Wel come
I am always hugely proud of the College’s staff and students, and never more so than this academic year: endorsed unequivocally by our record-breaking August GCSE and Year 13 results and destinations, our threeyearly Independent School Inspectorate inspection and the positive feedback received from the associated parent, staff and pupil (Y4–13) surveys.
We have continued to invest in our facilities with the opening of our all-weather pitch in the summer, a new Nursery sleeping room, Prep performing arts centre and sensory garden. We now look forward to expanding our Nursery provision to even younger children, to the introduction of new and improved 1-to-1 devices across the senior school and our 40th rugby festival in October.
It is always difficult to highlight one area over another in a termly newsletter, but I am so proud that we are national senior debating champions and winners of the U13 ISFA national boys football cup. Also, that we provide such a rich programme of trips and visits, including senior skiing, the prep sojourn in France, a cultural trip to Japan, the upcoming Fiji rugby tour and a pre-season football tour to Holland.
The visual and performing Arts remain central to our provision with termly concerts, Infant and Junior productions, our annual musical and, still to come as I write, our Fusion festival with a German partner school and GCSE/A-level visual arts’ exhibitions.
None of the above is possible of course without dedicated and talented staff who are focused on student outcomes and ensuring a safe, supportive and engaging environment. As such, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the work of the College’s Teaching and Support Staff and to thank them.
We look forward to the publication of Upper Sixth academic results on Thursday 13 August and GCSE results on Thursday 20 August; staff will be on hand on both days to support as required. The new academic year will start with Lower Sixth Enrolment on Friday 28 August, an Induction Day for Year 7 and 12 on Thursday 3 September and the first day of term for all students on Friday 4 September.
I would like to conclude by thanking all parents for their support and the trust and confidence you place in the College and its staff and provision. I wish all St Jo’s families a truly excellent summer break.
Mrs Danielle Clarke Principal
My second year as Head of Prep has been every bit as rewarding and inspiring as my first, and I continue to feel enormously proud of all that our children, staff and wider community achieve together.
This year has once again been filled with memorable moments and opportunities across every aspect of Prep School life. Our children have embraced an exciting range of trips, visits and residential experiences which have enriched their learning and encouraged curiosity, independence and confidence. Music, drama and the performing arts have continued to flourish, with concerts, productions, assemblies and performances showcasing not only talent and creativity, but also courage and teamwork. Sport has, as always, played a significant part in Prep life, with children representing the school in fixtures and tournaments, trying new activities and developing resilience, determination and sportsmanship along the way. It has been wonderful to see so many children discovering new strengths and passions throughout the year.
A real strength of our Prep School is its sense of community. Events such as our Bingo Night, Christmas Fayre, Summer Fête and May Ball have been fantastic occasions, bringing families, staff and friends of the school together. Our Grandparents’ Breakfast remains a particularly special tradition, and it has been lovely to see so many parents supporting performances, showcases, sporting events and celebrations throughout the year. These occasions are such an important part of Prep School life and help create the warm and supportive community that we value so greatly.
We have continued to invest in the future of the Prep School and in creating the very best environment for our children. This year we have redesigned our Hub, completed our Wellbeing Garden and further developed our forest area. These developments reflect our ongoing commitment to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive academically, socially and emotionally within an environment that nurtures and inspires them.
As always at this time of year, we prepare to say farewell to our Year 6 children as they move on to the next stage of their journey. They have contributed so much to the life of the Prep School. While we will miss them (and their parents) greatly, we know they leave us with the confidence, character and values needed to embrace the opportunities ahead, and we wish them every success and happiness as they move on to Senior School.
I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to all of our staff, whose dedication, care and commitment make such a difference to the lives of our children each day. Their passion and enthusiasm are at the heart of everything we do and help make the Prep School such a special place in which to learn and grow. Finally, to all our parents and families, thank you for your continued encouragement and partnership throughout the year. Working together in support of our children is something we value enormously, and we are grateful for the trust you place in us.
