End of Week Newsletter

A Message from the Principal

It was a pleasure to see so many new faces at our Open Evening on Thursday.

This is such a big event in the school calendar for us to show the school to the wider community. Deciding what secondary school to send your child to is a huge decision. It is reassuring for the school to know that so many are thinking of Ipswich Academy.

I’d like to remind all parents/carers that you are eligible to apply to become a member of our Academy Council. The Academy Council meets every half term with me and other senior colleagues to discuss the ongoing activities at the school and how we can further improve. Non council members are also invited to attend these meetings. I value parent/carer feedback and this provides you with the opportunity to work with me to support the school. If anyone would like to join the Academy Council, please contact the reception team at the school.

I want to highlight how impressed I am with how the students have returned since the summer holidays. The school is calm, purposeful and we are seeing so many examples of students being ready, responsible, respectful and safe. For this, I thank them and I thank you for your support

Allergies

If your child has an allergy, please let us know. In the event that this changes during the year you must also let us know. We strongly encourage all parents/carers to not send their child to school with any nut products.

Phone Pouches

The introduction of phone pouches has started. 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 over the summer holidays has the full details however please note:

• Every child has been (or 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.

Welcome to Year 11 Evening

Year 11 students, parents, and carers: join us as we kick off this vital year and share how we will support your student every step of the way toward GCSE success.

When: Thursday, 8th October 2026 | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Where: Ipswich Academy

What We’ll Cover

• Key expectations for Year 11
• Mock exam schedules and preparation
• Academic intervention and support programs
• Practical tips to help your student feel fully confident and prepared

A separate letter has been sent about the evening and we look forward to seeing you on 8th October for this very important event for year 11 students!

The Big Future National Survey

I am getting in touch personally, as Children’s Commissioner, to ask for your help in making sure the children and young people at Ipswich Academy have the opportunity to take part in my national survey, The Big Future.

So far, I have heard from 25 children at your school. With hundreds of thousands of children and young people already taking part across England, I would like to make sure as many of your pupils as possible have the opportunity to add their voices.

The Big Future is asking children and young people about their lives, their experiences and their hopes for the future. I will be using what they tell me to build a national picture of what matters to children today and to ensure their views are heard by the Government.

The survey takes just a few minutes to complete and can be accessed here: https://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/thebigfuture.

Thank you

Dame Rachel de Souza

Children’s Commissioner for England

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). 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: Suffolk Healthy Child Services Consultation

The deadline has been extended until 18th October 2026.

Useful Tips for Parents/Carers

Safeguarding

Pay Attention to Frequent Illness:

If your teenager often complains of feeling unwell without a clear cause, it might be a sign of stress. Talk to them about how they’re feeling and suggest ways to manage their worries. Inform the school so we can keep an eye on things and offer attendance guidance.

Attendance

Be a Reading Role Model:

Let your child see you reading books, magazines, or newspapers. When they see reading as part of your daily life, they’re more likely to adopt the habit themselves.

Reading/Literacy

Make Use of Educational Apps and Games:

Use literacy apps or games that focus on reading, spelling, and writing. These tools can make learning fun and interactive, especially for reluctant readers.