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Council plans to expand two Ipswich schools instead of building new one

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Plans are being developed to expand Northgate High School and Ormiston Endeavour Academy to create 600 new student places, replacing previous proposals for a new secondary school in Ipswich Garden Suburb.

Why it matters: The expansion will provide crucial school places needed for Northeast Ipswich's growing population while saving approximately £10m in construction costs compared to building a new school.

Ormiston Endeavour Academy in Ipswich
Ormiston Endeavour Academy will be expanded to accommodate additional students by 2027Oliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

The big picture:

  • Northgate High School and Ormiston Endeavour Academy will be expanded to accommodate additional students by 2027.

  • The plan replaces previous proposals for a new 600-place secondary school.

  • Expansion costs are estimated at £20m, compared to over £30m for a new school.

  • The decision responds to housing growth in the area, including Ipswich Garden Suburb.

Supporting details:

  • Both schools are rated "good" by Ofsted

  • Early-stage feasibility studies have been completed

  • Three planned primary schools for Ipswich Garden Suburb will still go ahead

What they're saying: Cllr Andrew Reid, Cabinet Member for Education and SEND at Suffolk County Council, said: "In this case, expanding Northgate and Ormiston Endeavour seems to be the best option. Not only is it more economical, but both schools would benefit from the funding from additional pupils."

Northgate High School
Northgate High School will also be expanded to accommodate additional students by 2027Oliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

Between the lines: The council's decision was influenced by:

  • Rising construction costs making a new school less viable

  • Falling birth rates across Suffolk raising concerns about future student numbers

  • Risk of a new school becoming financially unsustainable

What's next: Both schools are working with Suffolk County Council to ensure sufficient secondary places until the expansion is complete in 2027.

The bottom line: While the council's change of plans means Northeast Ipswich won't get a new secondary school, the expansion of two established "good" schools could offer a more sustainable solution for local families – delivering the same number of places at lower cost, with students benefiting from existing facilities and experienced staff.

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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Computer scientist son of micro-brewery owner first to complete Ipswich pub trail

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Adam Littler, a 23-year-old computer scientist whose parents were brewers, has become the first person to complete both Sip'Swich drinks trails, visiting all 15 venues in just two days.

Why it matters: The Sip'Swich trails, organised by Ipswich Central  in conjunction with Ipswich Borough Council, aim to showcase the town's brilliant selection of pubs and bars to a wider audience, helping people discover new venues they've never visited before.

The big picture: Littler, who moved to Ipswich six months ago, was awarded a limited edition Sip'Swich reusable cup and received a surprise £50 voucher from men's retailer James St. Peter's for being the first to complete both trails.

Mark Hubert of James St. Peters presenting Adam Littler with his voucher
Mark Hubert of James St. Peters presenting Adam Littler with his voucherIpswich Central

What they're saying: "Having moved to Ipswich six months ago and loving a drink with friends, when I saw the trails being promoted in the local paper newsfeed it was right up my street as something to do!" Littler said.

By the numbers: The ambitious pub-goer visited 13 venues on Saturday 8 March before returning to complete the final two a couple of days later. He collected his prize less than a week after the trails launched.

The details: As a computer scientist with brewing in his blood, Littler scored each location on a 1-10 scale rating for enjoyment of the drink, price and atmosphere.

"The Arbor House and Crafty Fox were two venues that I was really impressed with for their friendly and knowledgeable staff plus recommendations they made. The Arbor House was an unexpected gem that I'd go back to, and, the Crafty Fox had a really lovely vibe about it," he said.

To make the challenge more interesting, Littler had a different type of drink in every venue, including wine at Boom Battle Bar, a cocktail at Cosy Club and a spirit at The Black Horse Inn.

Adam Littler sitting in a cafe
Adam Littler was the first to complete the Sip'Swich trailAdam Littler

What's next: Littler plans to do the trail again with another group of friends so his girlfriend can also win a reusable cup. Meanwhile, the trails will run until the end of April or when all prizes have been claimed.

Lee Walker  from Ipswich Central said:

Ipswich is so lucky to have an incredible range of pubs and bars each with their own character and ambience. We devised Sip'Swich as a way of showcasing those places to a wider audience.

The bottom line: Further special prizes will be awarded over the coming weeks, including a voucher for a brewery tour donated by the Briarbank Brewery. Details and trail cards can be downloaded from www.allaboutIpswich.com/sipswich or collected from any of the 15 participating venues.

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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