Orwell Park School
Orwell Park School is a co-ed boarding and day school in Ipswich, Suffolk, educating pupils aged 2 - 13 and founded in 1868. Boarding fees are £12,419 - £16,128 per term. Our advice on this school is independent and free.
- Type
- Co-ed boarding & day
- Boarders from
- 7 - 13
- Ethos
- Church of England
- Guardian required
- Yes
About Orwell Park
The story, ethos and character of Orwell Park.
- Setting
- Rural
- Ethos
- Church of England
- Head
- Mr Simon O'Malley
Developing a life-long love of learning in a magical setting …. Orwell Park, established in 1868, is a co-educational prep school for day pupils and boarders from 2½ to 13. There has always been the belief at Orwell Park that protecting the magic of childhood should be at the very core of the school's ambitions.
Orwell Park offers pupils a stunning 110-acre site in which they learn, laugh, explore, make mistakes and grow. Magnificent grounds, buildings and facilities are of immense value, but the school is most proud to be able to have such a talented and dedicated team of staff who inspire, spark joy and always put the best interest of each child first: this is where the Orwell magic is truly brought to life.
Orwell's size allows each child to be known as an individual; small class sizes and a superb boarding provision ensure that the school community has a truly 'home from home' feel.
As a school, we are genuinely proud of the fact that leavers move on to leading senior schools across the country, with an impressive average of around 25 each year earning scholarships and exhibitions. The icing on the Orwell cake is the extraordinary range of extra-curricular activities that are on offer - outstanding provision for Music, Art, Drama, DT and Sport is complemented by forest school and bushcraft, an observatory, an assault course, sailing and trips abroad including places as far flung as India and closer to home in France.
Young people develop their character, confidence and creativity from a range of platforms and with unwavering and encouragement. We ask simply that they throw themselves into all that is on offer here, live by the school's values and are kind.
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Academics at Orwell Park
What pupils study at Orwell Park — and where it takes them.
Art - R+Classics - Y5+Critical Thinking - Y3+DT - Y3+Drama - R+Digital Skills - R+English French - N+Geography*History*Life Skills R+Maths Music - N+PE - N+Theology Philosophy & Religion**Taught combined as Topic/Humanities from Y3 downwards Specialisms Critical Thinking, languages, DT & Art At Orwell Park, we believe every child should feel recognised, valued, and supported to achieve their very best.
For pupils with SEND, we provide a nurturing and inclusive environment where learning is tailored to individual strengths and needs. Early identification, adaptive teaching, and collaboration with families ensure that pupils can access the full curriculum and participate fully in school life.
Programmes offered
Where our leavers go
Benenden School, Brighton College, Eton College, Gresham's School, Harrow School, Ipswich School, Millfield School, Oundle School, Roedean School, Royal Hospital School, The Leys School, Tudor Hall School, Uppingham School, Wellington School, Winchester College, Woodbridge School.
Figures are indicative — contact us for the latest results.
Boarding at Orwell Park
Day-to-day boarding life and pastoral care at Orwell Park.
- Boarding houses
- Girls 1, Boys 1, Mixed 0
- Exeat weekends
- Yes
- Guardian required
- Yes
- Saturday lessons
- Yes
The experience of a boarder at Orwell Park School seeks to develop the whole pupil, enabling them to develop confidence, independence, and an inclusive community spirit. In line with our whole school principles, we offer pupils facilities and activities which enhance social skills, cultural awareness, and respect for others.
In an environment which celebrates the differences between pupils, the key life skills of resilience, self-motivation and responsibility are absorbed and developed. In order to give full effect to these principles, pupils are cared for by a team of qualified, experienced and dedicated professionals.
A genuine home away from home
There are two Houses, Boys' and Girls', accommodated within the Mansion on separate floors, each with their own secure facilities. There are a total of 20 dorms of different sizes, and ample showers and bathrooms. There are communal common rooms, games and TV areas, and boarding and duty staff are accommodated also within the Mansion, giving immediate help and at night where needed.
Girls' Boarding (Girls) There are two Houses, Boys' and Girls', accommodated within the Mansion on separate floors, each with their own secure facilities. There are a total of 20 dorms of different sizes, and ample showers and bathrooms. There are communal common rooms, games and TV areas, and boarding and duty staff are accommodated also within the Mansion, giving immediate help and at night where needed.
We can arrange trusted UK guardianship for international families.
Orwell Park admissions
How children join Orwell Park, and how we make it simple.
Tell us about your child
Share their age, interests and what you're looking for. Our advice is completely free.
We shortlist & introduce
We match you to the right schools and make the introductions to their admissions teams.
Assessment, offer & enrolment
We guide you through entrance assessments and interviews, and handle visas and guardianship if needed.
What you'll typically need
- Recent school reports or transcript
- Passport copy
- English-language evidence (if applicable)
- Completed registration form
- A reference from the current school
At Orwell Park School, we have pupils aged 2-13 and we accept entry into Nursery and every year group up to and including Year 8. Pupils can board from Year 3 upwards and we offer flexi, weekly and full boarding. We can consider entry into any year group, subject to capacity.
Special notes to agents about entry to the school We welcome applications from families throughout the year, whether directly or through an agent. We can accept applications for one term or longer and we can sponsor pupils who require a Child Student visa.
As your advisors we manage the application end-to-end at no cost.
Orwell Park fees & funding
What Orwell Park costs, what's included, and how we help with funding.
What termly boarding fees include
- Tuition
- Boarding accommodation
- All meals
- Pastoral & house care
- Most academic materials
Funding & scholarships
Registration deposits, EAL tuition, uniform and trips are usually charged separately. Many schools offer academic, sport, music and art scholarships plus means-tested bursaries — ask us and we'll send a full, current breakdown for Orwell Park.
Fees change year to year and by entry point. As your independent advisors we hold up-to-date figures and can compare Orwell Park against similar schools so you know exactly what to budget.
Figures shown are the latest we hold — we'll confirm current fees on enquiry.
Orwell Park location & travel
Where Orwell Park is, and how to get there.
Travel details Address Orwell Park School, Nacton, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP10 0ER, England Airport transfer We can arrange airport transfer with our own DBS - checked local taxi service. We also offer transport to the M25 area on Exeat weekends.
Telephone +44 (0)1473 659 225 Website https://www. orwellpark. co. uk/ Most convenient airports Airport Distance (miles) Drive time (minutes) 1. London Stansted 51 60 2. London Heathrow 113 120 Most convenient train stations Station Distance (miles) Drive time (minutes) 1.
Orwell Park — frequently asked questions
Where is Orwell Park?
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