Ipswich School named Suffolk's best independent school for ninth year

Why it matters: The ranking reinforces Ipswich School's position as one of East Anglia's leading educational institutions. It is the only school from Suffolk and Norfolk to make the region's top 10.

The big picture: The school has climbed ten places in the national rankings to 116th, with students achieving an 84% A*, A and B grade rate at A-Level.

What they're saying: New Head Nick Gregory, who started in September, called 2023/24 "an extraordinary year" for the school.

"That we should now get this level of recognition too - based, as these tables are, on the exceptional exam performance of our pupils - is just an additional boost," Gregory said.

Beyond academics: The school's success extends beyond examination results:

• The girls' Cricket team won two national competitions

• The String Quartet achieved national success

• A strong performance across co-curricular activities

Cricket success story: The school's cricket programme has consistently produced talent at the highest level, with former pupil Esmae MacGregor recently signing with the Essex Women's Cricket Team. MacGregor, who attended Ipswich School from 2015 to 2022, is balancing her sporting career with studying International Business at Loughborough University.

The context: The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2025, published on 6 December, is considered the most authoritative ranking of UK secondary schools. It analyses both A-level and GCSE results from Summer 2024.

The bottom line: Ipswich School's ninth consecutive year at the top of Suffolk's rankings, combined with its rise in national standings, cements its position as one of the region's leading educational institutions.