February half-term programme, with the fixtures counting towards official international caps. For Emilia, the matches will mark her first international appearances, while Izzy steps up to the Under 18 squad having previously represented England at Under 16 level. Emilia said: “I’m very excited to have the opportunity to earn my first international cap and I’m really looking forward to spending time with the group.” Izzy added: “I’m really looking forward to the challenge this level will bring and to playing high-quality matches with great intensity.” Head of Girls’ Hockey, Mr Lewis, said: “I’m delighted they have both been selected. Their success reflects the hard work and commitment they have shown, as well as the extra effort they have put into developing their game. It also demonstrates the strength of the girls’ hockey programme at Ipswich School.”

Girls’ Hockey Coaches’ Awards

In the Lent Term, the girls’ programme reached another significant milestone. For the first time in the School’s history, the Girls’ First XI qualified for the knockout stages of the Tier 1 National Competition, placing them among the top eight school teams in England. They also secured a place in the final four of the Independent Schools Hockey Competition, underlining the continued strength of girls’ hockey at Ipswich School.

Congratulations to Izzy and Emilia on their international hockey selections, recognising their outstanding talent, dedication and hard work.

Girls’ Hockey The Michaelmas Term marked another outstanding period for girls’ hockey, with teams competing successfully across the Under 12 to Under 18 age groups in local, regional and national competitions.

Senior girls’ hockey continued to flourish throughout the term. The Girls’ Second XI competed successfully against several schools’ First XIs, highlighting the depth and quality within the Ipswich School programme. Meanwhile, the Girls’ First XI enjoyed an exceptional Michaelmas Term, winning 12 of their 14 fixtures, scoring 47 goals while conceding just nine. Victories over Norwich School, Reed’s School, Gresham’s School and The Perse School placed the team in a strong position in both the Independent Schools’ Hockey Competition and the England Hockey Tier 1 competition heading into the Lent Term.

Representing their countries is a tremendous achievement for both players and reflects not only their individual commitment and perseverance but also the continued success of girls’ hockey at Ipswich School. We wish Izzy and Emilia every success as they begin the next stage of their international careers. Izzy Johnson: Represented England U18s in Grenada, finishing fifth and scoring two goals against Scotland. Emilia Noordhuis: Represented Ireland U16s in Cork. Also scored against the Dutch in the pool games

Sport – Girls’ Hockey

The Lent Term was another exceptional season for boys’ hockey, with 15 teams taking to the pitch and pupils demonstrating outstanding teamwork, commitment and enjoyment of the sport. The Year 7 cohort enjoyed a particularly impressive season. The Under 12A team remained unbeaten against fellow Year 7 opposition, recording notable victories over Culford, Felsted and Royal Hospital School before progressing through the county competition to represent Suffolk at the East Regional Finals, where they finished sixth. The Under 12B, C and D teams also enjoyed successful campaigns, producing excellent results and showing tremendous enthusiasm throughout the season.

The Under 13 squads faced a demanding fixture list but produced several memorable performances. The Under 13A team began their campaign with an impressive victory over Haileybury in the National Cup before demonstrating resilience and determination throughout the remainder of the season. The B, C and D teams also enjoyed a number of encouraging victories, reflecting the depth of talent developing within the year group. The Under 14A side competed strongly in both national competitions and school fixtures, responding positively after cup disappointment with impressive victories over The Leys, Framlingham College and Norwich School. Meanwhile, the newly formed Junior 4 team, made up of pupils from Years 7 to 9, quickly established itself with an exciting, attacking style of hockey and several outstanding performances, including a convincing victory over Framlingham.

The Under 15A team enjoyed an excellent season, reaching the quarter-finals of the National Plate after notable victories over Norwich School, Gresham’s School and Bradfield College before eventually bowing out to Reed’s School. The Junior 3 team also gained valuable experience during its inaugural season, laying strong foundations for the future.

Boys’ Hockey Coaches’ Awards Boys’ Hockey Coaches’ Awards Under 12D – Edward Wong

Under 13C – Uriel Jolapamo

Under 15A – Lewis Ashmore

Under 12C – Cristian Danga

Under 13B – Will Jones

Third XI – Rory Hargreave

Under 12B – Alexander Elder Perea

Under 13A – Albie Brennan

Second XI – Basti Todd

Under 12A – Will Southgate

Junior 4 – Finley Card

First XI – Archie Kinsman

Under 13D – Nathaniel Moore

Under 14A – Charlie Mercer

The Ipswichian

Senior boys’ hockey also continued to flourish. For the first time in several years, the School fielded three senior teams, with more than 60 boys representing Ipswich School on Tuesday afternoons. The Third XI enjoyed an encouraging season, while the Second XI remained unbeaten throughout the Lent Term, recording impressive victories against Woodbridge, Framlingham College and Norwich School. The Boys’ First XI began the term with an outstanding 6–0 victory over Framlingham College in the Tier 1 competition and remained highly competitive throughout a challenging campaign. Although they narrowly missed qualification for the national knockout stages on goal difference and were unfortunate to exit both the Cup and Plate competitions, they finished the season strongly with an impressive victory over The Leys School.

Sport – Boys’ Hockey

The 2025–26 season has been another exceptional year for netball at Ipswich School, with outstanding performances, remarkable participation and success across every age group. From the Under 12 teams through to the First VII, players represented the School with pride, commitment and sportsmanship, demonstrating the continued strength and depth of the netball programme.

Netball Coaches’ Awards Girls’ Netball

The season began with a successful pre-season tour to the Netherlands, combining high-quality training, competitive fixtures and valuable team-building experiences that laid the foundations for an outstanding year.

Colours

Under 12C – Saira Sayo

Under 14B – Poppy Clark

Half Colours

Under 12B – Michelle Dunu

Under 14A – Charlotte Tedbury

Anna Lower

Under 12A – Pearl Schofield-Smith

Under 15B – Zara Budd

Under 13C – Erin Madgwick

Under 15A – Cecily Ogilvie

Under 13B – Uma Beaujard Ramoo

Third VII – Imogen Eley

Under 13A – Eliza Ling

Second VII – Eliza Fairbrother

Full Colours Megan Palmer

Jemima Mayes

Evie Montgomery

Jessica Baker

Sasha Reid

Grace Bennett

Our junior squads enjoyed an excellent season. The Under 12A team made an impressive start with a convincing victory over Old Buckenham Hall, while the Under 12B team lost just one fixture throughout the year. A visit to watch London Mavericks at the Essex University Sports Park provided further inspiration for our Year 7 players, who continued to develop throughout the season.

The Under 13 teams also made significant progress, recording a number of impressive victories, including notable performances against Old Buckenham Hall and Norwich School. The Under 14 and Under 16 teams both narrowly missed qualification for the regional finals after finishing third in their respective county competitions. The Under 14A side responded with an outstanding season, winning 15 of their 19 fixtures, while the Under 15A team also impressed with a series of commanding performances, including an excellent victory over Wymondham College. Senior netball continued to flourish. The Third VII and Second VII both finished the season strongly, while the ever-popular Friday Night Lights fixtures against Norwich School and Woodbridge School once again created a fantastic atmosphere, with pupils, staff and families coming together to support the teams.

Interhouse netball continued to be a highlight of the sporting calendar. Congratulations to Holden, who were crowned Senior Ganzoni champions, and to School House, winners of the Junior Ganzoni Cardinal Cup. The annual interform competitions also produced excellent competition, with 7D and 8D emerging as champions in their respective year groups. The season concluded with another significant milestone as Ipswich School hosted its first-ever Netball Dinner, providing an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of every squad and recognise the commitment of players, coaches and supporters throughout the year. Sincere thanks to our captains, vice-captains, coaches and all those who have supported netball throughout the season. Their dedication has helped make 2025–26 another outstanding year for the sport at Ipswich School.

The First VII enjoyed one of the finest seasons in the School’s history. Competing in more than 25 matches and scoring over 800 goals, they finished fifth at the regional qualifiers before securing third place at the St Joseph’s Festival, including a memorable extra-time victory over The Perse School. Their consistency, resilience and attacking style of play made this one of the most successful First VII campaigns in recent years.

The Ipswichian

Sport – Netball

Girls’ Cricket

Boys’ Cricket The 2026 cricket season has been another memorable one for Ipswich School, with outstanding performances across every age group and the School’s deepest progress in national competitions for many years. The boys demonstrated tremendous commitment, skill and teamwork throughout the summer, finishing the season with an impressive win rate of more than 60%. Alongside significant team success, many individuals continued to develop their game, highlighting the bright future of cricket at Ipswich School. The Under 12 squad enjoyed an exceptional campaign and has emerged as one of the most exciting groups in recent years. Several players regularly stepped up to represent older age groups while continuing to excel within their own team. Their season was crowned by victory in the County Cup, reflecting both the quality and depth of this talented squad. The Under 13s also enjoyed a successful season, integrating several Under 12 players while continuing to develop as a team. Valuable experience against strong opposition has laid excellent foundations for future success, with the group showing considerable promise for the years ahead. The Under 14s produced another impressive campaign, consistently competing strongly against some of the region’s leading cricketing schools. Their commitment and continued development throughout the season provide every reason for optimism as they progress through the School. The Under 15s enjoyed a particularly successful year, winning the County Cup and finishing 16th nationally in the T20 competition. Their achievements reflected the quality, resilience and determination shown throughout an outstanding season. The Under 17s recorded one of their finest seasons in recent memory. Excellent victories over Bedford School and Gresham’s contributed to a remarkable campaign that saw the team finish among the top eight

schools in the country—a tremendous achievement and testament to the players’ dedication, teamwork and character. The First XI completed another outstanding season, winning eight of their eleven fixtures. Impressive victories over Felsted School, Norwich School and Brentwood School highlighted a summer in which the team played positive, entertaining cricket while representing Ipswich School with distinction, sportsmanship and pride. The continued success of boys’ cricket reflects the strength of the programme across every age group. With talented young players emerging throughout the School and senior teams achieving success at county and national level, the future of cricket at Ipswich School looks exceptionally bright.

The girls enjoyed another outstanding year of cricket at Ipswich School, building on the success of previous seasons with exceptional performances across every age group. Throughout the year, players demonstrated tremendous commitment, enthusiasm and a genuine passion for the game. Their dedication in training was reflected in continued development and success against strong opposition. The Under 12 squad made an excellent start to life in the Senior School, embracing every opportunity to develop their skills. Several players regularly stepped up to represent older age groups, gaining valuable experience while making significant contributions. With an abundance of talent throughout the squad, the future of girls’ cricket at Ipswich School looks extremely promising. The Under 13 team also enjoyed a positive season, continuing to develop as a group and demonstrating the qualities needed for future success. Their progress throughout the year provides an excellent platform for the seasons ahead.

The Under 15s produced one of the finest campaigns in the School’s history. They began the year by being crowned National Indoor Champions, winning the National Indoor Finals at Lord’s in a remarkable achievement for both the team and Ipswich School. Their success continued during the outdoor season, where they finished third nationally in the T20 competition after another outstanding run. Their 100-ball national campaign was postponed until September, giving the team the opportunity to build on an already exceptional year. Throughout the season, they displayed outstanding maturity, composure and teamwork, setting an excellent example for younger players across the School.

The senior squad also enjoyed an impressive season, reaching the quarter-finals of both national cup competitions before narrowly losing to two outstanding schools. Their performances reflected the quality, resilience and determination that have become hallmarks of girls’ cricket at Ipswich School. The continued success of girls’ cricket reflects the strength of the programme throughout the School. From talented young players making their mark to senior teams competing among the country’s leading schools, the future of girls’ cricket at Ipswich School is exceptionally bright.

Third in the country Ipswich School’s U15 girls’ cricket team secured an outstanding third-place finish at the National Hundred Ball Finals. The girls came agonisingly close to reaching the national final, with their semi-final decided on the very last ball of the innings. They responded superbly in the third-place play-off, winning by five wickets to claim the bronze medal and finish third in the country. It was an excellent achievement on the national stage and another significant milestone for girls’ cricket at Ipswich School.

The Ipswichian

Sport – Cricket

Cross Country Cross country enjoyed another highly successful year at Ipswich School, with pupils competing in a busy programme of fixtures throughout the season under the guidance of Head of Cross Country, Mr Lee Morgan. From experienced runners to those representing the School for the first time, pupils demonstrated determination, resilience and outstanding team spirit. The East Anglian Cross Country League once again provided excellent opportunities for runners of all abilities to compete against strong opposition, including Gresham’s School, Royal Hospital School and Norwich School. One of the highlights of the season came at the home fixture in the Fynn Valley, where Ipswich School secured team victories in the Junior Boys, Junior Girls and Intermediate Boys competitions, while the Senior Boys finished a close second. Individual race victories were recorded by Darcy Gladwell, Will Whittle, Benedict Clark, Ollie Jones and Isla Brown. The final fixture of the season, hosted by Royal Hospital School, saw Ipswich School finish in outstanding style, with every team entered winning its respective competition, including the Senior Boys. Individual victories were achieved by Ollie Jones, Elizabeth Whall, Jonny Lower and Will Whittle, while several senior runners, including Will Burton, Rufus Springall and Leo von Malottki, made their final appearances for the School.