I wish everyone a restful, happy and safe summer holiday, filled with opportunities to relax and spend time with family and friends. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in September.
Mrs Dianne Searle Head of Prep School
Prep News
Finding Magic and Building Confidence in the Natural World
Spending time outdoors has greatly enriched our pupils’ wellbeing this year, helping them to build confidence, resilience and a sense of calm through hands-on learning in the fresh air. Working together in a natural setting has strengthened teamwork and leadership skills as pupils collaborated to solve challenges and share resources. Woodland Explorers continues to nurture curiosity, independence and a respect for nature — skills that extend far beyond the forest and into every aspect of school life.
Across the school, children have enjoyed a wide range of exciting woodland activities tailored to their age and stage of development. Nursery and Reception children delighted in exploring the woods, creating nature pendants and magical nature wands to inspire imaginative play and storytelling. The Infants sculpted spiders from clay, inspired by the minibeasts they discovered among the leaves.
Education of a Different Stripe
Further up the school, Years 3 and 4 developed practical and artistic skills. They learned how to tie a variety of knots, built frames and wove natural materials into beautiful woodland creations. Year 5 and 6 pupils demonstrated their growing responsibility by using tools to whittle sticks, mastering fire-lighting techniques, and learning how to extinguish fires safely.
Year 1 and 2 had an exciting adventure during their visit to Africa Alive, a wildlife park designed to bring learning to life. As part of their topic on Kenya, the children began the day with a lively discussion about Kenyan animals—from graceful giraffes to powerful lions and the unique adaptations that help them survive in the wild. The children explored various habitats, spotting animals they had learned about and discovering new ones along the way. Their enthusiasm grew with every enclosure, but the absolute highlight of the day was the train ride around the park which was not an intended part of the visit as it is not usually offered to school groups. With wide smiles and excited chatter, the pupils enjoyed seeing the animals from a new perspective as the train chugged along. It was a memorable experience that deepened their understanding of Kenya’s wildlife and left them buzzing with stories to share back at school.
Growing Independence on Residential Trips
Our Year 5 and 6 residential trip to France was a wonderful adventure filled with lots of laughter and unforgettable memories. Although the weather was often wet and windy, it certainly did not hinder our plans or dampen anyone’s enthusiasm. One highlight was our morning on the lake, when the children embraced a range of watersports. Another favourite was our visit to the beach. We also had the opportunity to try snails and frog legssome even went back for seconds!
Back at the château, the evenings were packed with engaging activities that brought everyone together and created many memorable moments. Throughout the trip, the children demonstrated resilience, independence and teamwork, strengthening existing friendships and forming new ones along the way. It was a fantastic experience and a truly memorable week for all involved.
Birch Hall Trip
The Year 4s also had a fantastic three days at Birch Hall outdoor education centre near Frinton. With trees and climbing walls to scale, animals to meet, balancing challenges, archery and rope swings, there wasn’t a dull moment.
Never a Dull Moment in EYFS
Our EYFS children have all had a wonderful, engaging, and exciting year of learning. Each term we have taken a deep dive into different topics, including Celebrations, Around the World and Planting and Growing,stimulating the children’s language development and deepening their understanding. Their specialist subjects - Spanish, music and PE - have also provided lots of opportunities to build confidence and new skills. Weekly Woodland Explorers sessions have provided a fantastic platform for outdoor learning.
We have all enjoyed welcoming parents into the EYFS Hub for Stay, Play and Learn sessions: All About Autumn and Mad About Minibeasts, with the children proud to share their environment and learning with their families. Highlights as we near the end of the year have been joining Mrs Barker for our Summer Sing and Share event with Nursery and our Infant Summer Showcase for Reception.
