About Ipswich School
Ipswich School is a co-educational independent day and boarding school in Suffolk. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the school’s own entrance exam, held in January, comprising a Non-Verbal Reasoning test and papers in Mathematics and English, followed by a short interview with the Head. The school offers a comprehensive education with a wide range of academic, sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic opportunities.
Ipswich School is committed to providing an outstanding educational experience for every pupil, with excellent academic results, strong pastoral care and a thriving extracurricular programme. Scholarships and bursaries are available to support pupils with talent and financial need. Ranked #226 in The Sunday Times Parent Power. GCSE 9-7: 59.5%.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Ipswich School
Ipswich School Admissions Criteria
Ipswich School is a co-educational independent day and boarding school in Suffolk. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the school’s own entrance exam, held in January, comprising a Non-Verbal Reasoning test and papers in Mathematics and English, followed by a short interview with the Head. The school offers a comprehensive education with a wide range of academic, sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic opportunities.
- ✓Step 1 — Initial enquiry: Contact the Admissions Team at Ipswich School to register your interest and request a prospectus. Visit the school on an Open Day or arrange a private tour to experience the school environment first-hand.
- ✓Step 2 — Submit registration: Complete the online (or paper) registration form and pay the registration fee to formally apply for a Year 7 place at Ipswich School. Early registration is recommended — many independent schools have rolling admissions and limited Year 7 places.
- ✓Step 3 — Reference from current school: The school will request an academic and pastoral reference from your child's current school. This provides insight into your child's academic progress, character and suitability.
- ✓Step 4 — Sit the entrance exam: Your child will sit Ipswich School’s own 11+ entrance exam, held in January prior to entry the following September. The exam comprises a Non-Verbal Reasoning test and papers in Mathematics and English. Sample papers are available from the school to help candidates prepare.
- ✓Step 5 — Interview (where applicable): Many independent schools include an interview as part of the selection process — this is a friendly conversation to learn about their interests, motivations and aspirations.
- ✓Step 6 — Written decision: Following the assessment, parents are notified in writing whether them child has been offered a place at Ipswich School.
- ✓Step 7 — Accept the place: To accept an offer, parents complete an acceptance form and pay a deposit to secure the place. The deposit is typically credited against future school fees.
- ✓Academic Scholarships: Awarded to applicants demonstrating exceptional academic ability in the entrance assessment.
- ✓Music Scholarships: For pupils with proven musical ability — supported by an audition.
- ✓Art & Drama Scholarships: For pupils with strong creative and performance ability, supported by a portfolio or audition.
- ✓Sport Scholarships: For pupils with talent and achievement in sport at a competitive level.
- ✓Bursary Awards: Means-tested financial support for families who require help with school fees at Ipswich School. Awards are typically assessed annually.
- ✓Sibling Discount: Available at many independent schools for families with multiple children attending.
Ipswich School Oversubscription Criteria
- Looked-after and previously looked-after children (highest priority).
- Children who achieve the highest scores in the 11+ entrance test.
- Children living within the school's priority catchment area.
- Children with siblings currently attending Ipswich School.
- All other qualifying children ranked by distance from the school.
Key Dates & Deadlines — Ipswich School 2026
| 📌 Open Events | Throughout the year — check school website to register |
| 📌 Application Window | Rolling admissions — apply early to secure assessment slot |
| 📌 Entrance Assessment | Arranged after registration submitted |
| 📌 Decision Notification | Following assessment, by written letter from the Head |
| 📌 Acceptance & Deposit | Deposit required to secure offered place |
How to Apply to Ipswich School
Step 1 — Visit Ipswich School in Suffolk
Visit Ipswich School in Suffolk — one of the oldest schools in the UK (founded 1399)
Step 2 — Complete the online registration form
Complete the online registration form on the school's admissions portal
Step 3 — Pay the registration fee at the time of application
Pay the registration fee at the time of application
Step 4 — The school requests a confidential reference from your
The school requests a confidential reference from your child's current school
Step 5 — Your child sits the 11+ entrance assessment at Ipswich
Your child sits the 11+ entrance assessment at Ipswich
Step 6 — Attend an interview as part of the assessment process
Attend an interview as part of the assessment process
Step 7 — Following assessment, offers are communicated
Following assessment, offers are communicated
Step 8 — On acceptance, pay the deposit to secure the place
On acceptance, pay the deposit to secure the place
Independent Subjects Tested at Ipswich School
Scholarships & Bursaries at Ipswich School
Available scholarships and bursaries: Academic, Music, Art, Drama, Sport Scholarships. Means-tested bursaries available.
Outcome announced: Awards announced alongside offers
Additional notes: Ipswich School is a co-educational independent day and boarding school in Suffolk (founded 1399 — one of the oldest schools in the UK). Times rank #226. Strong academic tradition, broad and challenging curriculum.
