Ipswich High School is a vibrant independent day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 3–18, set within 87 acres of beautiful parkland on the banks of the River Orwell. The school occupies the historic Woolverstone Hall, a Grade I listed Palladian mansion, paired with outstanding modern facilities that create a truly inspiring environment for learning and growth.
With around 500 pupils, Ipswich High School is small enough for every child to be known as an individual yet large enough to offer exceptional opportunities. Inspirational teachers, small class sizes and excellent pastoral care underpin our ethos of ensuring every pupil is Inspired, Happy and Successful. We focus on developing well-rounded, confident and capable young people who have the Foundations to Flourish not only academically but personally and socially.
The school’s sense of community and its strong relationships between pupils and staff are central to its success. Pupils are encouraged to develop independence, curiosity and a love of learning that will stay with them for life.
Ipswich High School continues to build on its proud 1878 heritage with a forward-looking approach to education. Our stunning riverside setting combines heritage and innovation, providing the perfect balance between tradition and progress. Academic excellence sits at the heart of the school, complemented by an extensive Enrichment Programme that fosters creativity, confidence and leadership.
Our award-winning, boutique boarding houses offer flexibility and family warmth, creating a home away from home for pupils from across the UK and around the world. Small class sizes ensure every pupil receives individual attention, while exceptional pastoral care supports wellbeing at every stage of their journey. Generous scholarships recognise talent and potential, and our inclusive community ensures that every pupil is known, valued and inspired to achieve their very best.
At Ipswich High School, education is about more than grades. It is about nurturing curiosity, creativity and compassion, preparing young people not just for exams but for life.
Academic Excellence and Exam Results
Academic excellence is at the heart of everything we do at Ipswich High School. We offer a broad and balanced curriculum designed to stretch and inspire every learner while ensuring support is tailored to the individual. Pupils are encouraged to think critically, take ownership of their progress and explore their interests across a wide range of subjects. Our 2025 exam results demonstrate the continued academic strength of our school community, with 60 per cent of GCSE grades at 9–8, the number of grade 9s doubling, and 9–7 grades up by 50 per cent. At A Level, students achieved consistently high A*–B grades, with a notable increase in value-added outcomes ensuring that every pupil achieved beyond their baseline predictions. These results reflect the expertise of our teaching staff, the ambition of our pupils and the close partnership between school and home that defines the Ipswich High School experience. Our leavers progress to some of the UK’s most competitive universities and courses and thrive in creative industries, performing arts, medicine and international business.
Our Facilities
Our pupils benefit from a campus that perfectly combines heritage with innovation. The facilities at Ipswich High School support academic, creative and sporting excellence in equal measure. The Hayworth Theatre, a professional performance venue seating up to 450 people, provides a vibrant space for drama productions, concerts and assemblies. Our sports facilities include a 25 metre indoor heated swimming pool, a floodlit AstroTurf pitch, multi-use sports courts, a gym and fitness suite, and acres of open space for rugby, hockey, cricket, athletics and tennis. Specialist teaching areas include fully equipped science laboratories, ICT suites, a cookery studio with nine workstations, and well-resourced art and design studios that encourage creativity and experimentation. The Sixth Form Centre offers modern, purpose-built study and social spaces that support independent learning and preparation for higher education. Beyond the classrooms, our extensive woodland and riverside grounds provide unique opportunities for environmental science, Forest School sessions, outdoor art and wellbeing activities. Every space at Ipswich High School has been designed to inspire learning, encourage exploration and allow pupils to pursue excellence in every discipline.
Enrichment Programme
Education at Ipswich High School extends far beyond the classroom. Our Enrichment Programme offers more than 600 clubs, societies and activities each academic year, fully embedded into the school day to ensure every pupil can take part.
Whether developing skills in robotics, performing in music and drama ensembles, competing in national sports, exploring creative writing or leading community initiatives, pupils are encouraged to try new things, take risks and build confidence.
