Previously two schools, Northgate High School is currently the largest high school in Ipswich with 1,700 pupils on roll.

East Anglian Daily Times: Northgate School sports day in July 1978Northgate School sports day in July 1978 (Image: Archant)

Originally there were two schools - a boys grammar and its counterpart for girls. Northgate has seen thousands of students come through its doors over the 49 years the school has been a comprehensive establishment.

East Anglian Daily Times: Northgate School sports day in July 1978Northgate School sports day in July 1978 (Image: Archant)

And today, as we reach N in our A-Z look back at the history Ipswich, we are taking a look at some of the old photos in our archive.

East Anglian Daily Times: Aerial photos of Northgate School in 1979Aerial photos of Northgate School in 1979 (Image: Archant)

Did you attend during the 70s or 80s? Let us know what your memories were from your time spent there.

East Anglian Daily Times: Aerial photos of Northgate School in 1979Aerial photos of Northgate School in 1979 (Image: Archant)

As you can see, the school certainly had an enthusiastic approach to athletics. The school makes use of the Council-run Northgate Sports Centre, which has an Olympic standard running track, featured in some of the images below.

East Anglian Daily Times: Northgate School soccer marathon held in January 1983Northgate School soccer marathon held in January 1983 (Image: Archant)

Noteable graduates from Northgate High school include legendary film and theatre director Sir Trevor Nunn CBE, singer/songwriter Nik Kershaw, Brian Cant the long-established former BBC children’s television presenter, and Helen Boaden, director of BBC News.

East Anglian Daily Times: Northgate School Eastern Counties Championship in April 1984Northgate School Eastern Counties Championship in April 1984 (Image: Archant)

The school was awarded Language College status back in 1999 and was the first designated Language College in Suffolk.

East Anglian Daily Times: Northgate School Eastern Counties Championship in April 1984Northgate School Eastern Counties Championship in April 1984 (Image: Archant)

The original buildings at Northgate High School were built back in 1933, when the boys and girls grammar schools were separated.

East Anglian Daily Times: Northgate School Eastern Counties Championship in April 1984Northgate School Eastern Counties Championship in April 1984 (Image: Archant)

Let us know if you were a winner at one of these events or if you have any class photos or memories from your school days. Share your memories and photos via email

East Anglian Daily Times: Northgate School Eastern Counties Championship in April 1984Northgate School Eastern Counties Championship in April 1984 (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Northgate School Eastern Counties Championship in April 1984Northgate School Eastern Counties Championship in April 1984 (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Northgate School Cricket Club in July 1980Northgate School Cricket Club in July 1980 (Image: Archant)