Celebrating the Ageless Quality of an Art Project Shared
Year 10 students visited Henley House Care Home to take part in a collaborative art session with residents, creating vibrant chalk landscapes. The mindful activity encouraged creativity, communication and intergenerational connection. Students and residents engaged in thoughtful conversations while working together, making the experience both rewarding and memorable. The visit was enjoyed by all involved and highlighted the positive impact of bringing different generations together through shared activities.
Show time - and LAMDA students dazzle.
Prep and Senior LAMDA students prepared diligently for their LAMDA examinations. Two visiting LAMDA examiners were treated to the Public Speaking skills and Acting performances of our talented students over two days. For some Prep students it was their first LAMDA exams, they excelled at learning lines, steadying nerves and performing and presenting to the examiners. These skills are developed through practice and commitment and all that hard work paid off: congratulations to our super Prep students on their fantastic results.
Senior students were examined at a range of grades in Public Speaking, Devising and Acting. They had prepared a repertoire of scenes or speeches and were ready to answer questions on theory. LAMDA examiners love coming to St Jo’s as they know they will be treated to two exam days of excellence, and this year was no different. All students passed with high merits and distinctions! Higher grades also earn valuable UCAS points. Very well done to Alice (Y11), Emilia (L6) and Ben (L6) for completing their Gold medal - grade 8 with super results! Well done all!
Dancers do England and St Jo’s Proud on International Stage
Just look at that medal haul! Sisters Tillie-Mae (Y7) and Minnie (Y4) together with Ava (Y5) absolutely sparkled in the highly-contested International Dance Federation World Championship in Spain. Having come through rounds judged by video, the girls progressed to the finals, held over five days on two different stages, and survived numerous cuts as they danced against youngsters from across the globe. Well done indeed to them all.
Where Next?
Jamaica or the Riverbank?
Infant Production
The infant pupils dazzled with their charming production ‘Where Next’. They performed the show as a travel style documentary, journeying around the world in song, dance and poetry. Grandad Anansi Performance
Our pupils greatly enjoyed a visit from the New Wolsey Theatre who performed ‘Grandad Anansi’, a tale inspired by Caribbean culture. The pupils joined in with songs and completed a workshop with the actors to further develop their drama skills. Wind in the Willows
Much anticipation surrounded the Junior Production of ‘The Wind in the Willows’. With the cast assembled, the pupils worked hard from February to perfect the well-known characters of Ratty, Mole and Toad. Our Year 3, 4 and 5 classes were wonderful members of the supporting ensemble, and our Year 6s shone in the leading roles.
Prep Sport
It has been another busy and enjoyable period of sport across the Prep School, with pupils showing great enthusiasm and commitment in all their activities.
Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 have been busy preparing for Sports Day, practising a range of running, jumping and throwing events. They have also been taking part in cricket lessons, developing their batting, bowling and fielding skills. It has been wonderful to see their confidence grow as they learn new techniques and work together as a team.
Our Multi-sport After School Club has continued to be a popular activity, with pupils enjoying opportunities to learn and develop skills in dance, rugby, football and netball. The children have embraced each activity with energy and enthusiasm, demonstrating excellent effort throughout.
Years 3 and 4 have been focusing on track and field during their PE lessons in the run up to Sports Day. They have been working hard to improve their performances across a variety of disciplines, showing determination and a positive attitude towards competition. In Games lessons, they have been developing their batting and fielding skills, building confidence and understanding of the key techniques required in cricket.
Years 5 and 6 have also been preparing for Sports Day, developing their understanding of the different events and the movement skills required to perform each one successfully. Pupils have worked hard to refine their techniques and improve their performances across a range of athletic disciplines.
Beyond lessons, Years 5 and 6 have proudly represented the school in a variety of sports throughout the Summer Term. The cricket teams have enjoyed a highly successful season so far, recording impressive victories against Orwell Park, Old Buckenham Hall and South Lee School. The pupils have demonstrated excellent teamwork, resilience and sportsmanship throughout these fixtures.
