The Ipswichian 2025

T HE I PSWICHIAN

The Ipswich School Yearbook 2024/25

ACHIEVEMENTS

Prefects and Sports Captains 2024 - 2025

Head Girl

Laila Hollis

Head Boy

James Wilkinson Broke

Senior Prefects: Elena Fairweather and Ethan Howarth-Wedgewood

Prefects: Roger Catchpole, Henry Clark, Eveny Gill, Sophie Pennington, Benedict Rosher, Anastasia Simmons, Izzy Smith, Madeleine Weaver

Ganzoni Captains: Hazel Beaumont and Lexi Foster

Felaw

Senior Prefects: Hannah Childs and Brett Shand-Brown

Prefects: Liam Abernethy, Rosa Baker, Amelie Bull, Imogen Callaghan, Sam Cook, Nejan Kahatapitiya, Sophie Oxborough, Will Tassel

Ganzoni Captains: Gigi Gebhard and Anthony Halford-Thompson

Holden

Senior Prefects: Emily Calver and George Ransley

Prefects: Jane Chiang, Charlotte Ciuksyte, Kit Fell-Clark, Ananya Mishra, Zahra Murshed, Covita Portugal, Georgia Watson, Diana Zabrobska

Ganzoni Captains: Claudia Dunn and Mo Frankland

Rigaud

Senior Prefects: Hannah Karlsson and Oscar Spence

Prefects: Abbie Caton, Felix Elgar, Emma Elliott, Hugo Juan, Alice Morrison, Soham Patole, Emily Pettitt, Livvy Wickens

Ganzoni Captains: Emily Tookey and Fin Johnson

School

Senior Prefects: Lily Newland and Ben Morgan

Prefects: Hansana Gunasekera, Ellen Hall, Henry Newman, Ellie Rayner

Ishani Soni, Lara Vockins, Noah Woodhouse, Amelia Young

Ganzoni Captains: Kate Smith and Jake Thompson

Sherrington

Senior Prefects: Zhenya Zahladko and Henry Myers

Prefects: Ollie Burle, Tom Chan, Patrick Dooley, Gethin Harries, Isabel Henderson, Henry Lu, Archie Magnus, Dan North, Lucia Prescott, Frank Rogers

Ganzoni Captains: Libby Baker and Max Chowdhury

Sports Captains

Cross Country - Darcy Gladwell and Ben Morgan

Girls’ Fives Captain - Laura Eaden

Boys’ Fives Captain - Sam Cook

Girls’ Cricket Captain - Evie Booker

Boys’ Cricket Captain - Ollie Burle

Girls’ Hockey Captain - Laila Hollis

Boys’ Hockey Captain - Jake Thompson

Netball Captain - Ishani Soni

Netball Vice Captains - Hannah Childs and Libby Baker

Chapel Prefect

Eliana MacFarlane

Drama Prefects

Liam Abernethy, Eveny Gills, Eliana MacFarlane

Music Prefects

Theo Todd, Tallulah Dewson, Ellen Hall, Sam Cook, Kit Fell-Clark

Library Prefects

Charlotte Ciuksyte, Henry Jillett, Jenna Li, Yana Li, Zara Musoni, Barbara Skorczak, Matilda Walker

Senior Prefects

Welcome to this year’s edition of The Ipswichian, our Ipswich School yearbook, which reflects on the many moments, achievements and memories that have shaped the 2024-25 school year.

This has been a year defined by excellence, energy and community spirit. From academic achievements - highlighted by outstanding GCSE, A Level and BTEC results - to enrichment beyond the classroom, our pupils have embraced every opportunity. Their successes in national competitions, the impressive programme of Academic Excellence lectures, and the remarkable creativity shown in music, drama and art all feature within this edition.

Sport has also delivered some unforgettable moments, with pupils competing at regional and national level across a wide range of disciplines. Highlights include our 1st XI Girls’ Hockey team lifting the Independent Schools’ Hockey Cup, the U13 Girls’ Indoor Cricket team taking home the national title, and national titles in both boys’ and girls’ Eton Fives.

Our musicians have enjoyed an exceptional year, with concerts, ensembles and individual performances that “astonished and inspired,” including the unforgettable Crash Into Christmas concert and national success at Pro Corda. Drama and the arts continue to thrive, with productions such as Nora: A Doll’s House and Wendy and Peter Pan creating lasting memories for performers and audiences alike.

This edition also reflects the impact of our charitable work, CCF and Duke of Edinburgh Award achievements, and the many trips, adventures and shared experiences that have helped shape another vibrant year at Ipswich School.

Whilst we cannot capture every moment from our busy school calendar, we hope The Ipswichian offers a true snapshot of life here - celebrating the experiences, memories and friendships that define our community. Together, we create extraordinary futures.

ACADEMIC

Physixfactor 2025 “

This year’s Physixfactor saw an outstanding number of enthusiastic entries from Years 7 and 8, with students showcasing an impressive range of physics projects.

From gravitational fields and magnetic levitation to Newton’s Laws and Lenz’s Law, the models were not only inventive but also fully functional - proving once and for all that physics experiments do work!

The level of understanding and creativity on display made this the strongest year yet.

Congratulations to our prize winners: Albie Brennan (1st for his model on curved space-time), Alessandra AlNammari (2nd for her model of Lenz’s Law), Finlay Card (3rd for his explanation of Newton’s Laws of Motion in sport) and Audrey Jones (4th for her explanation on why yachts do not capsize).

Academic Excellence Lectures

We had another wonderful year of Academic Excellence Lectures, with students once again stepping up to deliver thought-provoking talks on topics far beyond the curriculum. This much-anticipated series continues to offer a platform for students to research and present areas of personal academic interest, inspiring younger pupils and showcasing the breadth of talent and curiosity at Ipswich School.

Annabelle Swaine delivered a lecture named ‘Art Forgery: the history, techniques and famous forgers’ which discussed the ethics of art forgery and gave examples of previous art forgeries and their methods. She particularly focused on how these forgers were able to use and invent methods in order to replicate painters from certain time periods. Often fraudulent paintings are made as an insult to the art community and then after the forgers become famous due to their capture, they join the art community by selling their paintings now as an artist with prestige.

Henry L, Lily N and Zahra M, each aspiring to study medicine, delivered a fascinating lecture on “The Science Behind Human Partnership”. Exploring the topic from three distinct angles - neuroscience, social psychology and genetics - the students examined why we are drawn to certain people, how long-term relationships form and the evolutionary and genetic factors behind attraction. Their presentation highlighted everything from hormonal changes like oxytocin and vasopressin, to theories on human pair bonding and genetic compatibility. The talk was impressively researched, confidently delivered, and sparked insightful questions from the audience.

Lucia and Abigail delivered a powerful and thoughtprovoking presentation on “Why do natural disasters have a disproportionate impact on women?”

Tackling a complex and sensitive issue with depth, empathy and clarity, they impressed both staff and students with their maturity, analytical insight and confident delivery - earning praise for presentation skills that put “politicians to shame”.

Kit Fell-Clark delivered an insightful talk, exploring how liberation theology and the fight against communism in Latin America intersected during the Cold War. He examined how religious figures focused on class and social justice, and how the US used religion and reinterpreted scripture to combat communism. Kit also explored the powerful role of myths - particularly religious myths - in shaping government policies and influencing everyday life.

British Physics Olympiad – Round 1

In the challenging Round 1 of the British Physics Olympiad, our Upper Sixth physicists tackled advanced problems beyond the A Level syllabusan achievement highly regarded by universities.

We are proud to celebrate five Bronze awards earned by Yuxi Liu, Henry Lu, Henry Myers, Lawrence Wong, and Benjamin Wooldridge. Special congratulations go to Ananya Mishra for securing an outstanding Gold award.

UKMT Maths Olympiad for Girls

At the beginning of Michaelmas term 11 Sixth Formers sat the UKMT Maths Olympiad for Girls - a 2 hour 30 minute set of 5 challenging problems where the girls had to produce full written solutions.

The girls performed exceptionally well, all achieving either a merit or distinction. Merits went to Beatrice G, Kerensa G, Jennifer H, Yana L, Jenna L, Imogen T and Olivia W.

Distinctions went to Ananya M, Aimee W, Sicilia W and Evelyn C. Ananya’s score of 46/50 was highly commended and earned her a book prize from the UK Maths Trust. Congratulations to all who took part!

UKMT Intermediate Maths Challenge

This year, 94 pupils took part in the UKMT Intermediate Maths Challenge - a 60-minute problem solving competition designed to develop mathematical reasoning, precision and fluency.

Our students achieved an impressive set of results: 94 Bronze, 32 Silver and 16 Gold Certificates were awarded. Congratulations to the following pupils who earned a Gold certificate, placing them in the top 8% nationally: Ben Bastow, Henry Conner, Wilf Newport-Herring, Dhruv Pai, Dongxiang Qiu, Arwen Thompson, and James Xie.

A special mention goes to Nathaniel Cheng, Charlie Dinmore, Siddarth Durbakula, Sophie McGready, and Lucas Ng, who not only achieved Gold but also qualified for the Kangaroo Round, placing them in the top 3% nationwide.

Exceptional congratulations to Cyrus Ng, Owen Polkinhorn, and Jessie Zhang, who qualified for the British Mathematical Olympiad, ranking among the top 1,500 pupils out of 250,000 entrants - an extraordinary achievement placing them in the top 0.06% nationally.

Pi Day

The Mathematics Department held Pi Day on 14th March, won by Soha Islam (7B) who recalled Pi to 144 decimal places, with joint runners-up Arthur Macdonald (7A) and Sadie Annis (8C) who got to 72.

Martin Liu (Year 12) recalled an astonishing 655 decimal places but got the 39th and 40th places the wrong way around!

The Farebrother History of Science Prize

This year, a number of pupils from Years 7 and 8 entered the Farebrother History of Science Prize, an essay competition run by the Science Department. Topics ranged from groundbreaking scientific discoveries to influential figures such as J. Robert Oppenheimer.

Two essays were awarded Highly Commended:

• Sophie Lenney (Year 8) explored the development of the telescope - from its early invention to the cuttingedge James Webb Space Telescope and the ongoing search for distant galaxies.

• Krrish Prabhakar (Year 7) wrote a detailed and engaging piece on the history and refinement of heart transplants, including the growing role of AI technologies in this field.

The winner of this year’s prize was Albie Brennan (Year 7), whose excellent, emotive, and thoroughly referenced essay titled “The Giants of the Cosmos” impressed the judges.

Albie masterfully linked historical theories and modern discoveries - covering planetary orbits, gravitational waves, and Einstein’s Theory of Relativity - to highlight humanity’s expanding understanding of the universe.

Congratulations to all who took part!

Biology Olympiad

Six of our A Level Biology students took part in the prestigious National Biology Olympiad in February, joining nearly 20,000 participants across the country.

With only the top 45% receiving an award, it was a strong showing from Ipswich School - all six pupils earned recognition for their performance.

Highly Commended

Colin Chung and Tristan Wong (both Y12) Bronze

Beatrice Gilfedder (Y12) and Jude Nightingale (Y12) Silver (top 15% nationally)

Charlotte Ciuksyte (U6th) and Fareed Ahmed (Y12) Well done to all involved for their excellent results in such a competitive field.

Junior Chemistry Challenge

Our Year 11 pupils achieved outstanding results in the Junior Chemistry Challenge, a rigorous competition, featuring applicationbased questions that would challenge even Sixth Form students. With over 2,000 entries from 55 schools nationwide, Ipswich School pupils performed exceptionally well.

Copper Awards were earned by Harriet Blunden, Austen Edwards, Souparno Lahiri, Hector Ling, Jim Notcutt and Eve Richardson, with a Silver Award awarded to Albert Frost. Gold Awards - awarded to the top 15% nationally - were awarded to Charlie Dinmore, Lucas Ng and Cyrus Ng who impressively placed in the top 100 entrants across the country. Congratulations to all for their superb efforts and results.

Chemistry Olympiad

Several Sixth Form students took on the challenge of the National Chemistry Olympiad - a demanding two-hour paper testing advanced problem-solving and logical reasoning, often beyond the A Level syllabus.

Out of 16,000 participants nationwide, only the top 8% received a Gold award. From our school:

• Adrian Yeung (U6th) earned Bronze

• Charlotte Ciuksyte (U6th) achieved Silver

• Matthew Gibson (Y12) and Ananya Mishra (U6th) both secured Gold

A special congratulations to Matthew, whose score placed him among the top 250 students in the country - a remarkable achievement, especially as he’s still only in Year 12.

BEBRAS Computational Thinking Challenge

The BEBRAS Computational Thinking Challenge has become a major national competition testing logical thinking and problem-solving skills.

In the Year 8 and 9 category, with over 250,000 entrants, twelve of our pupils earned Gold Awards for placing in the top 10% nationally: Nathan Caie, Charles Fairbrother, Tristan Gower, Estelle Lau, Enzi Luvisiah, Maisie Mann, Alexander Smith, Charlotte Tedbury, Elizabeth Whall, Nikita Wong, Pippa Wooderson, and Roya Zhou.

At Senior Level (Years 10 and 11), from 40,000 participants, three pupils achieved Gold: Lukas Karlsson (Y11), Cyrus Ng (Y11), and Lucas Ng (Y11).

At the Sixth Form ‘Elite’ level, out of 15,000 entries, Matthew Gibson (Y12) stood out by finishing in the top 2% nationally - a remarkable achievement! Congratulations to all for their impressive performances.

UKMT Junior Maths Challenge

Over 100 pupils from Year 6 at the Prep School and our Lower School took part in the UKMT Junior Maths Challenge - a 60-minute 25-question competition designed to promote mathematical reasoning, fluency and precision of thought.

Our pupils achieved excellent results, earning 26 Bronze, 25 Silver and 10 Gold certificates. Achieving Gold - placing them in the top 7% nationally - were: Oliver Jones and Dhyan Sreekant (both Year 6), Jayden Osayande (Year 7) and Philippa Wooderson (Year 8).

A special congratulations goes to those who not only earned Gold but also placed in the top 0.04% nationally, qualifying for the prestigious ‘Kangaroo’ round: Tanvi Shyamala (Year 6), Grace Tallent (Year 7) Henry Griffiths, Maisie Mann, Alexander Smith and Nikita Wong (Year 8). Well done to all who took part!

Psychology Brain Day

In January, our Year 13 Psychology students took part in an exciting Brain Day event. They explored fascinating topics such as how brain injuries - especially to the prefrontal cortex - can affect criminal behaviour and decision-making.

A hands-on session allowed them to examine real sheep brains, getting up close with structures like the hypothalamus, which regulates emotions and behaviour.

“One memorable fact was that brain activity can continue for several minutes after death in areas linked to memory, sparking intriguing questions about consciousness.

The day ended with a thought-provoking discussion on how climate change and rising temperatures might increase aggression and crime. It was an unforgettable experience that deepened their understanding of the brain and human behaviour.

Book Mastermind

This competition has taken place for some thirty years across about a dozen local schools and for the first time an Ipswich School ‘name’ will appear on it.

Akin to the TV programme “Mastermind”, each contestant had to answer 25 questions on his or her chosen book and then face a series of General Knowledge questions.

Emma Cable (Year 9) was the winner of the competition and Bunny Crompton-Battersby came 6th.

The Carnegies 2025Battle of the Books

Ipswich School took part in the Carnegies 2025 Battle of the Books on 19 June, hosted by Thomas Mills High School on behalf of the Suffolk Librarians Forum.

Competing against Chantry Academy, Thomas Mills, and Pakefield High, our team faced a morning of challenging quiz questions and thoughtful book discussions. The event included a special video Q&A with author Tia Fisher, followed by a livestream of the Carnegies Awards from London.

Congratulations to our winning team - Bunny C-B, Penny D (Year 9), and Florence T, Oscar S (Year 10)who scored an impressive 70 out of 80.

EPQ Exhibition

The 2025 EPQ Exhibition, held on 21st January in Great School, showcased the impressive work of 15 Upper Sixth students across a wide range of subjects, from biology to law and politics.

Described by Head of Sixth Form Mr Cliff as ‘intellectual and academic gold,’ the event buzzed with energy - and plenty of tempting treats!

Highlights included James W’s exploration of how communist regimes in the Soviet Union, China, and Cuba related to Marxist ideology; Kate S’s research on the impact of immunotherapy on melanoma survival rates; Elena F’s analysis of Adam Smith’s influence on recent Conservative Party policies; and Anastasia S’s moving evaluation of how cerebral palsy affects individuals and communities, enriched by personal interviews. The exhibition was a brilliant celebration of diverse, thoughtful, and deeply researched projects.

Anthea Bell Prize for Young Translators

For the first time, a small group of our pupils entered the Anthea Bell Prize for Young Translators, a national competition run by the University of Oxford.

Participants were challenged to translate a German literary text - this year, a poem - into English with originality and without any assistance.

Out of over 22,000 entries, Emma Cable (Year 9) was awarded a Commendation for her thoughtful and creative translation - an impressive achievement in her first full year of studying German.

Careers Convention Inspires the Next Generation

Our annual Careers Convention was a resounding success, drawing over 55 exhibitors from top UK and international universities, as well as national and local employers, all offering invaluable career insights to students.

The event was buzzing with energy as Ipswich School students, joined by students from surrounding local schools, explored future pathways and connected with industry professionals. Throughout the evening, they had the chance to discover a wide range of career options through informative sessions and one-to-one conversations with representatives from leading organisations.

A particular highlight of the evening was the series of dynamic seminars, where Old Ipswichians returned to share their postschool experiences.

These alumni, representing a variety of industries, inspired the next generation with their success stories, practical advice, and enthusiasm.

“We are incredibly proud of this year’s Careers Convention. It’s always a joy to see the enthusiasm from both our current students and the wider community. The return of the Old Ipswichians to share their stories is a particularly special part.”

The convention was the perfect platform for students to ask questions, gain insights, and spark ideas for their futures. A huge thank you to all our exhibitors and OIs for making the event such a success - your guidance and encouragement truly inspired our students. We can’t wait for next year!

Mrs Hayes, who led the event, said:

Year 11 Work Experience Week

Our Careers department had a busy and exciting week, with 47 of our Year 11 students taking part in a wide range of work experience placements.

Students gained valuable insight into the world of work, joining professionals in accounting, architecture, engineering, marketing and PR and more.

Some students spent their week in law courts, offices and universities, while others even commuted to London each day for their placements. The experience offered a fantastic opportunity to develop new skills, explore potential career paths, and build confidence in a professional setting.

We are extremely grateful to all the employers who generously hosted our students, and to parents for their invaluable support in making the week such a success.

Business & Economics Enrichment

The past year has been an exciting one with lots of students pushing themselves beyond the core curriculum.

John Locke and Young Economist of the Year

We had two standout entries this year. Patrick Dooley was a finalist in the 2024 Global Essay Prize run by the John Locke Institute, with an essay evaluating whether successful business people create wealth, spend it, or neither.

In the Young Economist of the Year competition, Amelia Young wrote a superb essay exploring the pros and cons of subsidising electric cars.

Business in practice

Year 12 and Year 13 had separate trips this year to see how real businesses operated. Year 13 learnt about the challenges of running Clip n Climb, following recent National Insurance hikes, increasing capacity utilisation and matching their labour to expected demand.

Year 12 learnt about the challenges of another recreation business, now operating as a charity, Colchester Zoo. Seeing the new ways the Zoo was marketing itself to reduce the seasonality of their income was eye opening.

4 Year 10 students represented the school at MSC’s business competition. This global shipping titan introduced the students to several different areas of the business, before the head to head competition at the end of the day, with the students finishing 2nd.

Essex Business School taster day

Meanwhile a number of students from Year 10-13 benefitted from a bespoke taster day at Essex Business School.

Sessions included a university style lecture on disruptive marketing before the student had to produce their own promotional campaign.

“Can you beat the market” competition?

Two dozen Year 11s competed in a stock picking competition designed by our very own Mr Faiers.

This multi week tournament had the keen investors deciding what to buy, and just as importantly when to sell.

Thursday Business Simulations

Finally, this year saw the hard launch of the Business Competition as a Thursday afternoon activity.

A dozen Year 10s used an award winning simulation to run businesses with varying complexity from School Cafes to Electronics Stores to Travel Agencies. Being able to forecast demand, shopping around and finding the right balance between price and quality were crucial for success.

Girls Are Investors

Following eight weeks of training and mentorship from professional Investment Managers, Charlotte K, Eve R, and Sophie L, prepared an investment report on Burberry in Lent term.

They weren’t convinced that the new CEO would turn things around in an uncertain global environment and correctly foresaw a 20% fall in the share price.

Economists Reach National Budget Competition Final

In March, our Year 12 students - Noah Deasy, Archie Kinsman, Harry Lander, and Krishna Sinha - reached the final of The IEA Budget Challenge, a prestigious national competition.

