Secluded just an hour by train from London, St Joseph’s Day and Boarding School is nestled in the heart of Ipswich. This modern campus sits on Belstead Road and is a short 7-minute drive from the train station and 10-minute drive from the city centre. Accommodating just under 600 students, St Joseph’s offers both day schooling and boarding. The student body is diverse, with international students representing over 93 different nationalities, as well as local students from surrounding towns. St Joseph’s takes paramount importance for the safety and convenience of its students by providing a return minibus service from Essex and Suffolk, and a return shuttle from the train station each morning.
Dedicated to recognising the individuality and uniqueness of each child, St Joseph’s ensures personalised care and attention to each student. The school prioritises its students through actively safeguarding their students and offering equal educational opportunities. The school environment is full of integrity, kindness, respect, courtesy and enjoyment, providing an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere and community feel, allowing each student can reach their potential. Reflecting this ethos, St Joseph’s offers a continuous and comprehensive educational journey, starting with nursery and prep school, and continuing through to senior school and Sixth Form.
Academic Ethos
At St Joseph’s, all students are empowered to become successful learners and take pride in their achievements. Each subject is taught using innovative and creative methods to ensure an engaging and dynamic learning experience. From a young age, students are encouraged to exhibit good manners and attentiveness. In return, the school provides a supportive environment that promotes responsibility and independence in their work. As students’ progress to senior school and Sixth Form, they are guided by this foundation of responsibility, with supportive staff available to assist them on their journey towards academic and personal growth.
In senior school, class sizes typically range from 15 to 18 students varying for GCSEs depending on the subject, though they do not exceed 20. For A-Levels, class sizes also vary by subject, with some subjects being by invitation only, limiting class sizes to a maximum of 5 students. Popular subjects include Business, Economics, Maths, Engineering, Art and Design, and Photography. The art and photography department are particularly strong as staff are highly qualified with over 15 years’ experience.
Recent A-Level Results are impressive, with 50% of students achieve A*/A grades and 32% achieved two A* and one A. Students have an average of 128 UCAS points, with university destinations including UCL, Warwick, Kings, Loughborough, Edinburgh and Sheffield,
Sport Curriculars
St Joseph’s is renowned for its exceptional performance and sporting achievements. The school attracts international students with its outstanding sports programme, many of whom aspire to pursue professional sport careers. St Joseph’s offers tailored training programmes for its athletes, including strength training, after-school sessions, and meal plans, all designed to complement their academic schedules. With an incredibly talented performance squad of boys and girls, the school excels in rugby and football. Last year, the girls U18 football team won every major trophy in the UK, highlighting the school’s commitment to excellence in both academics and athletics. However, not limited to football and rugby, students also excel in cricket and netball with impressive cricket pavilion grounds and netball courts for these sports to be played year-round.
Boarding
St Joseph’s offers a unique and flexible boarding experience for both UK and international students. Whether students are looking for weekly, flexi or short-term options, St Joseph’s accommodates adaptable needs for students with flexible entry, accepting applications all year round.
The traditional boarding facilities are designed with comfort and community in mind. The spacious rooms, with high ceilings and large windows, accommodates 2-3 students, with the youngest boarder accepted from the age of 9. Each student has their own personal space within the room, complete with a desk and wardrobe. Shared rooms foster a sense of camaraderie and friendship while maintain a perfect balance between personal space and social development. For those in Sixth Form, there are a few single rooms available, for more privacy and independence.
The communal lifestyle for boarders at St Joseph’s fosters a strong sense of community. Life is not just about academics, it’s about building lifelong friendships, creating a supportive network, and guiding students to reach their full potential.
St Joseph’s ensures every boarder is well-nourished with three meals a day during the week. Catering to diverse dietary needs, the school provides alternative milks, Halal meat options and always a vegetarian choice. For those on the go, grab-and-go options are available with a well-stocked salad bar also available. The inclusive dining experience, with long tables, ensures all students feel like they belong.
Overall, St Joseph’s is a perfect balance for well-rounded students. St Joseph’s stands out as an institution that does not limit students to their academic excellence, but provides a holistic development of their students, ensuring they are well-prepared for future success in all aspects of their life. With robust academic programmes complemented by a wide range of extra curriculars, St Joseph’s nurtures the intellectual, physical, personal and social development of their students. Not only does this school provide a supportive and inclusive environment, but also fosters a sense of belonging and community, allowing St Joseph’s students to feel valued and encouraged.
