An exciting new primary school will open its doors in the centre of Ipswich in September 2025. The school will provide additional places to respond to the needs of a growing town, a dynamic creative arts offer and community space that will give many families a gateway into the town’s rich cultural opportunities. The school will be run by the Suffolk-wide ASSET Education multi-academy trust, a specialist in primary education.
Clare Flintoff, CEO of ASSET Education, said: “At ASSET we believe that a great education empowers children to create a more compassionate, sustainable and equitable world, which is why we are delighted to announce a brand-new ASSET school is coming to the centre of Ipswich. This new school will represent the heart and soul of Ipswich and will work in close partnership with St Helen’s and Cliff Lane which are also in the ASSET family of schools.”
The school will open in a new building in Carr Street on the site of the old Co-op. Centrally located and just one bus ride away from all areas of Ipswich, it promises a future-focused curriculum rich in the arts and music, and will offer an extended day with a range of before and after-school opportunities to develop the potential and talents of Ipswich children.
The building’s innovative design will provide a rooftop playground, light and spacious classrooms, and community spaces providing drop-ins and learning opportunities for parents and families.
“Our ambition is to use this facility to further enrich the great sense of community in this culturally rich and diverse area,” said Clare. “We are now beginning a consultation period with partners in the area to ensure that the school brings benefits to everyone.”
ASSET is keen to ensure that the heritage of the building and the spirit of the co-operative movement is featured in both the design and construction of the new building, as well as the ethos of the new school. Plans include capturing creative assets such as the Co-op handshake logo and motto at the top of the Carr Street entrance, as well as murals and architectural features, and replicating these in the new build.
“Looking at what our past has taught us, and embracing what the future needs from us are central to this school and its curriculum,” said Clare, “and we are very proud to be guardians of this important piece of Ipswich’s story to create a sense of place and belonging for our children”.
Rachel Hood, cabinet member for Education, SEND and Skills, said: “We welcome the news that this school project now is underway and we look forward to working with the Department for Education and the Academy Trust as they progress the designs and construction of the project.
“With a number of new housing developments in Ipswich, this school is absolutely vital in addressing some of the increasing demand for primary school places.”
An information event will take place at St Helen’s Primary School, Woodbridge Road, Ipswich on Tuesday, February 21 at 6.30pm. All members of the local community and stakeholders are warmly invited to attend, to see and hear the plans, raise questions and talk to the ASSET team about partnership opportunities. To book your place, please visit bit.ly/AssetFreeSchool
You can also follow the progress of the new school plans by following ASSET’s twitter @ASSETedu and its website at www.asseteducation.co.uk. If you would like to contact the trust to discuss opportunities for partnership please contact Jackie Bircham, trust senior leader for communities and families, at jacqueline.bircham@asseteducation.co.uk
Ipswich is a priority education investment area and the new free school project is part of the regeneration of Ipswich town centre. The school is funded through the Government’s free schools programme and will be open and free to all.
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