East Anglian Champions Junior Boys Individual Ollie Jones Junior Boys Team Ollie Jones, Ollie Tolhurst and Edward Ransome

Suffolk Badminton County Championships Ipswich School was proud to host the Suffolk Badminton County Championships, welcoming many of the county’s finest young players to Rushmere Sports Centre for two days of high-quality competition.

Junior Girls Individual Isla Brown

Several pupils achieved excellent results. Congratulations to Henry Flatman (Year 9, Broke), who won bronze medals in both the Under 14 Boys’ Singles and Under 14 Boys’ Doubles, and to Chloe Wignall (Year 9, Rigaud), who secured a bronze medal in the Under 14 Mixed Doubles. Marco Chan (Year 11, School) also enjoyed an outstanding tournament, earning a bronze medal in the Under 18 Boys’ Singles after narrowly losing to the eventual champion.

Junior Girls Team Isla Brown, Nastya Sukhenko, Isabella Sadler and Elizabeth Whall Intermediate Boys Individual Jonny Lower Intermediate Boys Team Jonny Lower and Benedict Clark

Sincere thanks to the Rushmere Sports Centre staff for hosting another successful county championship. With badminton coaching continuing through Tuesday Games sessions and Thursday evening boarding club sessions, the future of badminton at Ipswich School looks extremely promising.

More than 20 hours of badminton were played across five age categories, with competitors battling through best-of-three-set matches. The event showcased an outstanding standard of play, with many participants competing regularly at regional and national level.

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Across the East Anglian Series as a whole, Ipswich School enjoyed one of its most successful seasons, winning seven of the ten individual and team championship titles. The annual Ganzoni Inter-House Cross Country competition also provided an excellent conclusion to the season, with 57 pupils representing their Houses in Christchurch Park. Congratulations to Felaw (Junior Girls), School House (Junior Boys), Broke (Senior Girls) and Sherrington (Senior Boys), who were crowned champions in their respective competitions.

Ipswich School was represented by 15 pupils from Years 9 to 13, all of whom competed with determination and enthusiasm against some of the strongest opposition in Suffolk. In the Under 16 events, Gordon Chen, Steve Yu, Rex To and Sean Wang competed in both the singles and doubles competitions, while James Xie and Jessie Zhang contested the mixed doubles. The Under 18 competitions featured particularly strong representation from Ipswich School, with Lucas Ng, David Wang, Ka Yau Chu, Rai Wang, Jovi Leung, Esmond Wong and Marco Chan all competing against a highly talented field.

Congratulations to all the pupils who represented Ipswich School and their Houses throughout the season. Their commitment and enthusiasm helped make this another outstanding year for cross country at Ipswich School.

The Ipswichian

Sport – Cross Country and Badminton

Tennis It has been an exciting year for tennis at Ipswich School, with new coaching opportunities, competitive fixtures and individual success highlighting the continued growth of the programme. A new partnership with Ipswich Sports Club saw pupils benefit from both performance and development coaching on Tuesday afternoons under the guidance of Head of Tennis, Chris Daynes.

The programme complemented a busy fixture list, with School teams competing home and away against Framlingham College and Culford School. Fifteen pupils represented Ipswich School across the season: Charlie Harris, Hector Ling, Henry Flatman, Dhruv Sanghavi, Teo Van Den Broucke, Ben Li, Alan Zhou, Florence Hunter, Chloe Pennington, Phoebe Young, Sophie Li, Elvis Yang, Matthew Michael, Daniel Ingram and Dhruv Pai. One of the highlights of the year came in the fixture against Framlingham, where Charlie Harris, Matthew Michael, Henry Flatman and Dhruv Pai shared the 12 rubbers equally before Ipswich secured victory on games won. Away at Culford, several younger players stepped up to represent the School against older opposition, with Daniel Ingram leading the team impressively alongside Henry Flatman, Dhruv Sanghavi and Elvis Yang.

The Ipswichian

The interhouse programme also flourished, with four highly competitive Ganzoni Tennis tournaments providing opportunities for pupils across all age groups to represent their Houses and develop their match play. A particularly outstanding achievement came from Charlie Harris (Year 11, Holden), who reached the last eight of the LTA Under 16 National Championships—an exceptional accomplishment and one of the finest individual tennis performances by an Ipswich School pupil in recent years.

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Congratulations to everyone who represented the School this season. Sincere thanks to Chris Daynes and Ipswich Sports Club for their support, and to all the staff who helped develop another successful year for tennis at Ipswich School.

Sport – Tennis

Eton Fives The 2025–26 season will be remembered as one of the greatest in the history of Eton Fives at Ipswich School. In a truly remarkable year, pupils achieved national success across multiple age groups, culminating in one of the School’s finest sporting achievements since the game was first introduced in 1908.

Eton Fives Honours at National Awards

The headline success came at the Schools’ National Championships, where Charlie Dinmore and Daniel Ingram were crowned Schools’ National Open Champions. Their outstanding achievement made Ipswich School only the 14th school to win the prestigious title in its 97-year history. Even more remarkably, the pair completed the tournament without losing a single game, securing the championship while still in Year 12. The senior boys enjoyed an exceptional season beyond the National Championships. Charlie and Daniel produced consistently outstanding performances throughout the year, while Daniel became the first Ipswich School pupil to earn a national ranking after competing in the country’s top competitions.

Ipswich School’s Eton Fives programme received outstanding recognition at the annual Eton Fives Association Awards Dinner, held at the RAF Club in London, following one of the most successful seasons in the School’s history.

The wider senior squad also enjoyed considerable success, with Jake Shelley and Max Williams reaching the quarter-finals of the Under 16 National Championships and helping Ipswich finish third in the prestigious Williams Cup team competition. Girls’ Eton Fives reached new heights during the season. Betsy Laws and Millie Hodgkinson produced a series of outstanding performances to become National Under 16 Champions before adding the National Under 15 title, completing a remarkable double. Rebecca Kelly and Anastasia Moore also enjoyed an excellent season, reaching the semi-finals of the Under 15 National Championships and winning the Ladies Festival, underlining the exceptional depth within the programme. The junior players continued to develop impressively, with strong performances across the national competitions and Eton Fives Association events. Grace Tallent and Flora Surguy reached the Plate Final in the Under 13 Girls’ competition, while the Under 12 squad demonstrated outstanding promise, with four pairs progressing to the last 32 of the National Championships. Henry Trainer also impressed in the EFA individual competitions, producing a series of excellent performances against older opponents. The season concluded with further national recognition at the Eton Fives Association Awards. Daniel Ingram was named Young Player of the Year, with Betsy Laws finishing runner-up. Ipswich School was recognised as Team of the Year Runner-up, while the coaching team of Charlotta Cooley, Tony Stubbs and Peter Boughton shared the Coach of the Year Award. This extraordinary season reflects the strength of Eton Fives at Ipswich School and the dedication of its players, coaches and supporters. With national champions across multiple age groups and recognition at the highest level of the sport, 2025–26 will stand as one of the most successful years in the School’s long and distinguished Eton Fives history.

The Ipswichian

Coaches’ Awards

Special Awards

Year 7 Boys – Alexander Elder Perea Year 7 Girls – Flora Surguy Year 8 Boys – Henry Trainer Year 8 Girls – Grace Tallent Year 9 Boys – Tristan Lucas Year 10 Boys – Anas Jabar Year 10 Girls – Anastasia Moore Year 11 Boys – Max Williams Year 12 Boys – William Whittle Year 12 Girls – Abbie Gammage

Charlotta Cooley Cup (Year 8 Girls) Grace Tallent Barry Hoskins Cup (Year 7 Boys) Alexander Elder Perea and Ralphie Kam Karen Hoskins Cup (Year 7 Girls) Flora Surguy Martin Shortland-Jones Cup Daniel Ingram

Three Ipswich School players were recognised in the prestigious Young Player of the Year awards. Daniel Ingram was named Young Player of the Year, while Betsy Laws finished as runner-up and Isaac Weaver secured third place, an exceptional achievement that highlights the depth of talent within the School’s Eton Fives programme. The School also celebrated success in the coaching category, with Charlotta Cooley, Tony Stubbs and Peter Boughton jointly receiving the Coach of the Year Award in recognition of their outstanding commitment to developing players and promoting Eton Fives at Ipswich School. Further recognition came in the Team of the Year category, where the Ipswich School First Team finished as runners-up to the league-winning Old Millhillians. As the award is voted for by members of the Eton Fives Association, with adult club sides competing alongside school teams, this was a particularly impressive achievement.

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The evening concluded with Tony Stubbs receiving the Unsung Hero Award, recognising his longstanding dedication and invaluable contribution to Eton Fives.

These honours crowned another exceptional year for Ipswich School Eton Fives and reflect the talent, commitment and hard work of the players, coaches and wider School community.

Sport – Eton Fives

Sports Day 2026 More than 500 pupils took part in Sports Day 2026, bringing another memorable athletics season to a close with outstanding performances, enthusiastic participation and tremendous House spirit. Across 73 track and field events, pupils competed with determination and resilience, supported by staff, spectators and their fellow competitors in a celebration of athletic achievement. School House produced a series of exceptional performances throughout the day to secure the overall Sports Day title, finishing ahead of Felaw and Rigaud.

Overall Sports Day Results 1st – School Joint 2nd – Felaw and Rigaud 4th – Sherrington 5th – Broke 6th – Holden

Several pupils were recognised with the prestigious Victor Ludorum and Victrix Ludorum awards, which celebrate both outstanding performance and commitment across the competition.

Victor Ludorum & Victrix Ludorum Junior Boys – Freddy Cole (School) Junior Girls – Betsy Laws (School) Senior Boys – Harry Spark (Felaw) Senior Girls – Jess Lamprell (School)

Sports Day also saw four School records broken: Year 7 Girls’ Shot – Elizabeth Richardson (7A) – 8.41m Year 8 Girls’ 4 × 100m Relay – 8D (Alice Carter, Kitty Abrey, Georgie Gedge and Eliza Ling) – 62.63 seconds Under 15 Boys’ 100m – Freddy Cole (School) – 11.22 seconds Senior Girls’ Shot – Jess Lamprell (School) – 11.81m

Congratulations to all the pupils who competed and represented their Houses with such enthusiasm and sportsmanship. Sincere thanks to the Sports Department, tutors, Heads of House, Catering, Estates and Grounds teams, together with all the staff whose hard work helped deliver another outstanding Sports Day. Congratulations also to School House on being crowned Sports Day champions for 2026.

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Sport – Sports Day

CCF Summer Camp at Beckingham

CCF

The camp began with a full day of military skills, where cadets refined their fieldcraft through weapons handling, fire and manoeuvre, patrolling, observation posts and harbour drills. The training provided an excellent foundation for the demanding exercises that followed later in the week. A visit to the ranges gave cadets the opportunity to develop their marksmanship, with Year 10 cadets firing the L98 Cadet Rifle and senior cadets using the Dismounted Close Combat Trainer. Cadet Stevens produced one of the most impressive performances of the day with an outstanding grouping on the range.

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One of the highlights of the camp was the overnight field exercise. Year 10 cadets focused on patrols, section battle drills and living in the field, while senior cadets operated from Forward Operating Base Minden, carrying out patrols, guard duties, rapid response tasks and a final attack on enemy positions.

Throughout the week, the conduct, enthusiasm and resilience of every cadet were exemplary. They embraced each challenge with determination, supported one another throughout and proved to be outstanding ambassadors for Ipswich School. Our thanks go to the staff whose commitment made the camp such a success, and to the cadets for making it a memorable and rewarding experience for everyone involved.

The exercise tested teamwork, resilience and leadership, with every cadet rising to the challenge. Competition Day, held at Kendrew Barracks, home of the Royal Anglian Regiment, saw cadets compete against neighbouring schools in a series of military challenges, including drill, marksmanship, observation and vehicle recognition. Following an excellent team performance, Ipswich School finished in an impressive second place overall.

Cadets from the Ipswich School Combined Cadet Force enjoyed an outstanding week at the annual Summer Camp at Beckingham, taking part in an intensive programme of military training, leadership development and adventurous activities.

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The final day of camp was devoted to adventure training at Kings Mill Reservoir, where cadets took part in kayaking, climbing and high ropes activities. These challenges encouraged teamwork, confidence and perseverance, providing a fitting conclusion to a rewarding week. The camp also recognised the commitment and leadership shown by several senior cadets, with promotions to Sergeant awarded to N Shelley, J Lashmar, F Bradley, J Notcutt and N Harris.

Combined Cadet Force

CCF Adventure in Thetford

Exercise Viking Wanderer

Cadets from the Ipswich School Combined Cadet Force enjoyed an overnight residential in Thetford Forest, putting their training into practice in a realistic field environment while developing confidence, resilience and teamwork.

Year 10 and Year 12 cadets from the Ipswich School Combined Cadet Force deployed to Thetford Military Training Area for Exercise Viking Wanderer, an assessment exercise designed to test Year 10 cadets on the 1★ Fieldcraft syllabus.

