Visit St Joseph’s College
One of the best ways to get to know St Jo’s is to visit us. We are delighted to offer a range of options to our prospective families, including Open Mornings and Individual Tours.
Discover our school
After looking around our website, we hope you have a picture of what life is like at St Joseph’s College, an independent day and boarding school in Suffolk.
In their own words…
When a family joins the College community a door is opened to a new and wide network of friends, families and contacts. Members of the St Joseph’s community are present at the many events throughout the academic year, and many stay in touch through forums and social activities.
After leaving St Joseph’s in 2019, I realised fully how fortunate I was to study there for seven very special years. Memorable trips, various sports including playing in three rugby festivals, and on-stage highlights helped shape me. Great teaching led to top grades and an Economics degree in Leeds and Canada
The abundant sense of community at St Joseph’s College is what truly underpins our ethos of aspiration, confidence and respect. It is here where I have been supported, whether that be in my desire to play a high level of sport, to achieve the best grades possible, or even to take on new challenges such as public speaking! In my last year at St Jo’s, it has been my greatest pleasure to take on the role of Head Girl after many years of looking up to the previous Head Boys and Girls.
We have three daughters at St Joseph’s one in the Prep School and two in the senior school. I love the values the school instilled to be respectful to all as well as providing fantastic opportunities in all areas. My husband is an Old Birkfeldian and he has strong friendships to this day forged at the College. It is a special community.
St Jo’s is special to me because it has truly changed my life. It allowed me to be myself while at the same time excelling academically and developing emotionally. For the incredible job the staff have done, I will always be grateful and forever in their debt for all they have given me.
St Jo’s is a huge part of my family. Having been a pupil, and now teaching and sending my two sons to the College, I have had the privilege of experiencing the School as a child, parent and teacher. It is a strong, welcoming community that I am very proud to be a part of.
Travel to St Joseph’s College
St Joseph’s College is located on the edge/outskirts of the town of Ipswich and is easily accessible via both the A12 and A14. There are several convenient drop-off and collection points and parking areas on campus.
The College is an hour away from London and Cambridge by train, and with Stansted airport one hour and Heathrow, Gatwick and Luton airports just one and a half hours by car, it is ideally suited for international families.
St Joseph’s College operates its own daily Transport Service, with routes covering a number of locations including Colchester, Tendring, Dedham Vale, Coggeshall, Woodbridge and areas of Ipswich. Details of routes, times and costs can be found here. Because this service is operated by the school, it is designed to allow students to attend after-school clubs, sports practices and other activities and can, subject to demand, be expanded to take in different routes and pick-up points.
what3words
Belstead Road Main Entrance: sober.token.stews
Birkfield House Reception: wins.grape.hill (Main House Reception)
Goldrood Gate (Boarding): chat.tube.economies
Prep School Gate: crush.good.plant
Staff Car Park: spill.define.magm
FAQs
Here you will find answers to some of the commonly asked questions about St Joseph’s College open days. Feel free to browse through the questions to learn more.
Can my child have a Taster Day?
Yes, of course! We do ask that an application has been received and their entrance assessment completed so that we can tailor the day with appropriate sets and subjects.
How do you stretch those who are thriving academically?
St Jo’s offers a range of opportunities to stretch those who are thriving academically. We have advanced courses, such as the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), Foundation Project Qualification (FPQ), and Higher Project Qualification (HPQ), allowing students to gain valuable research and presentation skills in areas of their choosing. There are enrichment programmes, and subject-specific challenges, such as national and international maths competitions and language spelling bees. Our teachers provide personalised support and guidance to help students reach their full potential.
I may need help with the fees. Is help available?
Our Admissions team are skilled at answering these enquiries. An open conversation is always welcome and as relevant, means-tested bursaries can be applied for.
Is St Joseph’s College an academically selective independent school?
We are proud to be a non-academically selective school. We welcome students of all abilities and believe in stretching the most academically able, whilst also supporting those who may need additional support. Our aim is to create an inclusive and supportive community where every student can reach their full potential.
Why St Jo’s?
We believe in the exceptional spirit of St Joseph’s College and the benefits our ethos brings. You will too when you get to know us.
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Education
St Joseph’s College delivers an outstanding independent education tailored to the individual child, with space to thrive and opportunity to shine.
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Boarding
Take a fresh look at Boarding. St Joseph’s College offers various family-friendly options and all share the same warm, caring and inclusive atmosphere.
Explore Boarding
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