Our U11 rugby team competed in the Northampton Saints Schools Cup at Shelford RFC, producing some outstanding performances to qualify for Finals Day at Cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens later this month. This is a fantastic achievement, and we wish the team the very best of luck as they prepare for the competition.
We are looking forward to seeing all pupils showcase their hard work and sporting achievements at Sports Day and wish everyone the very best of luck.
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Staff Spotlight
Mrs Courtney Abel-Grainger Teacher of Geography
As the daughter of a serving soldier, frequent moves were a normal part of family life and I began boarding in Year 3. While many people assume that must have been daunting, I loved it. The independence, structure and sense of community that boarding offered suited me perfectly. It taught me resilience, adaptability and the importance of looking after those around you. Looking back, those experiences have shaped not only the person I am today, but also the educator I have become.
At Loughborough University I studied Geography, a subject that had fascinated me from an early age because of its ability to explain the world around us. What I loved most was that geography is never confined to four classroom walls.
That passion for fieldwork remains central to my teaching today. Since joining St Joseph’s College, I have worked to ensure that every year group has opportunities to experience geography beyond the classroom: Year 8 students have found themselves standing in rivers investigating fluvial processes, Year 9 students developing confidence by carrying out questionnaires with complete strangers, and Sixth Form students taking on the challenge of mountain environments in the Lake District.
Alongside my love of geography, pastoral care has always been at the heart of my career. Having experienced the unique support network that boarding schools provide, I knew early on that I wanted to play a role in helping young people navigate both the opportunities and challenges of school life.
I have fulfilled boarding leadership roles both internationally and in the UK, including positions as head of boarding houses in China and Britain. Working with young people from different backgrounds and cultures has reinforced my belief that every student thrives when they feel valued, understood and part of a community.
Having married an Army officer, I have a deeper appreciation than ever of the opportunities and challenges military families experience. This inspired me to establish St Joseph’s first Military Kids Club, creating a space where students from military backgrounds can connect with one another, share experiences and celebrate the unique strengths that come from being part of a forces family.
It is a privilege to be taking on the role of Head of Year in September. I am excited about the opportunity to work even more closely with students and families, helping every young person to make the most of their time at St Joseph’s.
Outside the classroom, I am always looking ahead to the next adventure, with travel remaining a lifelong passion.
Savouring a Taste of National Success –Debaters Crowned Champions
Winners of the English-Speaking Union’s Schools’ Mace competition, the oldest and most prestigious debating competition in the UK, St Joseph’s College students Ademide, Alex and Josh navigated a series of demanding and intellectually challenging debates on their way to victory.
In this competition, winning individual debates alone is not enough; teams must also achieve higher overall speaker scores than four other schools in each round, making advancement exceptionally competitive.
The regional final saw six schools from across the East of England arguing perhaps the most contentious debate of the competition, as the team proposed the motion: “This House Would legalise recreational marijuana for adults.”
Our students delivered an outstanding performance to become regional champions and secure a place at Finals Day at Dartmouth House, London, where only 12 schools remained from an original field of 380 from across England and Wales.
The national semi-final took place in the historic Churchill Room, beneath a portrait of the legendary orator himself. The three boys were simply superb as they opposed Churcher’s College on the motion: “This House would remove permanent membership status from the UN Security Council.” There was huge applause when St Joseph’s College was announced as a finalist, before the boys were escorted
to a breakout room with Dr Rice for their 40 minutes of preparation ahead of the Grand Final against Aylesbury Grammar School.
The final debate saw the team oppose the motion: “This House would ban athletes from competing under a neutral flag at the Olympic Games if their country is subject to international sanctions.”
In front of a packed audience and viewers watching across the country, the students produced a performance of remarkable composure, intellect, and eloquence. Their ability to think critically under pressure, deliver seven minute speeches, rebut questions from their opponents and work seamlessly as a team ultimately secured victory.
Beaming from ear to ear, Dr Rice eloquently announced, ‘This was genuinely one of the most memorable moments of my teaching career.