During their semi-final presentation, the team impressed the Institute of Economic Affairs with innovative strategies to improve Britain’s public finances. Their plan focused on boosting employment and addressing challenges within the NHS - all within a strict budget and without additional funding. Their approach earned high praise from two economists, who described it as “a real economist’s budget” - a remarkable endorsement.

With over 200 entries nationwide, reaching the final six was a significant achievement, and we are immensely proud of the team’s hard work, creativity, and dedication.

Two teams entered the annual IEA Budget Challenge this year, beginning with a thorough discussion of the UK’s economic outlook and the current state of public finances before identifying their economic goals and how to achieve them.

George C and Zara M sought to ensure that the UK would not become “the sick man near Europe.” Their proposal increased health expenditure beyond current government plans by £10bn - half allocated to capital expenditure on new hospitals, and half to recurrent spending such as recruitment schemes and improved emergency response. Furthermore, their plan prioritised above-inflation pay awards for health workers, in contrast to continued real pay degradation for civil servants.

EXAM RESULTS

Celebrating Another Year of Outstanding Results

We are delighted to celebrate another exceptional year of examination success, with our students once again achieving top grades across the board and continuing our long tradition of academic excellence.

In 2025, over 130 students sat A Levels, achieving an average outcome equivalent to AAB. More than half of all grades were awarded at A*-A, 82% at A*-B, and nearly a third of students gained three A grades or better, sustaining our remarkable academic track record.

Mr Gregory, Head, said:

“Whilst we are of course delighted, in terms of statistics, to see that once again our students have delivered results well above national averages, it’s the individual stories that matter most - stories of perseverance, passion for a subject, consistent effort, and exceptional support from teachers. This group of young people leaves not only with excellent qualifications, but with lifelong friendships, memories, and values that will shape their futures. We’re incredibly proud of them all.”

Our students have gone on to top universities across the UK and beyond, including confirmed places at Oxford and Cambridge, as well as destinations in Asia and Australia.

Others have secured gap year projects, professional sports contracts, or degree apprenticeships with leading businesses and organisations.

Mr Cliff, Head of Sixth Form, added:

“This cohort has shown tremendous resilience, ambition, and maturity. Their results are impressive, but it’s the way they’ve grown as people over the last two years that really stands out -and the exciting futures that now lie ahead for these students. My thanks go to the incredible staff who have supported, challenged, and inspired them every step of the way.”

Congratulations to all our Year 13 students, and to the dedicated teachers who continue to help them create extraordinary futures.

We were also thrilled to celebrate the success of our Year 11 pupils, who once again secured excellent GCSE results that reflected both their ability and their commitment to learning.

In 2025, 139 students completed their GCSEs, with almost 60% of all grades awarded at 7-9, and every student achieving grades 4–9 in at least five subjects - highlighting both the consistency and breadth of achievement across the year group. Impressively, well over half the cohort (74 students) secured grades 7, 8, or 9 in at least six subjects.

Reflecting on his first year as Head, Mr Gregory said: “Throughout the 2024/25 academic year, I have been delighted to discover an established culture in Year 11 of teacher–pupil collaboration, regular advice, and extra study support for those who need it most, with individual subjects going above and beyond

in the weeks and months before the exam season. This is what sits behind this set of results, and this is why not just our pupils, but also their dedicated and outstanding teachers, should feel a justifiable sense of pride and satisfaction today.”

Mr Bradshaw, Head of Middle School, added:

“This cohort has shown remarkable dedication. Their achievements reflect not only hard work, but also a collaborative spirit, resilience, and a vibrant commitment to co-curricular life - particularly in Drama, Music, and Sport. They have grown in confidence and character, and we look forward to seeing them carry these qualities into Sixth Form and beyond.”

Congratulations to all Year 11 students for their achievements, and to the teachers whose guidance and encouragement have helped them create extraordinary futures.

SNAPE SPRING CONCERT MUS IC

Our annual Spring Concert returned to the iconic Snape Maltings Concert Hall on 3 May, delivering an unforgettable evening of talent, energy, and celebration. The performance showcased the breadth and brilliance of our school’s musical ability. It was a true highlight of the year, bringing the whole school community together to celebrate our students’ achievements.

The evening opened with a bold joint performance of the “Imperial March,” bringing together brass and percussion players from right across the school - Prep to Senior - on the same stage. It was a wonderful reminder of how music can unite pupils at every stage of their musical journey.

Throughout the evening there was a strong sense of shared purpose, with orchestras and choirs working together to present a broad mix of music. Walton’s “Crown Imperial” captured some of the night’s grandeur, and it was good to see nearly 100 orchestral musicians contributing to the full joint orchestra sound.

A few solo performances stood out: Millie Wood’s expressive playing in the first movement of Bruch’s Violin Concerto, Ellen Hall beautiful and poised rendition of Mozart’s Oboe Concerto, and Tallulah Dewson drawing out the warmth of Tchaikovsky’s “Canzonetta.” The Chapel Choir’s “How Lovely Are Thy Dwellings” by Brahms was both gentle and focused, while Barber’s “Adagio for Strings” from the Chamber Orchestra offered a moment of quiet depth.

To round off the evening, the Big Band delivered a spirited and lively rendition of “Don’t Stop Me Now,”

with Molly, Ed, and Zara stepping up as soloists - an energetic finale that clearly delighted both performers and the audience.

The concert finished with everyone in high spirits, spanning everything from orchestral classics to Big Band favourites. It was a genuine team effort, with students encouragement backstage being one of my highlights.

Mrs Steensma, Director of Music said: “I am continually inspired by the commitment and talent our students bring to every performance. Their energy and enthusiasm made this concert truly special, and we are immensely proud of what they have achieved together’ Nick Gregory, Head added: “The breadth, depth and sheer quality of music in the 2025 version of Ipswich School is truly extraordinary. The brilliance of Ipswich School Music is a jewel to be cherished, preserved and protected.

Music – Snape Spring Concert

Senior School Music Competition

The Leach Cup for the Most Promising Maisie M (Cello)

Winners of the Heats, adjudicated by Mrs Kathryn Parry: Beginners’ Keyboard Winner

Luka N - “The Sad Ghost” by N. Litten

Beginners’ Strings Winner

Maisie M (Cello) - “The Minstrel Boy” Trad. Irish

Beginners’ Percussion Winner

Uma B R (Drums) “Drums Fallin’” by A.Keys

Beginners’ Woodwind & Brass Winner

Jacob M (Trumpet) - “British Grenadiers” by L. Pearson

Midsummer Soirée

We had a magical evening at this year’s Midsummer Soirée!

The School Field was alive with picnic blankets, laughter, and the sound of saxophones, strings, and soaring voices drifting through the summer air. Smiles were everywhere - and many of us had ice cream in hand!

A huge thank you to all our ensembles, choirs, and bands for filling the evening with music and joy. And to everyone who joined us, thank you for helping make the night so memorable. One of our favourite summer traditions - until next year!

National Chamber Music Festival Success

We were delighted that three of our chamber groups progressed to the semifinals of the National Chamber Music Festival.

The Senior String Trio - Millie, Flo, and Bella - performed three movements from the challenging and exhilarating Serenade by Dohnányi, showcasing its driving rhythms and folk-inspired harmonies.

The Middle School Trio - Harriet, Elsie, and Lucas - delivered a sensitive interpretation of Clara Schumann’s Piano Trio in G minor, beautifully highlighting the importance of giving voice to those who are not always heard.

Finally, the Senior String Quartet - Colin, Tallulah, Flo, and Basti - captivated the audience with an electrifying performance of the first movement of Beethoven’s String Quartet No. 4, followed by a movement from Schoenberg’s Quartet No. 0. It was an incredible showcase of talent, dedication, and musical excellence from all our students.

Festival of Music

The Ipswich School Festival of Music 2024 was a vibrant celebration of creative talent, collaborative spirit, and outstanding musicianship. The opening night of the Festival brought together internationally acclaimed jazz and blues artists - Derek Nash, Anna Brooks, and Denny Ilettalongside the Ipswich School Big Band in a Boogie and Blues special.

Learning extended far beyond the concert hall. Award-winning saxophonist Derek Nash led an inspiring workshop for our school saxophonists, Guitarist Denny Ilett guided aspiring guitarists through new techniques and styles.

Meanwhile, Anna Brooks - celebrated for her work with top British ensembles and television - worked closely with two of our own vocalists, Zara Musoni and Ed Parsons, preparing standout performances for the evening concert.

In the afternoon, over 250 local primary school pupils were welcomed into Great School for a special “Discover Jazz” concert, offering many of them their first live band experience. The visiting musicians said performing for such an energetic and receptive audience was an absolute highlight.

The following weekend our 2nd OI Gala Concert brought professional and amateur alumni musicians back to share the stage with our pupils.

These intergenerational collaborations showcased not only the depth of the school’s musical heritage but also its commitment to nurturing new talent. The atmosphere, described by past participants as one of the best OI events, was charged with camaraderie, amazing musicianship and was a truly special experience for all involved. Such events are only possible through the generosity and vision of key supporters.

Big Band Bonanza

Our Big Band Bonanza in June was a spectacular celebration of live music and a truly swinging success.

“ “ “

Warmest thanks must go to Mr Karl Daniels, a longstanding patron of music at Ipswich School, whose encouragement continues to open doors for our young musicians.

Enormous appreciation also goes to George Double, whose talent and dedication bring the annual Jazz nights to life, and to Ed Dewson for his enthusiasm and creativity in shaping the OI Gala concert.

The 2024 Ipswich School Festival of Music was not just a celebration of great music - it was a celebration of community, learning, and the enduring power of music to bring people together. Thank you to all who participated, performed, supported, and applauded.

A huge thank you to the Ipswich Musician’s Union Band, our talented Ipswich School Stage and Big Band and the Sax Ensemble for filling the room with energy, rhythm and unforgettable performances.

Thank you also to everyone who came along to support - your enthusiasm made the evening even more special.

Crash Into Christmas: A Festive Celebration of Music and Joy

Our annual Crash Into Christmas concert brought the school community together for a spectacular evening of music, laughter and festive spirit. The event featured performances from our talented choirs and instrumental ensembles, filling Great School with the joyful sounds of the season.

From classic carols to modern Christmas favourites, each performance showcased the incredible talent, dedication and enthusiasm of our students. The energy on stage was infectious, and the audience couldn’t help but join in the festive cheer - a true celebration of the creativity and collaboration that makes our music department so special.

Crash Into Christmas once again reminded us of the magic that happens when our school community comes together to celebrate the season - a joyful start to the holidays and a perfect finale to a year filled with music and creativity.

Lower School Concert: A Night of Talent and Harmony

The Lower School Concert was a truly wonderful evening, celebrating the enthusiasm, talent and teamwork of our younger musicians. The evening featured an impressive lineup of performances that highlighted the growing confidence and musical ability of our Lower School students.

The Year 7 Choir featuring every student in the year group, gave fantastic performances that filled the hall with energy and harmony. Their voices blended beautifully, reflecting both their enthusiasm and teamwork. The Lower School Choir also impressed the audience with a series of outstanding performances, showcasing their dedication, confidence and love of music.

In addition to the choral pieces, the audience was treated to several outstanding solo performances and instrumental ensemble numbers. Each performer demonstrated remarkable skill and dedication, earning enthusiastic applause and admiration from everyone present.

We are incredibly proud of all who performed and look forward to seeing their musical journeys continue to flourish in the years ahead.

Drama Sharing Evening

Friends and family enjoyed a fantastic evening of theatre thanks to Ipswich School pupils.

The Lower School Drama Club performed The Lost Happy Endings, telling the story of a forest spirit responsible for fairy tale endings, while the Middle School Drama Club presented scenes from the surreal Pictures from the Insects’ Life. Alongside these, students from Years 7, 8, and 9 showcased their LAMDA exam pieces, and Year 9s treated the audience to a lively scene from Bugsy Malone.

“With a mix of comedic and dramatic moments, the performances were delivered with impressive skill and professionalism, making the night a memorable and thoroughly enjoyable experience for all.

DRAMA

Lower School Production Shines:

Wendy and Peter Pan

Students from Years 7 and 8 delivered a brilliant and playful reimagining of the classic Wendy and Peter Pan, where Wendy, Tiger Lily, and Tinkerbell take charge to save the day and defeat Captain Hook.

The cast’s fantastic performances, especially given the sometimes challenging language of the script, truly brought the story to life. It was clear that everyone thoroughly enjoyed the experience, with weeks of hard work and dedication culminating in a memorable six-hour rehearsal the Sunday before the show - efforts that certainly paid off.

Behind the scenes, the backstage crew - comprising teachers and students from Years 7 to 13 - played a vital role. Their creativity and commitment in designing the set, costumes, lighting, and sound, as well as managing the show’s organisation, were key to the production’s success.

“A huge thank you to all the students for their passion and teamwork both onstage and backstage, and to the staff for their tireless support.

Together, they created a magical experience full of friendship, adventure, and imagination that captivated every audience member.

The show was a fantastic way to close this school year of drama, and we’re already looking forward to next year’s production of Seussical!

Middle School Play: The IT

During Lent term, the Year 9 Drama students staged four outstanding performances of The IT by Vivienne Franzmann.

The play follows Grace, a teenage girl who feels something growing inside her - a creature with teeth and claws that she must try to conceal from everyone at school.

Exploring themes of teenage mental health, the play leaves the true nature of the “IT” open to interpretation, prompting powerful discussion and reflection.

This was a promenade production, meaning the audience moved between different locations - from Fisons Foyer to the library, through Sherwood Corridor, and out onto the school field - immersing themselves in each scene.

It was an ambitious and creative project that paid off brilliantly, with the ensemble cast delivering exceptional performances across all four shows.

Cast & Crew

Nora: A Doll's House

Wendy and Peter Pan

Sixth Form Production:

Nora: A Doll’s House

Before Christmas, our talented Sixth Form students took to the stage to perform Nora: A Doll’s House - a bold and contemporary reimagining of Henrik Ibsen’s classic A Doll’s House, adapted by Stef Smith.

The production transported audiences across three distinct time periods - 1918, 1968, and 2018 - each representing a different moment in the evolution of women’s rights and social expectations.

Through the stories of three Noras, living decades apart yet united by shared struggles, the play explored themes of identity, freedom, and the courage to defy societal norms. Each Nora faced the constraints of her own era - from the fight for women’s suffrage to the push for liberation and equality - ultimately finding strength in self-discovery and independence.

“

The cast delivered moving and nuanced performances, capturing both the emotional depth and modern relevance of the script. Stunning lighting and thoughtful staging brought each era vividly to life, while the ensemble’s commitment and collaboration made for a truly powerful performance.

Emotive, thought-provoking, and beautifully executed, Nora: A Doll’s House invited audiences to reflect on how far society has come - and how far there is still to go - in the pursuit of equality and autonomy. The production was a testament to the creativity, talent, and teamwork that make our Sixth Form performing arts community so special.

ART

Celebrating Excellence in Art:

GCSE & A-Level Exhibition

In June, the Art Department proudly hosted our annual GCSE and A-Level Art Exhibition - an inspiring showcase of creativity, imagination, and technical skill. The exhibition featured an outstanding array of fine art, textiles, and photography, each piece reflecting the individuality and artistic journey of our talented students.

The event offered a wonderful opportunity for friends, family, and staff to celebrate the students’ dedication and the impressive body of work they have developed over their courses. From thought-provoking concepts to beautifully executed designs, every display captured the passion and commitment that define our young artists.

We are immensely proud of their achievements and the countless hours they have invested in bringing their ideas to life. Their creativity continues to enrich our school community and serves as an inspiration to future artists.

A heartfelt thank you goes to everyone who attended and supported the evening, and especially to our exceptional Art Department. Their guidance, encouragement, and organisation make this exhibition a highlight of the school year. We can’t wait to see where our students’ artistic journeys take them next - their talent and vision promise a bright, creative future ahead.

Exhibition of Printmaking:

A Celebration of Creativity

In March, the Art Department hosted a vibrant and inspiring Printmaking Exhibition, celebrating the imagination and skill of our Prep and Senior students.

The display showcased an impressive range of techniques, including collagraph, embossing, intaglio, lino, monoprint, cyanotype, and screen printing - each piece highlighting the students’ creativity, patience, and attention to detail.

The exhibition was not only a visual feast but also an interactive experience. Visitors were invited to explore the process of printmaking firsthand, trying out different techniques and discovering the joy of creating their own prints. The lively atmosphere reflected the enthusiasm and curiosity that define Congratulations to everyone involved for making this event such a memorable celebration of artistic talent!

SPORT

Boys’ Rugby

Coaches’ awards

1st XV Boys Rugby Coach’s Award – Siep Walta

2nd XV Boys Rugby Coach’s Award – Joe Kearton

16A Boys Rugby Coach’s Award – Will Hart

16B Boys Rugby Coach’s Award – Tyrus Denton

15A Boys Rugby Coach’s Award – Max Eyles

15B Boys Rugby Coach’s Award – Adam Chen

14A Boys Rugby Coach’s Award – Alexander Hodgson

Full Colours

Edoardo Todaro, Harry Evans, Giorgi Turashvili, Siep Walta, James Wilkinson, Harry Chapman, Henry Newman, Noah Woodhouse, Dan North, Harrison Caie, Caleb Cripps, Harry Foxwell, Theo Hubert, Harry O’Reilly, George Ransley, Max Chowdhury

14B Boys Rugby Coach’s Award – Hari Sivakanthan

13A Boys Rugby Coach’s Award – Zik Iheanacho

13B Boys Rugby Coach’s Award – Henry Chen

13C Boys Rugby Coach’s Award – Adnan Saleh

12A Boys Rugby Coach’s Award – Ted Scrafton

12B Boys Rugby Coach’s Award – Logan Brusaferro

12C Boys Rugby Coach’s Award – Henry Trainer

Half Colours

Gethin Harries, Albert Seville, Finlay Johnson, Joe Blair Slater, Frank Hughes

Mortimer cup for the Most Promising Player Will Hart

Rugby 15s

It has been a busy and exciting 15s season for our rugby teams, with all eleven sides in action across block fixtures and National Cup competitions.

The U12s enjoyed a series of fixtures against strong opposition, providing excellent learning experiences and an exciting introduction to rugby for many of the boys involved.

The U13As enjoyed a highly successful season, recording wins over New Hall, St Faith’s, Norwich, and Felsted, with their most memorable performance coming in a commanding 50–0 victory against Old Buckenham Hall. The U13Bs also had a positive season, achieving three wins and two narrow defeats, including a standout away victory over St Faith’s.

The U14As, in their first year playing the 15-a-side format, adapted impressively - winning eight of their twelve matches and advancing to the last sixteen of the National Cup after a recent 31–0 win away at Stamford. The U14Bs faced some tough opposition but gained valuable experience and showed clear progress throughout the term, laying strong foundations for next season.

The U15As had an excellent campaign, winning eleven of their fifteen fixtures. Highlights included superb victories over Sedbergh, Felsted, and Norwich. They also impressed at the prestigious St Joseph’s College Festival, winning the Plate Final 24–0 against the hosts - a fitting reward for their skill and determination.

The U16As produced some impressive results on the road, including victories over Sedbergh School and Stewart’s Melville College in a triangular fixture at Sedbergh, as well as a notable 17–7 win away at Harrow. The U16Bs showed great spirit, securing a thrilling onepoint victory over Oundle in a nail-biting finish that demonstrated their grit and teamwork.

The Senior Squad have trained with great commitment this term and have produced a number of strong performances. The 2nd XV enjoyed a memorable win over local rivals Norwich School, showcasing both discipline and creativity.

After a challenging start to the season - losing three of their first four matches - the 1st XV responded superbly, going on an outstanding unbeaten run of ten consecutive victories. This included impressive wins against Norwich, Finborough, Bedford, Denstone, and, most notably, a 20–15 triumph away at Whitgift in the final block fixture of the season.

The 1st XV have also reached the semi-finals of the National Plate in the New Year, offering a fantastic opportunity to end the season with silverware. Their recent run of results has also propelled them into the top 20 schools nationally in the Daily Mail Trophy standings - a tremendous reflection of their progress and resilience.

Rugby 7s

The 7s season was a fantastic one for the Rugby Department, filled with team successes and some outstanding individual achievements.

The U13s were triumphant in winning the Northampton Saints Suffolk Festival - a great day of exceptional rugby that earned the boys a place in the Regional Tournament at Franklin’s Gardens on 30 April.

The U14s enjoyed an excellent 7s season, winning 18 of their 20 fixtures and finishing with an overall points difference of +408. They claimed victory at both the Gresham’s Festival and the QE Barnet 7s, and narrowly missed out on glory at the All England 7s at Grasshoppers RFC.

