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Primary education

Join our Primary Education forum to discuss starting school and helping your child get the most out of it.

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Original poster

Ipswich prep school

8 replies

littlebitmermaid · 20/01/2022 13:50

Hi there,

I'm keen on sending my daughter to Ipswich Prep school and keen on hearing experiences from people who have sent their children there. I can't seem to find much online on this school. I'm choosing this school as my daughter is a quick learner and I'd like for her to be constantly challenged.

Do children take the 11+? I wouldn't mind sending her to the senior school but I'm aware that there's a higher ratio of boys than girls and am wondering why this is the case and if it'll negatively impact my daughter's learning? I've read online that Amanda Child's, the Head of Prep is brilliant so hoping this is true?

Is there an Ipswich school Parents group that can help me out with this?

I've considered Ipswich High School but not keen as they're not a academically inclined. Any other schools in Colchester/Suffolk that you would recommend pls?

Im new to all of this and English isn't my first language so please excuse any mistakes I've made with my grammar. any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much.

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123walrus · 20/01/2022 20:03

The high proportion of boys than girls could be because it was previously an all boys school (20 odd years ago now). Boys went to The Ipswich School and girls went to Ipswich High School for Girls (as was).

I wouldn’t have thought many would do the 11+ because there aren’t any grammar schools nearby.

Do you live in the area at the moment?

Original poster

littlebitmermaid · 20/01/2022 20:07

@123walrus

I wouldn’t have thought many would do the 11+ because there aren’t any grammar schools nearby.

Do you live in the area at the moment?

Ah that makes sense. Yes I live in the area, we moved recently. Have you heard anything about the school? What its reputation is? I did consider Ipswich High school but think it's not academically strong?

Any insights will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

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SoMuchToBits · 20/01/2022 20:09

There are no grammar schools in Suffolk, so would only do 11+ if intending to go somewhere like Colchester Grammar.

Have no experience of Ipswich School (either the prep or senior school) but ds went to Woodbridge School (senior only, he went to a state primary) and loved it. It was a great mix of good academic standards with excellent extra-curricular activities (he made the most of these). He is now 21 and at university.

Goodwordguide · 20/01/2022 20:10

I can't comment on the private schools but there are two grammars (boys and girls) close by in Colchester so it's not unusual for children to sit the 11+.

Original poster

littlebitmermaid · 20/01/2022 22:32

@SoMuchToBits

There are no grammar schools in Suffolk, so would only do 11+ if intending to go somewhere like Colchester Grammar.

Thank you! I'll have a look at Woodbridge. I'm not fussed if she doesn't go to a grammar school, I'm just trying to figure out what the system is like in a prep school as I have no experience at all.

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Original poster

littlebitmermaid · 20/01/2022 22:34

@Goodwordguide

I can't comment on the private schools but there are two grammars (boys and girls) close by in Colchester so it's not unusual for children to sit the 11+.

Thank you! I find it so odd that I can't find much info on ipswich school online. There aren't many reviews, even on Mumsnet

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RainingYetAgain · 20/01/2022 23:01

There is a friends of Ipswich School group on twitter I think.
Have no experience of the prep school but both my DS went to the senior school a while ago. I tried to move my younger DS there but sadly there wasn't a space for him in year 4. Several of their friends went to the prep and they and their parents spoke very well of it. Amanda Childs does have a very good reputation. Have you been to an Open Morning?
As PP have said, some Prep pupils sit the 11 plus for the Essex Grammars, and traditionally Ipswich was a boys school and went co-ed 20 or so years ago. Girls went to the High School or Amberfield before it closed, or even St Mary's in Colchester.

Original poster

littlebitmermaid · 21/01/2022 18:01

@RainingYetAgain

There is a friends of Ipswich School group on twitter I think. Have no experience of the prep school but both my DS went to the senior school a while ago. I tried to move my younger DS there but sadly there wasn't a space for him in year 4. Several of their friends went to the prep and they and their parents spoke very well of it. Amanda Childs does have a very good reputation. Have you been to an Open Morning? As PP have said, some Prep pupils sit the 11 plus for the Essex Grammars, and traditionally Ipswich was a boys school and went co-ed 20 or so years ago. Girls went to the High School or Amberfield before it closed, or even St Mary's in Colchester.

I've not been to an open morning. Hoping to do a private tour.

Thanks for the tip - I'll look up the group :)

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