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Ipswich law firm highly commended at national apprenticeship awards

News

Attwells Solicitors has been recognised for its commitment to apprenticeships at the National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards. The Ipswich-based firm received a highly commended award in the SME Employer of the Year category for the East of England.

The big picture: The award acknowledges the firm's dedication to making legal careers more accessible through apprenticeships, which form a key part of their 10-year growth strategy to double in size.

Why it matters: Apprenticeships are a relatively new pathway in the legal profession, offering opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds to enter the industry without traditional routes such as university.

Martine Clark, Emma Matthews and Charlotte Reason from Attwells Solicitors at the National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards
Martine Clark, Emma Matthews and Charlotte Reason from Attwells Solicitors at the National Apprenticeship and Skills AwardsNational Apprenticeship and Skills Awards

The details:

  • The firm was selected following a rigorous judging process.

  • Martine Clark, Emma Matthews and Charlotte Reason accepted the award at a ceremony in Cambridge.

  • The recognition was in the SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) category, specifically for the East of England region.

What they're saying: "Our experience shows that our best lawyers have grown and evolved alongside us," said Attwells CEO Nick Attwell, highlighting their commitment to nurturing talent from within.

He added:

Opinion

“We are so proud to have been recognised as highly commended in the National Apprenticeship Awards. Apprenticeships are the people growth plan at Attwells and enable us to make the legal profession accessible to young people from a diverse range of backgrounds.”

Looking ahead: The firm plans to expand apprenticeship opportunities across every department as part of its 10-year growth strategy to double in size.

The bottom line: The award highlights the growing role of apprenticeships in the legal profession, and it's fantastic to see local firms like Attwells making law more accessible to people from different backgrounds.

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

News

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.

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