For many, it was their first experience of living and working in the field. Throughout the residential, cadets established camp, navigated unfamiliar terrain and tackled a variety of practical challenges, working together to overcome obstacles and support one another.

After establishing their overnight basha shelters and preparing meals from ration packs, the cadets completed a demanding night navigation exercise before spending the night in the field. The following day, Army and RAF cadets demonstrated their developing fieldcraft skills through a series of practical exercises and section battle drills.

The experience encouraged cadets to step beyond their comfort zones, apply the skills they had developed through CCF training and build lasting friendships. Their enthusiasm, determination and willingness to embrace every challenge reflected the values of the Combined Cadet Force and made the residential an enjoyable and rewarding experience for all involved.

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Throughout the exercise, Year 13 cadets played an important leadership role, supporting and mentoring the younger cadets alongside adult volunteers. Despite the challenging temperatures, all participants displayed resilience, teamwork and determination, applying their training with confidence and professionalism.

The exercise also marked the final event for Dr Fred, Officer Commanding RAF Section, who leaves Ipswich School this summer. We thank her for her dedication and valued contribution to the Combined Cadet Force over many years and wish her every success in the future.

CCF Awards 2026 The Combined Cadet Force celebrated another excellent year, recognising the commitment, leadership and achievements of cadets across both the Army and RAF sections. In Year 10, the Ben St Joseph Shield for Best All-Round Army Cadet was awarded to Amelia Jones, while the RAF Year 10 Shield for Best All-Round RAF Cadet went to Anastasia Moore. The Year 11 awards recognised the most promising cadets in each section. The Bob Clayton Shield for Most Promising Year 11 Army Cadet was awarded to Jake Shelley, while the Backhouse Trophy for Most Promising Year 11 RAF Cadet was presented to Calum Button. In Year 12, the Dan Milgate Shield for Most Promising Year 12 Army NCO went to Florence Bradley, and the Paton Shield for Most Promising Year 12 RAF NCO was awarded to Hannah Read.

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Senior cadet leadership was also celebrated, with the prestigious Bantoft Sword for Outstanding Leadership among Year 13 Senior NCOs awarded to Colin Chung for the Army section and Megan Curry-Hyde (FS) for the RAF section. The Paton Cup, recognising outstanding contribution to Ipswich School CCF, was awarded to Grace Bennett for the Army section and Edward Ogilvie (Sgt) for the RAF section. Further honours included the Allen Cup for Drill and Deportment, awarded to Vicky Chalkley for the Army section and Saskia Vertigan (Cpl) for the RAF section, while the Kitchener Cup for Best Shot was presented to Sam Hyde for the Army section and Jessie Zhang for the RAF section. Congratulations to all cadets recognised for their dedication, service and contribution to Ipswich School CCF.

Combined Cadet Force

CCF Army Camp in Dundee Ipswich School CCF cadets made the most of an action-packed army camp in Dundee, taking on a range of exciting and challenging activities.

CCF Dining-In Night Ipswich School proudly hosted its annual CCF DiningIn Night, providing cadets with the opportunity to experience one of the Armed Forces’ most enduring traditions while celebrating the camaraderie and shared values of the Combined Cadet Force. The formal evening introduced cadets to the customs and etiquette associated with a traditional military dining-in, including the ceremonial passing of the decanter; filled, appropriately, with non-alcoholic Shloer. Embracing the occasion with enthusiasm,

cadets enjoyed the opportunity to take part in a longstanding tradition that reinforces respect, discipline and esprit de corps. A superb three-course dinner, prepared by the School’s Catering Team, added to the sense of occasion and helped make the evening a memorable one. Bringing cadets and staff together in a formal yet relaxed setting, the Dining-In Night celebrated not only tradition but also the friendships, teamwork and community that lie at the heart of the Ipswich School CCF.

Throughout the camp, cadets threw themselves into coastal adventures, including coasteering along rugged coastlines, as well as mountain biking through stunning terrain. They also took part in a series of competitions and practical exercises designed to test both physical determination and mental sharpness. One particular challenge saw cadets respond to a realistic medical emergency scenario, encouraging them to think quickly, work together and apply their training under pressure. Every activity offered more than just adventure. The camp helped cadets build resilience, confidence, teamwork and leadership skills, while creating memorable experiences along the way. Well done to all cadets involved for embracing each challenge with such enthusiasm, determination and team spirit.

Combat2Coffee Breakfast A group of Year 10 and Year 12 Non-Commissioned Officers from the Army and RAF sections of the Combined Cadet Force attended the annual Combat2Coffee Breakfast at Ipswich Rugby Club. The event provided an excellent opportunity for cadets to meet and speak with veterans, explore military equipment and engage with representatives from a range of charities supporting serving personnel and the wider Armed Forces community. They also learned about the origins of Combat2Coffee and the important work the organisation undertakes to promote wellbeing, connection and support for veterans. With an even larger attendance than in previous years, the event created a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere, encouraging meaningful conversations and a greater understanding of military life beyond the cadet experience. There was also a moment of amusement when the cadets unexpectedly recognised Mr Ross—out of uniform and dressed in civilian clothes. Accompanied by an excellent breakfast in the summer sunshine, the visit was both enjoyable and informative, giving cadets a valuable insight into the importance of supporting those who have served and continue to serve their country.

The Ipswichian

Combined Cadet Force

TRIPS & V I S I TS Year 8 Cumbria Adventure A long-standing highlight of the Ipswich School calendar, the visit encouraged pupils to challenge themselves, develop new skills and create lasting memories with friends.

Year 8 pupils enjoyed an unforgettable adventure in Cumbria, taking part in a week of outdoor activities, field trips and new experiences.

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Throughout the week, pupils embraced a wide range of activities, including climbing, canoeing, archery and the ever-popular ghyll scrambling. A Classics-themed day at Vindolanda provided a fascinating insight into Roman Britain, before pupils put their creativity to the test by constructing their own Roman forts. The visit offered far more than outdoor adventure. It encouraged independence, teamwork and resilience, while allowing pupils to experience the spectacular Cumbrian landscape and return with greater confidence, stronger friendships and memories that will last for years to come.

Trips – Year 8 Cumbria Adventure

Year 12 Devon Residential

Set against the backdrop of the Devon countryside, the residential combined outdoor adventure with practical life skills, providing pupils with the chance to challenge themselves, develop resilience and strengthen friendships ahead of their final year in the Sixth Form. Throughout the week, pupils embraced a wide range of activities, including kayaking, climbing, high ropes, coasteering and surfing. Each challenge encouraged teamwork, perseverance and self-belief, with pupils demonstrating determination and enthusiasm both on land and in the water. Alongside the outdoor programme, pupils took part in workshops focusing on personal safety, stress management, interview preparation and independent living. Planning, budgeting and cooking their own meals gave everyone a greater sense of responsibility while developing valuable skills for life beyond school. The residential concluded with an exhilarating day on the coast, where pupils experienced both coasteering and surfing. Despite challenging weather conditions, they tackled every activity with energy and resilience, supporting and encouraging one another throughout the day. The Devon Residential once again proved to be an invaluable part of the Sixth Form experience, giving pupils the confidence, independence and life skills to prepare for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead, while creating lasting memories with friends.

Year 12 pupils enjoyed an unforgettable week-long residential in Devon, following in the footsteps of the previous year’s Sixth Form cohort, many of whom described the experience as one of the highlights of their time at Ipswich School.

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Trips – Year 12 Devon Residential

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Music Tour to Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans In October, 35 pupils embarked on an unforgettable music tour to the southern United States, exploring the rich musical heritage of Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans. The tour provided an exceptional opportunity to experience the origins of country, blues and jazz through visits to some of America’s most iconic musical landmarks. In Nashville, pupils explored the city’s celebrated music scene, visiting the Grand Ole Opry, attending a live Sunday night radio show, touring the legendary RCA Studio and discovering the history of American music at the Country Music Hall of Fame. The group also gave an informal performance outside the Hall of Fame, sharing their own music in one of the city’s most famous locations.

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In Memphis, pupils visited Graceland, gaining an insight into the life and enduring legacy of Elvis Presley, before continuing their musical journey to New Orleans, where the city’s unique blend of history, culture and music provided an inspiring conclusion to the tour.

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A visit to Oak Alley Plantation offered an opportunity to explore the history of the Deep South, adding important cultural context to the visit, before pupils gave a final performance beside the Mississippi River in the heart of New Orleans. The tour concluded with the spectacular New Orleans Halloween parade, providing a memorable finale to a week of music, performance and cultural discovery. It was an outstanding experience that broadened pupils’ musical understanding while creating lasting memories and strengthening friendships.

Trips – New Orleans

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Staying with French host families, attending lessons at a local language school and exploring the historic city of Rouen gave pupils the opportunity to use their French in authentic, everyday situations. The experience helped to build confidence, develop conversational skills and deepen their understanding of French culture.

Vive Rouen!

The visit included a trip to the seaside town of Cabourg, where pupils explored the local market and enjoyed time on the beach, as well as visits to some of Normandy’s most significant historical landmarks. Highlights included Notre-Dame Cathedral in Rouen, the tallest cathedral in France, and an immersive museum exploring the life and legacy of Joan of Arc.

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Language lessons challenged pupils to communicate in a variety of reallife contexts, including conducting surveys in a local park, encouraging them to think creatively and confidently as they developed their spoken French.

The warmth and generosity of the host families made a lasting impression, providing pupils with an invaluable insight into daily life in France while sharing memorable meals and experiences together. Our thanks go to all the staff who supported the visit, particularly Madame Halford-Thompson for organising such a rewarding and memorable opportunity. The trip provided an outstanding combination of language learning, cultural enrichment and personal development.

During the Easter holidays, a group of Year 9 and 10 pupils travelled to Rouen in Normandy for a week of French language immersion and cultural discovery.

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Trips – Rouen

Senior Prefect Leadership Weekend

Our newly appointed Senior Prefects completed an intensive 48-hour Leadership Training Weekend, preparing them for the responsibilities of leading the Ipswich School community throughout the coming academic year.

Over the course of the weekend, pupils took part in a series of leadership challenges, team-building activities and collaborative workshops designed to develop confidence, communication and decision-making skills. The experience also strengthened relationships within the team, creating a strong foundation as they begin their roles. The weekend encouraged pupils to reflect on the qualities of effective leadership and the importance of teamwork, resilience and service to the wider School community.

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It also provided valuable opportunities to support one another, solve problems collaboratively and develop the confidence needed to lead by example. Congratulations to all of our Senior Prefects on completing the Leadership Training Weekend. We look forward to seeing the positive contribution they will make as ambassadors, role models and leaders within the Ipswich School community over the year ahead.

Trips – Senior Prefect Leadership Weekend

Netball Tour to Holland

London Mavericks Netball Trip

Ipswich School’s netball squad enjoyed an outstanding tour to Holland, combining competitive fixtures with cultural experiences, team building and memorable moments both on and off the court.

Over the bank holiday weekend, our junior netball players enjoyed an inspiring trip to watch London Mavericks take on Birmingham Panthers in an exciting Netball Super League fixture.

From the outset, the tour provided an excellent opportunity for pupils to strengthen friendships and prepare for the season ahead. Alongside time spent exploring the local area, including a visit to the famous Pancake House, the squads embraced a busy programme of training and competition.

The match provided pupils with the opportunity to experience the game at the highest level, witnessing the skill, teamwork and athleticism of some of the country’s leading players.

The highlight of the tour came during the tournament, where the Under 18 team were crowned champions after an outstanding series of performances. The Under 15 squad also enjoyed an excellent competition, finishing third despite competing against older Under 16 and Under 18 teams.

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Congratulations to Megan and Ava, who were each named Masterclass Player of the Week in recognition of their commitment, teamwork and performances throughout the tour.

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It was a valuable opportunity to learn from elite performers while developing an even greater appreciation for the sport.

The visit was an enjoyable and memorable experience for everyone involved, providing inspiration both on and off the court as our young players continue to develop their own netball journeys.

Away from the courts, pupils enjoyed a variety of activities, including tobogganing, games and shared meals, helping to strengthen the bonds within the squad. The tour provided the perfect combination of competition, personal development and friendship, creating lasting memories while laying strong foundations for the season ahead.

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Trips & Visits

¡Viva Salamanca!

During the Easter holidays, a group of pupils travelled to Salamanca for a week of Spanish language immersion, combining classroom learning with cultural experiences and everyday conversation in one of Spain’s most historic cities. Known as the ‘Golden City’ for its distinctive sandstone architecture, Salamanca provided the perfect setting for pupils to develop their language skills in authentic situations. Staying with Spanish host families and attending daily lessons at Colegio Delibes enabled pupils to build confidence in speaking Spanish while gaining a valuable insight into everyday life and culture. The programme included visits to many of the city’s most famous landmarks, including Salamanca’s magnificent cathedrals, where pupils climbed the towers to enjoy spectacular views across the city, and the Casa de las Conchas, renowned for the hundreds of carved stone shells adorning its façade. Time spent exploring the Plaza Mayor also gave pupils the opportunity to put their language skills into practice, with one memorable ice cream order demonstrating that similar-sounding Spanish words can sometimes have very different meanings.

had developed in the classroom. Equally valuable was the opportunity to spend time with their host families, whose warmth, generosity and hospitality made the experience both enjoyable and memorable. The balance of structured learning, cultural exploration and personal independence made the visit a rewarding experience for everyone involved. Our thanks go to all the staff who organised and accompanied the trip, providing pupils with an outstanding opportunity to develop their Spanish while experiencing life in one of Spain’s most beautiful cities.