The U15s shared similar success, winning the Reeds School 7s and reaching the semi-finals at both Warwick and the John Pieroni tournaments, where they were just edged out by Bedford and Sedbergh. The U16s were victorious at the Reeds Festival and made it to the semi-finals at both Gordon’s and Warwick.

The Seniors endured a challenging start to their 7s campaign, with the Gordon’s and Floodlit tournaments providing valuable experience and learning opportunities. Their perseverance was rewarded with silverware at the Framlingham Centenary 7s, where they lifted the Plate trophy.

Rosslyn Park proved to be a hugely successful week, with all three teams reaching the second stage of the Cup competition - the only school in the country to achieve this other than Millfield. The U14s won two of their three matches, narrowly losing out to Whitgift in a close contest. The U16s won all three of their group games and progressed to the quarter-finals, where they faced a strong Stowe side and were eventually beaten. Finishing in the top eight out of 224 teams is an outstanding achievement. The Seniors also advanced to Day 2, facing Berkhamsted, Kirkham, and Cranleigh. They showed tremendous character to beat Kirkham in the final play, but were undone by two very strong opponents.

Most recently, the Seniors travelled north for the prestigious Sedbergh 10s tournament. Despite a smaller squad and several injuries, the boys showed incredible resilience, determination, and team spirit throughout the two days, competing bravely in every game. Their effort and sportsmanship were recognised with the Spirit of Sedbergh 10s Award - a fitting end to a demanding but rewarding campaign.

In individual achievements, it was fantastic to see Harry Evans and Siep Walta compete in the Academy League Final for Northampton Saints, where they were victorious over Bath Rugby. Siep also earned a Netherlands U18 cap, while Giorgi Turashvili represented Georgia U20s against South Africa, and Edoardo Todaro competed for Italy U20s in the Six Nations, starting all five matches and earning Player of the Match on his debut against Ireland.

We thank all our leavers for their dedication, hard work, and commitment to Ipswich School Rugby. We hope they cherish the memories they’ve made and continue the friendships they’ve built over the past seven years.

Girls’ Hockey

Coaches’ awards

1st XI Girls Hockey Coach’s Award

Laila Hollis

2nd XI Girls Hockey Coach’s Award

Lottery Howard

15A Girls Hockey Coach’s Award

Emelia Nordhuis

15B Girls Hockey Coach’s Award

Lara Stincic-Clarke

14A Girls Hockey Coach’s Award

Maisy Debenham

13A Girls Hockey Coach’s Award

Sophie Harding

13B Girls Hockey Coach’s Award

Fran Bennett & Sophie Lenny

13C Girls Hockey Coach’s Award

Maise Mann

13D Girls Hockey Coach’s Award

Esme Bostock

12A Girls Hockey Coach’s Award

Eliza Ling

12B Girls Hockey Coach’s Award

Evie Lewis

12C Girls Hockey Coach’s Award

Zoe Matviev

12D Girls Hockey Coach’s Award

Sasha Bland

Full Colours:

Laila Hollis, Kate Smith, Emily Calver, Imogen Callaghan, Gigi Gebhard, Madeleine Weaver, Lexi Foster

Half Colours:

Anastasia Simmons, Jess Burgess, Livvy Wickens, Emily Pettit, Amelie Bull, Elena Fairweather

U18 Girls’ National Champions

Our U18 Girl’s Hockey Team were proud to be crowned National Champions in February following an exciting and hard-fought victory at the Hockey National Finals Day. After an impressive semi-final win, the team triumphed over Millfield in a thrilling penalty kick shootout, capping off a remarkable journey to the title.

The day began with an outstanding performance in the semi-finals, where Ipswich faced Scarborough. The team delivered a dominant 3-0 victory, with two goals that highlighted both brilliant team play and individual skill. The match ended with a final flourish when the team confidently scored after a short corner, sending Ipswich through to the final.

The final against Millfield was a tense, high-stakes affair. Ipswich took an early lead with a deft deflection, following a stunning run from the team captain.

Despite a brilliant save from Ipswich goalkeeper, Millfield equalised, and the game remained fiercely competitive, with both teams creating chances throughout. With the score tied, the match went to penalty flicks. Ipswich confidently converted their flicks with a crucial save from the goalkeeper on Millfield’s third flick allowing Ipswich to step up and seal the victory with a brilliant executed shot.

The season was a busy and rewarding one for our Junior Hockey sides. It was a pleasure to watch our youngest players develop their skills and tactical understanding over the course of the season. All girls in Years 7 and 8 took part in at least one fixture - a true testament to their enthusiasm and progress.

The U12 A and B teams recorded strong wins against both RHS and Bishop’s Stortford College, while the U13 sides produced excellent results against Finborough, Barnardiston and Framlingham, which certainly punctuated the season. We look forward to seeing the girls continue to grow in confidence and passion for the sport in the years ahead.

“ “ “

The U14 girls fielded both an A and B team this year. The B team enjoyed an impressive campaign, playing seven matches - winning five, drawing one and losing just one, and conceding only three goals in total.

Strong wins against Felsted and Culford highlighted both the depth of our hockey programme and the passion with which the girls play.

The U14 A team had a mixed season, with notable victories against Culford, Haileybury and The Perse. Despite an encouraging early cup run, they eventually lost to a welldrilled Leys side. Though disappointing, this experience will no doubt drive these girls on in the years to come at Ipswich.

Our U15A girls enjoyed a busy and successful season, playing 21 fixtures in total from preseason through to Christmas. The team claimed our first piece of silverware of the year by winning the Stowe 6s tournament in August, overcoming strong opposition from schools and clubs across the Midlands. Building on last year’s National Semi-Final appearance, the team continued to perform at a high level throughout the season. Their national cup journey ended in the last 16 after a hard-fought match against a disciplined St George’s Weybridge side, but the girls can be immensely proud of their effort, progress, and achievements.

We would like to say thank you to all the Year 13 Girls for all their dedication to the Hockey programme over their time at the school.

Boys’ Hockey

Coaches’ awards

U12D – Alexander Kempkens

U12C – Tobias Meredew

U12B – Uriel Jolapamo

U12A – Finley Card

U13D – Henry Chen

U13C – James Dolphin

U13B – Daniyal Kazi

U13A – Freddie Brown

U14B – Lewis Ashmore

U14A – Harry Silverwood

U15B – Morgen Zhou

U15A – Richard Byford

This term has been an exceptionally busy and rewarding one for our junior hockey teams. It has been a pleasure to watch our youngest players develop both their skills and tactical understanding over the past 12 weeks. Every player in Years 7 and 8 took part in at least one fixture - a testament to the enthusiasm, progress, and enjoyment our students have shown throughout the season.

For the Year 7 boys, results were varied but highly encouraging. The U12 A team achieved an impressive milestone by progressing to the Regional Finals, where they competed against some of the top schools in the region. The U12 B team recorded notable victories over RHS and Norwich School, while the U12 C and D teams faced tough opposition but produced commendable performances against Orwell Park and RHS - clear evidence of their continued improvement and determination.

The U13 A team began their ISHC campaign strongly, securing early wins against Forest and Eltham College before a challenging draw against Whitgift ended their progress in the competition. The U13 B, C, and D teams also enjoyed engaging seasons, highlighted by memorable matches against Norwich and Orwell Park that demonstrated their growing confidence and teamwork.

The U14 A team competed in the England Hockey Tier 1 competition, facing a strong Gresham’s side before entering the Plate competition. They advanced to the Quarter Finals after convincing victories over Dr Challoner’s Grammar School and Stamford, but were narrowly defeated by a well-drilled Leys team, just missing out on a semi-final spot. The U14 B team also faced strong opposition throughout the season, with two particularly close and hard-fought matches against Woodbridge and Norwich that could have gone either way.

The U15 A team started their ISHC campaign in fine form, recording convincing wins against Felsted and Norwich before a disappointing loss to St George’s

“

2XI – Harry Mercer

1XI – Jake Thompson

Full Colours Archie Magnus, Fred Philpott, Jake Thompson

brought their run to an end. The U15 B team opened their season with a hard-fought 2–2 draw against Whitgift and faced challenging fixtures against The Perse and Norwich. Despite tough results, their commitment and development throughout the season were highly commendable.

The 2nd XI boys enjoyed a remarkable season, improving with every game. After finishing third in the County round, they earned a wildcard place in the Regional Finals - where they excelled, topping their group against several schools’ 1st XI sides.

They reached the semi-finals, narrowly losing to a strong Culford team. Their teamwork, dedication, and work ethic have been outstanding, setting a fantastic example for the rest of the programme.

The 1st XI faced a challenging season across both the Tier 1 competition and the ISHC. Despite tough losses to Denstone College and Norwich, a crucial win against Oakham before Christmas reignited their confidence. In the new year, they came up against an exceptionally strong Norwich side in the first round of the ISHC, moving them into the Plate competition. There, they recorded a win over Kimbolton School before narrowly losing to Felsted in a tightly contested match. This young squad - featuring many Year 11 players - shows great promise and will undoubtedly continue to grow and achieve in the seasons ahead.

Finally, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the Year 13 boys who move on this year. Their leadership, dedication, and contributions to the hockey programme have been invaluable, and we wish them every success in their future endeavours.

Boys’ Cricket

Coaches’ awards

U12B – Thomas Last

U12A – Arthur MacDonald

U13B – Sam Remmington

U13A – Oscar Butcher

U14B – Leo Gharabeigi

U14A – Benedict Clarke

U15B – Charlie Bradshaw

U15A – Jacob Stewart

2nd XI – Ivo Allen

1st XI – Frank Rogers

Half Colours:

Frank Hughes, Fredrick Philpot, Max Chowdhury

The boys’ cricket programme enjoyed a busy and rewarding season, with 80 fixtures across 17 teams and a 53% win ratio. Highlights included two County Cup victories, and both the U17s and 1XI progressing past the county rounds of their respective National Cups.

For many in the U12s, it was their first hard-ball season - a valuable learning experience. The U12As had several close games, with their narrowest defeat being just four runs against OBH, while the U12Bs finished on a high with a 10-wicket victory over OBH.

The U13s had a mixed season, competing against strong sides such as Norwich, Culford, and Woodbridge. They recorded wins against OBH, Framlingham, and RHS. This year showed clear improvement, with the boys gaining knowledge and confidence to take forward into future seasons.

The U14s were the standout age group this term, winning 11 of their 13 fixtures, including their County Cup and a strong performance at Epsom College in the annual Hobb’s Trophy. The U14Bs also enjoyed a successful season, winning five of seven matches, including victories over Felsted and Norwich.

Several boys from this group are already playing county age-group cricket, and the County Cup triumph sees them into the National Cup for their U15 campaign. Special congratulations to Harry Silverwood, Tom Golding, and Tom Elliston for making their 1XI debuts and making a strong impact.

The U15s made significant progress this season under the guidance of Mr. Stubbs (A team) and Mr. Swindon (B team). The U15As won half of their fixtures, including an

Full Colours: Ollie Burle, James Wilkinson, Archie Magnus, Henry Clark, Frank Rogers, Harry Foxwell

impressive victory against Brentwood, bowling them out for 54, and a notable win versus Norwich School. They also reached the last 16 of the David English Bunbury National Cup, with a squad comprising U13, U14, and U15 boys, many of whom will continue together into their 1XI years.

The U17s had a remarkable run in the National Cup. After hard-fought wins against Gosfield, New Hall, and Framlingham, they earned a last-16 tie against Bedford, narrowly falling short despite a superb 73 off 49 balls from Xander Silverwood. Under the captaincy of Will Menzies, who scored his first-ever 100 off 81 deliveries against New Hall, this group showed the “magic of the cup” and should be proud of their achievements.

The 1XI faced a season of fluctuating availability due to exams but showed resilience in every game. With several younger players stepping up from the U14s and U15s, the team reached the third round of the T20 National Cup, narrowly losing to New Hall by three runs. They also enjoyed victories against RHS and Felsted, capping off a rewarding season.

A huge thank you goes to Henry Clark, Archie Magnus, Harry Foxwell, James Wilkinson, Frank Hughes, and Frank Rogers for their commitment to the cricket programme - most of whom have been playing together since Year 7. Special thanks also to the ground staff for preparing outstanding facilities at school and Notcutts, and to Mr. Boje and Mr. Hondo, who have created an exceptional cricket experience this year, not just during the season, but throughout the winter as well.

Netball

Coaches’ awards

U12D – Grace Tallent

U12C – Uma Beaujard–Ramoo

U12B – Eva Harris

U12A – Rhea Vijayan

U13D – Alysha Crane

U13C – Sadie Annis

U13B – Poppy Williams

U13A – Charlotte Tedbury

U14B – Amelia Jones

U14A – Lily Cliff

U15B – Erin Wright

U15A – Allegra Gould

3rd VII – Bella Morton

2nd VII – Eiryls Baidoo

1st VII – Kate Smith

Colours

Baker, Abigail Caton, Hannah Karlsson, Lily Newland, Soph Oxborough, Ellie Rayner, Theo Todd

Half

Rosa

Full Colours Libby Baker, Hannah Childs, Kate Smith, Ishani Soni, Madeleine Weaver

Our netballers have enjoyed an outstanding season, with every team showing remarkable growth and commitment since the start of the year.

The season began on a high, as both our Under-16 and Under-18 squads qualified for the Regional Finals - a fantastic achievement that cements their place among the strongest teams in the county. Although our Under-14s narrowly missed out on qualification, their determination never wavered, and they are already setting ambitious goals for next season.

Our Junior girls have demonstrated exceptional dedication, consistently working to develop their skills and teamwork. They’ve taken part in numerous fixtures throughout the year, representing the school with pride and securing some excellent results. The Under-14A team finished their season strongly, winning the majority of their matches in the final term - a true reflection of their hard work, perseverance, and passion for the game.

The Under-15A team also enjoyed a fantastic year, rounding off their season with an impressive final win. Meanwhile, our 1st, 2nd, and 3rd teams have competed in a range of thrilling fixtures, achieving several memorable victories, many of which came down to the wire. Special recognition goes to our B, C, and D teams, who have also earned wins this season - showcasing the depth of talent, teamwork, and enthusiasm across the entire netball programme.

A heartfelt thank you goes to every player for your energy, dedication, and commitmentboth on and off the court. Your teamwork, effort in training, and love for the sport have made this season truly special.

Congratulations on a brilliant year of netball, and here’s to even greater success next season!

Girls’ Cricket

Coaches’ awards

12B – Rhea Vijayan

12A – Georgie Gedge

13B – Pippa Wooderson

13A – Sophie Harding

14B – Lily Cliff

14A – Izzy Gebhard

15A – Edie Ayliffe

2nd X1 – Eliza Fairs

1st X1 – Evie Booker

Full Colours: Evie Booker, Libby Baker, Ishani Soni, Laila Hollis, Amelie Bull

The girls’ cricket programme enjoyed an extraordinary season. With 69 fixtures across 13 teams and an impressive 80% win ratio, this term has been a testament to the talent, commitment, and determination of our players. Highlights included a National Indoor Championship and a County Cup victory, with both the U15s and 1st XI leaving their mark in national competitions.

The 12As dominated their hard-ball games, demonstrating exceptional skills with both bat and ball. For many, it was their first hard-ball season, and they embraced the challenge enthusiastically. The experience gained this season sets the stage for a bright future, making this age group one to watch.

The 13As enjoyed an outstanding campaign, winning 10 of their 14 games. Despite tough competition in the T20 Nationals and county cup semi-finals, their crowning achievement was winning the ECB National Indoor Tournament at Lord’s, triumphing over more than 700 schools. This incredible accomplishment highlights their teamwork, commitment, and determination, while

the rest of the U13s gained invaluable experience to build on next year.

The U14s were exceptionally strong, with several girls stepping up to play at higher levels due to merged teams. Special mention goes to Izzy Gebhard and Alice Ayliffe for impressive debuts with the 1st XI.

The 15As dominated throughout, winning 15 of their 17 matches, including a spectacular county cup final victory against Framlingham College. They finished 2nd in the T20 National Cup, narrowly losing to Kingston Grammar in the final. A special highlight was Edie Ayliffe scoring two centuries this season - an outstanding achievement.

Our senior girls also had a brilliant season, winning 14 of 18 fixtures. They narrowly missed a trip to Lord’s after losing in the semi-final of the 100-ball competition but were set to compete in the finals day in Southampton. Their individual performances were exceptional, but it was their unity and team spirit that truly defined their season.

We extend heartfelt thanks to Evie Booker, Laila Hollis, Ishani Soni, Amelie Bull, and Libby Baker for their dedication to the cricket programme during their time at Ipswich School. Special thanks also go to the ground staff for preparing exceptional facilities for all our age groups, and to all our coaches, especially Mr. Boje and Mr. Hondo, for creating such an incredible cricket experience this year.

Eton Fives “

Highlights include:

Daniel Ingram & Charlie Dinmore made history by being the first Ipswich pair to win the Boys’ U16 National title, winning 12-2 in the deciding 5th set at Shrewsbury School.

Millie Hodgkinson & Betsy Laws won the Girls’ U14 National championship, beating the pair who bested them in the U13 final the year before.

They put in a fantastic performance, defeating a strong Berkhamsted Collegiate School pair 12-9, 12-7 in the final to claim the title. They added semi-finalist medals in the Girls’ U15 competition for good measure.

The Vargas Salver, the Schools’ second-tier team event was won decisively by the Ipswich U15 ‘A’ team, with Richard Byford, Jake Shelley, Jacob Stewart and Max Williams impressively winning all of their games.

Coaches’ awards

Year 7 Girls – Grace Tallent

Year 7 Boys – Lewis Hines

Year 9 Girls – Anastasia Moore

Year 9 Boys – Alex Blunden

Year 10 Girls – Lucy Purcell

Year 10 Boys – Jacob Stewart

Year 11 Girls – Abbie Gammage

Year 11 Boys – Harry Mercer

Year 12 Girls – Chloe Hiscock

Year 12 Boys – Thomas Bradshaw

Cup Winners

Karen Hoskins Cup – Audrey Jones

Barry Hoskins Cup – Ted Scrafton

Martin Shortland–Jones Cup

Most Promising Senior Player – Sam Cook

To the uninitiated fives may seem a bit weird - four people on a comparatively small court trying to keep out of each other’s ways whilst hitting a small solid ball, often travelling at speed and frequently changing direction via the various ledges and buttress. And with no umpire or referee to boot. It is, though, one of the greatest of all ball games. If you haven’t tried it, you should. If you are a sportsman or woman it can enhance your ability at other games.

If you are not, it is surprising how many who say they don’t really like sport, fall in love with a game that continues a long line of types of handball that have been played for at least five millennia.

Ipswich School had its most successful Fives season ever, winning three national titles.

We had strong performances in other competitions too. Sam Cook had a very successful season - he reached the last 16 of the Midland Championship, was a quarter finalist at the London Festival, won the A Plate at the Northern Festival and narrowly missed out on a final place at the Kinnaird Festival.

Jake Shelley and Max Williams made it to the Midland Festival semi-finals, while Daniel Ingram, with OI Tim Gregory, won the Turnbull Trophy Plate and later claimed the London Festival title with Charlie Dinmore.

The U14s continued to shine: Alex Blunden and Millie Hodgkinson won the EFA U14 individual titles, and the girls helped a combined OI/School side to third in the Ladies Team competition. At the Ladies Championships, Betsy and Millie won the A Plate, Emily took the B Plate, and at the Kinnaird Festival, Betsy and Anastasia captured the C Plate - an impressive feat in an open adult tournament.

We failed once again to beat the OIs, though we came close, 13-15 in the deciding game of the deciding pair but we had a first ever win in the mixed match against the Eton Fives Association, thanks to great performances from Anastasia and Jake and Bella Whyndham and Max.

Thanks are due to Sam Cook, our Keeper of Fives this year. He was ever-present, hugely supportive of the game and no-one has ever been keener.

Congratulations to him too on winning the ShortlandJones Cup for most promising senior player.

Thanks too to our coaches and in particular Miss Cooley and Dr Wyndham for giving the support that enabled us to achieve so much. It was lovely to see Mr Stubbs recognised for the Eton Fives Association Lifetime Achievement Award and to have Miss Cooley and Mr Boughton nominated for the end of season awards too.

Peter Boughton

Cross Country

The whole-school Cross Country event in Christchurch Park in September marked the start of the running year, with over 450 pupils from Years 9–13 competing for their Houses in the Ganzoni competition. Holden and Rigaud claimed victory in the junior boys’ and girls’ team competitions, while Broke and Sherrington triumphed in the senior races.