To watch the evolution of this team over several years, and to see the countless hours of preparation, practice, and commitment finally rewarded on the national stage, was simply sublime. I could not be prouder of our students.’
“The teamwork displayed by Ademide, Alex, Josh, and our reserve speaker Ben was extraordinary. Their trust in one another, composure under pressure, and willingness to constantly improve made them a truly special team to work with.”
Community Steps Up for Second St Joseph’s Giving Day
Giving Day was a tremendous success this year, raising just under £12,000 in support of our school community. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported, attended, donated, volunteered and helped make the day such a success.
Highlights of the day included the much-loved Prep School Fête, which added real colour, energy and family spirit to the occasion, and the May Ball: the first event organised by our newly-formed Birkfield Community Team. It was a fantastic evening, full of generosity, good humour and community spirit, and a very fitting way to launch the team’s work.
Funds raised will support the development of the Prep School playground, helping us to create an improved outdoor space for the girls and boys.
Our gratitude as well to Thomas Franks for their support in organising the joint ‘Feeding People in Need’ initiative. Through this, the wider community was served with an incredible 1,500 meals, reflecting the values of service and kindness that sit at the heart of St Joseph’s College.
Japan Cultural Exchange 2026
Building Peace Through Music, Culture and Friendship
During the May half-term, a group of St Joseph’s College students embarked on an unforgettable cultural exchange visit to Tokyo, working in partnership with Dalton School in the Japanese capital. We were very grateful for the generous grants from the Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation and the Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation that made this trip possible, and for the organisational support of the Global School Alliance. The trip was designed to promote inter-cultural understanding, peace and friendship through shared experiences, with music serving as a powerful bridge between young people from different cultures.
For many students, their first impressions of Japan were immediate and striking. They commented on the cleanliness of the cities, the efficiency of the transport system and the respectful behaviour shown in public spaces. Students were fascinated by the contrast between Tokyo’s futuristic skyline and the deep-rooted traditions that remain central to Japanese society.
Throughout the week, students explored some of Tokyo’s most significant cultural and historical landmarks. Visits included the Tokyo National Museum, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, the iconic Senso-ji Temple and the Origami Museum. One particularly memorable highlight was meeting the internationally renowned origami master Kazuo Kobayashi, who welcomed the group with a live demonstration of his extraordinary craft.
Students were inspired to learn that Mr Kobayashi has led origami workshops for world leaders at a G8 summit hosted in Tokyo. His demonstration revealed how a simple sheet of paper can be transformed into intricate works of art, while also highlighting the patience, creativity and precision that underpin traditional Japanese culture.
Students reflected on how these experiences deepened their understanding of Japanese history, values and identity. Many were particularly impressed by the importance placed on respect, mindfulness and community. One student noted that visiting Senso-ji Temple created ‘a feeling of respect and belonging’, while others commented on the harmony between urban life and natural spaces they observed throughout the city.
Food also became an important window into Japanese life. During a sushi-making workshop and visits to local restaurants, students explored how food expresses culture and identity. They compared Japanese and British eating habits and were struck by the continued importance of traditional customs alongside modern lifestyles. Students also observed the pride taken in public spaces and the strong sense of collective responsibility that contributes to Japan’s remarkably clean environment.
A major focus of the exchange was the opportunity to spend time with students from Dalton School Tokyo. Through attending lessons, collaborative activities and informal conversations, our students gained valuable insights into life in another education system while discovering common interests and shared aspirations. These interactions helped challenge stereotypes and demonstrated how international friendships can be built through curiosity, openness and mutual respect. Students also enjoyed practising the Japanese they had learnt and picking up new phrases along the way.