Independent Practice Papers for Ipswich School
Ipswich School uses School's own bespoke 11+ format. Our Practice Papers is a great way to practice for the exam — with full video explanations for every question.
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 31.5 hours of video content
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 28.5 hours of video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 10 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9 hrs video content
How to Prepare for the Ipswich School 11+ Exam
ExamTutor practice papers with tutor explanations for every question offers an affordable substitute for private tuition for a fraction of the cost.
📋 Take a Diagnostic Test
Start with a timed practice test to identify strengths and areas needing improvement.
📅 Build a Study Plan
Start at least 6–12 months before the exam. Focus extra time on weaker subjects.
🎥 Review with Video Explanations
Watch video solutions for incorrect answers. Rewatch difficult topics until confident.
⏱️ Develop Exam Technique
Practice under timed conditions to build stamina and learn to manage difficult questions.
📈 Track Progress
Monitor scores over time to see genuine improvement and identify remaining weak spots.
🚀 Build Confidence
Simulating real exam conditions means no surprises on the day — your child knows what to expect.
Academic Performance at Ipswich School (GCSE & A-Level Results)
Ipswich School is academically selective and the leading independent school in Suffolk, with consistently strong results at GCSE and A-Level.
- GCSE: a strong record across a broad curriculum.
- A-Level: strong results — in 2025 around 82% of entries were graded A*–B — with leavers progressing to leading universities, including Oxbridge and Russell Group.
- Progression: the great majority progress to leading universities.
Exam results change annually, so always confirm the latest published figures on the school’s website.
Catchment Area for Ipswich School
Ipswich School is an independent school and does not operate a catchment area. As a co-educational day and boarding school, places are open to families from across Ipswich and wider Suffolk (and to boarders from the UK and overseas), with entry by assessment rather than where a family lives.
The school sits on three adjacent sites just north of Ipswich town centre; entry runs from the Nursery and Prep through 11+ and into the Sixth Form, with boarding from Year 9.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
Tracing its history to around 1399 and refounded by royal charter under Elizabeth I in 1566, Ipswich School is a co-educational independent day and boarding school (ages 3–18) in Suffolk, with a Church of England character and the motto ‘Semper Eadem’ (always the same). One of the oldest schools in the country — and famously the only school mentioned in a Shakespeare play — it is a happy, supportive school rather than an academic hothouse, known for strong pastoral care and a spirit of service.
Co-curricular life is wide-ranging, spanning sport, music, drama, the Combined Cadet Force, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and many clubs and societies. For the full list, see the school’s own website.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ipswich School
How do I get into Ipswich School?
To gain entry to Ipswich School Year 7, parents register their child with the Admissions Team, submit a registration fee and arrange for the child to sit the school's own 11+ entrance exam in January, comprising a Non-Verbal Reasoning test and papers in Mathematics and English. A reference from the current school is required. Following the exam and a short interview with the Head, parents are notified in writing of the outcome.
Does Ipswich School use the ISEB Common Pre-Test?
No. Ipswich School does not use the ISEB Common Pre-Test. It sets its own 11+ entrance exam for Year 7 entry, held in January prior to entry the following September. The exam comprises a Non-Verbal Reasoning test and papers in Mathematics and English, followed by a short interview with the Head. Sample papers are available from the school, and all candidates sitting the exam are automatically considered for academic scholarships.
What is the 11+ exam at Ipswich School?
Ipswich School uses its own 11+ entrance exam for Year 7 entry, held in January. It comprises a Non-Verbal Reasoning test and papers in Mathematics and English, designed to identify both current ability and academic potential, followed by a short interview with the Head. Sample papers are available.
Are there scholarships at Ipswich School?
Yes. Ipswich School offers Academic, Music, Art, Drama and Sport scholarships. Means-tested Bursary Awards are also available to support families requiring financial assistance with school fees. Contact the Admissions Office for current scholarship and bursary information.
When should I apply to Ipswich School?
Most independent schools including Ipswich School accept applications throughout the year, but Year 7 places are often offered 12-18 months in advance. Register early — ideally by Year 5 (age 9-10) — to secure assessment slots and avoid disappointment.
Are there free Independent 11+ practice papers for Ipswich School?
Yes. ExamTutor offers a free Independent 11+ Practice Test Paper and free Tutor Video Explanations. The practice paper matches the format of independent school 11+ entrance exams covering English and Mathematics — the subjects typically tested at Ipswich School. No registration required.
When is the Ipswich School 11+ registration deadline?
The registration deadline at Ipswich School is See school website for current deadlines. The registration fee is Payable at registration. Always check the school's official admissions page for current details.
When are Ipswich School 11+ results announced?
At Ipswich School, 11+ assessment results are After assessment. The deadline to accept a place is As specified in offer letter.