Coaches’ awards

Minor Girls – Summer Westlake

Minor Boys – Ollie Jones

Junior Girls – Elizabeth Whall

Junior Boys – Jonathan Lower

East Anglian League Trophies

Junior Boys Competition – Benedict Clarke

Junior Girls Competition – Elizabeth Whall

Inter Girls – Ottilie Heather Hayes

Inter Boys – Will Whittle

Senior Girls – Darcy Gladwell

Senior Boys – Ben Morgan

Junior Boys Individual Champion – Jonathan Lower

Junior Girls Individual Champion – Elizabeth Whall

Full Colours Elena Fairweather, Ollie Burle, Ethan Howarth-Wedgewood, Ben Morgan, Benedict Rosher

This year, the school cross country team has excelled, showing exceptional determination, depth, and teamwork across a busy calendar of local, regional, and national events.

The season began in October with the first qualifying round of the Suffolk Schools’ Championship at RHS. Nearly 60 runners from Years 6–13 represented the school, competing against teams from across South Suffolk. Seasoned athletes led the charge, while many pupils proudly pulled on the Ipswich vest for the very first time. In January, the second round took place on Woodbridge School’s challenging, undulating course. The team produced some outstanding performances, with Ollie Jones, Summer Westlake, Ottie HeatherHayes, Ellie Fairweather, and Ben Morgan finishing in the top 20. Notably, Elizabeth Whall, Jonathan Lower, Lara Stincic-Clarke, Darcy Gladwell, and Lottie Hitchcock qualified to represent Suffolk at the Regional Finals.

The Anglian Championships in March brought further success, with Suffolk achieving an unprecedented clean sweep in all team categories and claiming the combined team championship for the third consecutive year.Darcy Gladwell and Lottie Hitchcock stood out by earning selection for the English Schools National Championships at Ardingly in West Sussex. Competing against elite athletes from across the country, they represented both Suffolk and Ipswich School with pride.

Our senior girls’ team also enjoyed an outstanding season, particularly in the National Schools Cup. After winning the county qualifier at Woodbridge School in October, they advanced through the regional heats at Felsted in November and earned a place in the national finals in Leeds this March. Facing the best schools from across England and Scotland, they achieved an impressive 21st place overall.

The East Anglian League once again provided opportunities for runners of all levels to shine.

Competing against Gresham’s, RHS, and Norwich School, our junior boys’ and girls’ teams clinched overall series victories, while the senior girls narrowly missed out on first place. In the home fixture at Fynn Valley, the senior boys’ team defeated the OIs to reclaim the cross

Congratulations to every runner who competed this season. Special recognition goes to Darcy Gladwell, whose phenomenal achievement of competing at national level in three separate events - the National Schools Cup, English Schools Championships, and Inter-County Championships - epitomises the commitment, talent, and spirit of Ipswich School running.

country trophy for the first time in nearly 20 years. Individual EAL series trophies were awarded to Jonathan Lower and Elizabeth Whall for their exceptional performancesboth winning for the second year running.

Sports Day

Senior School Sports Day was a spectacular way to round off another fantastic year on the sports field!

From Year 7 to Year 13, our athletes showcased skill, determination, and sportsmanship, making the day a true celebration of school sport.

The competition was fierce but full of fun, and six school records were broken, including some that had stood for decades - a testament to the talent and dedication of our students.

Houses competed with energy and pride, cheering one another on and bringing incredible enthusiasm to every race, jump, and throw. The atmosphere was buzzing throughout the day, with students, staff, and spectators all contributing to a sense of excitement and community. A special highlight was the staff relay, back by popular demand, which had everyone cheering and laughing. There was determination, teamwork, and a few nail-biting finishes that kept the crowd on the edge of their seats!

A huge thank you goes to our fantastic sports and grounds staff for their organisation and support, ensuring the event ran smoothly and the facilities were in perfect condition. Senior School Sports Day was more than just a series of races and events - it was a celebration of talent, camaraderie, and school spirit, leaving everyone with memories to treasure and pride in the achievements of our athletes.

EVENTS

An Unforgettable Morning of Music and Inspiration

Our incredibly talented Year 10 student, Nandi, hosted a special event in collaboration with the Ipswich Children’s Book Group to celebrate the release of her debut children’s book, The Life-Changing Magic of Drumming.

Pupils from local primary schools, including our own Prep, were treated to two electrifying performances by Nandi, followed by an inspiring interview about her journey as a young musician and author. A few enthusiastic audience members even had the chance to showcase their own drumming skills alongside her!

Nandi’s beautifully written and illustrated book tells the story of how she discovered her passion for drumming at just five years old - a journey that has since seen her perform with worldrenowned artists, including the Foo Fighters at Wembley Stadium. Full of rhythm, motivation, and joy, The LifeChanging Magic of Drumming is a must-read for any young music lover.

A huge congratulations to Nandi for sharing her passion and inspiring the next generation of musicians!

Friday 17th January was an exciting evening for the Chapel Choir, as we were invited to celebrate the new title of Ipswich Minster. We were selected to sing alongside Framlingham College, the Minster Chamber Choir, and other local musicians, performing and listening to new arrangements by talented local composers. The choirs performed two pieces together, including the world premiere of Locus Iste by Liz Alexander, which was an incredible honour to be part of. Our Chapel Choir also performed three pieces on its own, giving us the chance to have a special role in such a historic event.

Alongside the music, the evening explored Ipswich Minster’s rich history. In particular, the amusingly named “Great Trump of Ipswich” was sounded as it would have been 800 years ago to alert the townsfolk. This unusual long-horn instrument, one of very few left in the country, resides at Ipswich Museum. These historical touches highlighted the Minster’s influence over the centuries and celebrated the remarkable status it has achieved today.

Overall, it was a lovely evening, which helped us to be inspired by the music which is at the heart of the Minster and its continuing journey.

Jude N, Year 12

Choristers help usher in new Ipswich Minster “

World Book Day

Ipswich School enjoyed a week full of fantastic World Book Day celebrations, filled with book-themed activities, reading challenges, and creative events that engaged students across all year groups.

The excitement built up throughout the week, culminating in the much-anticipated Bookish Bake Off, a delightful showcase of baking talent inspired by favourite stories and characters. It was a wonderful way to bring together our love of reading and creativity in one delicious event!

Congratulations to our baking champions:

Maisie M (Year 9) -

Best Appearance for her charming Peter Rabbit cake

William N (Year 10) -

Best Tasting for his delicious Les Misérables cake

A huge thank you to all our talented bakers who put so much effort and imagination into their creations, and to the dedicated library team who organised such a memorable celebration. Following the bake-off, the cake sale raised funds for SERV Suffolk & Cambridgeshire, a vital charity providing blood and medical transport services to those in need. Thanks to everyone who supported this fantastic cause!

Celebrating Chinese New Year

Our Chinese New Year celebrations were vibrant and inclusive. The boarding house was beautifully decorated by Mrs Christie, with a special Chinese takeaway on New Year’s Eve for everyone to enjoy. Boarding students also used Chinese writing materials to decorate their rooms or display good wishes on their doors.

Students and staff helped bring the festival to life across the school. School House created paper lanterns during House Assembly, and key areas like the Library featured a red and gold theme symbolising prosperity and energy.

Wishing trees were set up in both libraries, where students hung their hopes for the year, alongside displays of oranges and books about snakes to honour the zodiac sign.

The dining hall served traditional Chinese cuisine on New Year’s Day. These celebrations brought the school community together to share good wishes and cultural appreciation for the year ahead.

The Mandarin Club also marked the New Year with a range of activities. Students practised calligraphy, writing the character (fú), which symbolises good fortune for the year ahead. They took part in a paper-cutting session and sampled traditional snacks, including fortune cookies, satsumas, and Chinese dumplingsall foods commonly enjoyed during Chinese Lunar New Year.

Holly M, Year 11

Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day

Our school community came together to mark both Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day with reflection and gratitude.

The Remembrance Sunday service, held in the School Chapel, was attended by members of the CCF, staff, pupils, and Old Ipswichians. Rear Admiral Andrew Betton CB OBE (OI 1975–86) laid a poppy wreath at the Chapel altar, honouring all those who have served and sacrificed. The service featured moving readings from Sally Webber (OI) and Mr Gregory, intercessions led by members of the CCF, and beautiful performances by the Wolsey Consort.

On Monday, the school observed the traditional twominute silence, initiated by the sound of the cannon from Christchurch Park. The Last Post was performed with great dignity by Kit F-C and Nathaniel C at the Senior School, and by Charlie B at the Prep.

Together, these moments of remembrance offered a meaningful opportunity for reflection, ensuring that the bravery and sacrifices of those who served are never forgotten.

Holocaust Remembered

On Wednesday 29th January, eight students from Years 8 and 9 took part in the launch event of this year’s Dora Love Prize at The Hold, Ipswich’s town archive.

The prize honours Dora Love, a Holocaust survivor who dedicated her life to educating others about the Holocaust and the persecution of various groups, including Roma people, disabled individuals, and homosexual men, to prevent such atrocities from happening again.

The event began with refreshments and a powerful speech by Professor Schultz from Essex University, who urged attendees to stand against the rising waves of hate and exclusion today. This year’s prize motto was: “A better future starts with the voices of a few.”

Students then participated in workshops exploring different aspects of the Holocaust. These included examining perpetrators - ordinary people capable of genocide - and highlighting lesser-known victims to give them a voice. Creative workshops encouraged students to engage through drama and art, helping them express the emotions and impact of the Holocaust. Year 9 students Sam and Penny reflected on how these activities deepened their understanding and connection to history.

The experience was moving and thought-provoking, with students like Lottie, Lily, Isla, and Imogen sharing powerful reflections on the importance of remembering the past to prevent future atrocities.

Young Musician of the Year 2025

What an incredible evening at our Young Musician of the Year Grand Final in March. After nearly eight hours of music and 150 talented applicants, the finalists - Zara, Leo, Nandi, Dan, Lucy, Evelyn, Miranda, and Ed - delivered truly breathtaking performances.

A special congratulations to Ed Parsons, our 2025 winner, whose stunning renditions of Net, tolko tot, kto znal (None but the Lonely) by P. Tchaikovsky and Empty Chairs at Empty Tables by C-M. Schönberg & A. Boublil captivated everyone in the audience.

We were extremely grateful to Ben Parry for adjudicating, our dedicated Music Department for making the event possible, and the exceptional accompanists who supported each performer throughout the competition. It was also a joy to welcome back Colin Chung, last year’s winner, for a special performance. This event was a wonderful celebration of the talent, dedication, and passion within our musical community - here’s to the next generation of musicians!

Celebration of Creativity

Our Year 7 pupils showcased their impressive artistic talents in a vibrant exhibition featuring photography, ceramic birds, and beautifully crafted canopic jars created during their art lessons.

Drawing inspiration from ancient Egyptian burial traditions, pupils constructed their canopic jars using the traditional slab method, pressing or incising intricate patterns into the clay. The animal-head lids were formed using the pinch pot technique and carefully shaped with detailed features before being glazed with oxides to achieve their final finish.

The exhibition highlighted the creativity and dedication of our pupils, with prizes awarded for standout pieces. Well done to all our Year 7 artists for their outstanding work!

BOARDING

A New Chapter for Boarding at Ipswich School

This year marked an exciting milestone in Ipswich School’s history with the official opening of our brand-new on-site boarding house - a project that reflects the school’s continued commitment to providing exceptional boarding opportunities for students from the UK and around the world.

The new house opened its doors in September, welcoming more than 40 new boarding pupils into our thriving community. This growth has brought the total number of boarders close to 100 for the 2025/26 academic year - a testament to the increasing popularity and strength of our boarding provision.

Designed with comfort, community, and wellbeing in mind, the new boarding house offers a modern, welcoming and supportive homefrom-home environment. Every detail - from the spacious common areas to the thoughtfully furnished bedrooms - has been created to foster independence, friendship, and a sense of belonging.

The opening of this new facility marks not only an expansion of our boarding capacity but also an exciting new chapter in the Ipswich School experience, one that continues to blend academic excellence with a nurturing, inclusive community life.

Speech Day

A brilliantly sunny Friday marked the close of the school year as pupils, staff, parents, governors and guests gathered in the marquee on School Field for our annual Speech Day. Chairman of Governors, Nigel Farthing, opened the event by celebrating the school’s achievements over the past year, acknowledging national challenges such as the introduction of VAT on school fees, and paying warm tribute to staff leaving at the end of the academic year.

In his first Speech Day address as Head, Mr Gregory reflected on the timeless values of education. Drawing on the words of John Stuart Mill, he spoke of the importance of curiosity, gratitude and the development of the whole person - principles at the heart of an Ipswich School education. “The values of a good education are timeless, but each generation requires them to be reinterpreted and reframed. A truly great education encourages pupils to seek knowledge for its own sake, to find ‘inexhaustible interest’ in the world around them, and to develop not only academically but as whole people - with a moral compass, a sense of gratitude, and a commitment to service in an increasingly individualistic world.”

He also praised the school’s charitable efforts, which this year raised several thousand pounds for causes including The Royal British Legion, Cardiac Risk in the Young, St Elizabeth Hospice, SERV Blood Runners and a school for deaf children in Kyiv, alongside ongoing commitments such as the Sixth Form’s Refugee Homework Club.

Academic Excellence

Mr Gregory then looked back on a truly remarkable academic year.

• A Level & BTEC results saw over 80% of grades at A*- B or Distinction, with 58 pupils achieving the equivalent of three As or better.

• At GCSE, 40% of all grades were 8s or 9s and a record 67% were 7 - 9, with nearly 40 pupils achieving a clean sweep of 7’s, 8’s and 9’s.

“What has struck me most this year is not only the outstanding results our pupils achieve, but the extraordinary expertise and commitment of the staff who help make those successes possible,” Mr Gregory reflected. “The quality of teaching here, day in and day out, is truly exceptional.”

Beyond the exam hall, Year 13 pupils delivered an impressive programme of Academic Excellence lectures, while nearly twenty completed EPQs on topics ranging from Kierkegaard to carbon nanofibres. Success in national academic competitions continued to be a hallmark of our school, including top - 1,000 UKMT performances out of 700,000 entrants for four Sixth Form pupils and outstanding results in Science Olympiads and computational thinking contests.

Music, Drama & Art

Ipswich School’s reputation for exceptional creativity has only grown this year. “Ipswich School Music is exceptional,” Mr Gregory said. “I expected to be ‘wowed’ by Snape in May - and I was - but I hadn’t anticipated the extraordinary depth and range of performances leading up to it.

The talent, the ambition and the joy our musicians bring to school life are truly remarkable.” He went on to say that the Symphony Orchestra’s performance at

Crash Into Christmas was “the most impressive schoollevel music I had ever witnessed.”

Perhaps most striking of all, however, is the sheer scale of what our musicians achieve each week. As Mr Gregory noted, a snapshot of a single week in early February revealed almost 400 individual lessons with Visiting Music Teachers and 44 separate ensemble rehearsals. “What a team, what an effort, what a place to play and enjoy music,” he reflected.

From the Lower School Concert in November, which saw every member of Year 7 perform together as a choir, to that unforgettable Symphony Orchestra performance, and the outstanding showing at Pro Corda with three of our quartets/trios reaching national stages, it has been an exceptional year for Music at Ipswich School.

In Drama, the Sixth Form production of Nora: A Doll’s House earned a richly deserved standing ovation on opening night - a moment which, as Mr Gregory noted, will no doubt be one of the cast’s fondest memories of their time at Ipswich School. Year 9’s promenade performance and the Lower School’s joyful Wendy and Peter Pan further showcased the depth of talent across the school. The GCSE and A Level Art Exhibition in June revealed an extraordinary variety of work across Fine Art, Textiles and Photographyan unusual breadth for a school also renowned for academic excellence.

Sporting Highlights

Cricket ended the year on a high, with both U15 and U17 Boys reaching the national last-sixteen, the U14 Boys winning eleven of thirteen matches, and the U15 Girls finishing national T-20 runners-up. During the ceremony, national champions were invited to re-present their trophies, applauded by the whole school - a tradition that continues to celebrate excellence at the highest level.

It was, once again, an exceptional year for sport. The 1st XV Rugby team showed remarkable determination, recording memorable victories in a season defined by resilience, togetherness and spirit. As Mr Gregory noted, he hoped that those hardfought matches — and the feeling in the dressing room afterwards - would become the kind of “special memories” the players carry with them long after school. The 1st XI Girls’ Hockey team claimed a historic national title, lifting the Independent Schools’ Hockey Cup after a dramatic penalty shoot-out against Millfield. Further national-level achievements included:

• Senior Girls’ Cross Country reaching the national finals

• 1st VII and U16 Netball teams qualifying for Regionals

• U16 Boys’ Indoor Hockey finishing 2nd in the country

• National successes for U13 Girls’ Indoor Cricket and both Girls’ and Boys’ Eton Fives teams

CCF & Duke of Edinburgh

More than 150 pupils took part in the Combined Cadet Force this year, enjoying an extensive programme of training and adventure. As Mr Gregory noted, opportunities to learn both “to lead” and “to work alongside others” are rarely as powerful or as tangible as they are in the CCF, and it is remarkable that a largely day-school community can offer such breadth of experience to so many pupils. DofE also thrived, with expeditions across Suffolk, the Wye Valley and Snowdonia, and four Year 13 pupils already completing their Gold Award.

Farewells & Final Awards

Tributes were paid to the staff departing this year across academic, pastoral and support roles. Winners of the annual competitions were then announced, with 7C securing the Cardinal Cup and Sherrington taking the Ganzoni Trophy, narrowly beating School by a single point.

To the Class of Year 13…

In closing, Mr Gregory spoke directly to the Year 13 leavers, reminding them that an Ipswich School education is built on “experiences, memories, friendships.” He reflected on the hope that, whether pupils had been at the school for two years or fifteen,

they would leave with moments they had enjoyed, memories that would “help shape the person you are today,” and friendships “to carry with you into your future lives.”

He paid special tribute to Heads of School Laila Hollis and James Wilkinson, thanking them for their unfailing good humour, their leadership of the Prefect team, and their contributions across so many areas of school life.

“They have embodied so much of what we would want younger pupils to emulate,” he said, before wishing next year’s Heads of School, Megan Palmer and Colin Chung, every success.

Turning to the whole year group, Mr Gregory expressed his hopes for their future:

“I hope you leave here well prepared for whatever comes next – with ambition, with optimism, and with self-confidence – and with a great group of mates to support you.” He added that he hoped the school had played its part in helping to instil those qualities:

“This school of yours – this school of ours – has, I hope, given you some of that ambition, some of that optimism, some of that confidence, and absolutely those great friends by your side for whatever life holds next.”

To round off the morning, our guest speaker, Mr Peter Higgins, delivered an insightful and humorous address on entrepreneurship. With a career that has seen him help to establish Charles Tyrwhitt Shirts and serve as Chair of major brands such as Cath Kidston and ME+EM, Peter brought a wealth of experience to the marquee.

Now spending much of his time speaking to young people about enterprise and innovation - alongside his role as Chair of Renais Gin - he offered our pupils a series of memorable takeaways about creativity, resilience and seizing opportunity. His engaging and good-humoured reflections provided a fitting conclusion to a morning celebrating ambition, achievement and the bright futures ahead of our young people.

He then invited Laila and James to announce the prizewinners, joined by Councillor Pat Bruce-Browne to present the awards.