The cultural programme at Dalton School included an exceptional Noh theatre workshop led by the world-class performer Manjiro Tatsumi. Having performed internationally in cities including Rio, Rome and Paris, Mr Tatsumi introduced students to one of Japan’s oldest and most respected performing arts traditions. Students learned elements of traditional Noh dance, explored the symbolism behind the performances and had the rare opportunity to try on authentic Noh masks. The workshop brought Japanese cultural heritage to life and provided a unique insight into an art form that has been passed down through generations.
Music was at the heart of the exchange and reflected one of the central aims of the project: exploring how music can foster peace and understanding across cultures. Through collaborative composition, rehearsal and performance activities, students worked alongside their Japanese peers to create shared musical experiences using modern technology in Vocaloid. Many reflected on how music enabled communication beyond language, helping them form friendships and connections that would otherwise have been difficult. They recognised that music has the power to bring people together, celebrate diversity and promote mutual understanding in a world that often focuses on differences rather than common ground.
The group also explored how technology is shaping the future through visits to innovative digital exhibitions and learning centres at the NTT Labs. These experiences encouraged students to consider how technological advances can be used responsibly to connect people, solve global challenges and promote international cooperation.
Perhaps the most significant outcome of the visit was the growth in students’ confidence, independence and global awareness. By immersing themselves in a different culture, engaging with Japanese students and reflecting on themes of peace, collaboration and cultural understanding, they developed skills and perspectives that will remain with them long after the trip ended.
Asked about their favourite moments, students consistently highlighted the friendships they had formed, the opportunity to learn from Japanese students and the chance to experience traditions they had previously only read about. Many expressed a desire to return to Japan in the future.
The Japan Cultural Exchange was far more than a school trip. It was an opportunity for young people from two nations to learn from one another, celebrate cultural diversity and discover how friendship, creativity and music can help build a more peaceful and connected world.
Fancy a Spot of Camel Racing?
The fun and excitement of playing board games has made the dedicated club an extremely popular Development Hour activity. The club has the added bonus of bringing the whole St Jo’s community together. Students, teaching staff and support staff compete in a range of games, including, as shown, Camel Up!
Students Bravely Share their Prowess in Spanish
The Year 7s have been working hard in Spanish lessons, preparing for and participating in their first translation bee. They learnt a possible 120 sentences in the present tense, ready to come forward and translate to Spanish. We had seven brave finalists who stood up in the Chapel in front of their peers. Alba finished in third place, Emily was second and Sofia came first as this year’s translation bee champion. Well done to everyone who took part!
Tenacity Pays Off for Expedition Teams
Huge congratulations to Teams Pink and Blue for completing their Silver DofE expedition in the stunning forest trails of Thetford. The resilient students battled intense thunderstorms before being rewarded with brilliant sunshine and vibrant rainbows over the treeline. Over three challenging days, both teams demonstrated outstanding navigation skills, true grit and exceptional teamwork to cross the finish line.
Senior Sport
Cricket
As we approach the end of another busy cricket season, there is much to celebrate across the school. With over 80 fixtures scheduled to be played in just nine weeks, participation levels have been outstanding, reflecting the enthusiasm and commitment of pupils throughout the age groups.
Perhaps most encouragingly, more pupils than ever before have represented the school in cricket fixtures this season. The continued growth of the programme has provided opportunities for players of all ages and abilities to develop their skills, enjoy competitive cricket, and represent the school with pride.
The Boys’ 1st XI have once again enjoyed a strong season and, at the time of writing, have reached the regional semi-final of the National Plate competition. Several players have produced exceptional individual performances, most notably James (L6), who has scored three centuries so far this season. Year 9 pupil Josh has also made a significant impact, earning his school cap following a superb five-wicket haul against Culford.
The Girls’ 1st XI have delivered a number of impressive performances, with Deputy Head Girl Maya leading the
way with the bat and recording two half-centuries during the campaign.
The U17 Boys have also enjoyed an excellent season and have progressed to the regional final of the National Plate competition, while the U12 Boys have reached the county cup semi-final, highlighting the strength and promise of cricket throughout the school.