The group also enjoyed a day exploring the historic cities of Ávila and Segovia, learning more about Spain’s rich history while sampling the traditional sweet, yemas de Ávila. Closer to home, pupils embraced Spanish culture through a tapas evening, churros con chocolate, a tortilla de patata cookery session, salsa dancing and a lively karaoke evening that proved to be one of the highlights of the week. Alongside the cultural programme, language lessons challenged pupils to communicate confidently in a variety of real-life situations, reinforcing the skills they

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Trips – Salamanca

Year 11 and 13 Drama London Theatre Trip Year 11 and Year 13 Drama pupils enjoyed an inspiring theatre trip to London, experiencing two contrasting productions that showcased the breadth and creativity of live performance. The visit began at Shakespeare’s Globe, where pupils watched an energetic and engaging production of Twelfth Night. The lively, interactive performance brought Shakespeare’s comedy vividly to life, delighting the audience with its humour, music and audience participation. In the evening, the group travelled to the Bridge Theatre to see The Lady from the Sea, adapted and

directed by Simon Stone. The striking production impressed pupils with its innovative staging, atmospheric lighting and exceptional performances, including the memorable use of a full-sized swimming pool as part of the set. The opportunity to experience both classical and contemporary theatre in two of London’s leading venues provided valuable insight into different approaches to performance and production. It was a memorable day that enriched pupils’ understanding of drama while inspiring their own creative practice.

Fieldwork in Geography 2026 Fieldwork remains an integral part of Geography at Ipswich School, giving pupils the opportunity to investigate geographical processes first-hand while developing the practical and analytical skills that underpin the subject. For Year 12 pupils, four days of fieldwork formed a key part of their A Level Non-Examined Assessment (NEA), which contributes 20% of the final qualification. Beginning in Ipswich, pupils explored patterns of urban development before travelling to Sheringham for a three-day residential, where they investigated coastal processes at Weybourne and Holkham. The residential also provided an opportunity to examine the changing character of Sheringham, considering how the town has evolved from its fishing heritage to become a popular tourist destination.

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Year 11 pupils completed their GCSE physical geography fieldwork along the River Fynn, collecting data on river width, depth and velocity before analysing how these characteristics changed downstream. The investigation enabled pupils to apply classroom theory to a real environment while developing confidence in geographical fieldwork techniques.

In March, Year 10 travelled to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford to evaluate the long-term impact of urban regeneration. Through environmental quality surveys, pedestrian counts and questionnaires, pupils explored how the area has changed since the 2012 Olympic Games, while visits to the Aquatics Centre and Velodrome helped bring the regeneration story to life. The youngest geographers travelled to Walton-on-the-Naze, where Year 7 investigated coastal erosion and management. Examining sea defences alongside rapidly eroding cliffs encouraged thoughtful discussion about the challenges of protecting vulnerable coastlines. A climb to the top of the Naze Tower provided spectacular views across the Essex coastline and a fitting conclusion to the visit. From rivers and coastlines to urban regeneration and settlement change, this year’s programme of fieldwork provided pupils with invaluable opportunities to apply their classroom learning in the real world, developing the curiosity, independence and investigative skills that lie at the heart of Geography.

Royal Opera House: Turandot The Lent Term began with an Academic Excellence trip to the Royal Opera House, where pupils attended a performance of Puccini’s Turandot. The visit provided an opportunity to experience opera at the highest level, deepening pupils’ understanding of music, drama and stagecraft while offering valuable insight into professional performance and production. Experiencing one of the world’s leading opera houses firsthand made for an inspiring and memorable start to the term.

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Trips & Visits

E V E N TS World Book Day 2026: Keep Reading World Book Day is always a highlight of the Library calendar, and this year’s celebrations were particularly special as part of the National Year of Reading. Throughout the first week of March, the Library hosted a variety of activities that encouraged pupils to celebrate the joy of books and reading.

Ipswich School Features on Ipswich Monopoly Board Ipswich School was delighted to be selected for inclusion on the Ipswich edition of Monopoly, securing a place on one of the world’s most iconic board games. Following months of anticipation, the board was officially unveiled at a special launch event at Ipswich Town Hall. Year 6 pupils Keira and Max represented the School at the occasion, joining invited guests, including Mr Monopoly, to celebrate the launch. Coinciding with the 90th anniversary of Monopoly, the inclusion of Ipswich School made the occasion particularly significant. Positioned on Bond Street and proudly displayed in the School’s distinctive navy and gold branding, the space reflects the School’s prominent place within the local community. The Ipswich edition of Monopoly is now available from Winning Moves, providing a unique keepsake celebrating the town and its landmarks, with Ipswich School taking its place among them.

Remembrance Sunday 2025 The Ipswich School community came together in solemn reflection for the annual Remembrance Sunday Parade and Chapel Service.

The cakes were then sold alongside the other fundraising activities, raising more than £200 for St Elizabeth Hospice. World Book Day once again demonstrated the enthusiasm for reading across the School community, inspiring pupils to discover new books, celebrate favourite stories and embrace the lifelong enjoyment that reading can bring.

Pupils, staff and invited guests gathered to honour the courage, sacrifice and service of all those who have given their lives in conflict. Members of the Combined Cadet Force led the parade with dignity and respect before the School community joined together for a moving service in the Chapel.

Events included hedgehog-making using recycled books, an Ex Libris quiz challenging pupils to identify books from their opening and closing lines, and a popular book sale. The week’s centrepiece was the much-anticipated Bookish Bake-off, where pupils created imaginative cakes inspired by their favourite books and literary characters. The Ipswich School Catering Team faced the difficult task of judging an array of creative entries, featuring everything from fantastical creatures and colourful gardens to detailed maps, tanks and treasure chests. Book voucher prizes were awarded for both the bestlooking and best-tasting creations, with the judges praising the exceptional standard of both the designs and the baking.

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Congratulations to Lawrence B (Year 7), winner of the Best-looking Bake, and Arthur M (Year 8), who received the award for the Best-tasting Bake. Congratulations also to 9 Rigaud, who won the Ex Libris quiz with an impressive score of 12 out of 14.

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The occasion provided an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices of past and present generations, to give thanks for their service, and to reaffirm our shared hope for a more peaceful future.

Candlemas Evensong

Carol Services

In February, pupils took part in a joint Candlemas Evensong at Ipswich Minster.

The Michaelmas Term concluded with the School’s annual Carol Services, providing a fitting and reflective end to a busy term.

The service continued the School’s long-standing tradition of liturgical music, providing pupils with the opportunity to perform alongside the wider community in a reflective and uplifting act of worship.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.

The Wolsey Consort, directed by Mrs Williams, performed beautifully at the Operation Smile Carol Service in Chelsea, while the wider School community gathered at Ipswich Minster for a memorable celebration of Christmas.

It was a memorable occasion that celebrated both musical excellence and Through music, readings and reflection, the enduring partnership between the the services captured the spirit of School and Ipswich Minster. the season and brought the School community together in celebration.

Events

Scary Storytelling in the Library

Chinese and Lunar New Year Celebrations

In December, pupils gathered in the Library for an atmospheric evening of festive storytelling with Ipswich School’s very own storyteller, CB Jackson. A selection of spooky Christmas tales captivated the audience, while hot chocolate and cookies provided the perfect accompaniment to a memorable winter’s evening. The event proved a popular way to celebrate the season, combining festive traditions with a touch of mystery and imagination.

Ipswich School celebrated Chinese and Lunar New Year with a series of vibrant events that brought pupils together to explore the traditions, customs and culture associated with this important festival. Organised by members of the Mandarin Club, the celebrations featured a range of engaging activities, including Chinese calligraphy, traditional paper cutting, discovering Chinese zodiac signs and writing New Year’s resolutions. Pupils also enjoyed festive refreshments, including fortune cookies and bubble tea. The Library marked the occasion with traditional Wishing Trees in both the Junior and Senior Libraries. Pupils were invited to write their wishes on red cards and hang them on the trees, while those visiting the Senior Library were also offered a satsuma, symbolising prosperity, warmth and good fortune.

Members of the Mandarin Club also created beautiful red and gold calligraphy displays, bringing colour and festive spirit to the Library while celebrating the symbolism of good fortune, wealth and happiness in Chinese culture.

The celebrations continued in Boarding, where pupils hosted a Chinese New Year gathering, sharing food, traditions and festivities with friends from across the School community. The events provided a wonderful opportunity for pupils to learn about another culture, celebrate together and strengthen the School’s international community. We extend our warmest wishes to all members of the Ipswich School community and their families for a happy, healthy and prosperous Chinese and Lunar New Year.

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Events

Read Herrings Murder Mystery Club

CLUBS & ACTIVITIES

The club’s first investigation centred on A Game of Life or Death by Triona Campbell, a gripping young adult murder mystery that challenged pupils to separate genuine clues from cleverly disguised red herrings. Reading passages aloud together, members debated suspects, motives and opportunities, recording their theories on a dedicated ‘murder board’ as the mystery unfolded. Complete with notebooks, biscuits and plenty of lively discussion, the sessions encouraged pupils to read critically, think analytically and justify their conclusions, all while enjoying the suspense of a well-crafted mystery. As the first novel in a trilogy, A Game of Life or Death proved an ideal introduction to the club and left many members eager to discover what happened next.

Book Club

Year 10 Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Expedition

Science Book Club

Debating

Book Club continued to thrive this year, bringing together pupils from Years 7 to 10 each Tuesday lunchtime to share a love of reading, discuss great books and, of course, enjoy a biscuit or two.

Eighty-five Year 10 pupils successfully completed their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expedition in Rendlesham, demonstrating resilience, teamwork and determination throughout a rewarding weekend of outdoor adventure.

This spring, Year 7 and Year 8 pupils took part in the Science Book Club, exploring the shortlisted titles for the Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize and sharing their views on some of the year’s most engaging popular science books.

It has been another outstanding year for debating at Ipswich School, with pupils demonstrating impressive confidence, critical thinking and public speaking throughout both the Inter House Debating Competition and the English Speaking Union (ESU) Schools’ Mace.

Each term offered a different literary focus. During the Michaelmas Term, members explored the shortlist for the Trinity Schools Book Award, while the Lent Term saw pupils vote for the books they most wanted to read and discuss. In the Summer Term, the club turned its attention to the shortlisted titles for the Carnegie Writing Medal and the Federation of Children’s Book Groups Book Awards. The wide variety of books prompted lively discussions and encouraged members to discover new authors, genres and perspectives.

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Whether debating favourite characters, exploring themes or recommending the next great read, Book Club remained a welcoming and enjoyable space for pupils to develop their enthusiasm for literature and share it with others.

Throughout the year, the club celebrated not only outstanding children’s literature but also the pleasure of reading together as a community, making Tuesday lunchtimes a highlight for many of its members.

This year saw the launch of the Read Herrings, Ipswich School’s new Murder Mystery Book Club, bringing together Year 9 and Year 10 pupils each Wednesday lunchtime in the Library to unravel fictional crimes and test their detective skills.

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Working in small groups, pupils navigated independently through the forest, established their campsites and overcame the practical challenges of expedition life. The experience encouraged them to develop confidence, self-reliance and effective decision-making, while supporting one another to achieve a common goal. The expedition formed an important milestone in the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, providing pupils with the opportunity to apply their skills in a real-world environment and discover what they could achieve through perseverance and collaboration. The enthusiasm, commitment and positive attitude shown by every participant were a credit to the School, making the expedition a memorable and successful step in their Duke of Edinburgh journey.

Over a series of lunchtime sessions, pupils reviewed six expertly selected books, discussing the clarity of their explanations, the quality of the illustrations and the ways in which they brought scientific ideas to life.

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Their thoughtful discussions reflected both curiosity and enthusiasm for learning beyond the classroom.

The pupils selected The Wild Life of Dinosaurs and Other Prehistoric Animals by Mark Barfield, illustrated by Paula Bossio, as their favourite. They particularly enjoyed its humour, comic-strip storytelling and accessible illustrations, which made complex ideas both engaging and easy to understand. In second place was The Animal Body Book by Jess French, illustrated by Jonathan Woodward, praised for its colourful presentation and fascinating insights into the natural world. The Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize celebrates outstanding science writing for young readers, encouraging curiosity, scientific literacy and a lifelong love of learning. The Science Book Club provided an excellent opportunity for pupils to discover new authors, explore scientific ideas in greater depth and develop an appreciation for accessible, engaging science writing.