Prize Winners

The Business Prize - Crystal Li

The Academic PE Prize - Gigi Gebhard

The Economics Prize - Amelia Young

Maule Prize for Russian - Madeleine Weaver

Swinyard Prize for Art - Eliana Macfarlane

Holden Prize for Latin - Theo Todd

Hayward Prize for German - Theo Todd

Peter Marsden Prize for FieldworkEdward Fletcher

Finch Public Speaking Cup - Ellie Rayner

Caroline Barnes Prize for English EssayRosa Baker

Crewe Prize for Politics - Henry Clark

Thring Prize for Design - Hazel Beaumont

Charles Keene Prize for Senior ArtClaudia Dunn

The Reading Prize - Claudia Dunn

Trehearne Prize for English LiteratureLiam Abernethy

Parry Cup for Drama - Liam Abernethy

Mistral Prize (Dr and Mrs Monk) Academic Excellence and National Recognition in Another Sphere - Edoardo Todaro

Hamblin Prize for History - Kit Fell-Clark

Broadway Prize for Applied ScienceEllen Hall

Sewell Prize for Senior Music - Ellen Hall

Notcutt Prize for Physics - Ananya Mishra

The Spanish Prize - Shaan Naha

T C Grice Prize for Senior MathematicsShaan Naha

Tanqueray Prize for Senior GeographyDan North

Tom Lethbridge Cup for Senior Geography - Sophie Pennington

Bartlett Prize for Chemistry - Henry Lu

The Chorister’s Prize - Ethan HowarthWedgewood

Caroline Barnes Prize for Poetry - Tallulah Dewson

Paton Cup for Outstanding Service to Ipswich School’s CCF - Ben Morgan

Paton Cup for Outstanding Service to Ipswich School’s CCF - Lily Newland

Howlett Prize for Senior BiologyLily Newland

Bantoft Sword for Outstanding Leadership in the Combined Cadet Force - Henry Myers

Bantoft Sword for Outstanding Leadership in the Combined Cadet ForceElena Fairweather

Charles Steward Prize for Senior DivinityMo Frankland

The Zos Austin Psychology PrizeEveny Gill

The Notcutt Award for Adventurous Activity - Emma Elliott

Caroline Barnes Prize for FrenchEmma Elliott

Cowell Prize for Classics - Georgia Watson

Rassiah Community Service PrizeLeon List

Geoffrey Barnard Prize for Sixth Form

Reading - Laila Hollis

Grimwade Cup for PhotographyLivvy Wickens

The Rebecca Moldram Computing PrizeEven To

Viscount Falmouth Prize for Practical Physics - Henry Myers

The Library Prize for ReadingCharlotte Ciuksyte

Friends of Ipswich School Prize for Charitable Work - William Burton

Broadway Prize for Outstanding Work and Promise in Science - Matthew Gibson

Josh Hunt Prize for Outstanding Work and Promise (Arts) - Abbie Gammage

Middle School Latin PrizeAbbie Gammage

Cobbold Prize for Mathematics - Cyrus Ng

Kettle Prize for Middle School GeographyJim Notcutt

Josselyn Prize for Middle School DivinityElsie Connell

Junior Essay Prize - Elsie Connell

Edward Poynter Prize for Middle School Art - Sasha Tyler

Fears Watch Company DT PrizeCharles Cooper

Crewe Prize for Attainment Year 11Albert Frost

Middle School History Prize - Albert Frost

Collins Prize for Middle School ClassicsTeju Abayomi-Taiwo

Millington Prize for Critical ThinkingHarriet Blunden

Michael Lee Prize for Modern LanguagesHarriet Blunden

Palmer Prize for Middle School ChemistryCharlie Dinmore

Year 11 Prize for Effort - Charlie Dinmore

Crewe Prize for Attainment Year 10Sophie McGready

Scammell Prize for Junior BiologySophie McGready

Fisher Prize for Boarding - Lucas Ng

Wilson Prize for Music - Lucas Ng

RAF Cup for best all-round Year 10 cadet (RAF Section) - Eliza Fairbrother

Ben St Joseph Shield for best all round Year 10 Cadet (Army Section)Max Williams

Warnes Prize for HistoryOwen Polkinhorn

Year 10 Effort Prize - William Newland

Noel Sullivan Prize for Modern LanguagesWilliam Newland

Noel Sullivan Prize for Modern LanguagesConner Mayhew

Noel Sullivan Prize for Modern LanguagesDongxiang Qiu

Junior Philosophy, Religion and Ethics Prize - Benedict Clarke

Woodcraft Cup for DramaBunny Crompton-Battersby

Crewe Prize for Attainment Year 9Anastasia Moore

Year 9 Effort Prize - Amelia Jones

8A Prize for Attainment - Alysha Crane

8A Prize for Effort - Alice Davy

8B Prize for Attainment - Estelle Lau

Junior Geography Prize - Estelle Lau

8B Prize for Effort - Sophie Lenney

Norman Stonex Prize for ClassicsElwyn Waters

Palmer Prize for Junior ChemistryOscar Atkinson

Simon Boutflour Cup for Best Cumbria Log - Sadie Annis

8C Prize for Attainment - Daniyal Kazi

8C Prize for Attainment - Nikita Wong

Sewell Prize for Junior MusicNikita Wong

8C Prize for Effort - Poppy Clark

T C Grice Prize for Junior MathematicsAlexander Smith

8D Prize for Attainment - Maisie Mann

8D Prize for Effort - Pippa Wooderson

7A Prize for Attainment - Krrish Prabhakar

7A Prize for Effort - Thomas Last

Farebrother Prize for History of Science

Essay - Albie Brennan

Edward Ardizzone Prize for Junior ArtSasha Bland

7B Prize for Attainment - Rachel McGready

7B Prize for Effort - Finley Card

Rowley Elliston Prize for Junior ReadingHolly McGready

7C Prize for Attainment - Holly McGready

7C Prize for Effort - Said Tukmanov

7D Prize for Attainment - Nathaniel Moore

7D Prize for Effort - Eliza Ling

TRIPS & VISITS

Year 12 Devon Trip: Sun, Surf, and Life Skills

After finishing their mock exams, Year 12 enjoyed a busy and memorable week away in Devon. The trip began on Monday with a coach journey to the Ultimate Adventure Centre, where students settled into their cabins before shaking off travel stiffness at The Big Sheep, an indoor play area, and some outdoor games.

stress management, interview techniques, finance, first aid, and self-defence. Following this, the first round of activities included high ropes challenges with climbing walls and both high and low ropes courses.

After lunch, students took to the water with paddleboarding, kayaking, and rafting on a lake, enjoying games and the chance to get comfortable on the water. The evening offered a peaceful coastal walk for some, while others stayed back to relax and play games.

Wednesday was filled with adventure as the group headed to Croyde for surfing and coasteering. Under expert guidance, most students managed to stand up on their surfboards by the end of the lesson. After lunch and a quick visit to local shops, the group tackled coasteering along the cliffs, culminating in exhilarating cliff jumps timed perfectly with the tide. Back at the centre, everyone prepared for the week’s highlightHouse performances.

Thursday’s activities started with a fun wipeout course challenge, where students tried to pass an egg while navigating monkey bars, slides, and giant beach balls.

The day continued with archery and frisbee golf before the final life skills lesson. The evening was filled with excitement as each House presented a performance, judged on fun, participation, and style by Mr Calver, Mr Cliff, and Mrs Hudson. Special guest Mr Gregory joined the audience to cheer them on. The results saw Sherrington take the Devon Boot trophy, Rigaud in second, and School House finishing third.

On Friday, the group travelled home to Suffolk, with some stopping at Bristol for university open days.

Matilda W, Year 12

Reflections from the Year 12 Survey

Favourite activities:

Surfing and coasteering tied for top spot.

Surprising discoveries:

Many students found they could master new skills, felt happier from small achievements, and enjoyed pushing themselves outside their comfort zones.

Favourite life skill: Self-defence with Mr Morgan. Lessons learned: Resilience, teamwork, independence, bravery, and the importance of taking that first step.

Senior Prefect Leadership Weekend:

A Fantastic Kickstart to 2025/26!

What an incredible weekend it was! Our 48-hour Senior Prefect Leadership Weekend was filled with inspiration, teamwork, and plenty of fun - the perfect way to launch the 2025/26 Prefect journey.

Day 1 began with breakfast and an inspiring talk from Sir Nick Young, former Chief Executive of the British Red Cross. This was followed by tour guide training led by Mrs Trainer, our Admissions Manager.

After settling in, the prefects tackled a range of team challenges, dove into a cybercrime investigation at Suffolk Police HQ, and enjoyed some well-earned downtime with a beach visit and arcade games. The day ended with a cosy campfire, complete with marshmallows.

Day 2 focused on vision and planning. Prefects set goals for the year ahead, designed their own gourmet brunch menus, then headed to Tesco to shop for ingredients before cooking together as a team.

The weekend wrapped up with an exciting escape room challenge and a relaxed BBQ back at school with the Head, where the prefects shared their exciting ideas for charitable fundraising. A memorable weekend of leadership, laughter, and learningwe can’t wait to see what our prefects achieve this year!

Year 7 Maths and History Trip to Norwich Castle

On Wednesday 4th June, all of Year 7 visited Norwich Castle to take part in a series of exciting workshops that brought to life the events of 1216, when the castle was under siege.

Accompanied by members of the Maths and History departments, students were greeted on arrival by four authentically dressed historical characters - defenders of King John and their French opponents - who helped set the scene for the day.

Among them were the wife of the Baron who owned the castle, a weapons expert responsible for its defence, and the wife of the King of France, who was attempting to overthrow King John and capture Norwich Castle.

Throughout the day, students took part in four interactive workshops that combined history, mathematics, and problem-solving. Activities included calculating the finances involved in attacking and defending the castle, handling and weighing replica 13th-century weapons, and measuring the castle walls to determine the size of siege engines and ladders needed.

Another challenge involved working out how long the castle’s inhabitants could survive under siege with limited food and water supplies.

It was an informative and hands-on experience that gave students a fascinating insight into medieval life. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the day, and we are very grateful to the staff at Norwich Castle for making it such a memorable visit.

Year 12 Business Trip to Colchester Zoo

Our Year 12 Business students enjoyed an insightful day at Colchester Zoo, combining fun with valuable learning. The visit began with some free time to explore the zoo as visitors, taking in the sights and atmosphere.

Later, the group attended a fascinating talk from the zoo staff, who shared how the zoo operates as a complex business, managing everything from animal care to marketing and visitor experience.

This real-world insight helped students connect their classroom business theories to practical operations.

With business concepts fresh in their minds, students spent the rest of the day exploring the zoo, observing how those principles play out in action. Thanks to the excellent zoo team and beautiful weather, it was a rewarding and memorable trip for everyone involved!

Physics trip to CERN

The day began with a very early 3am start at school, followed by a drive to Luton Airport and a flight to Switzerland, arriving around lunchtime.

At CERN, the visit began with lunch (including some appropriately “physicsthemed” food, such as the salmon dipole), before the tour started at a data storage facility. Later, the group crossed into France - marked simply by a lamp-post - for a visit to the antimatter factory.

After a stop at the gift shop (where the exchange rate proved a challenge for some!), the group headed into Geneva to walk around the lake and admire the Jet d’Eau fountain. Finally, after a long wait due to a two-hour flight delay, they returned to the UK, exhausted but inspired.

In just 24 hours, the trip covered three countries, countless discoveries, and a glimpse of the world-leading physics that brings classroom learning to life.

A tiring, but truly inspirational adventure!

Year 12 Psychology Trip to Colchester Zoo

Shortly after returning from their Devon trip, our Year 12 Psychology students enjoyed a sunny day at Colchester Zoo. The visit included two insightful lecturesone in the morning and another in the afternoon - focusing on how psychology is used to enhance the visitor experience, help people learn about the animals, and promote conservation efforts for endangered species.

Between the talks, students had time to explore the zoo’s many exhibits, offering a perfect chance to relax and enjoy the warm weather. One fascinating fact shared was that visitors typically only wait five seconds at an enclosure if the animal isn’t visible before moving on - an example of how the zoo applies psychology to its layout and information design to keep guests engaged. Students were especially intrigued by conservation psychology, a relatively new field studying people’s relationship with nature and how to encourage environmental conservation.

Jerusalem at the V&A

English students in Years 12 and 13 took a trip to the Victoria and Albert museum in London. We enjoyed a private screening of ‘Jerusalem’, a play by Jez Butterworth that we study at A-Level.

It was really interesting to see greater depth to the characters and the key theme of the conflict between traditional living and modernity. Mark Rylance’s portrayal of the central character Johnny Byron was excellent, and gave much more emotion to his life and actions within the play. Overall it was a brilliant experience that helped us widen our understanding and develop our essays!

Ethan

Howarth-Wedgewood, Year 13

Year 8 Drama Trip to London: Inspired by My Neighbour Totoro

On Thursday 12th June, a group of Year 8 students enjoyed an unforgettable trip to London to see the acclaimed production of My Neighbour Totoro at the Gillian Lynne Theatre.

This visit perfectly complemented their recent drama lessons on shadow puppetry, providing them with inspiring insight into puppetry techniques that will enhance their own creative work.

In class, the students have been crafting their own shadow figures based on Grimm Fairy Tales - such as Sweet Porridge, Little Red Cap, and The Mouse, The Bird and The Sausage - using card, sticks, and split pins. Their efforts will culminate in a final performance showcasing their skills.

My Neighbour Totoro tells the magical story of two young sisters, Satsuki and Mei, as they discover the wonders of nature in 1980s rural Japan, encountering mysterious forest creatures along the way.

Originally staged by the Royal Shakespeare Company in 2023, this production won six Olivier Awards and has toured worldwide. The Year 8s were fortunate to experience this inspiring show during its London return, fuelling their creativity for their own drama projects.

Year 12 Classics Trip to Rome

Arriving in Rome in the early afternoon, we spent our first day easing into the city with a scenic walk around some of its most iconic landmarks - the Colosseum, the Forum, the Victor Emmanuel II Monument, and the Circus Maximus.

Of course, we also took time to enjoy the local cuisine, stopping for arancini and gelato at lunch and some delicious pasta for dinner before taking the metro back to our hotel.

On our second day, we continued exploring the city centre. After coffee and pastries for breakfast, we set off to tour the inside of the Colosseum. It was fascinating to learn about its history and imagine the spectacles that once took place there. We then visited the beautiful Palatine Hill, which offered stunning views over the ruins of the Forum. That evening, we enjoyed dinner at the British School at Rome, where the director kindly gave us an insightful tour and spent time chatting with us.

Day three took us beyond the city to the ruins of Ostia Antica, the ancient port of Rome. We were amazed by how well-preserved the site was - walking through Roman houses and public buildings gave us a vivid glimpse into life in the Roman Empire.

Returning to the city, we visited the Capitoline Museums and the Domus Romane, the remains of a luxurious Roman house buried beneath modern Rome, before heading to a pizzeria for our first taste of authentic Italian pizza.

On the fourth day, we travelled by train to Tivoli, a picturesque hill town, where we explored Hadrian’s Villa, one of the most complex and impressive Roman villas ever built, and Villa d’Este, a beautiful 16thcentury residence famed for its gardens and fountains.

Our final full day began with a visit to Vatican City, where Sunday Mass was being celebrated. We narrowly missed seeing the Pope by just a few minutes before moving on to the Ara Pacis, where Mrs Deering gave a fascinating tour connected to some students’ Classics studies. Lunch by the Pantheon followed, then a visit to the Spanish Steps, a little shopping, and one last Italian pizza dinner to round off the trip.

We returned home on our fifth day after a welldeserved rest in the morning, bringing to a close a week that was as enriching as it was enjoyable. Overall, it was a fantastic trip - packed with history, culture, and incredible experiences. Huge thanks to Mr Robson, Mrs Deering, and Miss Hutton, who seemed to enjoy it as much as we did.

Henry H, Year 12

Girls’ Cricket Tour to the UAE

Over the Christmas holidays, the Girls’ Cricket First Team embarked on an unforgettable tour to the UAE to take part in the World Schools Festival in Abu Dhabi.

The team played five matches, securing three convincing wins against Emirates Cricket before facing tougher opposition in their remaining fixtures.

There were several standout performances with the bat, including captain Evie B. (49), Sophie M. (46), Alice A. (56), and Edith A. (54). Evie also impressed with the ball, taking eight wickets, while all-rounders Izzy G., Mia N., and Izzy J. made valuable contributions throughout - both with bat, ball, and behind the stumps. Every player should be proud of their performances and the way they represented the school abroad. Off the field, the girls enjoyed a number of exciting activities. A visit to Yas Mall offered an evening of exploring international shops, restaurants, and entertainment, including a stop at the large Manchester City FC store!

Another highlight was the Desert Safari and Arabian Nights experience. The group travelled by 4x4 through the sand dunes - an exhilarating ride known as dune bashing - spotting wild camels along the way.

After watching the sunset, they arrived at the authentic Arabian Nights Village, where they enjoyed camel rides, sand surfing, a traditional BBQ, henna tattoos, and captivating performances including belly dancing, tanoura dancing, and a fire show. The evening ended with all the lights switched off to take in the star-filled desert sky - a truly magical end to the trip.

Trips – Girls’ Cricket Tour to the UAE

Coastal Discoveries at Walton-on-the-Naze!

The Year 7 Geography Trip is always one of the highlights of the summer term - and this year, students were lucky enough to enjoy not just sea and sand, but sunshine too!

After registration, all of Year 7 gathered outside Matron’s office to collect our lunch bags - except for those who had packed lunches, of course. Once we were lined up in our forms, we walked to the bus, which was already warm from the sunshine, eager to grab a good seat. After a one-and-a-half-hour journey, we arrived at Walton-on-the-Naze and were greeted by a refreshing sea breeze.

We followed the teachers to a nearby field where we collected our booklets, before setting off for our first activity - climbing the Naze Tower. It took a while to reach the top, but the incredible view of the coastline made it worth every step. On the way down, we stopped at the museum floor to look at 5-million-yearold shark teeth and ancient artefacts.

Next, we measured the groynes and explored the Crag Walk, noting down information about the rock armour in our booklets. Then it was time for lunch - and a chance to buy ice creams, milkshakes, fizzy drinks, or even mini shark teeth from the gift shop!

After lunch, we met back at the Naze Tower for our next task: measuring how far the cliffs had eroded. We then walked along the beach, passing an old bunker (definitely not one to explore!), before heading back to the field and catching our bus home.

As Miss Hutton remarked on the way back, “These children just keep eating, don’t they?” - which was very true!

It was a brilliant day full of sunshine, sea air, and Geography in action.

Will M, Year 7

Aquae Sulis Success:

Year 9 in the path of

the Romans

On Thursday, we left school at lunchtime and set off on the coach for our trip. The journey was long and, for once, it was a hot day! We stopped for a short break along the way and soon arrived at the centre, which was home to pigs, chickens, peacocks, and guinea pigs - all of which we loved visiting during our stay.

There was also a zipline, rope swing, and bike shed that we made full use of on Thursday evening before enjoying a delicious dinner cooked by Miss Hutton!

On Friday morning, Miss Hutton led an early walk through the woods and fields surrounding the centre, with a quick stop to feed the pigs. Later, we travelled to Cirencester, where we explored the museum filled with ancient Roman mosaics and tombstones. Afterwards, we had time to wander around the town and its market before heading to Chedworth, the site of a Roman villa. There, we toured the ruins, learning about the private bathhouses, the intricate mosaics and their meanings, and the water shrine. We also sketched the surrounding landscape, once home to Roman farms and workers overseen by the villa’s owners.

“Saturday was another exciting day. We began with a trip to Bath, starting at the Roman Baths. Although the visible structure is Georgian, it was built over the original Roman site, and it was amazing to see how history intertwined.

Using audio guides, we learned about the hypocaust heating system, admired the famous Gorgon head, and saw the “Vilbia” defixio (curse tablet). We even saw masks once used by Roman priests and a stunning gold statue of Sulis Minerva, the goddess of the Baths. Tasting the spring water was an experience - some of us loved it, others… not so much!

In the afternoon, we climbed to the top of Bath Abbey on a fascinating guided tour. We saw the huge bells and learned how they’re rung before enjoying incredible views across the city. We then visited the Circus and the Royal Crescent — two magnificent examples of Georgian architecture, built by a father and son. We discussed the different column styles (Doric and Ionic) and

even heard the story of the famous “yellow door” - the subject of a long legal battle that ended with the door still painted bright yellow today! We finished the day with some shopping in town before heading back to the centre to relax, ride bikes, or visit the animals again.

On Sunday morning, we packed up early, sad to be leaving after such an amazing few days. We had a brilliant time exploring the Cotswolds and learning about Roman and Georgian history.

A huge thank you to Miss Hutton, Mr Robson, Mrs Deering, and Mr Jefferies for organising and accompanying us, and to everyone at Noah’s Ark Children’s Venture for looking after us so well.

Penny D and Lottie T, Year 9

Easter Ski Trip to France

Over the Easter holidays, students headed to the stunning resort of Les Deux Alpes for an unforgettable week on the slopes.

From first-time skiers finding their balance to seasoned pros tackling challenging runs, everyone embraced the adventure with enthusiasm and energy.

Days were filled with mountain air, stunning views and plenty of laughter - both on and off the slopes. Evenings brought hot chocolates, games and stories of the day’s best (and funniest!) moments.

The trip was not only a chance to improve skiing skills, but also an opportunity to build friendships, confidence and memories that will last a lifetime.

A huge thank you to all of the staff who organised and accompanied the trip, making it a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

Year 8 Cumbria Trip

Our Year 8 students enjoyed a fantastic week in Cumbria at the start of the academic year - a muchloved tradition and a firm highlight of the Ipswich School calendar.

The week was packed with outdoor adventures, exciting field trips and unforgettable experiences, creating lasting memories and friendships along the way.

Highlights included:

Ghyll Scrambling

Students scrambled down rocky streams, jumping into pools, sliding through bends, and floating along channels. Teamwork was key, with everyone relying on each other to pass instructions and keep the group moving together. It was exhilarating — and for many, the most fun activity of the week!