While there are still important fixtures to be played, the season has already been a tremendous success. The commitment shown by players, coaches, parents and supporters has helped create a thriving cricket programme, and we look forward to building on these achievements in the years ahead.
Football
As we reach the end of another busy and successful football season, it is a great opportunity to reflect on the outstanding achievements of our players across all age groups. The commitment, effort and dedication shown throughout the year have been exceptional, and every team has represented the College with pride.
Our Senior Girls enjoyed a particularly impressive campaign, reaching the finals of the ISFA, ESFA, AOC Futsal and County Cup competitions. While they were
unfortunate not to come away with victory, their achievement in reaching the finals of so many showpiece events was remarkable. Their hard work was rewarded with success in the AOC League, where they were crowned champions following a consistently strong season.
The Senior Boys also enjoyed an excellent run in the County Cup, progressing all the way to the final before narrowly missing out on the trophy. Their performances throughout the competition demonstrated great character and quality.
Our U14 Girls produced a superb display in the County Cup Final and were unlucky to lose by the narrowest of margins. They can be extremely proud of their efforts and the progress they have made throughout the season.
The U12 Boys celebrated a fantastic achievement by winning the South Suffolk County Cup. The boys will also compete in the Regional Futsal Finals, which will take place in mid-June, and we wish them every success in that competition.
It has been a remarkable season for football across the College. Every team has contributed to a year filled with memorable moments, achievements and development. A stand out being the U13 ISFA national shield success.
We are incredibly proud of all our players and thank them for their commitment and dedication throughout the season.
Netball
Our netball girls from Prep to senior school enjoyed an unforgettable trip this term as we attended the London Pulse vs Loughborough Lightning match. This was a particularly exciting fixture, as both teams were last year’s finalists, making it a highlevel, competitive game to watch.
One of the highlights of the day was our incredible opportunity to act as flag bearers for London Pulse during the opening ceremony. Walking out onto the court in front of a large crowd was a truly special moment for the girls and an experience they will remember for years to come. It gave them a real insight into the professionalism and atmosphere of elite netball.
The match itself did not disappoint. After an intense and closely contested battle, the score was level at the final whistle, taking the game into an exciting extra-time play-off. The pace, skill and determination shown by both teams provided inspiration for all of our players.
Overall, it was a fantastic experience that motivated and inspired the squad, reinforcing their passion for the sport and giving them something to aspire to.
Staff Spotlight
Mr Ian Old
Caretaker and Facilities Maintenance Operator
I was born and raised in Ipswich, something I am very proud to say. When I was at secondary school, I really enjoyed woodwork, so upon leaving school I went on to complete my City and Guilds qualification in Furniture Design & Production at Suffolk College before starting work at one of the town’s most renowned furniture companies Titchmarsh & Goodwin (now 106 years old).
I joined the company in April 2002 as a trainee wood machinist, and I really loved my time there. So much so that I stayed just shy of 20 years. Then came a very drastic change. I left T&G In February 2022 to join Suffolk Constabulary and become a police officer. The training was genuinely one of the best experiences of my life.
Sadly, the change in career proved to be just too big for me. I have no regrets though and am proud to have served and for the experiences I gained from the job. I went back into the furniture making trade for a short time before then joining St Jo’s in August 2024.
I am part of the caretaking team at the College and I love the variety that the job brings.
We are a small team and are responsible for the maintenance of the site (that in itself offers a huge variety of things), as well as the security, compliance, helping to set up the many events the College puts on and basically anything that is needed. (Just today, I helped evict two pigeons from a student’s room in boarding.)
Away from work, I enjoy spending time with my wife, our three children & our dog Milo. My two eldest and I are season ticket holders at ITFC. My biggest passion besides my family though is running. I started running in 2013 at age 29 and it has become a way of life for me. I love the freedom and the head space it gives me, not to mention the health benefits.
