On Friday morning our school community gathered together for an act of remembrance for Her Majesty The Queen.

Pupils from Year 3 to Year 13, along with members of staff, stood on the school field, while Headmaster Mr Weaver paid tribute to HM The Queen. He reminded everyone of Ipswich School’s Royal Charter, saying that the Queen was known as the School’s Visitor, “and this connection is cherished by us.”

He spoke of her years of service since she acceded to the throne, saying her example reminds us of the motto of her predecessor, Elizabeth I, which is also the Ipswich School motto, “Semper Eadem” meaning “always constant.”

Mr Weaver said: “Throughout her life, our lives, that has been true, she has been a constant, until last Thursday. So we gather here to pay tribute to The Queen who gave her life in service.”

The School Chaplain, Rev Crompton-Battersby, led the prayer, and the gathering stood in silence while our Head Girl Alice and Head Boy Oliver tolled a bell 96 times, one for each year of the Queen’s life.

The ceremony was finished by the Chapel Choir singing “Peace I Leave With You” by Amy Beach, directed by Mr Ellis-Peckham.