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91.9% of Suffolk pupils secure first-choice secondary school

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Attwells Solicitors

Proud supporters of free and independent local journalism in Ipswich

Suffolk County Council has offered more than 9 in 10 pupils their first-preference secondary school for September 2025.

Why it matters: Nearly all families (97.5%) received offers for one of their three preferred schools, though approximately 195 children in the county did not get a place at any of their chosen schools.

Suffolk County Council sign on a building

By the numbers:

  • 7,831 secondary school applications were processed

  • 91.9% of pupils received their first preference

  • 97.5% received one of their three preferences

  • 2.5% (approximately 195 pupils) did not receive any of their preferred choices

What they're saying: "It is really positive that once again the majority of families have been offered a place at one of their preferred secondary schools," said Councillor Andrew Reid, Suffolk County Council's Cabinet Member for SEND and Education.

For parents who missed out: If a preference for a Suffolk school was refused, children will automatically be added to the waiting list for that school. Parents can also lodge an appeal.

What's next: Parents who received school place confirmations now need to consider transport arrangements. Those eligible for Suffolk County Council funded school travel will receive an email by Thursday 3 April 2025 with details of how to opt-in.

The bottom line: While most Suffolk families received good news on National Offer Day, a small percentage will need to navigate the waiting list or appeals process if they're unhappy with their allocation.

Attwells staff outside their Ipswich office

An award-winning local law firm

Rated as "Excellent" on Review Solicitors with an impressive 4.8/5 on Feefo.

Attwells staff outside their Ipswich office

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Attwells Solicitors

An award-winning local law firm. Attwells is rated as "Excellent" on Review Solicitors and holds an impressive 4.8/5 on Feefo.

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Could Ipswich's Debenhams become our own 'Shredenhams'?

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Attwells Solicitors

Proud supporters of free and independent local journalism in Ipswich

Bristol's skatepark conversion shows how community-focused projects can breathe new life into abandoned high street buildings. Should Ipswich follow suit?

Why it matters: With dozens of abandoned retail spaces across the UK, Bristol has found a creative way to reinvigorate their high street.

Bristol's old Debenhams building has undergone a radical revamp — it's now a skatepark.

Now dubbed "Shredenhams," the once-iconic department store has swapped retail racks for ramps, thanks to Campus Skateboarding, the team behind Bristol's beloved Campus Pool and Park.

A hot pink "SHRED" sign now hangs over the old store logo as curious locals press their faces to the glass for a sneak peek.

Shredenhams in Bristol
Shredenhams in BristolShredenhams

Inside, you'll find: A full-blown skatepark, plus a bar, pool tables, dartboards and arcade machines.

What it costs: £10 gets visitors unlimited access to the space for the day, with the freedom to come and go as they please.

For context: Campus Skateboarding has a long history of revitalising unused spaces:

  • It all started in 2011 on a derelict college site

  • Campus Bedminster ran from 2011-2012

  • In 2012, they took over the previously council-run skatepark "Sub-Side"

  • The space became known as Campus Park after adaptations

  • In 2014, they started the Bishopsworth swimming pool revival project, known as Campus Pool

  • Campus Pool opened in 2015 with the help of Canvas

Meanwhile in Ipswich: The former Debenhams building has been vacant since 2021 and its owners, Unex, have been unable to secure a new tenant despite making improvements to the premises.

  • It shut after online fashion retailer Boohoo bought the brand and its website for £55m, but closed the 118 stores

  • The former Ipswich store sits within the four-storey Waterloo House building on Cornhill

  • It was built in 1975 with Debenhams' tenancy agreement starting on 8 August 1977

The bottom line: As empty department stores continue to plague UK high streets, Bristol's innovative approach raises the question: Could Ipswich's Debenhams find a new purpose as a community-focused venue rather than waiting for another retailer to fill the space?

New Indoor Skatepark in Central Bristol! 🛹
Attwells staff outside their Ipswich office

An award-winning local law firm

Rated as "Excellent" on Review Solicitors with an impressive 4.8/5 on Feefo.

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