The standard of Inter House Debating was particularly high, with Year 10 pupils making a significant contribution by stepping up to represent their Houses alongside more experienced speakers. Throughout the competition, pupils tackled a range of challenging contemporary issues, developing their ability to construct persuasive arguments, challenge opposing viewpoints and respond effectively through rebuttal and points of information. The final saw a closely contested debate between Holden and Rigaud on the motion, This House would require all citizens to pass a general knowledge test in order to vote. Rigaud’s Year 10 team of Bunny C-B, Lottie T and Joel R produced an outstanding performance against Holden’s experienced Sixth Form team of Luke M, Charlie W and Saskia V. Following an engaging and well-balanced debate, Holden were declared worthy winners, although Rigaud’s younger team earned considerable praise for the quality and maturity of their arguments. Ipswich School also enjoyed one of its strongest performances in recent years in the ESU Schools’ Mace. Luke McG and Saskia V (Year 12), together with Zara M (Year 13), successfully progressed to the Eastern Regional Final after winning their opening debate. There, they tackled the challenging motion, This House would legalise recreational marijuana for adults, delivering thoughtful and well-researched arguments against a strong field of competitors. Although the team narrowly missed out on reaching the national finals, the judges commended the high standard of debate throughout the competition and provided valuable feedback on research, presentation and persuasive speaking. It was particularly pleasing to see regional rivals St Joseph’s College go on to win the national title, with their coach acknowledging the important role that debating against Ipswich School had played in preparing the team for success. The year’s competitions once again demonstrated the value of debating in developing confidence, analytical thinking and effective communication. Our thanks go to the many members of staff who gave their time to judge the Inter House competition, and congratulations to every pupil who represented the School with such enthusiasm and distinction.

Clubs & Activities

Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Expedition

Success in the Dora Love Prize Penny D and Bunny C-B (Year 10), together with Alice D (Year 9), achieved an outstanding second place at the regional finals of the Dora Love Prize, earning a place in the Grand Final. The Dora Love Prize brings together schools from across Suffolk to reflect on the lessons of the Holocaust and explore how understanding the past can help shape a more compassionate and informed future. Responding to this year’s theme, Bridging Generations: How can learning about past genocides help prevent them from happening in the future?, the pupils produced a thoughtful presentation and accompanying film examining more recent genocides, including those in Bosnia and Myanmar. Their work sought to raise awareness of atrocities that are often less familiar to younger generations while encouraging reflection on the importance of remembrance, education and shared responsibility. The judges commended the pupils for addressing such complex and sensitive issues with confidence, compassion and maturity, recognising both the quality of their research and the impact of their presentation. Their success reflects not only academic excellence but also a commitment to thoughtful enquiry, collaboration and responsible citizenship—values that lie at the heart of an Ipswich School education.

Year 12 and Year 13 pupils successfully completed their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expedition in the mountains of Wales, overcoming challenging conditions with resilience, teamwork and determination. Persistent rain, strong winds and demanding terrain tested every aspect of the expedition, requiring pupils to demonstrate excellent navigation, organisation and campcraft skills while supporting one another throughout the journey. Despite the adverse weather, they approached every challenge with positivity and perseverance, embodying the spirit of the Gold Award. The expedition represented the culmination of years of commitment to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, providing pupils with the opportunity to develop leadership, independence and self-confidence in a demanding outdoor environment. Our thanks go to Mr Ross, Mr Rackham and Mrs Abbitt for their expertise, encouragement and unwavering support throughout the expedition. Although the conditions were far from easy, the experience proved immensely rewarding and created lasting memories for everyone involved.

Robotics Success at the Regional FIRST LEGO League Two teams from Ipswich School's LEGO Robotics Club enjoyed outstanding success at the regional tournament of the international FIRST LEGO League competition, returning with awards that recognised both their technical expertise and collaborative approach. The competition challenged pupils to design, build and programme autonomous robots capable of completing a series of increasingly demanding missions. Alongside the robotics challenge, teams presented innovative solutions to real-world problems linked to this year's theme, Unearthed, which explored the work of archaeologists and the role of technology in archaeological research. Ipswich School celebrated success in both elements of the competition. Break-a-LEGO received the Innovation Project Award for their imaginative proposal to improve safety at archaeological excavation sites, while The Unearthly Children were presented with the Core Values Award in recognition of their teamwork, sportsmanship and embodiment of the competition's principle of 'Gracious Professionalism'. These achievements reflect the creativity, technical ability and problem-solving skills developed through the Robotics Club, as well as the pupils' commitment to collaboration and innovation. The success of both teams was a fitting reward for their hard work and enthusiasm throughout the competition.

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Clubs & Activities

Silver Duke of Edinburgh Expedition Navigating independently through varied countryside, pupils planned their routes, carried their equipment and camped overnight, applying the expedition skills they had developed during their training. Along the way, they strengthened their confidence, decision-making and ability to work effectively as a team while embracing the challenges of the outdoors.

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The expedition marked an important stage in the Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, encouraging pupils to step beyond their comfort zones and develop the independence and perseverance that lie at the heart of the programme. Congratulations to all who completed the expedition, and thank you to the staff whose guidance and encouragement helped make the weekend such a success.

Year 11 pupils successfully completed their Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expedition in the beautiful Wye Valley, demonstrating resilience, teamwork and determination throughout a challenging and rewarding weekend.

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Clubs & Activities

BOARDING

National Boarding Week National Boarding Week provided an opportunity to celebrate everything that makes boarding at Ipswich School such a rewarding and enriching experience.

A Remarkable Year in Boarding The 2025–26 academic year has been one of significant growth and development for Boarding at Ipswich School. With an expanding international community, the successful introduction of Flexible Boarding and continued investment in facilities and pupil provision, Boarding has gone from strength to strength, providing a welcoming home from home for pupils from across the UK and around the world. A major milestone came with the opening of Anglesea Heights, the School’s new girls’ boarding house, alongside extensive refurbishment work at Westwood, including a new kitchen and refurbished bedrooms. These developments have created modern, comfortable and inspiring spaces that reflect the School’s commitment to providing an outstanding boarding experience. Academic success remains central to boarding life. Fully supervised evening study sessions continue to provide a structured and supportive environment, enabling pupils to work independently while benefiting from guidance and encouragement from boarding staff.

International pupils achieved excellent progress through the Saturday morning English as an Additional Language programme, while Year 11 and Upper Sixth boarders approached their public examinations with maturity, commitment and ambition. Boarders also excelled beyond the classroom, earning recognition in national mathematics competitions and academic enrichment programmes. The boarding activities programme continued to expand throughout the year, offering pupils a wide range of opportunities to develop new skills, stay active and spend time together. Dedicated evening coaching sessions in football, badminton and basketball complemented access to the School’s fitness facilities, while several boarders also trained with local clubs and performance academies.

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Weekends remained a highlight of boarding life, with an exciting programme of cultural visits, sporting activities and social events. Pupils enjoyed visits to Cambridge and Norwich, shopping trips to London Westfield, Lakeside and Braintree Village, alongside activities including Go Ape, Jump Street, Rollerworld, Clip ‘n Climb, go-karting, boating on Thorpeness Mere, Adventure Island and Helmingham Hall Christmas Lights. Theatre trips, seaside visits and opportunities to explore the local area ensured there was something for everyone, encouraging pupils to build friendships, develop confidence and create lasting memories.

Boarding is about far more than accommodation. It is a welcoming community where lifelong friendships are formed, independence is fostered and every day presents new opportunities. Throughout the year, boarders enjoy a varied programme of trips, activities and events, ensuring there is always something to look forward to beyond the classroom. Whether exploring new places, embracing new challenges or simply spending time together, boarders make the most of every opportunity, creating memories and experiences that will stay with them long after they leave the School. The week also provided an opportunity to recognise the dedication of the boarding staff, whose care, encouragement and commitment create a supportive environment in which every boarder can thrive. Their work plays a vital role in ensuring that the boarding houses are welcoming places to live, learn and grow.

National Boarding Week was a fitting celebration of the friendships, experiences and strong sense of community that define boarding at Ipswich School.

Boarders continued to make an outstanding contribution to every aspect of School life. They featured prominently in music, drama and sport, including performances at Snape Maltings and on the School stage, while many represented Ipswich School with distinction in hockey, rugby, badminton, basketball, tennis, the Combined Cadet Force and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Others achieved national recognition through academic competitions and research initiatives, reflecting the breadth of talent within the boarding community. As another successful year draws to a close, we thank the dedicated boarding staff, matrons and domestic teams whose care and commitment make the boarding houses such welcoming places to live. We also wish our leavers every success as they begin the next stage of their journeys. With outstanding new facilities, an expanding boarding community and the appointment of Mr Pineo as the new Head of Westwood, Boarding at Ipswich School looks forward with confidence to another exciting year ahead.

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Boarding Life Life in the boarding community is busy, varied and full of opportunity. A diverse programme of evening and weekend activities enables pupils to explore new places, embrace new experiences and spend time together beyond the classroom. Throughout the year, boarders have enjoyed visits to a wide range of attractions and destinations, creating lasting memories while building friendships with pupils from across the School and around the world.

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These shared experiences are an important part of boarding life, helping to develop confidence, independence and a strong sense of community.

Boarding at Ipswich School continues to flourish, supported by significant investment in its three boarding houses. Recent improvements have created modern, comfortable and welcoming living spaces, ensuring pupils enjoy a genuine home away from home.

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With both full and flexible boarding available, the boarding community brings together pupils from a wide range of backgrounds and nationalities. At the heart of this community is a dedicated boarding team, whose care, encouragement and commitment ensure that every boarder feels supported, valued and able to thrive throughout their time at Ipswich School.

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HOUSE R E P O RTS & GANZONI AWARDS Senior Ganzoni Awards Report 2026 The Senior Ganzoni competition reached a thrilling conclusion this year, with School House crowned the 2026 champions after an outstanding final push. Felaw had led the competition for much of the year and looked well placed to secure the title. However, School produced a superb performance at Sports Day, gaining the points needed to overtake the long-term leaders and finish top of the standings. The final results were as follows: 1st – School, 203 points 2nd – Felaw, 190 points 3rd – Broke, 166 points 4th – Rigaud, 164 points 5th – Sherrington, 159 points 6th – Holden, 143 points

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Cardinal Cup

This was a particularly memorable result for School. Although some of the historical records are uncertain, it is believed to be their first Ganzoni victory for 35 years, since their 1991 triumph. It also marks the first time since Rigaud’s famous win in 2018 that the recent Sherrington/ Broke dominance has been broken. There was heartbreak for Felaw, who had led for so long and finished just 13 points behind the winners. Their remarkable record of 10 victories in 16 years from 2001 onwards remains an impressive chapter in Ganzoni history, but this year belonged to School. Congratulations to everyone who represented their House across the competition, and especially to School House, the 2026 Senior Ganzoni champions.

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The legendary inter-House co-curricular competition for the prestigious Ganzoni Cup was as exciting as ever in its 105th year. Hundreds of pupils and students across Years 9 to Upper Sixth represented their Houses with determination and enthusiasm across a wide range of sporting and co-curricular events throughout the year. The competition culminated in Sports Day on 30th June, with pupils giving their all for their Houses in a fantastic display of teamwork, talent and House spirit. School House emerged as the overall winners, bringing another memorable year of inter-House competition to a close.

Congratulations to all pupils who took part and represented their Houses throughout the year.

Broke Head of House: Mr L Morgan

Senior Prefects: Lottie Hitchcock and Matt Heutink

Broke House began the academic year by warmly welcoming new pupils in Years 9, 10 and 12, together with several new members of staff. Among them was Miss Stoll, Head of Drama, who joined the tutor team for Year 11. Bringing enthusiasm, creativity and boundless energy, she quickly became an integral part of House life. The Michaelmas Term was dominated by the 105th Ganzoni Competition, with Broke once again embracing every challenge with determination, teamwork and characteristic enthusiasm.

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A commitment to broad participation and mutual support underpinned an impressive set of results, including victories in girls’ football, Junior Maths, junior and senior boys’ Fives, junior boys’ tennis, both music competitions and senior girls’ cross country.

Broke House can look back on another memorable year, characterised by enthusiasm, friendship and a determination to give every challenge its best. From Ganzoni success and an unforgettable House Dinner to charitable fundraising and spirited performances on Sports Day, the House has once again demonstrated the strength of its community. With that momentum carrying forward, and the famous Broke sea shanty ready for another outing, there is every reason to believe the House will continue to make itself heard long before it is seen.

These successes reflected not only talent but also the strong sense of pride and unity that continues to define the House. One of the highlights of the year was the annual House Dinner at Hintlesham Golf Club. Senior Prefects Lottie Hitchcock and Matt Heutink played a central role in organising the evening, carefully planning every detail from the menu to the 1920s theme, speeches and entertainment. With pupils embracing the occasion in elegant flapper dresses and sharp suits, the evening provided a wonderful opportunity for the House to come together and celebrate another successful year. The Summer Term continued in the same spirit. Although Broke finished fifth overall on Sports Day, there were excellent individual performances, including victories for Josh Strudwick in the senior boys’ 1500 metres and Ethan Siow in the junior boys’ javelin. Across every event, pupils demonstrated resilience, encouragement and wholehearted commitment to the House. Charity fundraising also remained a priority, with Panos and Charlie Dinmore leading energetic efforts to sell drinks and ice creams in support of good causes.

