During my eight year tenure in boarding at Ipswich School, there have been numerous developments that I have found rewarding to have been part of. One of these is the increased provision for girls. When I became a houseparent in 2016 there was one boarding house (Westwood) and we had 17 girls boarding that year. I remember them all so well! Cyna N became the first female Head of House (as they were called then) for boarding – she was a tour de-force and perfect for the role. Rosie G was a constant source of good humour and kindness to her fellow boarders, I was not surprised to see her take up a career in teaching. Lishan L would practise her violin and the beautiful sound of it would stop me in my tracks – usually on the way to the laundry so that was a bonus too!
In 2020, Mr Weaver opened a second boarding house on our Anglesea Heights site (Anglesea House) and this increased the number of beds for girls to 28. And with the Year 13 girls moving down to the new house, we were able to welcome more middle school girls to Westwood. Three of those girls, Ruby C, Sophia L and Dorothy L came into Year 10 and just left us this week, after completing their A Levels. It was quite emotional to say goodbye to them! Now, with further development at Anglesea House, I am delighted to say that even more girls will have access to boarding places here. From September 2024, there will be room for 38 girls in boarding, bringing them closer in number to our provision for boys.
This summer we will say a big boarding farewell and thanks to the current Anglesea House houseparent, Miss Halford-Thompson, who is stepping back from her role in boarding, although she continues as matron in school. Miss H-T joined us in September 2020 – in the middle of a pandemic. She fully supported the challenges that quarantine presented, for example that the boarding houses would be open for a full year – her first year – and needing to support her staff as boarders started to be unwell and isolation rules were applied.
On top of this, she has developed an excellent ‘outduction’ programme for our Year 13 boarders, getting them ready for university life. In Miss H-T’s place, Mrs Cooper (pictured here) will be joining us as our new Anglesea Heights houseparent. She brings with her boarding experience from her time working with PGL and St Joseph’s College and a superb track record in safeguarding and welfare in a range of schools. We look forward to another exciting year in boarding at Ipswich School.
Article written by Justine Christie, Head of Boarding