This breadth of opportunity fosters resilience, creativity and teamwork — qualities that serve our pupils well throughout life. The programme also provides leadership pathways, enabling older pupils to mentor younger ones, run clubs, and contribute to the wider school community.
Boarding – A Boutique Experience
Our boarding provision offers a boutique, family-style experience for pupils from Year 7 to Year 13. Located in two award-winning houses, The Barns and The Dairy House, our boarding community provides a warm and welcoming environment that truly feels like home. Boarders enjoy a structured routine balanced with independence. Evenings are relaxed yet purposeful, with access to study spaces, common rooms and a range of enrichment activities. Weekends offer trips, outdoor pursuits and opportunities to explore local culture.
We offer flexible options to suit the needs of every family, including full boarding seven days a week, weekly boarding from Sunday to Friday, flexi boarding for one to three nights per week, and occasional boarding for school commitments or family requirements. Boarding fees include tuition, accommodation, meals, laundry, use of facilities, enrichment activities and selected trips, ensuring that every pupil enjoys a complete and supportive experience.
Scholarships
At Ipswich High School, scholarships recognise excellence and nurture potential. Awards are offered at Year 5, Year 7, Year 9 and Year 12, with fee remission that accumulates up to 50 per cent in Years 5, 7 and 9, and up to 100 per cent in Year 12. Some scholarships may be honorary, giving full access to the scholar programme without a fee discount.
Year 5 Scholarships
Areas include Dance, Drama, Music, Sport and the Blyton Scholarship, which recognises all-round or academic ability. Criteria focus on evidence of outstanding potential and commitment, while expectations include sustained academic effort, participation in enrichment, termly reviews and demonstration of the school’s values.
Year 7 Scholarships
Areas include Art, Dance, Drama, Music, Sport, the Kersey Scholarship for all-round ability, and the Head’s Award 150. Academic Scholars present at the Scholars’ Evening and complete the Higher Project Qualification (HPQ), while all scholars participate in regular mentoring and enrichment activities.
Year 9 Scholarships
Areas include Art, Dance, Drama, Music, Sport and the Kennett Scholarship for all-round ability. Expectations mirror those for Year 7, with ongoing mentoring, targeted enrichment and annual review.
Year 12 Scholarships
Areas include Art, Dance, Drama, Music and Sport, as well as the Sophie Youngman Scholarship for all-round ability, the Elliston Award for students from state-funded schools, the Oxbridge Award for aspiring Oxbridge entrants and the Head’s Award 150. Sixth Form Scholars mentor younger pupils, deliver a presentation related to their specialism and engage with their Individual Aspiration Plan through regular mentoring.
Head’s Award 150
To mark our 150th anniversary, the Head’s Award 150 is presented to one Year 7 and one Year 12 pupil who demonstrate exceptional leadership, service and community spirit. Each receives bespoke mentorship and, in some cases, may be granted up to 100 per cent fee remission.
Admissions
Ipswich High School welcomes applications throughout the year and at all main entry points, subject to availability. Our admissions process is designed to be transparent, supportive and personalised for every family.
We invite prospective pupils and their parents to visit the school, meet our staff and experience our welcoming community first-hand. Entry assessments vary by age group but are always designed to help us understand each child’s individual strengths, potential and interests. Alongside interviews and school reports, we consider each applicant’s broader achievements and character to ensure a strong fit with the ethos and values of Ipswich High School.
Our Admissions and Registrar teams are available to guide families through every stage of the process, from the initial enquiry and tour to the offer of a place and transition into school life. We also offer tailored support for international families and those relocating to the area, ensuring a smooth and positive start for every new pupil.
Fees per term (2025–26). Day fees £4,915-£7,770; Boarding £38,784-£50,859. We also do flexi boarding with rates from £45/night.
Day fees include tuition, lunches and participation in the Enrichment Programme. Boarding fees include tuition (for full and weekly boarders), accommodation, meals, laundry, enrichment, and use of all school facilities. Additional charges apply for optional trips, music lessons, transport and examinations.