Canoeing

Students learned how to paddle, turn, accelerate and balance - though some found the balancing part a little more challenging than others! A few capsized boats only added to the laughter and fun.

Epic Hikes

The group took on some of the Lake District’s most stunning routes, including Bleaberry Fell, Catbells and Latrigg Summit, rewarded with breathtaking views along the way.

Roman History Day

A fascinating visit to the Roman Army Museum, Hadrian’s Wall and Vindolanda offered insight into ancient life on the frontier. From learning about the rise of the Roman Empire (and even practising some Latin!) to exploring archaeological remains, students were captivated by the stories of this remarkable era.

Archery

Students were taught how to hold a bow correctly and took part in several rounds of close-range shooting, putting their new skills to the test.

Climbing and Problem Solving

Indoors, they challenged themselves with rock climbing and bouldering, as well as teamwork-based problemsolving activities.

The trip ended on a truly magical note - a stunning display of the Northern Lights illuminated the Cumbrian sky, an unforgettable finale to a memorable week.

CCF

In July, 18 cadets and four staff travelled to Barry Budden training area, located next to the famous Carnoustie Golf Course on Scotland’s east coast.

Summer CampBarry Budden, Scotland

They were joined by schools from across the UK and international contingents from India, Australia, Poland, Latvia, and Estonia for a week of actionpacked training and adventure. The week began with refresher sessions in patrolling and weapons handling, before launching into a superb day of adventure training in Arbroath.

Every cadet overcame their nerves and completed the crossing, some with impressive creativity!

On the Tuesday, cadets fired Cadet Rifles on the UK’s longest range, where Florence B stood out to win the Best Shot medal. Wednesday brought an 8-hour interschool competition day, including a mix of practical and mental challenges such as an escape room, first aid, and navigation tasks.

Cadets braved the cold North Sea during a coasteering sessionclimbing sea cliffs and exploring caves - before tackling mountain biking trails and a Tyrolean Traverse across a bay.

Thursday and Friday were spent in the field for the final 30-hour exercise, where cadets carried out section attacks, met with fictional agents, and practised intelligence-gathering. In a dramatic finale, Ipswich School cadets launched coordinated attacks on enemy positions - accompanied by a live bagpiper from Aberdeen! The week concluded with a well-earned prizegiving, where Max W. won the Best Fieldcraft Award.

It was an outstanding camp, featuring some of the best adventure training offered in years.

Cadets Set Sail Aboard HMS Exploit

A memorable highlight for our cadets this year was an exhilarating day at sea aboard HMS Exploit. The experience began at Ipswich docks, where cadets were warmly welcomed by the Royal Navy crew and Lieutenant Callum Cura OI 2011-17, and commanding officer of the vessel. Following a safety briefing, cadets assisted in preparing the ship for departure before taking turns at the helm while cruising down the River Orwellkeeping to a steady six knots within the channel. Once out in open waters, the pace picked up to 20 knots and the real excitement began. With sharp turns and sea spray adding to the thrill, cadets had a second opportunity to steer - this time in far more dynamic conditions.

Midway through the voyage, a light-hearted competition brought some friendly rivalry: Cadet Williams emerged victorious in the emergency survival suit challenge, outpacing both fellow cadets and crew by a full 20 seconds.

A little rain did nothing to dampen spirits, and the cadets returned to Ipswich with an unforgettable experience under their belts - and a deeper appreciation of life at sea.

CCF take to the skies

On Wednesday 20th November, seven CCF Cadets and NCOs accompanied by Flt Lt Fred, travelled to RAF Wittering for an exciting day of flying.

With good weather conditions forecast for the day ahead, the cadets travelled two hours to the RAF station. Upon arrival we were welcomed and met by our instructors, who talked us through an important safety briefing, including the necessary parachute training, before being allowed to fly.

“Then it was time to get kitted out with flying suits, leather gloves, and an important helmet fitted with a microphone that enabled us to communicate with our pilot during the flight.

With excitement and nerves building, it was finally time to pair up with the pilots. Our pilot then escorted us to the Grob Tutor T1 aeroplane. The side-by-side seating arrangement meant we could interact with our pilot whilst in the air and the large cockpit canopy provided an excellent all-round view on such a sunny, clear day.

Once up in the air, we were given the opportunity to fly the plane ourselves. The pilot also showed us how to do aerobatics, flying the aircraft upside down and in loop-the-loops using precise control. The feeling of being upside down with the effects of G-forces was something that none of us had ever experienced, resulting in some queasiness, but also exhilaration! It was an incredible opportunity and one for which all of us are extremely grateful and enjoyed immensely.

Many thanks to the pilots of RAF Wittering and Flt Lt Fred.

Lucia P and Ellie R, Year 13

CCF Trip to Crete

The CCF Crete Adventure Training trip, held over October half term, gave 27 pupils an unforgettable week of outdoor challenges, cultural discovery, and friendship. The trip featured a wide variety of activities to suit different interests and abilities, including rock climbing, bodyboarding, snorkelling, kayaking, and raft building.

Set against the stunning coastal landscapes of Crete, these adventures tested the pupils’ resilience and skills while offering breathtaking views and a real sense of achievement.

Alongside the physical challenges, the group also explored Crete’s rich history and culture. They visited an archaeological site to learn about ancient civilizations and spent time in a local town, soaking up the vibrant atmosphere, sampling traditional cuisine, and enjoying the lively harbour scene.

With warm Cretan weather providing the perfect backdrop, pupils also enjoyed relaxing on beautiful beaches and swimming in the sea. Throughout the trip, their positive attitudes, willingness to embrace new experiences, and strong team spirit shone through. They supported one another, celebrated each other’s successes, and forged lasting friendships - making the Crete Adventure an incredible shared experience.

CCF Cadets support Veterans

In June, four of our Year 11 CCF cadets proudly presented Ipswich School at the inaugural Ipswich Bigger Breakfast Event, held at Ipswich YM Rugby Club. The breakfast supported Combat2Coffee, an organisation committed to the wellbeing of veterans and their families by selling coffee and investing the proceeds into outreach programmes, education, training and development.

The event brought together the local community to show respect and support for those who have served. Our cadets had the unique opportunity to meet and speak to Alistair Carns MP, the Veterans Minister, who highlighted the importance of fostering a strong community among past and present armed forces members and praised the breakfast as a shining example of this vital support. It was a fantastic morning of connection, conversation, and community spirit.

Field Days

CCF Annual Dinner and Awards

The CCF Field Day in March saw nearly 150 cadets and NCOs take to the RAF Barnham training area in West Suffolk

The day was led and coordinated by our Sixth Form NCOs, who delivered a series of lessons and demonstrations. Year 10 and 11 cadets took part in a range of practical exercises, developing their understanding of formation movement, tactics and battle drills. A challenging but rewarding day that showcased teamwork, leadership and skill across the contingent.

The Combined Cadet Force Annual Dinner took place in late March, celebrating the achievements of the 150+ pupils involved throughout the 2024/2025 academic year. The evening was also an opportunity to recognise outstanding individual contributions Best Cadet awards in Year 10 went to Eliza Fairbrother and Max Williams, while Most Promising Cadet awards were given to Rosie Romanus and Nina Shelley in Year 11, and to Elodie Atkinson, Grace Bennett, and Edward Ogilvie in Year 12.

Drill and Deportment were awarded to Calum Button (Y10) and Colin Chung (Y12), with Best Shot going to Emilia Oxborrow (Y12) and Maisie Scott (Y11).

The prestigious Bantoft Sword for Leadership was awarded jointly to Ellie Fairweather (U6th) and Henry Myers (U6th), while the Paton Cup for Outstanding Contribution was presented to Lily Newland and Ben Morgan (both Y13).

Flight Simulators

Our RAF cadets have been given the opportunity to soar to new heights with the introduction of our state-of-the-art flight simulators. These cuttingedge facilities, used every Thursday afternoon, enable cadets to practise key piloting skills such as take-offs, landings, and essential manoeuvres. This hands-on experience has been a real gamechanger, providing cadets with a unique and inspiring insight into the world of aviation, while supporting their skills and confidence in a truly memorable way.

CLUBS & ACTIVITIES

History Club

Year

9 History Club Students Shine at the Dora Love Prize

On Monday 23rd June, five Year 9 students - Bunny CB, Penny D, Isla H, Lottie T and Imogen H - represented Ipswich School at the Dora Love Prize finals at the University of Essex. Named after a Holocaust survivor, the prize challenges young people to take a stand against prejudice and discrimination in today’s world. Presenting confidently in the university auditorium, the team shared their campaign accompanied by a striking artwork and message promoting recognition, acceptance and celebration of diversity. They drew thought-provoking parallels between Nazi propaganda and the modern influence of social media 'influencers’, exploring how ideas spread and why it’s vital to challenge harmful narratives.

“

Competing against 12 other schools, the group earned a special commendation for their exceptional presentation, which the Mayor of Colchester praised as a highlight of the evening.

This talented group of young historians has demonstrated curiosity, compassion, and a true passion for learning. Their work reminds us that history is not just about the past - it’s a call to shape a better future. Well done to all involved!

Lego Robotics Club

Two teams of Year 7 and 8 pupils from our Lego Robotics Club competed in the regional tournament on the 27th of February. It was part of the international FIRST Lego League Challenge, held locally at Getech.

The teams designed, built, and programmed robots to complete missions, aiming to score as many points as possible in a head-to-head format. In addition, they delivered presentations offering innovative and creative solutions to real-world problems. This year’s theme was Submerged, and teams explored issues affecting aquatic ecosystems.

Both teams gave outstanding performances - the best that Mr Bond has seen in recent years. Although they narrowly missed out on a place in the national final, they still came away with well-deserved trophies for their achievements.

‘Corrie’s Crusaders’ won the Innovation Project Award for their presentation on plastic pollution and coral bleaching, while ‘The Hammerheads’ received the Robot Design Trophy for their inventive use of attachments to complete the missions. Both teams should be extremely proud of their success!

Matilda W, Year 12

Chess Club

We started 2025 with a very exciting Ganzoni chess competition. The Junior competition took place on Wednesday 22nd January, rapidly followed by the Senior Competition, which occurred the following day. The finals were on Friday the 24th January - a day that will not be easily forgotten. I was impressed by all the competitors that entered - each game was only 12 minutes long meaning very fast and furious moves.

The final standings for the Junior Competition saw Maxi Bozier in 1st place from Holden, followed in close succession by Henry Conner in 2nd place from Sherrington.

As for the senior competition, the renowned player George Collis from Sherrington took the triumphant 1st place, with Krishna Sinha from Felaw in second.

We had the Easter 2025 chess ladder won by the highly acclaimed Joshua Burgoyne in year 12, who achieved the eminently desired engraved medal for his efforts. He was followed by Jayden Osayande in year 7 and Adam Day in year 7 – all three were delighted with their Easter egg prizes.

We now have a new cohort of chess players battling it out to be our Christmas Chess Ladder 2025 champion. Chess club takes place on Tuesday lunchtimes in Room 3, for any newcomers who wish to join in the fun.

Mrs Turner

Debating Club

This year, the Debating Club has enjoyed a series of lively discussions - ranging from the deeply serious to the delightfully silly.

In the Michaelmas term, we entered a team into the English-Speaking Union MACE Debating Competition. Our first-round motion proposed building homes on green belt land. The team - Luke McGrath (11) as proposer, Ellie Rayner (13) as seconder, and Lucia Prescott (13) as summary speaker - delivered an impressive performance. They presented a well-defined argument supported by thorough research. Lucia, in her demanding summary role, offered sharp rebuttals and handled questions from the floor with poise and quick thinking. The trio worked brilliantly together to secure a place in the regional round.

In January, we faced tougher competition in the regional round, opposing the motion This House believes globalisation perpetuates social inequity. Kit Fell-Clark (13) joined Lucia and Ellie for this debate. Although we were narrowly defeated by a strong team from Gresham’s, the experience was invaluable - developing the team’s confidence in holding the floor, managing points of information, and balancing rebuttal with their own argument.

The summer term brought the highlight of the year: the Ganzoni Debating Competition, featuring passionate performances from Years 11–13. The final, between Broke and Rigaud, debated whether technological advancement brings more harm than good. After a close contest, Broke House emerged victorious, with Roger Catchpole (13), Madeleine Weaver (13), and Anna Geileskey (12) taking the title.

Final standings:

1st - Broke

2nd - Rigaud

3rd - Holden

4th - Felaw

5th - School

6th - Sherrington

Silver Duke of Edinburgh Expedition - Wye Valley

Our Silver Duke of Edinburgh participants embarked on an unforgettable expedition through the stunning Wye Valley. Over several challenging days, students navigated winding trails, set up camp and worked together to overcome both physical and mental challenges. Their resilience, teamwork and positive spirit shone throughout the expedition - a true reflection of their dedication and the adventurous spirit of the DofE programme. Well done to everyone who took part!

Gold Duke of Edinburgh

A huge congratulations to our Sixth Form students who successfully completed their Duke of Edinburgh Gold Final Expedition in the stunning Brecon Beacons - a challenge that included the impressive ascent of Cadair Idris.

This was a truly memorable and demanding experience, testing both physical endurance and mental resilience. Over several days, the students navigated rugged terrain, unpredictable weather, and long hours of hiking, all while working together to stay motivated and support one another.

A heartfelt thank you goes to all the staff who guided, encouraged, and supported the group throughout their preparation and the expedition itself. Completing the Gold Award is a tremendous achievement - one that represents not only adventure and perseverance, but also the very best of the Ipswich School spirit. We are incredibly proud of everything they have accomplished.

Bronze Duke of Edinburgh

Shortly after starting Year 10, and after plenty of planning (mainly deciding what food to take!), we set off on our expedition, tents packed and excitement high, ready to be dropped off on the far side of Woodbridge.

The weather was on our side, and we enjoyed a fantastic - if rather long - walk through farms, forests, and fields under bright blue skies. Later in the afternoon, we were picked up and taken back to Notcutts, where we pitched our tents and cooked the meals we’d planned in our groups. Mr Gregory joined us that evening to hear our stories from the day.

After a surprisingly warm night under canvas, we started the next morning with pancakes before packing up and heading out for another walking adventure. The whole weekend was tiring but such great fun - a brilliant experience from start to finish!

Elliot Trainer

CHARITY

St Elizabeth Hospice: Hop To It Trail

We were delighted to be part of the St Elizabeth Hospice Hop To It Trail again this year! Our beautifully designed hare, Sun Ray, created by the talented Esme Taylor, joined the trail as sculpture number 20.

Delivered in June, Sun Ray helped raise awareness for the hospice’s incredible work across Suffolk. The 2025 art trail ran from 21 June to 29 August and, for the first time, extended beyond Ipswich into Woodbridge, Felixstowe, Beccles, and Lowestoft.

Hospice staff - much like hares - travel swiftly across towns and countryside, providing vital care and support to local communities when they need it most.

Visitors were also invited to take part in our fun competition via the official Hop To It app: to guess the name of our Ipswich School teddy bear for a chance to win one of their own! Our Prep School hare could also be spotted elsewhere in town, adding to the fun of finding both while enjoying the many stunning designs along the trail.

This wonderful community event was a joy to support once again, celebrating creativity, compassion, and local spirit across Suffolk.

Supporting SERV: Year 8 Making a Difference

Our fantastic Year 8 students collected old mobile phones and devices in support of SERV Suffolk and Cambridgeshire Blood Runners. SERV is a volunteer-run charity that provides a vital service by transporting blood, medical supplies, donated human milk, and other essentials across the region - often through the night - to support hospitals and save lives.

Throughout the Lent Term, Year 8 organised a range of fundraising activities, including cake sales, old phone and electronics collections, and other creative events. Their hard work and generosity paid off, raising an impressive £548.48 for the charity.

“

On 27th March, a small group of Year 8 pupils proudly presented the cheque to representatives from SERV. During their visit, they learned that the charity requires at least £40,000 each year to continue its incredible work.

The funds raised will go directly towards vital materials, vehicle maintenance, and equipment - helping to keep this life-saving service running. A huge well done to Year 8 for their effort, initiative, and kindness - and thank you to everyone who donated phones, devices, or money in support of SERV. This project is a brilliant example of how small actions can make a big impact in the wider community.

Charity Raffle Success

A huge thank you to everyone who took part in our ITFC shirt raffle, raising an impressive £726.99 for our termly charities.

The Senior School contributed £261.99 in support of SERV Suffolk & Cambridgeshire, while the Prep School raised £465 for CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young).

A special thank you goes to Mrs Carvell for organising the raffle and to everyone who bought tickets and supported these fantastic causes. Congratulations to Kate in Year 4, our lucky winner - we hope you enjoy your signed shirt.

Sports Kit Donation Makes a Global Impact

This year, a heartwarming initiative saw Ipswich School sports kit make its way to new homes in Accra, Ghana - bringing both joy and opportunity to children thousands of miles away.

Thanks to the efforts of Mrs Hudson and the support of the Friends of Ipswich School, over 46kg of donated sports kit - including legacy teamwear - was collected, packed, and sent to a school supported by the charity Akwaaba Volunteers. During a 10-day visit, Mrs Hudson worked closely with pupils in the Ghanaian capital, helping to improve literacy skills during the day and coaching football, netball, and rounders in the afternoons.

Despite limited facilities, the excitement of the children wearing their new Ipswich School kit was evident in every session.

This inspiring project highlights the global reach of our community spirit and the power of sport and education to transform lives. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Akwaaba Volunteers through future fundraising and support initiatives.

Cooling School Fundraiser

On one of the hottest days of the term, School House tutors bravely took to the stocks, led by their Head of House, Miss Cooley, to face a barrage of water balloons!

While the splash of water may have been slightly refreshing in the heat, the tutors took it all in good spirits as pupils eagerly queued to have their turn.

Thanks to everyone’s generosity - whether donating money, dignity, or comfort - the event raised £176.50 for the Lady McAdden Breast Cancer Charity. Well done to all involved for making it such a fun and successful fundraiser!

The Suffolk Dog Day

Our Ipswich School team had a fantastic time supporting St Elizabeth Hospice at this year’s Suffolk Dog Day. The event was filled with wagging tails, sunshine, and community spirit, all in aid of the hospice’s incredible work across the region.

Our brilliant catering team went above and beyond, providing a delicious spread of cakes, sandwiches, and refreshments that kept visitors well-fed and happy throughout the day. The catering tent raised a brilliant £1,167.50.

A special thank you goes to our amazing student volunteers - Alice, Bunny, Holly, Rachael, Sophie, Nathan, and Alessandra - whose energy, kindness, and dedication helped make the day such a success. We’re proud to have taken part in such a joyful and meaningful community event once again.

Supporting Ukraine Through Art and Music

In March, Miss Schevchenko and the Art Department held a powerful and heartfelt fundraising event combining music and art to support communities affected by war in Ukraine. The event raised a significant £800 which was donated to the Kyiv Specialist School for Deaf Children.

The timing of this donation was especially meaningful, arriving in time for Easter celebrations. The school’s headteacher used the funds to organise a special Good Friday event, providing traditional Easter gifts to every child and staff member with muchneeded equipment for the school kitchens.

Despite an air raid interrupting the celebrations, the occasion was filled with joy and appreciation. The headteacher wrote:

““Thank you, Ipswich School, for your continuous support. Your care, attention and generosity have given our children a true holiday, warmth, and joy… May the light of the Resurrection of Christ always illuminate your path and fill your hearts with warmth.”

This moving message reminds us of the real and lasting impact such acts of kindness can have. The support from our community has brought comfort and celebration to children living under incredibly challenging wartime conditions - a true testament to the power of compassion and solidarity.

HOUSE REPORTS & GANZONI AWARDS

Ganzoni Awards

JUNIOR

Art – Rigaud

Badminton – Felaw

Cross Country – Felaw

Boys’ Football – Holden

Boys’ Hockey – Felaw

Girls’ Hockey – Broke

Maths – Broke

Chess – Holden

Netball – Rigaud

Fives – School

Rugby – Sherrington

Boys’ Tennis – Rigaud

Girls’ Tennis – Broke

Boys’ Table Tennis – Holden

Girls’ Table Tennis – School

Sports Day – School

SENIOR

Art – Sherrington

Badminton – Broke

Cross Country – Broke

Boys’ Football – School

Boys’ Hockey – Rigaud

Boys’ Football – School

Girls’ Football – Holden

Girls’ Hockey – School/Sherrington

Maths – School

Chess – Sherrington

Netball – Sherrington

Debating – Broke

Boys’ Tennis – Broke

Girls’ Tennis – Broke

Boys’ Table Tennis – Broke

Girls’ Table Tennis – Sherrington

Sports Day – School

Overall Sports Day Winners – School

The final results of the Junior Ganzoni competition (for pupils from Years 9 and 10) saw Rigaud in third place, Holden in second place and Broke in first place. In the Senior competition, School and Broke tied for the runnersup position, with Sherrington taking the winner’s spot.