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Holden

Felaw Head of House: Mr S Blunden

Sasha Reid and Henry Harrington

Another memorable year for Felaw House was defined by community, achievement and no shortage of laughter. Among the many highlights, the annual House Dinner at All Manor of Events provided a fitting celebration of everything it means to be a Felawian. Organised superbly by Senior Prefects Sasha Reid and Henry Harrington, the evening combined excellent food, music and entertainment with a memorable ‘Truth or Lies’ quiz featuring the House tutors. While some revelations proved more believable than others, Mr Blunden would like to reiterate that he never did have a trial for Arsenal! Music once again played a central role in House life. Wilf Newport welcomed guests with piano performances before returning later in the evening, while Scarlett Humphries delighted everyone with her outstanding singing.

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Head of House: Mr J Orbell

Senior Prefects:

The evening concluded with Alex Hillman’s evocative guitar performance, providing a memorable finale for his final House Dinner. Felaw House Chapel, inspired by the theme of the Butterfly Effect, offered another opportunity for the House community to come

As another busy and rewarding year draws to a close, Holden House can look back with pride on a year defined by community, generosity and resilience.

together. Through thoughtful readings, inspiring leadership from the Reverend and musical contributions from Scarlett Humphries, the service reflected the values of kindness, reflection and community that underpin House life. Thanks are due to the many pupils who contributed, the staff who supported the event and, of course, those responsible for the ever-popular homemade cakes.

The annual House Dinner at Venue 16 was once again one of the highlights of the year. With excellent food, a fantastic turnout and a wonderful atmosphere, the evening celebrated everything that makes Holden House special. Senior Prefects Brad and Emilia hosted the occasion with confidence and warmth, presenting House awards to pupils who had made exceptional contributions throughout the year. The entertainment came in the form of a lively House version of The 1% Club, with Henry and Charlie emerging as joint winners after an evening of good humour and friendly competition.

Throughout the year, the Felaw tutor team continued to provide exceptional pastoral support. Daniel Halford-Thompson, Dr Tim Wyndham, David Young, Dr Dale Johnson, Sarah Duncombe-Jones and Emily Barker all played an important role in supporting pupils across the House. Particular thanks and best wishes go to Emily Barker as she begins her maternity leave. It has also been an outstanding year in the Ganzoni Competition. Under the leadership of Ganzoni Captains Ollie Van Slooten and Lottie Howard, Felaw enjoyed success across a remarkable range of activities, including badminton, football, hockey, tennis, art and cross country. At the time of writing, the House sits proudly at the top of the Ganzoni standings—a position earned through the commitment of pupils across every year group and every competition. While individual successes deserve recognition, what has stood out most has been the willingness of so many Felawians to represent the House, whether through Ganzoni events, prefect responsibilities or peer mentoring. Their enthusiasm, commitment and support for one another continue to make Felaw such a strong and welcoming community. Our thanks go to every pupil and member of staff who has contributed to another exceptional year. As always, a special word of appreciation goes to Mrs Blunden for her unwavering support behind the scenes.

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Senior Prefects: Emilia Oxborrow and Bradley Bohmer

both the senior girls’ title through Hedy and Ashley and the junior boys’ title through Tom and Wolfie, maintaining an outstanding record in the latter competition. Above all, the year has been characterised by determination, resilience and an unwavering House spirit. Every pupil who represented Holden, whether in competition, fundraising or leadership, has contributed to another memorable year. With Adam and Sas preparing to lead the House into the next Ganzoni campaign, there is every reason to look forward with optimism to what the coming year may bring.

Charitable giving remained central to House life. The Holden Christmas Fayre, organised entirely by pupils, raised more than £200 for St Elizabeth Hospice. Featuring imaginative stalls including a crockery smash, Nerf Santa, karaoke, golf challenges, a penalty shoot-out and a popular bake sale, the event was a tremendous success.

Particular thanks go to the pupil working group whose planning, creativity and organisation helped ensure the afternoon ran so smoothly, demonstrating what can be achieved through teamwork and initiative. The Ganzoni Competition brought both challenges and successes. Although a combination of fixture clashes, illness and changing circumstances ultimately saw Holden finish lower than hoped in the overall standings, the House continued to demonstrate its considerable talent across a range of events. Victories in chess, badminton and netball were particular highlights, while the fiercely contested table tennis competition proved especially memorable. Holden claimed

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Rigaud Head of House: Mrs A Manson

Senior Prefects: Erin Hammond and Finley Ridgers

This year marked the beginning of a new chapter for Rigaud House as I took over as Head of House from the wonderful Miss John, whose enthusiasm and dedication have shaped the House for many years. While there were certainly large shoes to fill, it has been a privilege to work alongside such a supportive team of pupils and colleagues, and to experience first-hand the pride, friendship and spirit that define Rigaud. Although joining the House towards the end of the academic year, I was fortunate to share many memorable occasions with our pupils. From wishing Years 11 and 13 every success as they departed for study leave to selecting the new prefect team and welcoming our incoming Year 9 pupils, it has been a rewarding introduction to House life. Experiencing Year 13 Leavers’ Day and Sports Day as Head of House also revealed just how infectious Rigaud’s competitive spirit can be.

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One of the year’s highlights was the annual House Dinner at Woodhall Manor. Set in beautiful surroundings, the evening combined elegance, excellent food and wonderful company, with pupils making a tremendous effort to embrace the occasion. Live music from Jess and Dec created the perfect atmosphere, while the themed decorations,

organised by Fin R, and the everpopular photo booth added to the celebrations. Fin R and Erin H deserve particular recognition for their outstanding leadership in organising the evening and overseeing the entertainment and awards. Throughout the Summer Term, Rigaud pupils continued to represent the House with enthusiasm across the Ganzoni Competition. While first places proved elusive in several events, the commitment shown by every competitor was exemplary. Perhaps the finest example of Rigaud’s character came not through victory, but through the enthusiastic, choreographed support offered to the girls’ tennis team from the sidelines—a reminder that House spirit is measured as much by encouragement as by results. The Year 12 residential to Devon provided another memorable opportunity for pupils to challenge themselves, strengthen friendships and develop resilience. Staff accompanying the trip commented on the willingness of Rigaud pupils to embrace every activity while supporting one another throughout. Sports Day once again demonstrated the depth of commitment within the House, with pupils competing enthusiastically across the programme. Highlights included Henry H’s victory in the Year 10 boys’ 300 metres, a convincing win for the junior girls’ relay team and a thrilling second place for the junior boys in a photo finish. The ever-present Rigausaurus mascot ensured that support from the sidelines was never in short supply. As the year drew to a close, we said farewell to an outstanding group of pupil leaders. Our sincere thanks go to Senior Prefects Erin H and Fin R, together with Ganzoni Captains Mollie T and Archie K, whose enthusiasm, commitment and pride in representing Rigaud have been an inspiration to younger pupils. We now look forward to Austin E and Leila H taking on the roles of Senior Prefects, alongside Ganzoni Captains Anaya R and Lukas K, as they lead the House into the coming year. Finally, my thanks go to the exceptional Rigaud tutor team (Miss Brown, Ms Cascon-Soriano, Ms Carter, Mrs Blunden, Mr Duncombe and Miss Denby) for their unwavering support and warm welcome during my first year as Head of House. I am excited to build on the strong traditions of Rigaud House and look forward to another successful year together.

Sherrington Head of House: Mr J Steward

Senior Prefects:

Bea Gilfedder and Noah Deasy

Another busy and rewarding year has drawn to a close for Sherrington House, bringing with it many memorable moments, new achievements and plenty of reasons to celebrate. While the Ganzoni Cup will not be returning to Sherrington this year, the enthusiasm, commitment and House spirit shown by pupils across every year group have provided a strong foundation on which to build. One of the year’s proudest moments was seeing Sherrington continue its remarkable tradition of leadership, with Jemima Lashmar appointed as Head Girl for the third consecutive year that the role has been held by a member of the House. Following the outstanding example set by Megan Palmer, Jemima’s appointment reflects the kindness, integrity and leadership that continue to characterise Sherrington. The annual House Dinner was once again a highlight of the calendar. Held at a beautiful waterfront venue, the evening brought the whole House together to celebrate another successful year in style. Guests enjoyed excellent food, a wonderful atmosphere and speeches that reflected both the achievements and friendships built throughout the year. A particular pleasure was welcoming back Ms Tollemache as guest speaker, while Senior Prefect Bea Gilfedder delighted the audience with another original musical performance. House Chapel also provided a memorable opportunity for reflection. Built around the theme of Truth and Lies, the service featured thoughtful contributions from pupils across the House and a lively interactive element inspired by The Traitors, creating an occasion that was both meaningful and enjoyable.

the coveted Golden Owl trophy, providing a fitting finale to their time at Ipswich School. The House also continued its tradition of recognising those who exemplify its values through the Sherrington Shield for Goodwill and Valour. This year’s recipients were Catherine Keeble for her outstanding Ganzoni leadership and participation, Matilda Walker for her exceptional service as a prefect and peer mentor, and Nevaeh MacLean for the resilience she demonstrated on Sports Day. These awards celebrate the everyday acts of kindness, courage and determination that make such a difference to House life. Our sincere thanks go to Ganzoni Captains Mia and Will, whose tireless work behind the scenes ensured teams were organised throughout the year, and to the prefect team for the commitment and leadership they have shown across every aspect of House life. The House is also deeply grateful to its exceptional tutor team, whose care and guidance continue to support every pupil throughout their journey at Ipswich School. We say a particularly fond farewell to Dr Fred and Miss Bryson, both of whom have made an enormous contribution to Sherrington House and to the wider School community. They leave with our warmest thanks and very best wishes for the future.

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Above all, this has been another year defined by generosity, resilience and a genuine sense of belonging.

Every pupil who represented Sherrington, whether through competition, leadership, music, fundraising or simply encouraging others, has played a part in strengthening the House community. There is much to look back on with pride and every reason to look forward with optimism to another successful year ahead.

Although the Ganzoni Competition presented its challenges, Sherrington celebrated notable successes, including victories in both the senior and junior chess competitions and first place in the senior cross-country event. House football and basketball also proved particular highlights, not only for the competition itself but for the opportunity they provided pupils from different year groups to play alongside one another, strengthening friendships and House identity. Another unforgettable occasion came on Year 13 Leavers’ Day, when the departing pupils produced a wonderfully imaginative, Sir David Attenborough-inspired performance to win

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School Head of House: Miss C Cooley

Senior Prefects: Evie Montgomery and Aakash Vasanthakumar

It has been an outstanding year for School House, defined by exceptional achievement, outstanding leadership and a tremendous sense of community. Above all, however, 2025–26 will be remembered as the year School House finally brought the Ganzoni Cup home. Our sincere thanks go first to Senior Prefects Evie Montgomery and Aakash Vasanthakumar, whose calm leadership, organisation and unwavering commitment have set the tone throughout the year. Their work, together with the wider prefect team, was exemplified by an outstanding House Assembly marking Black History Month, centred on the story of Windrush and researched, written and delivered entirely by pupils. Academic excellence continued to flourish across the House. Barbara Skorczak, Matthew Gibson, Penny Durance and Alice Davy all delivered thought-provoking Academic Excellence lectures, demonstrating the intellectual curiosity, scholarship and confidence that characterise School House. Whether exploring philosophy, history or the arts, each reminded us that learning extends well beyond the classroom. Creativity was equally well represented. Flo Clare’s performance of Lalo’s Symphonie Espagnole at the Winter Concert and Basti Todd’s outstanding cello concerto performance at Snape Maltings were memorable musical highlights. On stage, pupils continued to shine through productions of Macbeth, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Seussical, with William Newland’s unforgettable performance as the Cat in the Hat providing one of the theatrical highlights of the year.

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Long-serving performers Chloe Hiscock and Barbara Skorczak also deserve special recognition for the enormous contribution they have made to drama throughout their time at Ipswich School.

mash-ups proving both hilarious and, at times, wonderfully alarming. Beyond School life, pupils continued to demonstrate remarkable initiative and achievement. Allegra Gould organised a successful charity bake sale in support of The Brain Tumour Charity, while Luca Woodhouse earned a bronze medal at the Under-16 World Cycle Speedway Championships. George Hunter was also recognised through a prestigious Maritime Award nomination, illustrating the remarkable breadth of talent within the House. The defining story of the year, however, was undoubtedly the Ganzoni Competition. Under the leadership of Ganzoni Captains Sophie Morehouse and Izzy Johnson, School House approached every competition with organisation, determination and enthusiasm. Successes came across a wide variety of events, including badminton, hockey, football, rugby, mathematics, girls’ fives and tennis, ensuring School remained firmly in contention heading into the final event of the year.

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With Sports Day all that remained, memories of last year’s agonising one-point defeat were still fresh. What followed was one of the finest performances in recent House history. School House dominated the day, winning all four overall categories and securing the points required to claim the Ganzoni Cup.

