Founded in 1937 as a boys' school and moved to its present site at Birkfield in 1946. In 1996 it merged with a girls' school, the School of Jesus and Mary, to become a co-educational day and boarding school. Close to the centre of Ipswich, it is based around two Georgian country houses set in 60 acres of parkland. Birkfield House provides the focus for the senior school; a new junior school and nursery opened recently. Central to the school's philosophy is a Christian tradition creating a family atmosphere and strong sense of community. However pupils are welcomed from all faiths, backgrounds and nationalities and this gives the school community diversity and strength. Each pupil is treated as an individual and the pursuit of excellence permeates all aspects of school life. Examination results are good and there are strong sporting and performing arts traditions.
Pupils: Total age range 2-18, 630 pupils: 520 day (365 boys, 155 girls), 110 boarding (72 boys, 38 girls). Senior department 11-18, 480 pupils (310 boys, 170 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 3, 5, 11, 13 and 16. Own entrance exam used, current school reports and interview; for sixth-form entry, 5 GCSEs at least grade C. No special skills or religious requirements; school is Christian De La Salle foundation. 50% of main intake from state schools (plus 25% to sixth form); 50% from own junior department.
Scholarships and bursaries at the discretion of the governing body. Parents expected to buy some course notes and textbooks.
Drawn from a cross-section of employment backgrounds and social groups. Up to 6% live overseas.
Principal: Mrs Sian Grant, appointed in 2001. Teaching staff: 60 full time, 10 part time. Annual turnover 10%. Average age 35.
GCSE: 65 students in Year 11; 85% gained at least grade C in 5+ subjects. A Levels: 47 in upper sixth; 85% passing in 3 subjects, 13% in 2 subjects. Average final points points achieved by upper sixth 306.
Some 75% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (10% after a gap year). 20% took courses in science and engineering, 31% in business and related subjects, 26% in humanities and social sciences, 11% in creative and performing arts and 11% in other subjects.
GCSE, AS and A-levels; BTEC course also available. Sixth form: 15% took science A-levels; 40% arts/humanities; 45% both. Vocational: Work experience available; also RSA information technology. Special provision: Learning support unit including dyslexia and ESL provision. Languages: French, German, Spanish and Mandarin offered to GCSE, AS and A-level (French in junior school, others from 11). Regular exchanges. ICT: Taught as a discrete subject. Over 200 computers for pupil use (9 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access.
Music: Up to 40% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Various musical groups - orchestral, choral, jazz, pop. Annual music competition. Regular successes in Suffolk Schools Festival. Drama: Variety of productions annually, including classics, school musical in local theatre, improvisation. Art and design: Design and pottery also offered. Regular prize-winners in competitions.
Sport: Main sports are rugby, cricket, netball, hockey, athletics, squash, basketball and golf. Other sports include football, sailing, tennis, badminton, rounders, volleyball. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award through CCF detachment. Many sixth formers involved with community service projects. Clubs include technology, chess, music, theatre, debating, history, sixth-form society, Young Enterprise, photography and archery.
Uniform: School uniform worn; suits in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head boy and girl and house prefects appointed by the Principal in consultation with staff after interviews. Religion: Christian. Daily school assemblies; regular assemblies for house and year groups. Mass and Ecumenical services for whole school on specific occasions. Social: Trips abroad include skiing, exchanges, community service projects (eg Togo, Kenya), sixth-form tours of Europe. Day sixth formers allowed to bring own car to school. Meals self-service (healthy eating policy).
Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect a warning. Detention is a standard sanction. Suspension and permanent exclusion for major serious offences – zero tolerance of drugs/alcohol/smoking offences. Expulsion only in extreme cases.
Own study bedrooms for those aged 14+; others share, in separate boarding house. Full, weekly or occasional boarding. Attendant qualified matron; doctor visits (and on call). Central dining room. Kitchen facilities available. Frequent weekend exeats. Visits to local town allowed.
is run by former Vice Principal.
Christopher Mullin MP; Brian Eno (musician); Sean Blowers (actor).
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