End of Week Newsletter

A Message from the Principal

Now we have reached the end of the academic year it’s time to reflect on what a year it has been.

There’s been lots going on at the Academy and it’s a year that I believe we can all look back on with pride. This year also has me looking ahead with excitement. This year our Year 9 boys football team won the cup for the second year in a row, Year 10 completed a full week of work experience, we had trips and visits that I’ve lost count of including visits to Universities, landmarks and many more.

We have increased the opportunity for parents to come into the Academy with our additional events put on over the year, we had a significant increase in the amount of visitors at our open evening and were able to put on a phenomenal internal careers fair for our students. There’s a lot more that I could highlight in this message but those were to name just a few.

Mobile phones

I wrote to parents this week outlining the introduction of mobile phone pouches in September. This is a positive move to enable a phone free day and get back to the crux of why we’re in school – to focus on the learning. My letter has the full details however please note:

• Every child will be issued a phone pouch
• They will keep this for the year
• It is a required piece of equipment that must be brought to school every day
• Students are not permitted to have their phones out of this pouch whilst in school at any point (those with medical conditions where phone use is essential will have alternative arrangements)
• If there is any refusal to engage in this, it will lead to a suspension from school

The responses that I have had to my letter so far have been very positive. It is reassuring to know that the parent/carer community is with me on this issue.

Staffing

I wrote last week about colleagues that are departing at the end of the term. I want to place on record my thanks and well wishes to those staff. From all at Ipswich Academy we wish Mr Webb-Cook, Mr Platt, Mr Scarce, Ms McNulty, Mr Head, Ms O’Malley and Dr Rogers all the best in their future endeavours.

With that being said, I am delighted with the recruitment for September. We have a number of impressive colleagues joining us and they will be as committed as I am to ensuring that the school continues on its improvement journey.

Academy Council

I emailed all parents inviting them to consider applying to be a part of the Academy Council. I am delighted to have received the responses that I have so far. Whether you are a member or not, you are welcome to attend the Academy Council either in person or online. The dates will be circulated in due course.

Finally, I want to wish all of the staff, students, parents/carers and the entire school community a restful and enjoyable summer break. It’s been a great year and I can safely say that we’ve earned it. I look forward to seeing you all again in September.

Year 8 Step Outside Their Comfort Zones for PE Hinterland Day

It was a fantastic day of first-time experiences for our Year 8 students recently during our specialised PE Hinterland day last week!

We were delighted to welcome a team of external experts into the academy to lead a series of unique masterclasses designed to develop our students’ physical literacy.

By helping pupils discover entirely new ways to move, the day focused on building physical competence and confidence in unfamiliar environments. Our pupils had the incredible opportunity to try out a range of unique physical arts, pushing their personal boundaries and learning completely new skills. Throughout the day, students rotated through a variety of fast-paced disciplines, including:

• Tactical Sword Work and Quarterstaff Training: Developing focus, timing, and spatial awareness.
• Wrestling and Unarmed Combat: Building core strength, balance, and defensive skills.
• Gymnastics: Pushing the boundaries of flexibility, coordination, and control.

The energy, focus, and determination on display across the Academy was brilliant to see. Stepping into these unfamiliar sports took real resilience, and our students rose to the challenge beautifully. A huge well done to all of Year 8 for showing exceptional character and throwing themselves wholeheartedly into something entirely new!

Summer Concert

For the first time since it began in 2021, our Orchestra Day and Summer Concert saw us performing outside rather than in the Main Hall.

Audiences were treated to a number of performances from our Orchestra, Choir, and small ensemble groups. We also had a large number of solo performances from our singers and instrumentalists. The event was a big success, with the students managing to adapt well to the windy conditions, and was a fitting way to say goodbye to Mr Scarce, who leaves us after seven years as Director of Music.

Have Your Say: Suffolk School Nursing & Family Services Under Review

Suffolk County Council has launched a public consultation reviewing local Healthy Child Services, which includes our vital School Nursing Teams.

This service provides crucial health, emotional wellbeing, and developmental support for children aged 5–19 (and up to 25 for SEND students).

Because this consultation has been launched right as schools break up for the summer holidays, we want to ensure our parent community doesn’t miss the chance to have their say. Changes to these teams will deeply impact the day-to-day care, medical guidance, and community support available to our children.

How you can help:

• Complete the Survey: Please click the link below to share your views on how these services should look in the future.
• Read the Attached Guides: We have attached the official council letters for parents to this newsletter. (Note: A child-friendly version of the letter is also available upon request if you would like to go through it with your children).
• Spread the Word: Please share this link with friends, family, and anyone in your network who relies on local children’s health services.

Access the Consultation Here.

Thank you for taking the time during a busy end-of-term week to support our school health teams!

Suffolk Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) Programme Summer 2026

Suffolk HAF programme is now live for bookings for the summer holidays.

HAF provides activities for families who are eligible for means tested Free School Meals (FSM), or other support needs upon referral. All sessions include a healthy meal.

To view listings and book your sessions visit the Eequ website.

We have some provision for children who have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) or require support but are not eligible for FSM (with a referral form). Please contact us on HAFenquiries@suffolk.gov.uk if you would like to know more details.

Useful Tips for Parents/Carers

Safeguarding

Notice Changes in Appearance:

A sudden change in appearance or lack of self-care might signal your child is struggling with something. Ask them if there’s anything on their mind and offer your support. Let the school know so we can offer further guidance.

Attendance

Attend School Meetings:

Make time to attend parent-teacher meetings and any school events. Being involved in the school community shows your child that their education is important to you.

Reading/Literacy

Set Realistic Reading Goals:

Help your child set small, achievable reading goals, such as finishing a book in a week. Meeting these goals gives them a sense of accomplishment and keeps them motivated.