In the overall competition, Holden were in third place with 123 points, Sherrington were second with 129 points, but in first place, and claiming the Ganzoni Cup for 2024, were Broke with 145 points – well done!

Cardinal Cup

The legendary interHouse co-curricular competition for the prestigious Ganzoni Cup was as intense as ever in its 104th year. Hundreds of pupils and students across Years 9 to Upper Sixth represented their Houses with determination and enthusiasm across a range of sport and co-curricular events before the Sports Day on 3rd July.

The level of participation and quality of competition was a credit to the inspirational Heads of House and Ganzoni Captains. In the Junior we had an unprecedented threeway tie for second place between Holden, Rigaud and School with Sherrington Junior winners. In the Senior competition, Sherrington were third, School second, and Broke winners. The Ganzoni Cup was won by just a single point by Sherrington, despite School’s Sports Day heroics. Congratulations to Sherrington, and Head of House Mr Steward.

Rigaud

Head of House: Miss I John

Senior Prefects: Hannah Karlsson and Oscar Spence

This has been a classic Rigaud year - hints of brilliance in the Ganzoni and some top spots, but not necessarily translating this into a top half of the leaderboard finish.

A strong team at Sports Day did a fantastic job, with Erin Hammond and Harry ‘the Hound’ Griffith leading the way - I’d also like to thank the brilliant Year 10 girls for stepping in to cover for our missing Year 12s. I have high hopes for next year with the introduction of our new Year 9s. I am sure that our new Ganzoni captains, Molly and Archie, will do a brilliant job of recruiting people to represent the House next year and I would like to thank everyone who represented Rigaud over the course of the year.

It’s the taking part that counts (but winning would be a bonus.) I am also really pleased that everyone contributed to our Easter Egg jar charity fundraising, helping to increase the donation made by the school to the St Elizabeth Hospice by nearly £200. Thank you!

Our Senior Prefects, Hannah Karlsson and Oscar Spence, did a fantastic job organising our annual House Dinner (perhaps slightly more Hannah than Oscar!)

We really enjoyed the evening, held at Finn Valley Golf Club, and it was pleasing to see so many pupils in attendance. It is becoming something of a Rigaud tradition to visit golf clubs as well as the now annual Brick Award, introduced by Gracie and Charlie last year.

Adding to that Mr Duncombe’s now legendary routines - balloon sculpture this year, who knows what

for next year? The search is on for another local golf club and I am sure that Erin and Fin will do a smashing job organising it as our new Senior Prefects. We love this photo of Mr Duncombe’s form, taken by David Wei.

All of the Rigaud staff would like to wish our departing Year 13s well for whatever they embark on next year and we also send our best wishes to our Year 11s who may be moving onto new pastures for their Sixth Form studies.

Izzy John, Head of Rigaud House

Broke

Head of House:

Mr L Morgan

Senior Prefects:

Elena Fairweather and Ethan Howarth-Wedgewood

In September, in addition to welcoming our Year 9 form and new pupils in Year 10 and 12, Mrs Black (Geography teacher) temporarily joined the House as a sixth form tutor, as maternity cover for Mrs Steele. No sooner had the Michaelmas Term started, the Ganzoni competition also kicked back into action. Fresh from our competition win last year, everyone was keen to get started on the new campaign. Throughout the year, the emphasis was once again on maximum participation (and of course winning!).

Broke was successful in several of the events this year, but particularly strong in the senior competition, with wins in badminton, tennis, cross country and debating.

Not to be outdone, the juniors were also victorious in the Maths competition as well as competing strongly in several other events.

Once again House dinner proved to be the highlight of the year. Our senior prefects Ellie and Ethan did a fantastic job of organising the event. In a first for the school, the dinner was held at the Belstead Brook Hotel (not quite the same spelling!). The theme for the dinner - Red Carpet - provided the perfect backdrop for the glamorous venue, lending the dinner an Oscars awardfeel and the perfect excuse for dressing up smart. We are very grateful to Ellie and Ethan for all their efforts in making the House dinner such a special event.

In the Summer term, it has become a tradition that Broke House engages in charity fundraising. This year our Year 12 charity committee, ably led by Lottie Hitchcock, organised a very popular ‘pick-and-mix’ sweet sale and

also the sale of ice creams and drinks at sports day, both of which proved to be extremely popular.

On the penultimate day of the school year, Sports Day was a fantastic success for Broke House this year. Although the House came second overall, there were some fantastic individual performances, with Lucy Baldwin and Lottie Hitchcock both awarded ‘Victrix Ludorum’ for the best individual athletes in the junior and senior girls competitions and Pelle Knopp and Pip Rawlings runners up for the senior boys and senior girls. The day was a showcase of maximum participation and teamwork by all members of the House and a great way to end the year.

Holden

Head of House: Mr J Orbell Senior Prefects: Emily Calver and George Ransley

This year’s House Dinner was a resounding success, held at The Last Anchor and exceptionally popular with one hundred staff and students in attendance. The food was a highlight, praised for both its fantastic taste and generous portions.

Following the three courses, we held an award ceremony to celebrate the achievements of our House members. This was followed by our guest speaker, Mr. Faiers, a former Holden student from the 1990s. His speech offered everyone a rapid trip through time at Ipswich School, from the early days under Wolsey right up to the modern day.

If you ever wanted to know what language pupils spoke at all times in school until 1612 (and it wasn’t English!), how Rigaud helped improve the school’s discipline, or what happened to the student who ran across the grass in the park’s arboretum during Holden’s time, then you were in luck!

The Holden Chapel service at the start of the Summer term always brings a welcome opportunity to celebrate our House with members’ families.

This year, pupils were central to organising and delivering the service. I am extremely grateful to everyone who volunteered to contribute, whether through reading, baking, welcoming, or simply attending, singing, and supporting. A special thanks must go to Will and Nathaniel

who stepped in with just two days’ notice to perform a wonderful rendition of Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida” on the trombone and keyboard.

We have certainly had our ups and downs in the Ganzoni competition this year, but we also have some real successes to celebrate. Memorable moments include Maxi’s dominating show in the chess tournament, Max and Charlie’s spectacular win in table tennis, James finishing second in the tennis doubles despite losing his partner, and the girls retaining their unbeaten run in the football competition since its conception.

My proudest moment, however, was Sports Day. We entered the day last in the overall Ganzoni standings, only to emerge triumphant, handing the wooden spoon to Felaw and finishing the year fourth, ahead of Rigaud. It was wonderful to witness the sense of House pride overrule illness, anxiety, and even injury, with so many Holden members stepping up for the greater cause.

Will in Year 12 embodied this spirit best. After winning the shot put competition and scoring good points in the blue ribbon 100m event, he went out fast in the 800m to successfully challenge for points. Despite then needing some medical intervention (and a bin for his earlier consumed lunch), he was up and helping the relay team to a third-place finish. What a hero!

With the dedication seen on Sports Day and the high level of talent in the House next year, could 2026 be our year? I last held the trophy back in 2013 and it would be fantastic to get our hands on it again.

Sherrington

Head of House: Mr J Steward Senior Prefects: Zhenya Zahladko and Henry Myers

Another year seems to have flown by and we have much to celebrate and look back with fond memories. Pupils yet again showed great willingness and love for the pursuit of the elusive Ganzoni cup, which we gladly held aloft on the final day of school by just a point.

I wish to thank all those who took part in the events, as it really does all make the difference, not just to the points but bonds you build as a team. A huge thank you to Libby Baker & Max Chowdhury (Ganzoni Captains) and Gabi Cawley, Joey Blackwell & Richard Byford (Junior Ganzoni Captains) who did tremendous work in organising and motivating teams.

There were so many highlights, but two stand out. The first was our winning performance at Devon, where we secured the Devon Boot. This pushed many out of their comfort zones, and it was inspiring to see the group supporting one another in so many ways.

The second highlight was House Dinner which, despite its stresses, brought magical moments. With five performances throughout the evening, the tutors and I had the chance to see just how incredible the members of the House truly are… plus, it spared everyone from my rubbish jokes.

House Dinner performers:

Max Chowdhury – Shakespeare

Bea Gilfedder – Original Song

Freddy Ng – Piano

Evie Booker & Laila Hollis –Duet (performed every year!)

Y13 – Music Karaoke

Sherrington Shield for Goodwill and Valour –2025 Recipients

This year, we are proud to announce the recipients of the coveted Sherrington Shield for Goodwill and Valour. This award recognises students who have demonstrated outstanding kindness, courage, and quiet leadership qualities that often go unnoticed, yet are deeply cherished within our house community. Nominations were submitted by both peers and tutors, highlighting simple but powerful acts that make a lasting difference.

Michaelmas Term – Lilia Cook

Recognised as a driving force in Junior Ganzoni hockey, Lilia inspired her teammates through her unwavering encouragement and perseverance. She never gave up, setting a powerful example of resilience and support.

Lent Term – Laila Hollis

As Head Girl, Laila has led with grace, strength, and compassion. Her excellent leadership is matched by her consistent kindness to others, creating a welcoming and respectful environment for all.

Summer Term – Will Burton

Will has offered steadfast support to his peer tutoring programme and has made meaningful contributions to the refugee homework club. His quiet dedication has had a significant impact on many.

As a house we congratulate Lilia, Laila, and Will on receiving this year’s Shield, and we thank them for embodying the spirit of goodwill and valour in our Sherrington and school community. Many have been nominated this year and I look forward to another year of kind and selfless acts.

A heartfelt thank you to the Prefect team for everything they have contributed to the House, whether through fulfilling their duties, organising events, or simply being positive role models throughout the school.

My final thanks go, as always, to the Sherrington tutors. They are the true heart of the House, providing unwavering support and continuity throughout each pupil’s school journey, especially when they need steering back on course. They of course do a remarkable job of making up for my many failings, which certainly is a real skill.

Senior Prefect ReportZhenya Zahladko & Henry Myers

What’s your biggest highlight from your house events this year? (you can have more than one if you like!)

Sherrington House dinners are always a great night, and this year was no exception. As senior Prefects, it was a privilege to give back to the house by helping organise an event that, I’m sure all who attended would agree, was a huge success. We put in a lot of effort, and it was incredibly rewarding to see everyone enjoy the evening and know that our hard work paid off.

Alongside this, peer tutoring was another meaningful experience, giving us the chance to support Year 9 students who had just joined Sherrington and help them settle into this new chapter of their lives.

Where was your House Dinner, who was the guest speaker, any notable events/prizes/activities?

With this being my fifth and final House dinner, I can comfortably say it was my favourite night of them all. Held at the amazing Venue 16, the evening brought together so many members of the house, whether they were organising performances or simply showing up in their best attire. The entertainment programme was fantastic, featuring memorable acts from across the year groups. A true highlight for me was seeing Year 12 Bea Gilfedder perform an original song she had written, while the performance by the Year 13 boys was truly remarkable and added to the unforgettable atmosphere of the night.

What were your Ganzoni highlights?

The highlight was girls’ hockey, where we had an excellent team, including standout players like Laila Hollis and Megan Palmer. The whole school cross country was also remarkable, as it gave everyone in the house a chance to participate and show their support for Sherrington, highlighting our strong house spirit. Another special moment was competing in the house rugby fixture, where it was inspiring to see pupils from different year groups come together and work as a team, even if they didn’t know each other well.

Lifting of the Ganzoni Cup!!

Any charity highlights this year?

Sherrington made a Christmas Hamper Raffle which was contributed by every member of the house, where we raised £240 pounds for East Anglia’s Children’s Hospice. The winner was by pure miracle Henry Myers.

Are there any people you particularly need to thank this year as a house? Do you have an unsung hero?

We are extremely lucky to have so many fabulous members of the Sherrington house who have all in some way contributed to the Ganzoni Cup. Whether that be by representing the house in sports events or other spheres such as our maths competition. All of which would not have run as smoothly as it did without the efforts of our Ganzoni captains Max Chowdhury and Libby Baker. It has been such a joy to have Mr Steward as our head of house these last few years and he will be an individual who will be sorely missed by the leavers.

Felaw

Head of House: Mr S

Senior

Another year has passed, as we reflect upon the exploits of the glorious Felaw House. In a year of ups and downs, it is the Felaw House Dinner which springs to mind. For the first time ever, over 100 Felawians were able to celebrate all that is Felawian, this time at the waterside Aurora restaurant.

Our first experience in this coveted venue, wonderfully inspired by Senior Prefects Hannah Childs and Brett Shand-Brown, this glamour packed event was once again appreciated by all those lucky enough to attend.

Among the many games and quizzes, the coupling of teachers to an eclectic range of favourite songs proved particularly memorable. The star of the evening was surely Digby Mitchem in his final year in the school. Following a refreshingly non-acrimonious split from his Mitchem brother just in time for the big event, this now solo artist was able to launch his career with a collection of his own favourite tracks. Both guitar and vocals astounded the audience and inspired participation in a variety of classic hits.

Joined on stage by the appropriately named Sam Cook, the rendition of Blur’s ‘Parklife’ will live in the memory of all those present. Hand in hand into the night thronged so many happy Felawian people!

The wonderful Felaw tutor team deserve mention here, not just for their generous support on the night, but also for their tireless and massively appreciated pastoral work over the year.

Daniel Halford-Thompson, Dr Tim Wyndham and David Young have propped up our UCAS challenge at Sixth Form level and Dr Dale Johnson alongside Sarah Duncombe Jones and new entry Emily Barker have held our Middle School contingent together in a busy year.

As for Felaw’s Ganzoni challenge, it is pleasing to say that, at the time of writing, there has definitely been overall progress, despite the highs and lows. Leading at junior level at both Christmas and Easter, Felaw’s success at senior level, inspired by Sports Captains Anthony Halford-Thompson and Gigi Gebhard has been a little less notable.

Leading the whole Ganzoni event, following first place in the Junior Badminton back in September, thanks must go to our new Year 10 quartet of Abigail and Jessie, Morgen and James.

There were also notable achievements in our runner up performance in Senior Maths, courtesy of Susie, Chengyun, Yana and Jenna, second place for Krishna in Senior Chess and first place triumph in the Junior boys’ hockey. Year 9’s Izzy and Olive, alongside Year 11’s Sasha, Austin and Fin also deserve great credit for their top ten standings in the gruelling cross-country. It was fitting to end the year with second place in both senior tennis, thanks to Liam Abernethy and Ollie V-S, and also senior table tennis through the inspirational performances of Anthony and Brett, our outgoing Ganzoni Captain and Senior Prefect respectively. The Sports Day finale also had its success stories. In the Junior Event, both the Year 9s and Year 10s performed with commitment, filling every lane and securing a number of solid placings. With limited numbers involved, due to a smaller year group and a postponed date, the remaining Year 12s were genuinely wonderful in their dedicated desire to compete. Particular thanks go to new Ganzoni Captains Lottie Howard and Ollie Van Slooten. Thank you as ever to all those Felawians not named above, who have put themselves forward both in the Ganzoni and more broadly as prefects, or peer tutors, or tour guides. Particular mention here should go to Year 13’s Amelie Bull and Imogen Callaghan, who have always been so willing to get involved. Apologies to those inevitably missed or not specifically named and thank you as always to Mrs Blunden.

Steve Blunden, Head of Felaw House

Blunden

Prefects: Hannah Childs and Brett Shand-Brown

School

Head of House: Miss C Cooley Senior Prefects: Lily Newland and Ben Morgan

2024-25 was a busy and successful year for School House. First, I would like to offer huge thanks to our senior prefects, Lily Newland and Ben Morgan. Their input and organisation was evident in several excellent key House events throughout the year, as was their superb coordination of the prefect team, enabling the less glamorous but equally important day-to-day smooth running of the School.

Our first major event of the year was the House Chapel service, which Lily and Ben organised exceptionally well around the theme of Courage. The service featured enthusiastically delivered, thought-provoking readings, alongside a memorable moment involving throwing a beach ball around the Chapel.

Shortly afterward, our School House Dinner proved to be another superb occasion, this year held at Arlingtons. The atmosphere was vibrant, enhanced by photo booth props and a balloon arch in School House colours. We enjoyed many activities on each

table, such as card games and the challenge of identifying Year 13 students from their baby photos. Jake Thompson delivered a hugely entertaining speech, successfully navigating the task of poking a gentle amount of fun at classmates and staff alike. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the lovely awards dished out, especially those given to staff, which were (mostly!) taken with good grace.

Academically, we have seen extraordinary strength and depth among our Year 13 cohort. Lily Newland delivered an engaging AE lecture focusing on the science of attraction, sparking lively debate amongst both staff and students. The EPQ exhibition showcased brilliant, varied research from a large number of our House, including Ellie Rayner’s work on juror bias, Kate Smith on immunotherapy and melanoma, Theo Todd on Vergil’s Underworld as a critique of Augustus’ vision of Rome, and James Wilkinson exploring the influence of Marxist ideology on the Soviet Union, Cuba, and China. Matthew Gibson, still in Year 12, scored an extraordinary maximum mark on the UKMT Senior Maths Challenge, going on to achieve a Distinction in the Olympiad.

The Ganzoni Cup competition saw us take an early lead in Michaelmas with excellent performances in both Senior and Junior Badminton. The Team Maths event was also a success, winning the Seniors while the Juniors secured a commendable third place. Though other events did not all go our way, we went into Sports Day with a deficit but knowing that this event has been our strength in recent years and is worth double points. There was every chance of clawing our way to the top of the table, and School House did not disappoint.

Sports Day was yet again an amazing triumph with dark blue shirts crossing the line first in every sprint event, some key Year 11 and Year 13 students returning to showcase their talent and records galore being set in various disciplines. Overall, the School House team came first in both Juniors and Seniors with dominant performances over both track and field. Hopes were therefore high for the final Ganzoni count, only for our hopes to be dashed as we ended the overall competition in second place, just one single point behind the winners.

Beyond the main House events, we must celebrate significant individual achievements. Over the summer, Year 11 student Luca Woodhouse became the U16 British Champion in Cycle Speedway, an exceptional accomplishment, and we wish him well for the World Championships early next academic year.

Finally, the end of summer term saw School House commit to some excellent charity work. After shortlisting three causes that had each been nominated by a member of the House with close personal connections, we voted to support the Lady McAdden Breast Cancer Trust, suggested by Year 11 student Fred Oliver.

Fundraising highlights included a successful bake sale, and the extremely popular chance to throw wet sponges at the School House staff in the stocks. The final amount raised received a significant boost during the culmination of the lunchtime event, where students could buy a bucket of water to throw completely over yours truly. It was an excellent end to the school year, and I look forward to seeing what next year’s students bring!

A Message from the Development Team

It has been quite a year at Ipswich School with a new Head, new Chair of Governors and a brand new Development Team.

I joined the team last Summer and have had a brilliant first year meeting so many of our lovely OI alumni community from the 2025 Year 13 leavers right through to one of our oldest OIs who left the School 80 years ago in 1945.

I have spent the year organising events and communications to our Old Ipswichian Alumni community. The OI community is lively and strong with over 8000 members, many of whom return to offer career support and attend events here at the school. We hope you will also be proud to be an Old Ipswichian when you leave the School, and be an active lifelong member of the alumni community.

Yours sincerely

Caroline Gould Development and Alumni Relations Manager

The Future

As a School we are facing an extraordinary amount of change and challenge. Our dedication to delivering an excellent education will never change and we must react to the current climate by making this School the very best that it can be. Alongside supporting bursaries, the focus now must be to support our estate.

Our buildings on Henley Road are now more than 170 years old and some of our newest buildings, like the library, are in need of refurbishment and upgrades.

There is a huge desire to update our facilities in the coming months and years with focus on some key projects to ensure we are offering the very best education possible. This helps us to give our pupils a wonderful educational experience including an outstanding co-curricular offering.

The Capital Fund allows us to update and maintain the buildings and facilities at Ipswich School as well as direct funds to individual subjects. Some key projects we would like help with include:

• Refurbishment of the Pavilion and Library

• A complete overhaul of our School Field cricket nets

• Opportunities to improve teaching facilities in Art and in Biology

• The installation of a state-of-the-art ‘Tech Desk’ into Great School to support Performing Arts of all sorts

• Investment in Boarding on the Anglesea Heights site on Ivry Street

• The creation of a brand-new strength-andconditioning fitness suite

We believe that by matching our academic offering with first-class facilities we will only strengthen our position to deliver a first class education.

In the past we have been fortunate enough to receive support from Old Ipswichians, parents and supporters of the School who have helped realise some wonderful projects including the Chapel lighting (Philip Ind OI) The Lingwood Pavilion (Nigel Lingwood OI) and The Lodge Day Nursery (Roy Towns OI).

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.

