Category: Senior School News
The Careers Department has certainly hit the ground running since our return on 4 September, with a range of activities, information shared and speakers visiting the School. Read more about all of this below – and don’t forget our Futures and Careers Fair next year on 7 March, we’d love to hear from anyone interested in exhibiting, please contact SJStafford@woodbridgeschool.org.uk for more details.
1:1 Sessions
All Year 11 students are currently having their 1:1 careers information sessions with Mrs Stafford. These are progressing well, and the feedback has been incredibly positive. These sessions are designed to help students begin thinking about their options after GCSEs, and to ensure that, whatever path they choose, they are able to make an informed decision.
UCAS Preparation
Year 13 are in the midst of preparing their University applications through UCAS; and Mr Pilkington is becoming busier as the weeks progress.
Speakers in School
On 10 September, Dale Willis from My Great First Job visited to deliver two inspiring talks to both Year 12 and Year 13. The first focused on LinkedIn—the benefits of having a profile and how building connections can support students’ future pathways, whether university or apprenticeships. The second talk explored Degree Apprenticeships, including what organisations look for and how students can stand out from other applicants. Both sessions left students energised and motivated to explore their futures.
This week, EDF Energy Sizewell B visited to speak with Year 12 and Year 13 about their apprenticeship schemes and about Sizewell itself. We were delighted to welcome Steve Day, along with two EDF apprentices, Matt and Sam, who shared their personal experiences and explained how the programme works. Students left with valuable insights into opportunities available right on our doorstep.
We’d like to thank Dale, Steve, Matt, and Sam for their engaging and informative talks.
Coming Up
With a host of events coming up in School for students over the next few months, as ever we offer a range of support and direction from a careers point of view. With an NHS webinar on diagnostic radiotherapy, our Tech entrepreneurship, cybersecurity and law events scheduled for November, and a look into working for Apple in December, our students will find there’s something for everyone to come along to and find out more about.
Our students can save the following dates:
- Wednesday 1 October – NHS webinar: Diagnostic Radiography
- Monday 10 November – Tech Entrepreneurship
- Wednesday 12 November – Cybersecurity
- Thursday 27 November – Law
- Monday 1 December – A Journey into Working for Apple
Last week our Drama Scholarship and Enrichment students watched a recording of the production House of Bernarda Alba. Rebecca Frecknall made her directorial debut at the National Theatre with Alice Birch’s radical version of Federico García Lorca’s modern masterpiece, and our students got to enjoy this enriching experience, with a post-performance discussion. Year 10’s Annabelle shares here experience in her review.
Annabelle, Year 10 – Review of ‘House of Bernarda Alba’
The performance of House of Bernarda Alba was so powerful, it filled us a variety of different emotions.
The set onstage was so clever, at the beginning there is a beautiful light that casts the shadows of each character in their separate rooms. The technical elements really immersed us in the production. The costumes played an impressive part in showing us how the characters change throughout their journey, using contrasting colours.
The whole story takes place in just one house, which made everything feel claustrophobic, symbolising how the daughters of Bernarda Alba must feel. This was an amazing technique to bring us into their lives.
The absence of any other colour than a light teal in the house made it feel clinical and cold which reflects the story perfectly. Even the little moments we shared with each character felt so big.
It was a gift to experience such a beautiful and stunning performance.
Woodbridge U19 and U14A Netball teams have been busy, with a friendly match and the first of four school tournaments. Our reports below hold details of the matches and our players.
Woodbridge U19s vs Ipswich Ladies Netball Club (Friendly)
Our U19 Netballers enjoyed a friendly match against an invitational side from Ipswich Ladies Netball Club last Friday evening. Ipswich Ladies is the club our Head of Netball, Mrs Gray, chairs and some of our students play for.
It was a tough but friendly fixture for Year 13’s Lara and Georgie, Year 12’s Lyrah, Millie B, Aurelia, Charlie and Scarlett, and Year 11’s Georgia C playing, while year 11’s Izzy H played for Ipswich Ladies.
Leading up to and in line with preparations for the upcoming School County Competitions, it was a great experience for everyone who played, and a really enjoyable evening – with some impressive Netball played by all.
Thank you to Ipswich Ladies Club for the opportunity to play, and well done to our U19 players.
Woodbridge U14A Schools’ Netball League Tournament
Our U14A team competed in the first of four schools’ tournaments at Kesgrave High School earlier this week and were lucky to be able to play in the sunshine, albeit slightly cooler than of late!
Playing superbly, making the most of the opportunity to learn, develop individually and as part of a team, our players fought hard and did incredibly well finishing in 2nd place.
Well done to Year 8’s Martha, Matilda and Grace, Year 9’s India J, Imogen M, Alexandra, Sienna, Imrah, India B and Mariella.
