We hope that you are all well and managing to cope in the current circumstances. We write to share with you some reflections from the past few months, as well as update you on the School’s situation.

As we know too well, the country has gone through a severe crisis due to the coronavirus. We continue to battle against this unseen foe, which has disrupted all of our lives in so many different ways. Many have lost loved ones, some have seen their businesses brought to a standstill and life for all of us currently has a new normal. We know that many of you will have also been touched dramatically by this horrible virus. 

At Ipswich School we are working hard to weather this storm. Since the earliest beginnings of the School’s inception dating back to the 13th century, we have seen and survived crises. This will be no exception. We have been reminded by friends and colleagues that the school has not seen this much disruption since World War II and even then it did not close down completely as we have had to do on this occasion. 

The fight and the determination to win that war is echoed in the fight of our front-line workers. Closer to home, the staff here at Ipswich School have all done what has been needed and worked tirelessly to keep the ship steady. 

Since the very beginning of lockdown we have moved to a remote model of learning. The children are being taught by their teachers' via digital means, their education kept as complete as possible during that unique time. The Prep School remained open for key workers' children and now, some 15 weeks into lockdown, welcomed children from all years for the end of the summer term. Voices and laughter have filled the School Field at lunchtimes and there was a chink of light at the end of this long tunnel. 

In planning ahead, we are keen to bring more children back into School for the next academic year. We will carefully balance the provision we are able to make with the wider restrictions that the government has to put in place on returning to the School. 

Coronavirus has also had a huge impact on our economy. At School we are working hard to support those families that need help during this time to keep their children educated at Ipswich. And we thank those of you who have generously given or chosen to leave a legacy to the School’s Phoenix Fund. 

The Phoenix Fund is allocated in times of difficulty to families whose change in circumstances could jeopardise their child’s education at Ipswich School. It has been extremely humbling to receive donations from past pupils and parents who feel strongly that children, who would ordinarily have had to leave the School, should stay to continue to be given the opportunities that are afforded by Ipswich.

We know that a continuation of education in times of family difficulty significantly improves a child’s academic attainment, as well as their overall happiness in later life. 

If you would like to help by also contributing to the Phoenix Fund, you can read more and get in touch by clicking here or following the link below. Your support would be greatly appreciated.

May we take this opportunity to thank you for being a part of our unique and very special community at Ipswich School. As ever, we are grateful for your continuing support for the School we love. 

Thank you

Henry Staunton OI (1962-67)                  Nicholas Weaver
Chair of Governors                                    Headmaster

THE PHOENIX FUND