Ipswich / Woodbridge / RHS

[usedtobeboss]

DS is in Y5 at the moment in a state primary - he's academically able, but not desperately motivated. He's also a decent pianist - soon to take grade 4, and has just started a second instrument. He's also showing a real interest in languages. We've begun looking for Y7. We loved RHS, but have yet to be convinced about their academic record. Woodbridge didn't inspire us much, alhtough it's probably stronger academically. We're going to the Ipswich open day next weekend, but already know a bit about it, admittedly from some years ago.
Does anyone have any useful experience to share, or advice about which might suit a sociable, quirky, able musician?! Or is there somewhere else we should be considering? I'd be really grateful for any insight.

Are these private schools? Kesgrave used to be an excellent state secondary in that neck of the woods and used to have great music lessons (about 15 years ago admittedly)

Thanks Springheeled. Yes, they are all private. We have a local state high school (not Kesgrave - we're further South than that) but we're exploring all options.

I tried to post on my phone and think Ive failed, so apologies if this is a duplicate.
My DS (very into maths and science) is at Ipswich School and doing very well. He was a state primary school and wanted a very academic school that was also strong in music and sport. He turned down CRGS on travel/distance grounds and it has meant that he can get extra study time or sport after school.

The standard of music is amazing with the Snape Maltings concert, the annual Music Festival, the chapel choir going to Kings College Cambridge, orchestras etc. The student have to enjoy sport (not necessarily be good at it) as they do a lot of it, albeit a really range of choice.

It probably suits an organised child what with 2 week timetable, lots of homework, sports equipment etc to remember.

Overall, I think the school suits my son. Hope your search is as fruitful

Thanks justicewomen. We've more or less discounted CRGS on the grounds that it looks so serious!
It's good to hear that the standard of music is so good, as this is a big thng for us. I wonder how it compares to RHS on that front?
Sport isn't such a big deal, although he enjoys it and is reasonably good at most things.
Thanks though - useful opinions.

I am also looking at Ipswich and RHS for my youngest. Speaking to friends they have advised Ipswich for the more accademically minded, RHS if you have an "outdoor" type! I believe both are strong musically. I have a friend with 1 DC at each, the more academic at Ipswich, dyslexic sailing lover at RHS. Both doing well. I also have a friend with DC at Woodbridge but I have also ruled it out. It is probably too far for us anyway.
Eldest at CRGS, definitely not suited to the poorly motivated. Boys need to be very self driven to thrive there.

I wouldn't dismiss Woodbridge School. It's very good and is musically strong. All my family members that attended really enjoyed it and thrived being there.

essexmum69 - you echo what I have heard! We just loved the feel of RHS, and he has decided that's where he wants to go.
I'm not sure DS could be described as an outdoor type, although he could probably hold his own.

Knitted slippers - thanks. Our heads tell us that it's good, we just didn't love it. It's also a bit further for us, whcih is a consideration.

I guess we'll wait to see Ipswich this weekend...

I have had children at woodbridge - some left now.
It really is great for music - lots of opportunities to play in concerts.
What i really liked about the school is that it is inclusive of everyone. There is a real mix of high achievers, sports and music scholars.
My eldest really did reach high and is now doing amazing at university too. He went from state into year 7 and although it was a big change made some amazing friends and has thanked us for being able to send him there. He certainly aimed higher than many of his state peers did.
There is new head who has already started to make great changes.
What i liked is that is on one site unlike Ipswich, lots of moving around for sporting events.
I would suggest sitting all the exams and putting in for a music scholarship also as it might 'help' you make the decision.

I dont know about the OP but for us Woodbridge is a no as they do not run a bus far enough south, whereas Ipswich and RHS do. I am not in a position to be able to consider a school that far away, that I would have to drive him to.
I grew up near Woodbridge so know the school and the area well, but now living in Essex it is too far.

Thanks beenabsent and Essexmum.
Interesting to hear more good stuff about Woodbridge - and I do know what you mean about it all being on one site. The inclusivity you mention is exactly what we liked about RHS! If anything, Woodbridge didn't feel that 'broad' to us, but maybe we were unlucky.

We are on a bus route to Woodbridge (we're just outside a small market town beginning with H...), but it's still quite a journey.

Decision, decisions...

Hi usedtobeboss
Hope you enjoy the openday at Ipswich tomorrow. I am not going but am curious as to how the new School of Music building is progressing.

My son is tourguiding and Ive been teasing him that he will be asked really hard, obscure questions by parents!

Well - we loved Ipswich!
Very impressed by the Head, and by everyone we met. There was a great feeling of energy and passion about the place - everything that we felt was missing from Woodbridge.
I suspect what we'll end up doing is to try for both Ipwsich and RHS and see what happens. I think he'd probably be happy at either - so if it comes to it, we'll consider ourselves lucky if we're in a position to make a decision.