It’s been quite a week of Hockey, with our Senior 1st, Junior, U14A, U15A, U15B team in full action! With almost 100 girls representing the School in competitive features, you can read more about our teams, players and their matches in the reports below.
Senior 1st team through to Regional Finals at County Cup
The Senior 1st team were outstanding at the County Cup on Tuesday, securing their place at the Regional Finals with two wins and a draw. Every goal and every save counted in the end, as the final place was decided on goal difference, Woodbridge just one goal ahead of rival RHS.
The first match of the day was against RHS, and they definitely came out the blocks quicker. Woodbridge was under pressure and camped in their defensive area most of the first half, but Year 12 GK, Freya was to deny every shot RHS took.
In the second half Woodbridge had more play higher up the pitch but it was still RHS that dominated, until the closing minutes when Woodbridge looked like a completely different team. Year 12’s Bea made a couple of chances and this time it was RHS who had their goalie to thank to maintain the draw.
Woodbridge stormed ahead against Finborough with three goals in the first half, courtesy of Year 12’s Charlie and Bea, and Year 13’s Nancy.
The start of the second half provided one of the day’s highlights when the team executed the perfect push back set piece, to release Year 11’s Amelie down the right flank; Amelie played the ball into to Bea, who made no mistake 23 seconds into the second half. Two more goals from Year 11’s Izzy’s made for a resounding win.
Woodbridge continued their good patterns and decision making against Ipswich High School. Bea and Year 11’s Eve scored from penalty corners, before Bea scored a second field goal.
The second half saw Woodbridge pushing for more, now hungry to win the County Cup. Charlie got out fourth to set up an intense final match. With three goals better goal difference, Woodbridge had a small cushion, but will it be enough against Culford with their England superstar?
Woodbridge stunned the onlookers two minutes into the match when the perfect transfer by Year 12’s Lyrah and Millie fed the ball to Amelie on the left shoulder of the D. Amelie casually got herself in and placed the perfect past the GK’s outstretched left foot. 1-0 Woodbridge.
Our defensive plan was working well and Lara, Charlie and Year 13’s Georgia had to be alert and run their socks off. Freya was again on fire as was Year 11’s Georgia in deep defence. Culford got two in the first half, and one more in the second, many more being denied by guts and determination from every single played in the pitch and the side. As the final second counted down, the team knew they had done enough – second place in the County and off to Regionals!
Player of the Day was Lara!
Woodbridge Junior Teams vs IHS
On Wednesday four of our Junior teams (Year 7 and Year 8 players) played against Ipswich High School, for many their first game for Woodbridge School – and it was a clean sheet of wins!
The Junior ones started well but struggled to convert, and perhaps not fully using the width of the pitch. Year 8’s Martha’s clever push into the corner meant Woodbridge went into half time with a well-deserved lead.
Things flowed much better in the second half and the team played with real energy, purpose and knowledge. Three more goals followed – another field goal from Martha, a superb penalty corner strike from Year 7’s Sofia and then the highlight of the game – a perfect corner set piece to the right, started by injector Year 8’s Chloe and slotted into the goal by her from the P-spot as the ball came back across.
Chloe was duly voted Player of the Match.
The Junior 2s and Junior 4s both won their games. Goals from Year 8’s Grace and Year 7’s Coco made the difference. Year 8’s Ava was voted Player of the Match. Year 8’s Ellie’s goal was the one that gave the Junior 4 team their win.
Mr Flat enjoyed his first match with the Junior 3s team, as did the players. Woodbridge took the victory in an entertaining game, with one goal in each half, both of the stick of Year 8’s Isabella L. Year 8’s Elodie was awarded Player of the Match.
U14A Team at County Cup
The u14A team (Year 9 players) took part in their own County Cup on Thursday. Special mention to Year 8’s Martha and Matilda and Year 7’s Issy P and Sofia for their selection into this team.
Woodbridge started really well against Finborough, dominated but just not converting, thanks to some great goalkeeping. Finally Issy scored a really good reverse finish from the 9-yard area to give us the win.
It was a similar story of dominance and much better structural play against RHS, but the goal(s) just didn’t come, despite a few balls flying past the face of goal. Very frustratingly, RHS had a solo breakaway a couple minutes from the end which ended in a cracking goal. A bit of a blow!
A short rest and the team was ready to take on Ipswich High School, which they knew would be a battle and a half! Woodbridge defended like trojans and goalkeeper, Year 9’s Clem saved everything that came her way – high, low, wide, close, far, fast, slow. It was incredible.
A 0-0 draw that felt like a big win, considering the loss to Ipswich High School last week.
The last match came, and Culford was a bit too strong in the first half; but we started to see forward rotations and midfield wide play which bodes well for the rest of the season. Clem was again outstanding; consistently very good, and so undoubtedly Clem was the Player of the Day!
