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Top universities and employers praise students at Ipswich School's annual careers convention

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Top universities and employers highlighted the strong engagement and interest from pupils and parents at Ipswich School's Careers Convention last Wednesday, 26 March.

Why it matters: The convention creates a valuable platform for local students to explore future career options and connect with industry professionals.

The annual event, held on Wednesday, 26 March, attracted more than 55 exhibitors from top universities in the UK and overseas, as well as local and national employers.

Students and staff in front of Ipswich School in Ipswich
Ipswich School

What they're saying: "It was a pleasure speaking with so many friendly, engaged, and enthusiastic students, as well as their parents," said one university representative.

Julie Hayes, who led the event, added: "We are incredibly proud of the success of this year's Careers Convention. It's always a joy to see the enthusiasm from both our current students and the wider community."

The details: The event featured eight seminars and drew students from both Ipswich School and surrounding local schools.

  • Throughout the evening, attendees discovered a range of career options through informative sessions and one-on-one interactions with representatives.

  • Old Ipswichians returned to share their post-school experiences, representing various industries and inspiring the next generation with their success stories and advice.

  • Governor Richard Cooper noted that graduate apprenticeships are emerging as "a credible alternative to the traditional degree route," highlighting how the event helps students explore diverse career pathways.

Collage of images from the Ipswich School careers convention
The event featured eight seminars and drew students from both Ipswich School and surrounding local schoolsIpswich School

What's next: The school has confirmed it will host the convention again next year.

The bottom line: "I spent a considerable amount of time speaking with universities and employers, and without exception, they all regarded the evening as a great success," said Richard Cooper, emphasising the positive feedback from universities and employers who attended the event.

Ipswich School

Ipswich School has been Suffolk's top independent school for the past nine years. It offers excellent academic results (84% A*-B at A Level in 2024), extensive co-curricular activities, and strong pastoral support.

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Has Fabio Wardley's 'dream' Portman Road fight moved one step closer?

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The British heavyweight champion and diehard Ipswich Town fan could see his ambition to fight at his beloved club become reality after a new licence application.

Why it matters: Ipswich Town Football Club has applied for a variation of its licence at Portman Road. The application has requested boxing or wrestling entertainment to take place between 12:00 and 22:30 on Sundays to Thursdays, as well as 12:00 to 23:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.

West Stand at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich
West Stand at Portman Road stadium in IpswichHolly Woodard-Williams

What they're saying: Speaking with the BBC, an ITFC spokesperson said: "Following infrastructure improvements to Portman Road over the past couple of years, it will not be uncommon for the stadium to apply for various licences to host events across different sectors; this is just one of many that will start to appear."

For context: British heavyweight champion and Ipswich Town fan Fabio Wardley said it was his "dream" to fight at the ground.

In October 2024, Wardley told BBC Radio Suffolk he wanted to fight at Portman Road, saying: "It's still the dream and it's on the cards".

"If anything it's closer than ever now because being with Frank Warren my promoter, he's done stadium shows before and he knows how to put them on.

"When it happens is still a massive question but pieces are definitely falling into place for this."

Fabio Wardley at Portman Road stadium in Ipswich
Fabio Wardley at Portman Road stadium in IpswichAlamy

The bigger picture: Ipswich Town chief executive, Mark Ashton, said in November 2024 that the club had been in discussion with Wardley about appearing at the ground and that it was in the "pipeline" but not "imminent".

The details: The club has also requested to be permitted to include live music performances, playing of recorded music, dance performances as well as alcohol sales and late night refreshments.

Portman Road underwent a series of improvements last summer to prepare the ground for Premier League football, including new media facilities, more executive boxes and the introduction of safe standing areas at the ground for the first time.

What's next: Posters advertising the change have been put up in the area around the ground with people able to have their say on the change until 24 April.

DanceEast Youth Takeover in 2023

There's something for everyone

Watch a performance, join a term of classes or attend a workshop at DanceEast

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