Individual performances were equally impressive, with Freddy Cole breaking the Junior Boys’ 100 metres school record on his way to the Junior Victor Ludorum title, Jess Lamprell setting a new Senior Girls’ Shot record and claiming the Senior Victrix Ludorum award, while Betsy Laws was crowned Junior Victrix Ludorum after an exceptional day on the track. When the final scores were confirmed, School House were crowned Ganzoni Cup Champions 2026… their first recorded victory for more than three decades. Whether thirty or thirty-five years depending on whose interpretation of the archives proves correct, it was a triumph that will live long in the memory and one that reflected the efforts of every single pupil who represented the House throughout the year. This has been a truly remarkable year, combining academic distinction, creative excellence, sporting success and outstanding House spirit. Congratulations to every member of School House for making 2025–26 one for the history books. The challenge now is ensuring we don’t have to wait another generation before the Ganzoni Cup returns once again.

The annual House Dinner at Fynn Valley Golf Club once again provided a wonderful opportunity for the House to come together. Good humour, friendship and a healthy amount of gentle teasing ensured another memorable evening, with the now-traditional staff photo

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Senior prefects raise £5,000 for 4YP Throughout the 2025/26 academic year, the School’s sixteen-strong Senior Prefect leadership team led fundraising efforts in support of their chosen charity, 4YP.

Through a range of activities and events, the team raised more than £5,000 for the Ipswich-based charity, which provides vital support and opportunities for young people in the local community. A fantastic collective effort and a fitting reflection of the Senior Prefects’ contribution to School life.

Year 11 Pupils Raise £1,189.99 for Veterans Year 11 pupils Albert, Teddy, Ethan and Thomas demonstrated outstanding commitment to charity by raising an impressive £1,189.99 for veterans through a demanding fundraising challenge. The four pupils completed the 10-mile March4March walk in support of Combat Stress before taking part in the Great Tommy Sleep Out, spending the night under basha shelters to raise awareness of the challenges faced by homeless veterans. The combined challenge tested their resilience, teamwork and determination. After completing the walk, they prepared ration-pack meals over a camping stove before settling in for a cold night outdoors, where temperatures dropped to just 1°C.

Despite the difficult conditions and very little sleep, the group embraced the experience with enthusiasm, gaining a greater appreciation of the hardships faced by many former service personnel.

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Their remarkable fundraising effort reflects not only their generosity but also their willingness to step outside their comfort zones in support of two important causes. Our thanks go to everyone who sponsored the challenge and to Mr Rackham for his support in helping make the event such a success.

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Supporting St Elizabeth Hospice Ipswich School was delighted to welcome Chloe from St Elizabeth Hospice to celebrate the outstanding fundraising efforts of pupils, staff and the wider School community throughout the academic year. A presentation cheque for £3,058.70 was handed over, recognising the generosity shown across a wide range of fundraising initiatives. Contributions came from Chapel collections, the Lower School Service, a Holden House fundraising event, the Library’s World Book Day activities, a Chapel Craft Event, private donations and the Senior School Dress Down Day, which alone raised an impressive £1,526. During her visit, Chloe also met members of the Crafternoon group, who proudly showcased the handmade crafts they have been creating in preparation for the Suffolk Dog Day craft stall in September.

The funds raised will help St Elizabeth Hospice continue its invaluable work supporting patients and families across the region. This collective achievement reflects the compassion, generosity and strong sense of community that are at the heart of Ipswich School, and we are grateful to everyone who contributed to such a successful year of fundraising.

Big Band Charity Concert The Big Band Charity Concert at Copdock Hall brought together Ipswich School musicians and the Ipswich Musicians’ Union Big Band for an enjoyable evening of live music in support of charity.

Broke House Supports Alzheimer’s Research UK Broke House held a special assembly to celebrate the funds raised for Alzheimer’s Research UK through two successful charity initiatives during the year. The House was delighted to welcome Eleanor Martin, a volunteer representative from Alzheimer’s Research UK, who gave a thoughtful and informative talk about the impact of dementia on individuals and their families. She also explained how ongoing research is improving understanding of the condition and how charitable fundraising plays a vital role in supporting the search for new treatments.

Performing to a capacity audience, the concert showcased the talents of all those involved while creating a lively and memorable atmosphere.

The collaboration between the School and the professional musicians made for an entertaining programme that was warmly received by everyone in attendance. The evening raised an impressive £2,000 for charity, demonstrating once again how music can bring communities together while making a meaningful difference to others. It was a fitting celebration of musical excellence, partnership and generosity.

The visit gave pupils a valuable insight into the importance of medical research and the difference that community fundraising can make. It also provided an opportunity to reflect on the significance of supporting causes that affect so many families. Our thanks go to Eleanor for sharing her knowledge and experiences, and congratulations to everyone in Broke House whose generosity, compassion and hard work made such a meaningful contribution to this important charity.

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Supporting SERV

Charity

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A Message from the Development Team

Friends of Ipswich School The Friends of Ipswich School (FOIS) have once again played an invaluable role in supporting the School community, raising funds, bringing families together and enhancing the experience of pupils across both the Prep and Senior Schools.

It has been another productive year for the Development Team, strengthening connections across the Ipswich School community through a varied programme of events, communications and alumni engagement. Throughout the year, the team organised a wide range of activities for Old Ipswichians, produced twelve monthly eNewsletters, shared hundreds of social media updates and welcomed a new member of staff. Together, these initiatives have helped maintain strong links between former and current members of the School community.

The second-hand uniform shop at Anglesea Heights has continued to go from strength to strength, opening regularly throughout the academic year and raising thousands of pounds annually. As well as providing a valuable service for families, the shop remains an important source of funding for projects that directly benefit pupils.

A particular highlight was working more closely with the Sixth Form during the Summer Term. To mark Leavers’ Day, the Development Team collaborated with Josh Turner’s company, Stand4Socks, to present every Year 13 pupil with a commemorative pair of Ipswich School socks; a small gift to celebrate their time at the School as they joined the worldwide community of Old Ipswichians.

The annual FOIS Ball, held in June 2026, was another outstanding success, raising more than £5,000 for the local charities Dora Brown and Brave Futures. During the year, FOIS also funded improvements to the Prep School playground, provided entertainment for the Year 13 Leavers’ Ball and purchased new outdoor table tennis tables for the Senior School, leaving a lasting legacy for current and future pupils.

The Old Ipswichian community continues to flourish, with more than 8,000 members around the world. Many alumni generously give their time to support current pupils through careers events, mentoring and School activities, while others return to attend reunions and special occasions. Their continued involvement reflects the enduring strength of the Ipswich School community and the lifelong connections formed here.

Beyond fundraising, the Friends continue to strengthen the School community through a programme of welcoming and inclusive events. From the Year 7 Welcome Evening to the ever-popular FOIS Quiz at Rushmere Sports Centre and the biennial FOIS Ball, these occasions provide valuable opportunities for families to meet, build friendships and become part of the wider life of the School.

Yours sincerely Caroline Gould Development and Alumni Relations Manager

The School is immensely grateful to every FOIS volunteer whose generosity, enthusiasm and commitment continue to make such a positive difference to the Ipswich School community.

The Development Team

Chair: Carrie Baker Contact FOIS info@friendsofipswichschool.co.uk

The Development Team plays a vital role in strengthening connections across the Ipswich School community, supporting alumni relations, preserving the School’s rich heritage and delivering a wide range of events and communications throughout the year.

@foisipswich

Together, the Development Team continues to celebrate the School’s past while strengthening the relationships that will help shape its future.

The Future – Capital Fund

Caroline Gould Development and Alumni Relations Manager

Caleb Howgego School Archivist

Jasmine Le-Grys Development Administrator

cog@ipswich.school • 01473 408324

cth@ipswich.school • 01473 408276

jlg@ipswich.school • 01473 408276

School Archivist, is responsible for the care and development of the Ipswich School Museum and Archive

Development Administrator, joined the team in September 2025.

Development and Alumni Relations Manager, joined the School in 2024, bringing extensive experience from the events industry. She leads the School’s alumni engagement programme, working closely with Old Ipswichians to organise events, strengthen lifelong connections and encourage continued involvement with the School community.

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With a background in History and Politics, and as the author of several publications on Ipswich and local history, he ensures the School’s remarkable heritage is preserved and shared for future generations.

She supports the Development Office through alumni communications, event organisation and data management, helping to maintain strong relationships across the School’s extensive community of former pupils, parents and supporters.

Ipswich School has always balanced respect for its rich heritage with a commitment to preparing pupils for the future. As the educational landscape continues to evolve, it is essential that the School continues to invest in the outstanding facilities that support teaching, learning and co-curricular life. Alongside our continued commitment to widening access through bursaries, the Capital Fund now plays a vital role in preserving and enhancing our historic estate. Many of the School’s iconic Henley Road buildings are now more than 170 years old, while some of our more recent facilities, including the Library, are ready for refurbishment and modernisation to meet the needs of future generations.

The Capital Fund enables the School to maintain and improve its buildings, invest in specialist teaching environments and support individual academic departments. Current priorities include the refurbishment of the Pavilion and Library, improvements to the School Field cricket nets, enhancements to the Art and Biology facilities, and the installation of a state-of-the-art Tech Desk in Great School to further support Performing Arts. Through the generosity of our community, these investments will ensure that Ipswich School continues to provide an exceptional environment in which pupils can learn, create and thrive for many years to come.

Get in touch with Caroline Gould, Development and Alumni Relations Manager on 01473 408324 or cog@ipswich.school to discuss opportunities to be involved in the reshaping of the School.

Development Office

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Old Ipswichians

Cricket Match

Sally Webber (OI 1993 – 95) OI Chair

This year’s Spring and Autumn event was held at the historic Fitzroy Tavern, just a short walk from Oxford Street. Alumni from a wide range of year groups came together to catch up, exchange news and reminisce about their time at the School in a relaxed and welcoming setting. The Classes of 2007 and 2015 were particularly well represented, while some guests travelled from as far afield as Newport in Wales to attend. Their commitment to returning highlights the enduring friendships and strong sense of community that continue long after pupils leave Ipswich School. Events such as these remain an important part of the Old Ipswichian calendar, strengthening lifelong connections and ensuring the School community continues to flourish across the generations.

First Five Years Out Reunion

Held at Arlingtons in December 2025, this year’s networking drinks welcomed around 40 recent Old Ipswichians. The evening offered a relaxed setting in which alumni could catch up after university, apprenticeships, employment and travels, sharing their experiences while renewing the friendships formed during their time at Ipswich School.

Our sincere thanks go to Neil Parry for once again coordinating the Old Ipswichian team. The side reflected the strength and continuity of cricket at Ipswich School, featuring alumni from several generations, including father and son Carl and Dillon Hatcher, alongside brothers Chris and John Bell.

Events such as these provide an important bridge between life at School and the wider Old Ipswichian community, ensuring that the connections, friendships and shared experiences developed at Ipswich School continue long after pupils have left Henley Road.

More than the result itself, the annual fixture celebrates the enduring bonds between Old Ipswichians and the School, demonstrating how a shared love of cricket continues to connect generations of players long after they have left the crease at Henley Road.

One of the greatest strengths of the Old Ipswichian community is its willingness to support the next generation of pupils as they begin to consider their future careers.

These conversations and connections are an invaluable part of the Sixth Form experience, allowing pupils to learn from those who once sat in the same classrooms before pursuing careers across a diverse range of industries. The generosity of Old Ipswichians in giving their time and expertise continues to strengthen the School community and inspire future generations. Pupils seeking careers advice or wishing to connect with an Old Ipswichian working in a particular field are encouraged to contact the Development Office or Mrs Hayes in Careers, where support is always available to help make those valuable introductions.

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PER EADE

The relationship between Ipswich School and its pupils does not end when they leave Henley Road. As Old Ipswichians, alumni remain lifelong members of a community built on shared experiences, enduring friendships and a willingness to support one another. The Old Ipswichian network offers a wide range of opportunities to stay connected, including careers and university guidance, mentoring, sporting fixtures, reunions in the UK and overseas, alumni events, monthly eNewsletters, the annual Old Ipswichian Journal, an online alumni portal and regular updates through social media. Whether reconnecting with former classmates, expanding professional networks or supporting current pupils, there are many ways to remain involved in the life of the School.

Careers Support

Throughout the year, alumni returned to Ipswich School to share their professional experiences, offer advice and provide valuable work experience opportunities. Around 20 Old Ipswichians took part in the annual Careers Convention, representing a wide range of professions and giving pupils first-hand insight into life beyond School.

Stay in touch

Played in excellent spirit, the fixture brought together former and current pupils for an afternoon of competitive cricket, friendship and shared memories. Spectators enjoyed an entertaining contest, with the School side narrowly reclaiming victory after a closely fought finish.

WI CH

The First Five Years Out Reunion is often the first opportunity for recent leavers to return to Ipswich School as members of the Old Ipswichian community, providing a chance to reconnect with friends, former teachers and the School.

