At Ipswich High School, boarding is much more than just a place to sleep. It feels like home, full of warmth, care and opportunity. Pupils from all over the world are welcomed as individuals, supported to grow, and encouraged to make the most of each day.
The school sits on 87 acres of beautiful parkland by the River Orwell. Woolverstone Hall offers a peaceful setting while remaining well connected. Ipswich town and the train station are just five miles away. The school is only 70 minutes from London by train and close to Cambridge and Stansted Airport, making it an ideal choice for international families seeking both safety and convenience.
Ipswich High School is known for its exceptional pastoral care. It has been recognised by the Boarding Schools’ Association for its nurturing environment and outstanding boarding provision. Director of Boarding and Pastoral Care, Mr. Tom Collishaw, and his wife, who is Housemistress, live on site with their two children. Together, they create a genuine family atmosphere where every boarder feels known and valued.
“Our aim is simple,” says Mr. Collishaw. “We want every pupil to feel part of a family. We ensure they are cared for, guided and given the confidence to grow into kind, capable young people ready for the future.”
Each day is structured to help pupils build independence. Mornings start calmly, setting the tone for the day ahead. Evenings are reserved for shared meals in The Orangery, sports, music, and enrichment activities.
Enrichment is an integral and distinctive part of school life at Ipswich High School. Unlike many schools, it is embedded into the daily timetable — every pupil takes part in two enrichment activities each day. With over 300 activities across all year groups, opportunities are vast and varied. Alongside traditional pursuits, pupils enjoy unique experiences such as skiing, triathlon, pistol shooting, sailing, horse riding, extensive use of performing arts facilities like music studios and the theater, as well as access to other excellent facilities such as a 25-metre indoor swimming pool and AstroTurf pitches. Academic enrichment is equally valued, with specialist support and clubs for film, history, computing, coding, languages, and even Warhammer.
Source: Ipswich High School
A boutique boarding experience
Ipswich High School’s boarders live in two award-winning houses, The Dairy House and The Barns. Together, they won the Boarding Schools’ Association Refurbishment Award in 2021 for demonstrating luxury and style while retaining their 18th-century heritage — an essential part of the pupil experience.
Both offer comfort, style, and modern facilities. The Barns features en-suite rooms, a cinema lounge and a bright shared kitchen, while The Dairy House keeps its historic charm with cosy twin rooms and welcoming communal spaces that foster lasting friendships. Both houses are just a short walk from the main school and surrounded by tranquil woodland.
Pupils have everything they need, including fast Wi-Fi, housekeeping, and laundry. For international families, this balance of comfort and care is deeply reassuring. Pupils settle in quickly, form friendships across year groups, absorb British culture, and embrace the diversity the school is so proud of.
Life as a boarder at Ipswich High School is lively and full of opportunity. With over 600 enrichment activities each week, pupils are encouraged to try new things, develop passions, and discover what inspires them. From competitive sport and performing arts to robotics, volunteering and leadership, there truly is something for everyone.
Weekends are a highlight of boarding life. With no Saturday school, boarders can enjoy a mix of adventure and relaxation. Trips often include visits to London’s museums, Cambridge’s historic colleges or the seaside town of Southwold. Sundays are more relaxed, with time for swimming, baking or simply spending the day with friends on the school grounds.
Boarder Jona describes the experience perfectly: “I feel really understood here. The boarding staff are supportive and I trust them completely. After school, it doesn’t feel like you’re still at school, it feels like home. We have time for homework, time for friends and weekend trips that make every week exciting.”
Founded in 1878, Ipswich High School combines a proud heritage with a forward-thinking approach that prepares pupils for success in an ever-changing world. Small class sizes, expert teachers, and personalised academic mentoring ensure every pupil achieves their best while developing independence and curiosity.
The school offers both traditional GCSEs and A Levels as well as innovative international pathways through the Brave Generation Academy (UP Programme) and the American Curriculum. These flexible routes allow students to work towards globally recognised qualifications and even begin degree-level studies during Sixth Form. It is an ideal choice for ambitious international learners who want to shape their own futures.
Lorenzo, an international student who joined in Year 12, sums it up well: “I love that London is only an hour away. My friends and I often go on weekend trips. It’s amazing to have so many opportunities to explore while studying in such a peaceful, beautiful place.”
What truly makes Ipswich High School special is its culture of kindness. Pupils are encouraged to look after one another, celebrate diversity and embrace new experiences. The result is a community where every pupil feels seen, supported and inspired to become their best self. Whether full-time, weekly or flexi-boarding, Ipswich High School’s options mean every family can find the right balance. For international pupils, it offers a secure and welcoming introduction to British education.
Set in the heart of the Suffolk countryside yet perfectly connected to the world, Ipswich High School offers everything a young person needs to grow in confidence, character and ambition. A global welcome awaits at Woolverstone Hall, where every pupil belongs.
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