Friends of Ipswich School

The second hand uniform sales go from strength to strength

During the last academic year the FOIS second hand uniform shop at Anglesea Heights opened regularly and it has been a massive success raising thousands of pounds annually.

The FOIS use these funds to support “extras” for the pupils at school including the purchasing of House t-shirts, Senior School t-shirts, the yearbook and leavers hoodies. They also use their biennial Ball to raise funds for local charities - look out for the 2026 date soon.

The Friends volunteers work hard to support cohesion of the parent body with their regular events including the Year 7 welcome event to familiarise new class members with each other before the

first day of Senior School, the FOIS Quiz held at Rushmere Sports Centre and the biennial FOIS Ball. Thank you to all the members of the FOIS and parent body for your support this year!

Chair: Carrie Baker

Contact FOIS info@friendsofipswichschool.co.uk @foisipswich

The Development Team

Caroline Gould Development and Alumni Relations Manager

cog@ipswichschool • 01473 408324

Caroline joined the team in 2024 after many years running a business in the events industry, planning weddings and parties in Suffolk and beyond.

She brings a wealth of knowledge to the School and leads the development team on Old Ipswichian events and alumni relations.

Caleb Howgego School Archivist

cth@ipswich.school • 01473 408276

Caleb has a BA in History and Politics and has worked for the Colchester and Ipswich Museum Service. He has published a number of books including Creating Constable, Ipswich Through Time, Ipswich History Tour and Ipswich in 50 Buildings. Caleb is responsible for the maintenance and development of the Ipswich School Museum and Archive.

Old Ipswichians Introduction

Membership to the Old Ipswichian alumni network is a unique benefit of attending Ipswich School that will last a lifetime. In our time working with Old Ipswichians we have heard stories of lifelong friendships, marriages and business partnerships that all stem from this amazing School.

Your contact with the alumni starts early, indeed quite a few of your teachers belong to this group! In the sixth form, your contact will increase as you start to seek advice about your chosen career and in your first years after leaving Ipswich School we will be in touch, to invite you back, engage with our first five year’s out event in the winter (save the date 18th December 2025!) and join our networking opportunities.

We have so much to be proud of in our Old Ipswichians and this year they have once again shown us what

OI London Dinner

The annual London Dinner took place on Friday 25th April. This year’s event was at One Moorgate Place, the Institute of Chartered Accountants.

The evening began with a champagne reception, lots of mingling and catching up took place. We then moved upstairs to the Members Room where we were seated for dinner. After a welcome from Sally Webber (OI Chair) and Grace, the meal was underway. Three delicious courses, and wine were served by the team at One Moorgate Place. With coffee and petit fours on the table, it was time for the speeches. OI President Steve Runnacles was first, followed by guest speaker Cricket and Ipswich School legend Ray East.

Head, Nick Gregory, finished the evening with an update and toast from the School. A great time was had by all in attendance.

OI Cricket 2025

The sun was shining back in April for the annual Old Ipswichians vs School Cricket match. It was an exciting game, with the OI team taking the win.

A big thank you to Neil Parry (OI 1989 – 00) for coordinating the OI team. The OIs demonstrated their class and experience showcasing the lasting legacy of cricketing talent at Ipswich School. The team was made up of a group of OIs spanning several year groups, including father and son Carl (OI 1982 – 89) and Dillon Hatcher (OI 2006 – 20), and brothers Chris Bell (OI 1986 – 94) and John Bell (OI 1987 – 98).

A wonderful day in the sunshine was had by all.

remarkable people they are and what varied careers they find themselves in. Read on to discover OI stories and be inspired by those who have walked these corridors at the oldest School in Suffolk.

The Development Office works with the Old Ipswichian Club Committee to develop our alumni programme and are always happy to hear from you. Please do get in touch.

Yours sincerely

Caroline Gould Development and Alumni Relations Manager

Sally Webber (OI 1993 – 95) OI Chair

First Five Years Out

The First Five Years Out Reunion is one of the first events you may attend after leaving Ipswich School and it’s a great one to reacquaint yourselves with each other after going off in dozens of different directions after Ipswich School.

Sixty recent leavers joined us at the First Five Years Out Networking Drinks event at Arlingtons in December 2023 to see each other after time spent away, and also see their teachers to catch up.

Careers Support

It is always a joy to see Old Ipswichians returning to School to share their stories with current pupils, and offering work experience places. This year, over 20 OIs joined us for the annual Careers Convention to share their knowledge and experiences with current pupils - it was great to welcome them back.

The ability to network and learn from hundreds if not thousands of individuals who have experience in their chosen field is one of the great benefits of having such a thriving alumni community. One which you will join when you leave the School. In the meantime we are able to get in touch with OIs from all over the globe to ask for their advice and support. Just contact the Development office or Mrs Hayes in Careers who can help you find an OI with the experience you need.

OLDIPSW ICHIANS SEMPER EADEM

Stay in touch

Please do not hesitate to contact the development team or OI Committee to discuss how we can support you as you take your next steps into the world.

Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. And don’t forget to make sure we have your most up to date contact details so that we can stay in touch. Just email the team at: oldipswichians@ipswich.school

Benefits of being an OI

• To be part of a unique network of individuals who help and connect with each other

• Careers and university advice and mentoring

• OI events including sports events, domestic and international reunions

• Monthly e-New; a regular email with news, OI stories, opportunities and event details

• A copy of the annual OI Journal

• A copy of the Ipswichian if requested

• Up to date news on social media

• Access to the club’s online portal: oldipswichians.ipswich.school

Many events are provided free of charge and partners are welcome too. The annual dinners are run at competitive rates with subsidised tickets for younger OIs.

oldipswichians.ipswich.school oldipswichians@ipswich.school 01473 408324

@oldipswichians

LEAVING STAFF

We

David Slade Biology Technician (7

years)

Dave joined the Biology Department as a technician 8 years ago, having previously been a Physics technician at CRGS. During this time, he has been instrumental in sorting out all the equipment, trialling all the practicals and generally organising the prep room. His friendly manner and can do attitude have earned him the nickname of ‘Mr Fix It’ due to the large array of household items that he has fixed for members of staff over the years, including one wayward robotic hoover which decided to run itself on overnight whilst waiting to be fixed and reap havoc in the prep room.

“His other unofficial nickname is ‘The Boss’. Dave you will be sorely missed, not just by us in the Biology Department but many other members of staff, including Karen, our other lovely Biology technician.

But your decision to retire is a timely one, meaning you can spend more time at home with your beloved wife Julie and the rest of the family after a particularly challenging year. We wish you all the best.

Melissa Brennan

Psychology Teacher (5 years)

Melissa has been a highly respected and much valued member of the psychology department. Her dedication, warmth and enthusiasm have made a lasting impression on both colleagues and students.

As an inspiring educator, her students always looked forward to her lessons, and have always spoken about her in the highest regard, often commenting on how fun, engaging and inspirational her lessons are.

Melissa has always taken the time to look out for colleagues and students, and has always been at hand to offer support and guidance. She is a committed team member and nothing has ever been too much trouble for her. We will greatly miss her within the department. We sincerely wish her every success and happiness for the future.

Audrey

Cura

Senior Deputy Head Pastoral and Mathematics Teacher (14 years)

It’s never easy to find the right combination of words to properly pay tribute to someone who has given so much to a place. Audrey is a leader who doesn’t just talk the talk - which, let’s face it, is an overdeveloped skill in some senior management positions that we have witnessed in the past - but someone that walks the walk, every single day.

Audrey has upheld the highest of standards, even right to the very last lesson. When many would have understandably allowed the delightfully adept bottom-set Year 7s to spend their final lesson trying to work out whether it’s really possible to halve a number like 17, Audrey stayed the course - committed, consistent and calm.

From day one, Audrey provided the support needed to ease people into their roles. She encouraged development, made time to listen when things didn’t go to plan, and was always a steady presence - someone you could just pop in to see for a chat or a bit of perspective.

One colleague said that they still find themselves instinctively glancing at her old office door, wishing they could still call in. That says it all. Audrey is not just a respected colleague, she’s a true friend to many, and she will be deeply missed.

We’ve been incredibly fortunate to have had Audrey at the helm of pastoral life. She has brought a rare combination of genuine empathy and a no-nonsense approach - and knowing when to apply which is a skill few truly master. Whether guiding students, supporting staff, or making tough decisions, Audrey has done it with calm, clarity and emotional intelligence. And let’s not forget the Celtic spirit that occasionally burst to the surface - most memorably in her duet with Karen Hoskins of “500 miles”. Equal parts hilarious and terrifying, that performance is now part of school legend and may never be matched for sheer… intensity.

More seriously, it’s important for people to recognise just how emotionally complex senior pastoral roles can be. No two situations are ever the same, and the challenges often extend far beyond what happens within school walls. Navigating that requires strength, compassion, and the backing of a solid team. Audrey hasn’t just been part of that team - she’s led it and she’s done so with wisdom, humour and unwavering calm.

She’s been the person people go to when they need to test an idea, work through a tough situation, or simply let off steam after a particularly trying day. And while she’s listened patiently to many a rant, she’s somehow managed to keep her own frustrations impressively under wraps. She’s been unflappable - even when the umpteenth conversation about skirt lengths, jewellery or makeup have tested the patience of a saint.

Audrey may not miss those particular daily battles - but there’s no doubt that we will miss her. Her compassion, her leadership, her humour, and her love for creating a happy, supportive school environment have left a mark on this place and on all of us lucky enough to have worked with her.

So Audrey, thank you. For everything. We wish you all the very best for whatever comes next - and we hope it involves fewer policy documents, no skirt checks and plenty of laughter.

Ben Edmondson Director of Sport (7 years)

Ben joined as Director of Sport in 2018. On starting with us, he promised to be ‘the first to arrive in the morning and the last to leave at night’ and he was true to his word, dedicating himself to the job and to the pupils, with whom he had a genuine affinity and a desire for improvement.

Ben successfully sold a vision of sporting enhancement, mapping a timeline of progress, which the sports faculty, under his leadership, achieved or surpassed.

A well-resourced professionalisation of sport took place, with teams going progressively deeper into national competitions as each year went by, culminating in 6 national titles in the 2024-25 academic year.

The School’s UK ranking climbed to within the top 20, where it remains, with particular improvements in rugby, which now dines at the top table of UK school sport.

Ben’s passion and enthusiasm have left a positive mark on very many Ipswich girls and boys. A great motivator, he is also a genuinely gifted coach across a variety of sports, possessing a rare ability to read a game and implement changes mid-match. We wish him success in the future.

Vicki Swansborough

Having joined Ipswich School in 2019 and what a year to join just before the Covid lockdown!

Vicki has transformed our fee billing service during this time, recruiting, training and then working with Karen, Vicki has introduced paperless billing, improved our internal systems and processes and more recently lead on setting up the schools new finance system (not just for fees but for all areas!) and then and dealing with the introduction of VAT for the first bill run in the new finance system.

It has certainly not always been an easy time but Vicki has always been a colleague you could turn to for help and support, she strives and works so hard to get the bills right the first time and enhances the school’s reputation with her dedication, professionalism and customer service.

I am sure Vicki is now looking forward to a bit of a rest and enjoying her daughter’s wedding in the summer before starting on whatever new adventures and challenges come her way. Vicki has been a really valued member of the team and whilst we will all miss her greatly we wish her all the very best for the future. Thank you for everything Vicki.

Maddy Newland

Hockey Coach (5 years)

Maddy joined the school as a graduate hockey coach in 2020, having also attended the school for sixth form. It wasn’t long before she became an integral part of the department. Among her many roles within the Hockey department, Maddy also served as a Boarding Tutor, a COVID 19 tester and a form tutor for Year 8.

As the U14 Girls Coach, she managed to coach the team to two national finals, finishing 3rd and 6th respectively. Maddy had a real passion for indoor Hockey, being a National Champion herself with Buckingham HC, she was able to instill a love of Indoor Hockey to the girls she coached. Her U16 indoor team were able to qualify for the National Final in 2023, finishing 3rd.

At the start of the 2024 Academic year Maddy was promoted to Head of Hockey, having served as Head of Girls’ Hockey for a year previously. As Head of Hockey, Maddy was able to help the Girls 1XI qualify for the ISHC National Finals, which saw the Girls finish 1st with a Penalty Shootout victory over Millfield School.

We thank Maddy for her service to the school and all her accomplishments.

Linda Dean Accounts Supervisor (15 years)

Linda started at the School in 2010 as an Accounts Supervisor. During the last 15 years, there have been many changes with staff (3 bursars) as well as systems.

Linda has always maintained professionalism and is always helpful to everyone in the office as well as outside of the bursary. During her time here, Linda completed the AAT and took on more responsibility with the accounts.

As others may know the last couple of years have been very busy in the bursary and Linda has decided to look for new ventures. We will miss her dearly (and her lemon drizzle and tea bread).

I am sure Linda will have many holidays (possibly in September) and adventures on motorbikes, time to do lots of painting, spend time with her grandchildren and gardening. Thank you Linda, for everything, and we wish you all the best for whatever you decide to do next!

Hannah Shields

Drama Teacher (2 years)

Hannah’s energy and love of Drama shines through in all that she does and this in turn has helped her to foster the same passion and enthusiasm in her students.

As an avid lover of theatrical puppets, the department has created various shows and schemes of work over the past two years incorporating small hand puppets, shadow puppets and large giant puppets, giving the students a varied experience of the subject.

Her capabilities extend to the technical theatre aspects which have allowed us to enhance our use of the new Fisons Studio renovation and she has started to train students on various lighting and sound programmes.

Hannah is quick to laugh and her absence will be felt acutely by the department, and I am sure by the students. However, we wish her the best of luck as she moves to a Head of Department position, which we are sure she will excel at. Luckily the joy of theatre is that collaboration is key so we hope to work with her again soon on future projects.

Fiona Beaumont

Physics Technician (9 years)

Fiona joined Ipswich School as our Physics technician nine years ago. Since she has been here, she has generously shared her enthusiasm and expertise in all areas of Physics with everyone she has worked with.

There have been numerous - too numerous to mention - occasions when you hear the call “Fiona, why isn’t this working?” and she will come rushing in and, somehow, manages to get the misbehaving piece of apparatus to work.

She will be moving up to Cumbria with her husband, Chris, but having seen the energy she exudes in everything she does, it is difficult to imagine her slowing down in her retirement.

Geoff Robinson

Head of Athletic Development (2 years)

Over the past two years, Geoff has been a valuable member of the greater Sports Department - and more specifically, has played a key role in leading Athletic Development within the school.

Although I’ve only had the pleasure of working with Geoff for the past three months, it quickly became clear that he is deeply committed and dedicated to his work. His impact has not gone unnoticed. When I asked some of his colleagues to share a few words, this is what they had to say:

“Geoff is a quiet and unassuming young man who will always go the extra mile to help others. His passion and commitment to the overall well-being of the students was second to none and he will be sorely missed in the gym by all”.

“Geoff, you’ve always gone about your work quietly, often flying under the radar. But all of us in the Sports Department have seen your dedication and passion for helping our boys become bigger, faster and stronger. You will be missed by everyone”.

We wish Geoff all the very best in his new role at Marlborough College and sincerely thank him for his time, effort and dedication to the Ipswich Sports Program.

Will Stuttard

Geography Teacher (2 years)

Will came to us a keen traveller and geography enthusiast. Since being here, he has enjoyed trips to North Norfolk, Walton on the Naze and Cumbria.

Whilst not very exotic, he has used holidays to see Sri Lanka, Europe and more. Will has developed new resources for the Lower School syllabus and enjoyed the new challenge of teaching A Level Human Geography this year; tapping into his own experiences at Masters level. The whole department wishes him well, wherever his next adventure may take him.

Mariah Dighton

Nursery Assistant (3 years)

Mariah joined The Lodge 3 years ago and started her journey with us in the Discoverers Room, which involves working with our youngest babies aged 3 months to 21 months.

Mariah quickly became part of the team, where she has built great relationships with the children and their parents. Mariah has a real passion for supporting children in their development. Mariah will be starting a new career supporting foster care and asylum seekers within Suffolk County. Mariah will be missed by all.

Justine Christie

Head of Boarding (24 years)

I’m here to talk about the amazing Justine Christie, who is heading into retirement (sort of) after 24 years of service to Ipswich School.

Justine joined the school in 2001 as a Chemistry teacher, and in her time at the school has contributed to just about everything the school offers; she has been CCF Army section commander, Broke Head of House (everything in her life became purple for a while, folders, plastic crates for her exercise books etc!), temporary Head of Chemistry, ISCRA committee member, and Housemistress at Westwood which developed into her role as Head of Boarding.

She has been on countless trips, including Cumbria, CCF field days and week long army camps, ski trips, Geography field trips as well as DofE expeditions. Perhaps the longest residential commitment of all came during Covid, where we opened Westwood in mid-August to allow students to fly in and quarantine in their bedrooms ready for the start of term in September, and didn’t close until 344 days later, at the end of the summer term. She went out and bought over 250 presents, individually chosen for each boarder, and wrapped them (with the help of the other two members of the Chemistry trio, Tracey and Vanessa) so that the boarders each had their own stocking and could enjoy a really special Christmas.

Both as Head of Broke and Head of Boarding, Justine has been empathic, caring, pre-emptive, hugely hard-working and pupilfocused. She has been a true boarding mum to all the boarders who passed through the house, and her warmth and compassion has transformed an enormous number of pupils’ lives.

I first met Justine 10 years ago, when I joined the school and moved into the flat at Westwood. I had just moved to Ipswich, with no connections to the place, no family or friends at all. And so on her first evening duty, Justine walked right on into my flat and told me to put the kettle on for tea - exactly the friend I needed. Since then we have got to know each other rather well - she has comforted me after tricky Parents’ evenings (with ‘are you taking your job too seriously again? Did anyone die?), she went out and bought a bbq and then cooked all the food so that all the people at my 30th birthday party had something to eat. I am not exaggerating when I say that Justine’s door is always open - almost every evening for the last 10 years I have walked into her house and put the kettle on for tea.

While many of you may appreciate the impact she has had on pupils, fewer of you may know about the impact she has had on the staff. She often sees something in people which others, even themselves, do not. She believes in people, though they often don’t themselves… Those people she has hired, given a chance to, promoted from cleaner to Matron. Her belief in people has changed their lives, and that of their families.

It’s hard to see how we’re going to do in boarding without Justine. But she has created a boarding team with skills, confidence and self-belief, so actually the biggest compliment to her is that, in fact, that we’re going to be just fine. Justine - thank you for always having a space for me on the sofa, for being the best pilot a co-pilot could wish for, and helping me believe in myself enough to be able to run a boarding house. And put the kettle on for tea.

Ellie Blake

Russian Teacher (2 years)

It’s always bittersweet to see talented individuals move on, but in Ellie’s case, there’s an extra layer of pride mixed with our sadness.

Many of you will know that Ellie is not just a valued colleague, but also one of our own. As a distinguished OI, she returned to us, having been inspired by our very own Liddy, and bringing with her not only formidable academic talents but also a deep understanding of our school’s ethos and spirit.

Ellie joined us as a Russian teacher three years ago, having lived in Russia herself, she brought a unique breadth of experience in the classroom. She has inspired students, fostering a genuine love of learning beyond the curriculum. Her boundless energy, efficiency, and meticulous attention to detail have contributed to making her an excellent team player.

What truly stands out about Ellie’s journey here is the remarkable speed with which she demonstrated her leadership capabilities. Guided by Jon and Paul at first, mentored by Katherine and at a later stage Maria, it wasn’t long before her dedication and organisational skills shone through. This swift ascent is a testament to her immense hard work and talent. Ellie is a true all rounder; someone deeply committed to holistic development, her much appreciated CCF involvement has played a significant role in her time here.

Now, Ellie is embarking on new horizons, taking on PRE teaching. We are so incredibly proud of you for consistently showing us what it means to adapt, learn and grow. You are an inspiration to us all.

Ellie, your contribution to our school, both as teacher and Head of Department, has been immense. You have enriched the lives of your students and we will all miss your energy and commitment. We look forward to hearing about your continued successes. We wish you all the best, Ellie, for a future filled with happiness and fulfilment.

Martin Childs

Director of Easter Revision (5 years)

Martin has been running the Easter Revision Course since Feb 2020. We lined the first one up from scratch in a matter of weeks: designing the website, recruiting teachers and devising the course, only to pull the plug in late March when Covid struck!

But, for the past 4 years, Martin has run a really professional and slick product, helping dozens of students to improve their grades, and their feedback has been extremely positive.

The role involves a combination of strategy, admin, marketing, parental communication and, invariably, last minute scrabbling, all of which Martin has done extremely well. We wish him and Amanda a wonderful few months in the Bahamas before, I believe, a relocation to Brazil.

A YEAR IN REVIEW