Tekle joined the school aged 18 in 2020 for two years of Sixth Form. Tekle was unable to be educated in the state system due to his age (ordinarily ALevels are completed from age 16). Tekle fled Eritrea looking for a better life, free from persecution. So at 14 he made the journey to the UK by himself with a feeling that our country would be best placed to help him. Tekle left the school this summer to pursue a career in engineering. In a letter to the school Tekle writes:

"I can scarcely believe that my time at Ipswich School has come to an end. It truly seems like just yesterday that I was buying my first uniform and getting ready for my first day of school.

In these past two years I have grown into an honest, considerate, hardworking young man and I have Ipswich School to thank for that. The one-to-one attention that I received from the teachers has made me confident in my abilities and sparked my interest in many different subjects. I am especially thankful to the careers office where Mrs Hayes helped me to secure an apprenticeship with BT which I go onto now. 

Playing football every Thursday also taught me the value of discipline and teamwork, traits that will serve me well throughout the rest of my life. More than anything else I would like to thank you for the opportunity I was given even though my age was above the others.

Ipswich has shaped my future, made me a strong candidate and opened my eyes to consider different opportunities. I am really excited to start a degree apprenticeship with BT. 

I know I am just starting to climb the mountain but Ipswich school has played a big role. Ipswich School is a supportive community focused on giving each student the best education possible, and your leadership provided me with just that."

Kind regards

Tekle Berihu
(OI 2020-22)

“The help we have been able to offer to Tekle and the dedication and commitment he has shown to his studies makes me enormously proud of him. Our bursary provision is there to help deserving young people, no matter what their background and I believe that Tekle has taken this opportunity with both hands and goes into life with the skills he needs. Well done Tekle and thank you for giving so much back to Ipswich School.”

Mr Ben Cliff, Head of Sixth Form

To read more about the Impact of Giving click HERE