Ipswich High School
IHSPart of Ipswich Education Ltd, Secular, Founded 1878
Updated July 2026
National Curriculum (England)
IGCSEAccreditations
CogniaLanguages
EnglishIpswich High School is a vibrant, independent day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 3-18, located on an 87-acre campus in Woolverstone, Suffolk. It combines a historic legacy dating back to 1878 with a forward-thinking, bespoke curriculum.
Term structure
Teaching approach
Ipswich High School values a holistic approach to education, aiming to provide foundations for pupils to flourish as inspired, happy, and successful individuals. The school emphasizes small class sizes, positive relationships between staff and pupils, and a balance between tradition and innovation. It promotes kindness, diversity, and a commitment to the local and wider community.
Programmes
The school offers an all-through education from Nursery to Sixth Form. The curriculum is bespoke and connected, with progression maps outlining subject development across all stages. The Senior School and Sixth Form offer GCSE and A Level pathways, with additional support for university preparation. The school also hosts the Brave Generation Academy (BGA) programme, offering British and American curriculum pathways.
Outcomes
The school reports exceptional academic outcomes year on year. It maintains a focus on preparing pupils for the 21st century, with students progressing to university and various leadership roles. The school's recent Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) inspection resulted in a 'met' status across all required standards and regulations.
Student support
Learning support
Support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities is included in the tuition fees where appropriate. The school also provides a full-time professional counselling service available to pupils for personal guidance.
Frequently asked questions(7)
- What curriculum does Ipswich High School offer?
- Ipswich High School offers National Curriculum (England), IGCSE and Cambridge A-Level.
- How much is tuition at Ipswich High School?
- Annual tuition at Ipswich High School is £15.2K–£50.9K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- What ages does Ipswich High School teach?
- Ipswich High School enrolls students aged 3 to 18.
- Is Ipswich High School a day or boarding school?
- Ipswich High School is a day and boarding school.
- What accreditations does Ipswich High School hold?
- Ipswich High School holds accreditations including Cognia.
- Is Ipswich High School co-educational?
- Ipswich High School is a co-ed school.
- Where is Ipswich High School located?
- Ipswich High School is an international school in Ipswich, United Kingdom.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026-2027| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Reception | 4–5 | £15.2K |
| Year 1 and Year 2 | 5–7 | £16K |
| Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 | 7–11 | £17.6K |
| Years 7 and 8 | 11–13 | £22.6K |
| Years 9 ,10, 11, 12 and 13 | 13–18 | £24K |
| Full-time Boarding | 11–18 | £50.9K |
| Weekly Boarding (Sunday – Friday) | 11–18 | £38.8K |
| BGA British Curriculum | 11–18 | £27.9K |
| BGA American/US Curriculum | 11–18 | £30.3K |
| BGA UP Programme | 11–18 | £27.9K |
Other fees(10)
| Registration fee· Non-refundable registration fee applicable for all pupils wishing to apply | £100 |
|---|---|
| Deposit· Acceptance deposit for all day pupils before joining | £500 |
| Deposit· International boarders deposit | £3.5K |
| Deposit· Deposit for weekly and flexi boarders | £500 |
| Deposit· Refundable deposit required upon acceptance of a nursery place | £500 |
| Enrolment fee· Annual non-refundable Compliance Management Fee for students requiring sponsorship | £600 |
| Placement test· English assessment fee if required | £60 |
| Bus / transport· Bus deposit | £250 |
| Mealsper day· Meal charge on funded days for Nursery | £5.9 |
| Materialsper day· Extra-curricular charge on funded days for Nursery | £14.5 |
Discounts
- Sibling discount: 10% - 20%
Admissions
Ipswich High School admits pupils from age 3 to 18, with entry points throughout the year depending on place availability. The admissions process typically involves a private tour, a taster day, and, for certain year groups, entrance examinations or assessments. The school offers a scholarship programme for students in Years 7, 9, and 12, covering academic, sports, music, art, dance, and drama disciplines. International students are supported by a dedicated department and may require visa sponsorship.
Calendar
The school operates on a three-term academic year (Autumn, Spring, and Summer). Terms typically begin in early September, early January, and mid-April, with half-term breaks in October, February, and May/June. Each term concludes with a break for the holidays.
Facilities
About the campus
Set on an 87-acre campus in Woolverstone, the school features a range of facilities including the Hayworth Theatre (seating 450), a 25m heated indoor swimming pool, and a professional dance studio with a mirrored wall and ballet barre. Academic and sports facilities include ICT suites, cookery rooms with nine cooking stations, floodlit 2G AstroTurf pitches for hockey, and four multi-sport courts for netball and tennis. Boarding is provided in 'boutique' houses, The Dairy House and The Barns.
Co-curriculars
The school provides an extensive 'Enrichment' programme featuring 300 clubs and activities embedded within the school day. These include academic enrichment, sports, and arts clubs designed to promote teamwork, self-improvement, and holistic development. Specific activities mentioned include theatre productions, music, sports fixtures, and outdoor pursuits.
Dan BrowningHeadMr Browning joined Ipswich High School in January 2023, having previously served as Headteacher of Wymondham College and Executive Principal of British Forces Schools in Cyprus. He is a Founding Member of the Chartered College of Teaching and a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute. He is married with two daughters and has a school dog named Mabel.
- Lisa FinchHead of Prep School
Mrs Finch joined Ipswich High School in Spring 2019 as Head of the Prep School. She holds a degree in Drama and Theatre and Education from the University of Roehampton and is a qualified SENCO with substantial experience as a primary headteacher.
- Kaye ExtanceHead of Senior School
Ms Extance joined the school in 2009 as Director of Music, later becoming Head of Co-Curricular and Enrichment before taking on her current role. She trained at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and is the school's Designated Safeguarding Lead.
- Laura MasseyDIRECTOR OF TEACHING & LEARNING and CPD
Ms Massey joined in September 2023, previously serving as Vice Principal of Teaching and Learning & CPD at St. John’s and King Richard School. She holds a degree in History and a PGCE in Religious Studies.
- Tom CollishawDirector of Boarding & Pastoral
Mr Collishaw joined in September 2023 as Director of Boarding and Pastoral Care. He previously held senior leadership roles at Wymondham College and Fakenham Academy, and holds a BA with QTS in Physical Education.
- Mark SpeakmanDirector of Curriculum & Achievement
Mr Speakman joined in September 2021 as Head of History and Politics before becoming Director of Curriculum & Achievement. He holds a degree in History from Reading University and a PGCE from the University of East Anglia.
- Alex GwynneDeputy Head of Prep School
Mrs Gwynne joined in Autumn 2022 as Deputy Head of Prep. She holds a BA (QTS) in Education and an MA in Education from Canterbury Christ Church University, and previously served as Deputy Head at St Mary’s in Woodbridge.