Favourable spring weather provided the perfect backdrop for the annual Old Ipswichians versus School cricket match, one of the most enjoyable traditions in the sporting calendar.

IPS

The Old Ipswichian network is built upon shared experiences and lasting friendships. For many, those relationships have grown into lifelong friendships, successful business partnerships and even marriages. Throughout their time at School, pupils benefit from the experience and generosity of alumni, with many Old Ipswichians returning to offer careers advice, mentoring and insight into a wide range of professions.

Working in partnership with the Old Ipswichian Club Committee, the Development Office supports an active programme of events, communications and opportunities that help alumni remain connected with one another and with the School. Whether returning for a reunion, supporting current pupils or simply keeping in touch, every Old Ipswichian remains an important part of the Ipswich School community.

The Old Ipswichian London Drinks gatherings continue to provide a valued opportunity for alumni to reconnect, renew friendships and celebrate their shared connection with Ipswich School.

OL D

Becoming an Old Ipswichian is one of the enduring privileges of an Ipswich School education. Membership of the alumni community begins the moment pupils leave the School and continues throughout their lives, creating connections that span generations and continents.

London Drinks

Hong Kong Reunion May also saw our Hong Kong Reunion event, where Head, Nick Gregory and Head of International Admissions, Helen Gregory headed to the New World Millennium Hotel. They met with Ipswich School families and Old Ipswichians and enjoyed a great catch-up over afternoon tea.

The Development Team and Old Ipswichian Committee warmly encourage all alumni to stay in touch and to keep their contact details up to date, ensuring they continue to receive news, invitations and opportunities to engage with the Ipswich School community for years to come. oldipswichians.ipswich.school oldipswichians@ipswich.school 01473 408324 @oldipswichians

Development Office

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LEAVING STAFF 2025 - 2026 Each year, we bid farewell to colleagues who have made a lasting contribution to life at Ipswich School. Whether serving for a handful of years or for several decades, each has helped shape the experiences of our pupils, supported fellow colleagues and strengthened our School community. We thank them all for their dedication and wish them every happiness and success in the next chapter of their lives. Carole Brown Management Accountant (4 years 8 months)

Fiona Northcote Prep Teacher (12 years)

Nick Suchowij Bus Driver (13 years)

Alison Caley Financial Controller (24 years 2 months)

Natasha Osborne Catering Assistant (10 years)

Liz Ward Invigilator (10 years)

Ryan Caley Prep Teaching Assistant (8 years)

Sarah Owles Invigilator (6 years 9 months)

Graham Wilkie Cleaner (3 years)

Lynn Cordery Catering Assistant (10 years)

Anne Petrie Cleaning Supervisor (19 years)

Sue Williams Casual Catering Assistant (4 years)

Nicola Crossman Cleaning (11 years)

Gavin Pooley Estates Operative (11 years)

Lianne Willis Casual Bar Staff ISSC (2 years)

Anthea Emeny Catering Assistant (23 years)

Ed Pugh ICT Apprentice (2.5 years)

Sue Wright Boarding House Matron (26 years)

Lindsey Filby Deputy Manager - Lodge (8 years)

Eden Readings Art Technician (3.5 years)

Abi Gills Rushmere Staff (3.5 years)

Debbie Sewell Catering Assistant (18 years)

Katherine Allen

Heidi Barnard

Learning Support

SMT Secretary

(10 Years)

(9 Years)

Katherine Allen joined Ipswich School in March 2016 as a Learning Support teacher, quickly becoming a much-valued member of the School community through her creativity, warmth and unwavering commitment to pupils.

Heidi has been an invaluable support behind the scenes (and sometimes front and centre) for the Section Heads over her many years of service.

Appointed Head of Learning Support in 2021, she successfully led the department through a period of significant growth in demand and increasing regulatory complexity. Her caring, determined and highly professional approach ensured that countless pupils received the support they needed to flourish.

Given the coverage of her role, she became one of those rare people who just knew how the school ticked; all the quirks of our venues, our people and events. In such a busy school, it can often appear that things happen seamlessly, as if by ‘magic’, but in fact there has been no such mystery to the smooth running of Ipswich School.

As Katherine begins her retirement in Devon, we thank her for her outstanding contribution and wish her and her family every happiness.

There has been Heidi! Her most priceless trick has been to know what the Heads of Lower School, Middle School and Sixth Form need to know before they even knew they needed to know it. And to be on the front foot with letters, surveys, spreadsheets, event plans, bookings, literature and calendar updates, all ready to go when she was given the nod.

Tom Allen Senior Deputy Head (12 Years) Tom is rightly and justifiably proud that Ipswich School has remained - across his twelve-year ‘watch’ - the No. 1 academic school in the county and certainly a focus on academic rigour, on high standards, and on timeless principles of what makes great teaching will be part of what he ought to be remembered for. As a former Head of Department at Eton, he has unsurprisingly been an outstanding teacher of Economics, and thrown in some Thinking Skills for our most able Year 10 and 11 pupils too.

Part of a generation that thrived on being ‘all-round schoolmasters’ he has epitomised that to the very end, running 2nd XI Cricket and Hockey teams that have both performed well and also enjoyed themselves doing it. The first reaction of many thinking about Tom will be to admire his exceptional intellect, often applied to bring clarity and good sense to even the most apparently-complex situation and there is no doubt that his shrewd analysis and unfailingly calm judgment and decision-making merit acclaim. However, at the same time, many too will have noticed (and perhaps valued even more) the humane and caring side to Tom, rarely obvious in any sort of ‘showy’ or virtue-signalling way, but always underpinning any action he might be considering taking and often coming to the fore just when a colleague or colleagues really needed help or support.

It might be some time before Ipswich School runs like clockwork in the same way again, so we owe Heidi a huge amount, and we wish her well in her future endeavours, running many more marathons, possibly returning to charity work in London, and spending time with David and Max.

Bella Bryson Science Teacher (2 Years) Bella first joined us in 2023 as a PGCE student and has just successfully completed her two-year ECT induction. Throughout her time here, she has become a highly respected member of both the Biology Department and the wider School community. Always eager to get involved, Bella generously supported the School trips to Devon and Cumbria, as well as the annual ski trip. Never one to shy away from a challenge, she is well known for her impressive long-distance cycling exploits. Bella is now embarking on her next great chapter, relocating to Australia to spend time with her family and undoubtedly tackle some new terrain on two wheels. She will be deeply missed by staff and students alike, and we wish her the absolute best.

Ipswich School is a far, far better place for having had Tom drive it forward for the past decade or so.

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Leaving Staff

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Helen Christian

Dr Beth Fredrikssen-Jones

Yvonne Gills

Jenny Jones

PA to the Deputy Heads

Chemistry Teacher and Assistant Head of Sixth Form

PA to the Head

Late Stay Supervisor

(25 Years)

(19 Years)

(8 Years)

(2½ Years)

Helen has spent an astonishing 25 years supporting, initially, the solitary Deputy-Head and, for the past 14 years, both Deputy-Heads, in a secretarial capacity.

Beth Fredrikssen-Jones, known more widely as Dr Fred, has been inspiring generations of chemists at Ipswich.

Nick Weaver told me that it was clear from the outset that Yvonne had an interest in people and that appointing her “was one of my better decisions as it turned out”.

Jenny Jones joined our Late Stay Team in November 2023. She has worked hard to ensure the children have been supported with their homework, had a healthy snack and got the opportunity to have fun at the end of the day.

Helen is both extremely efficient and tenacious, tracking down missing data, prompting colleagues for reminders and ensuring that administrative deadlines are always met. She has encyclopaedic knowledge of how the School operates - knowledge which will be simply irreplaceable - and has always been willing to roll up her sleeves and assist in whatever area of school life requires it. “I’ll just ask Helen” has been a common refrain over the years, and she will leave a huge gap. Helen’s move to a part-time role this year has whetted her appetite for more time with her family and she leaves with our thanks and very best wishes

Pam Deverson

Before joining us, she brought experience from Judd and the LGC, giving our students the benefit of a genuine scientific pedigree. She has been much more than a Chemistry teacher. Many Sixth Formers owe their Oxbridge offers, at least in part, to Beth’s patient interview preparation and her ability to challenge students to think more deeply. For eight of her nineteen years at Ipswich, Beth also led the Oxbridge programme as Assistant Head of Sixth Form, doing so with ruthless efficiency and forensic knowledge. She guided our most gifted students through the demanding process of UATs and interviews, while showing equal patience and compassion to those facing disappointment. She leaves the programme in excellent health, with a loyal team of mentors and interviewers inspired by her commitment to academic stretch. As a Sixth Form Tutor, Beth guided students through some of the most important years of their lives with wisdom, calmness and reassurance. Beyond the classroom, she threw herself into School life, from Duke of Edinburgh expeditions to the flying section of the CCF, giving students experiences they will remember long after they have forgotten electrolysis – or what on earth a mole was supposed to be. Within the Science department, Beth has been a constant source of support. The photocopier has produced what feels like three million of her meticulously prepared worksheets, while her thoughtful feedback has always given students something genuinely useful to learn from.

Beth’s legacy isn’t just in the resources she’s created or the results her students have achieved. It’s in the confidence she’s given young scientists, the colleagues she’s supported, and the countless students whose lives she’s helped shape over her time here.

Receptionist (16 Years) Pam joined Ipswich School about 16 years ago. Throughout her time at Ipswich School, she has been reliable, friendly and someone you could depend upon to get the job done. She has also become well-known for her generosity, especially when it comes to chocolate. Her never-ending supply of sweets or biscuits will be missed - not only by staff members but also the postmen and contractors who come into the school! Pam approached her job with professionalism and efficiency, and her clear communication made job-sharing with her so much easier. However, under her formal exterior, there is a warm-hearted, funny, kind lady who always looks out for her friends.

We are going to miss you, Pam, but we hope that whatever you intend to do in the future is successful and that you get the rewards you deserve.

Thank you, Beth, for everything you have contributed to this school. We wish you every happiness in the next chapter, and hope retirement gives you plenty of time to pursue your interests – although I suspect you’ll still be writing the occasional worksheet or making good use of a photocopier, just out of habit.

Terry Gillam Grounds Person

For eleven years, Terry Gillam has played an important role in maintaining the beautiful grounds that are such a distinctive feature of Ipswich School. His dedication, hard work and pride in the School estate ensured that pupils, staff and visitors could enjoy outstanding facilities throughout the year. We thank Terry for his loyal service and wish him every happiness in his retirement.

The Ipswichian

One seldom left her presence without a sense that she was wanting to check whether you - and indeed everyone else - were/was OK.

Abby Green Wardrobe and Costume Lead (2 Years) As our Costume and Prop Lead, Abby worked hard to make every show a success. Whether researching visual concepts, sourcing items, or applying skills like puppet-making and sewing she was always busy and ready to challenge herself. This alongside her friendly manner made her a well-respected member of the team.

The Giant Crocodile Puppet she created for Wendy and Peter Pan was a truly wonderful piece of art and is affectionately named Knuckles. Always well organised, she assisted the students in their preparations for shows and exams with a calm kind presence - assuring them that a safety pin and some thread will solve any problem even if the show starts in 3 minutes! We wish her the absolute best in her next chapter.

Dougie Hondo 2 i/c Cricket

(11 Years)

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I reaped the benefits of this for my first (and Yvonne’s final) year in post, seeing first-hand that Yvonne was so much more than ‘just’ the PA to the Head, in fact playing a range of invaluable roles for SMT, for Common Room more widely, and indeed for all staff across the School. Her desire to care for others, to listen, to support etc. was unmissable and valued by so many people.

(2 Years)

Dougie Hondo joined Ipswich School in November 2023 as Second in Charge of Cricket, bringing with him an exceptional playing and coaching pedigree as a former international Test and One Day cricketer.

We wish Jenny well as she moves back to Herefordshire to be closer to family but with 3 grandchildren in the Senior School she will still be in touch.

Dan Stirling Design & Technology Technician (11 Years) This year, we acknowledge the departure of Daniel Stirling, our Design and Technology Technician, as he moves on to the next chapter of his career. Throughout his time with us, he maintained the day-to-day running of the workshops, managed the department’s tools and materials, and ensured a safe environment for practical lessons. His work behind the scenes supported both staff and students through various projects and exam preparations. We thank Dan for his time and service to the school, and we wish him well in his future endeavours.

Martin Willis EAL Teacher (2½ Years) Martin spent two years at Ipswich School and in that time the EAL department flourished under his care and expertise. His extensive knowledge provided our students with the confidence to progress in their language skills which filtered through into their wider studies.

Martin always displayed patience, kindness and inspiration in his teaching.

Working alongside Nicky Boje, he helped oversee one of the most successful periods in the School’s cricketing history, including multiple national titles for the girls’ programme. Dougie leaves to become Fast Bowling Coach at Essex Cricket, and we thank him for the expertise, enthusiasm and inspiration he brought to cricket at Ipswich School.

Leaving Staff

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A YEAR WORTH SHARING Marketing Round-up 2025 - 26

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Performing Arts Picture of the Year The Ipswichian

IPSWICH.SCHOOL