Skip to main contentEnter
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

Martlesham Primary Academy completes £750K makeover

News
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

The school has unveiled new classrooms and facilities following a major redevelopment project funded by Suffolk County Council.

Why it matters: The £750K investment transforms key areas of the school, enhancing the learning environment for pupils with modern, inclusive spaces.

Cathie Paine and Emma Churchman cutting the ribbon at the opening of Martlesham Primary
Cathie Paine and Emma Churchman cutting the ribbon at the opening of Martlesham PrimaryREAch2 Academy Trust

The details: The redevelopment includes:

  • A new classroom block featuring a Year 6 classroom

  • New cloakroom and toilet facilities

  • A dedicated SEN classroom

  • Upgraded girls' and boys' toilets

  • Improved drainage systems under the new building

The project was made possible through collaboration between REAch2 Academy Trust, Suffolk County Council, Concertus, and Seamans Building.

What they're saying: "This project marks a huge milestone for Martlesham Primary Academy, ensuring we can provide the very best facilities for our children," said Emma Churchman, Headteacher.

"Martlesham Primary may be a small school, but we are a vibrant place buzzing with positivity and possibility - our new learning spaces are already making a real difference to both the children and staff," she added.

Cathie Paine, CEO of REAch2 Academy Trust, who formally opened the new classroom block, said: "We are thrilled to see this investment come to life. This is a great example of how strong partnerships can deliver real benefits for schools and their communities."

By the numbers: The facilities were officially handed over during October half-term, with contractors managing to complete the work with minimal disruption despite working on an active school site.

The bottom line: The newly refurbished spaces provide a more modern, inclusive, and inspiring environment for pupils, with school leadership reporting positive responses from both children and staff.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

Ipswich's only free and independent news publication

Support our journalism

We can't do this without you! Unlike the Ipswich Star and East Anglian Daily Times, Ipswich.co.uk has no banner advertising and no wealthy US corporate owners.

So, if you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for a better Ipswich, please consider contributing just £24 per year.

Every penny matters and allows us to keep producing good quality local journalism that respects your time, attention and privacy.

Become a supporter

Fashion, food and music: Ipswich students celebrate their heritage at Culture Day

News
Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

BBC Radio Suffolk DJ and broadcaster Angelle Joseph praised One Sixth Form College's celebration of cultural diversity, saying it gives students the chance to "celebrate who they are and where they are from."

Why it matters: The fifth annual Culture Day at One Sixth Form College (ONE) brought together students, staff and local organisations to champion equality and celebrate the diverse backgrounds within the Ipswich community.

BBC Radio Suffolk DJ and broadcaster Angelle Joseph with Ellisha Soanes, an Eastern Education Group consultant
BBC Radio Suffolk DJ and broadcaster Angelle Joseph with Ellisha Soanes, an Eastern Education Group consultantEastern Education Group

Students and staff took to the catwalk in a fashion show wearing outfits representing their heritage, with music provided by Angelle Joseph, who also hosts BBC Introducing in Suffolk.

"It's a chance to celebrate the diversity of the college," said Joseph, attending the event for the third time. "People have travelled from all over the world and now live in Ipswich. It's a day where everyone can feel really proud and celebrate who they are and where they are from."

The bigger picture: Local organisations including Aspire Black Matters, Ipswich Museum, Job Centre Plus, Karmartri, Outreach Youth and Volunteering Matters supported the celebration.

Activities included Chinese health practices, while food sold on campus offered a selection of dishes from around the globe.

Cass and Lexie from One Sixth Form College
Cass and Lexie from One Sixth Form College helped organise the Culture DayEastern Education Group

What they're saying: Lexie Jordan, 17, from Ipswich, who helped organise the event, said: "It's all about embracing everyone's different cultures, recognising where everyone is from and understanding what that means to each person."

For A-level student Cass Herrieven, 17, from Leiston, the day had personal significance: "It's important for me as I'm half Portuguese and I've not got much of a chance to connect with that side of me – so having somewhere that is celebrating me and everyone else is pretty special."

Nyasha Mangoma, 17, from Ipswich, who took to the fashion catwalk representing black Britain alongside her mother Sharon representing Zimbabwe, added: "I think it is important to celebrate everyone's cultures especially when we live in such a culturally diverse area of England."

Nyasha Mangoma was representing black Britain during the One Sixth Form College culture day
Nyasha Mangoma was representing black Britain during the One Sixth Form College culture dayEastern Education Group

For context: Ivya Scott, a University of East Anglia student representing Suffolk Windrush, displayed quilts people had made relating to their history. She said: "This event is important as people get to know the contributions that people in their community have made to Ipswich, Suffolk and Britain."

Jackie Ellis, representing The Hive and The Ipswich Museum, said: "I think this event is very important as there is a diversity of different communities (here at ONE) and when people learn from other cultures, it empowers them to interact better and understand one another."

Ivya, a student from the University of East Anglia
Ivya, a student from the University of East Anglia, came along to talk about the Windrusg GenerationEastern Education Group

The bottom line: ONE Group Principal Jake Robson summarised the event's purpose: "This is our fifth annual Culture Day, a celebration of belonging. It brings our diverse community together, allowing everyone to embrace both their unique identities and shared experiences."

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

Load next article