Q&A fact file: Woodbridge School
What percentage of the total on roll are boarders.
We take boarding pupils from Year 9 (age 13) upwards and we currently have around 10% of our Senior School pupils boarding.
I think my child is dyslexic, can you test them and support their needs?
At Woodbridge School, we want every pupil to thrive, and this begins with the admissions process. If a pupil requires learning support, our Head of Learning Support, Chris Patten, will work with the family to determine the best possible provision for them throughout their time at the School.
Who would be the first point of contact if I have a concern about my child?
Once a pupil has joined us, a family’s first point of contact is Richard Pineo, Housemaster (HSM) and Head of Boarding. Richard, his wife, Jo, and the rest of the boarding house staff look after the boarders each day and ensure that the boarding house has a welcoming, family environment.
Richard speaks with parents, guardians and agents regularly to ensure that boarders are happy, progressing well, and receiving whatever support they require.
What do they do at the weekends?
At Woodbridge School, we are strong believers in setting pupils up for life, and we offer a diverse cultural and co-curricular programme to all boarders. We provide full weekends of activities, ranging from educational trips and House events, to soirées and recreational outings.
As well as major trips, we also offer local visits to climbing and paintball venues, swimming pools, beaches, indoor karting and escape rooms at weekends. We also recognise the value of taking time out for quiet contemplation or relaxation; we ensure that our weekends are both varied and purposeful.
We are also ideally located for easy access to Ipswich, Colchester, Bury St Edmunds, Norwich and London. As a House, we visit London every term, showing our boarders the sights of our magnificent capital.
What happens if a student is ill?
Woodbridge School has a Health Centre situated in the boarding house, School House, run by Nurse Claire Thompson RGN. The Health Centre has specific infection isolation rooms, as well as separated bays for male and female boarders. The Health Centre is staffed throughout the day and boarders have access to fully-trained duty staff at all times.
It is usual for all boarders to register with the Health Centre on arrival in the School; this is compulsory for all overseas boarders. The Health Centre team speak to staff at the start of each year, with regards to health matters at the School, and will alert teaching staff of any issues regarding boarding pupils.
Each overseas boarder will also be registered with our local GP surgery. For routine appointments with dentists and opticians, boarders can liaise with their House Matrons to arrange this. HSMs are always informed and parents contacted, where necessary.
What makes your school special?
At Woodbridge School, our boarders are at the heart of everything that we do. We have a community unlike any other school, with our family run, co-educational boarding house, which provides a truly bespoke boarding experience.
Our boarders enrich the lives, and expand the perspectives, of our entire student community. There is a real sense of belonging at Woodbridge School, where every pupil is known and valued, and where School House very much represents an extended home.
We equip pupils with the teaching and facilities that they need in order to attain academic excellence inside the classroom, whilst also offering a plethora of opportunities beyond the classroom walls. We prepare each boarder with the skills and attributes that they will need to succeed when they complete their studies with us and embark on life beyond school. Woodbridge will help each pupil develop their own confidence in their leadership with key School roles, competitions and awards.
All pupils can take advantage of the many opportunities provided, from the very best in Chess education, award winning Combined Cadet Force adventures and an Art provision as unique as the boarder.
With the market town of Woodbridge so close by, every day provides a chance for our boarders to socialise with our neighbours, whether it be walking through the pretty town centre, sampling the local produce, or meeting friends at the cafés or cinema.
With an enviable reputation, outstanding results and leading pastoral care, Woodbridge is much more than a school: it is a discovery of self and all we can achieve. A true foundation for life.
