Ipswich or Woodbridge private school?

[Suffolkmouse]

Has anyone here got any experience of either or both? Thankyou

Can I ask - why just those two? Some other very good independent options around... I have to say we weren't wild about either, although it's clearly a matter of opinion, as many people do rate them! It does depend on what you're looking for, of course... We felt that Ipswich was very 'corporate-feeling' - and Woodbridge just felt very 'undefined' and disjointed. It's hard to explain, but we all had the same feeling after the open day.

Thankyou usedtobeboss3, I think we were considering those 2 mainly due to geography and also needing to choose a house in the right location for the school. I work in Ipswich and my husband works in Woodbridge. We haven't looked round any of the schools yet. Where did you go for please and how are you finding it? Thankyou

We went for the Royal Hospital School, and it was absolutely the right decision. It ahs the (undeserved, these days) reputation of being 'less academic' than some of the others, but the truth is that is just less selective, which of course means that the results can look less impressive. It takes from a much broader ability range at 11 than Ipswich, for eg. But it's a fabulous place for the right child - they work hard and play hard - loads going on, esp sport and music. Able children (and average children, actually) do well and all abilities are well provided for. It's a busy school, with a great ethos.
I do know people who love Ipswich and have been very happy there; I don't know anyone personally who's been to Woodbridge. Other schools in the area: St Jo's is very sporty, and a bit smaller; Framlingham is pretty well-regarded; Ipswich High is now co-ed - used to be a bit small and slightly limited by its size, not very sure what it's like now.

Meant to say - all thse schools probably run buses from most areas - I know RHS does.

Farlingsye High School is a very good school. Highly successful and if you are both working to pay fees I would consider this school. I would live in Woodbridge and spend money on other things! I am not sure Woodbridge School is great academically. Not a powerhouse of independent schools I think.

My daughter is in Year 6 at a local school and we are trying to decide between Woodbridge and RHS. She sat the exams for both (and Ipswich School) and got in to all three. Very difficult decision but we’ve discounted Ipswich (I think) on the basis of after school clubs and not being able to participate unless we collect which wouldn’t work for us because we both work full time. My head is saying Woodbridge, but still not totally decided.

TizerorFizz yes we definitely need to research Farlingaye too. We are currently renting in Woodbridge till beginning of 2022 but the house prices are so silly here at the moment that I'm not sure we could afford to buy here and that's with both of us working.

Missmini53 it's so difficult isn't it? Do you mind me asking where you live please?

If you cannot afford to buy around Woodbridge, can you afford a private school? It’s not ridiculously expensive in the Farlingaye catchment. I would buy a house over private school there any day!

You definitely need to go and have a look, you get a feel for the right place. I work at one of the schools mentioned and used to work at the other. Pros and cons for them all!