I’ve run close to 30 half marathons and nine full marathons. I ran the London Marathon in April for my youngest daughter, Hallie, who was diagnosed with hip dysplasia in November 2024. I had so much support from the College community - something I will always be grateful for.
Meet Our New Senior Prefect Team
The Senior Prefect Team for 2026-27 will be led by Head Boy Ademide Adeyeye and Head Girl Amelia Nicholson, assisted by their deputies, Ed Rolls and Maya Edwards.
Our houses will be headed as follows:
• Amy Hoffges and Fin Cherrington (Birkfield);
• Isabelle Thacker-Mcpherson and Benjamin Patterson (Goldrood);
• Fraser Waller and Samantha Blaydon (La Salle);
• Ben Wilkinson and Natasha Mashonganyika (Orwell).
Birkfield Presidents are Alexander Blaydon,Ben Dearsley, Ava Gorman and Jozef Tchorzewski.
Sofie Simpson-Jacobs, Scarlett Manly and Hannah Manneh are Charities Prefects. While Freya Butcher and Lily Weldon head up Social Events.
Sports Events Prefects are Jack Davies, Joshua Morton, Sara Akhtar, Scarlett Oakey, Ewan Thomson and Phoebe Duffin.
Arts Prefects are
Isabella Crichton and Tomos Carter
Boarding Prefects are Tomos Carter and Elianna Ogunnaike.
Left to right: Maya Edwards, Ademide Adeyeye, Amelia Nicholson and Ed Rolls
Boarding
Boarding Report – A Community Built on Growth, Opportunity and Privilege
It has been another busy and rewarding term for boarding at St Joseph’s College, with our community continuing to thrive through shared experiences, personal growth, and a strong sense of belonging. Boarding life here goes far beyond routines; it is about shaping young people into confident, capable, and compassionate individuals.
Many of our students arrive from a wide variety of backgrounds, each bringing their own unique perspective to the house. One of our RAF boarders recently reflected on their journey, having spent 11 years growing up in Cyprus before moving to Ipswich. For them, boarding has been transformative. They spoke of how it has opened up new opportunities and helped clarify their ambitions for the future. While the move to England might have been daunting, the friendships they have built have provided
stability and support, forming bonds they believe will last a lifetime. They also highlighted the boarding staff as some of the most important people in their school experience—trusted adults who offer guidance, encouragement and a listening ear whenever needed.
This sense of growth and support is echoed across the boarding community. Another student described how boarding has had a profoundly positive impact on their life, particularly in developing independence and responsibility. Learning to manage time effectively, organise
personal commitments, and complete tasks without constant reminders has helped build strong foundations for future success. Living alongside peers has also strengthened communication and teamwork skills, while fostering patience, resilience, and adaptability. These everyday experiences—often taken for granted—play a crucial role in preparing our students for life beyond school. Perhaps most importantly, boarding helps nurture confidence and maturity, allowing students to grow into well-rounded individuals.
This term also saw the celebration of our Upper Sixth boarders at the annual Boarders’ Awards Dinner. It was a memorable evening that recognised not only academic success but also character, contribution and leadership within the house. These students leave a lasting legacy, and their journey through boarding stands as an example for younger pupils to follow.
In a recent address, I spoke to the boarders about the idea of privilege. It is a word that can sometimes feel uncomfortable, yet it is important to acknowledge. As members of an independent school, our students benefit from opportunities, resources and experiences that are not universally available. As a boarding community, that privilege deepens further. Boarding offers a unique environment where young people live, learn and grow together, building relationships and life skills that cannot be replicated elsewhere. Importantly, privilege is not only experienced by our students—it is also shared by our staff. It is a privilege to care, to guide and to help create a second home for the young people in our boarding houses. The daily moments we share—the challenges, achievements, laughter and support—are what truly define the boarding experience.
Boarding at St Joseph’s is more than just accommodation; it is a community built on trust, growth and opportunity, and it remains a privilege to be part of it.