The U15A and B teams (Year 10 payers) played against Ipswich School and Holmwood House respectively. The A team faced a tough afternoon being a bit off the pace in the first half but coming back strongly in the second half which saw a goal from each team, ours score yet again by Eirran. Tabby was the Player of the Match.
The B team out played their less experienced opponents in a very well spirited and welcomed match, which we hope we can do again, to bring Holmwood House into the hockey family. Sophia P is our first hat-trick hero of the season. Goals were also scored by Layla-Jane, Ella E, Abigail C and Isabella G.
Well done to the near 100 girls that represented the School in competitive fixtures this week!
Having spent time in Boulogne, France last week, our Year 8 students returned from their Junior French Trip at the weekend.
Some of their activities included visiting the Nausicaa, going to le marché à Guînes wto buy ingredients for a French picnic lunch, and visiting la boulangerie in Escœuilles for a demonstration on bread making and a free pain au chocolate!
The entire trip was brimming with opportunities for our Year 8s to immerse themselves in the language and culture, and you can hear more about it in our report.
Year 8’s Juno
On Thursday 11 September, most of Year 8 woke up before dawn to take a coach to France. Some were a bit tired, others were a bit nervous, but everyone was excited!
When we got to Folkestone, the bus drove onto a train for a quick journey under the sea to France.
Our first stop was Nausicaá, an aquarium, where we saw stingrays, sharks, jelly fish, and other strange and exotic fish and sea creatures. We also watched the big blubbery sea lions being fed, doing tricks, and bellyflopping up onto the rocks. We all thought they were very funny
One of the best parts of the trip for me was seeing how bread was made at the boulangerie, which was amazing. I also enjoyed tasting the freshly baked pain au chocolat we were given – it tasted délicieux.
All the activities were so different to what we have done before as a group at School or on trips. Learning how to juggle and play aéroballe (which is like basketball but on a trampoline) was challenging but fun.
Merci beaucoup to the teachers for taking us on this trip! We all really enjoyed it
The Girls Hockey season is now in full swing with the first week of full-length fixtures under the belt.
Woodbridge U14s vs Ipswich High School
Monday saw the U14s (Year 9 players) play the first 11-a-side match for most of the team. A squad of 20 players took on Ipswich High School on our fabulous astro after School. The aim was to give many players experience and learn as much as possible; also trying to execute tactics which would be needed to nullify the opposition’s power players.
India J and Jasmine worked tirelessly in the midfield to do just that! Alexandra at center back was a picture of composure despite fast pressure, trying to facilitate transfers, counter attacks and making countless tackles. Woodbridge came close to scoring a few times, particularly with good right-side build up plays, and balls across the goal mouth; the final finish was just not to be, despite great positional play.
Ipswich High School, through a couple of skilful players, peppered our goal with front stick, reverse stick and deflection efforts, but GK and Player of the Match, Clem held strong in the second half to deny most chances.
Ipswich High took the win with a goal in each half, however Woodbridge delivered the better team performance according to the opposition coaches. Well deserved credit!
Well done to the girls on this first outing and thanks to everyone who came out to support this first match of the season.
Woodbridge Senior Team vs Norwich High School
On Tuesday, new-look Senior teams travelled to Harleston Magpies to play their first matches against Norwich High School for Girls . The second team secured a great win, having dominated the first half and scoring early goals which took the game away from the opposition. Year 11’s Amelia G scored two goals, one each scored by Year 13 veterans Lily G and Phoebe R.
Special mention to outstanding players on the day Year 11’s Georgia, Frankie and Sukie.
New first team captain Year 13’s Lara and the team showed real promise and resilience in a fast paced and skilful game, with lots to build on for the season. Despite a promising opening few minutes, Woodbridge was under pressure most of the first half. Goalkeeper, Year 12’s Freya kept things respectable to go into half time 0-2 down.
The second half saw Woodbridge play much better patterns and adjusting to a faster paced game. This created more attacks, which naturally opened up gaps the other end, resulting in more goals against us. Woodbridge’s best scoring chance came from a wonderful first time effort from Year 13’s Nancy, which went agonisingly wide of the top corner. Our Player of the Match went to goalkeeper Freya, with further outstanding performances by captain Lara, Year 12’s Charlie and Aurelia and Year 11’s Eve in the second half particularly.
This was a good enough opening match against a tough opponent – just what we needed to understand the pace precision required to win at the top end of School Hockey.
Well done to each player who made their debut for the first team.
Woodbridge U15s vs Finborough
Thursday saw the U15s (Year 10 players) travel to Finborough for a ‘double header’.
First up was our U15A team. After going 0-1 down in the first half the team came back strong, responding well to input from coaches Mr Brous and Mr Flatt, to score three goals and take the win. Tabby scored one and Eirann twice to earn a Player of the Match award.
The U15B players were frustrated by some ‘A-team ringers’ in the Finborough U15B team, but battled valiantly, learning lots in the match time. The second half showed progress already but a one goal defeat was on the cards.
Thanks to Miss Sanders, Mr Brous and Mr Flatt who managed these fixtures.
Well done to all of our players, we hope to share more news about our U14 and U18 teams at the County Cups next week.
A very motivated and ambitious group of Year 7 and Year 8 Hockey players represented Woodbridge School at the annual Orwell Park U13 Festival last Saturday; a great opportunity for players to play, learn and gain experience in a variety of positions in five short matches.
Our team achieved two wins, two draws and one loss from their five games, but results were not the focus of the day. The team implemented our aims in possession of the ball with assertive and creative attacks and executed the non-negotiables when defending with remarkable effect, especially considering they have only had one lesson before the tournament.
It was very exciting to see individual flair, good decision making, communication and leadership alongside beautiful team play.
A big thanks to Mrs Johnson for umpiring all our matches and to a fantastic team of parent supporters on the sideline.
It was a busy summer for many of our riders, with a number of them competing in the Pony Club National and Regional Championships, and one of our riders going through in two classes to the Horse of the Year Show. We’ve also shared news this week of Year 13’s Ella winning the Junior European Eventing Championships which is phenomenal, you can read more about her in our weekly newsletter and on our socials!
Congratulations and well done to all of our riders, we’re incredibly proud of all of their achievements.
British Eventing and Junior Championships Qualification
Year 13’s Eve has been competing her mare, Opposition Vogue, at Under 18 British Eventing Novice classes successfully, moving up to compete in the pair’s first 2*S International with a top 20 result meaning qualification for the British Junior Championships. Eve and her mare were then selected to represent the Eastern Region at the National Youth Championships at 2*L level. Eve also qualified for the Chairman’s Cup eventing championships over the summer; sadly her horse Opposition Vogue was taken ill and had to miss these championships, but Eve was able to take a horse of her sister’s and did really well to jump clear rounds to help the team to 8th and 4th place in the SJ Team Finals. Congratulations Eve!
Horse of the Year Show Qualification
Year 10’s Immy spent the summer competing at various events, against adults as well as professionals, across the country. We’d like to congratulate her on successfully qualifying her pony for two classes at the prestigious Horse of the Year Show, which takes place this October in Birmingham. This is an amazing achievement, and we wish her every success at the show.
Pony Club Championships
Year 13’s Eve, Year 11’s Harry, Zac and Edie, Year 10’s Grace, and Year 8’s Tati all qualified for the Pony Club National Championships earlier in the summer; Eve in show jumping, Harry and Zac in Eventing, Grace and Tati in Tetrathlon and Edie in Dressage. Year 10’s Grace finished 23rd (in a huge class of 90 girls) and Year 8’s Tati finished 20th. Both rode lovely rounds and finished strongly in the other phases. Year 11’s Edie was next with the dressage and she rode an excellent test to finish 8th. Year 11’s Harry and Zac followed with the eventing and both jumped very impressive rounds to finish in the top half of their sections. Year 9’s Jasmine and Year 8’s Tati and Daisy also qualified for the Pony Club Regional Championships. In the Eventing Tati finished 4th and Daisy in 11th. Both jumped brilliant clear rounds. Year 9’s Jasmine rode in the dressage and finished an excellent 9th.
Woodbridge Cricket Club is excited to announce it will be returning to Woodbridge School, and partnering with the School’s Old Woodbridgian (OW) Cricket Club for the 2026 season.
Based in the School’s magnificent grounds, the club will take up its place in the heart of the School and town. This decision means all home matches and fixtures will take place on the School’s beautiful Cricket pitch, and the club and its players, members and visitors will also be able to make full use of the recently refurbished Cricket Pavillion.
Commenting on the club’s decision, Scott Button, Director of Cricket shared,
“Cricket is such a special sport, and certainly one I’m passionate about having joined Woodbridge Cricket Club just over five years ago. This decision to base our club at Woodbridge School, alongside our partnership with the OW Cricketers, means we can make the most of the splendid grounds at the School, as well as the beautiful pavilion. I’ve travelled far and wide playing Cricket for this club and others, and I have to say Woodbridge School Cricket pitch is one of the best I’ve played on. Not only that, but it’s so central in terms of appealing to and being part of the community – not only for players, but for spectators who will be able to wander up through the town to join us in the School for our matches and fixtures.”
He continued,
“Cricket is a game anyone and everyone can play – no matter whether you’re a seasoned player or someone who’s never picked up a bat before, everyone is welcome at Woodbridge Cricket Club.”
Commenting on the partnership and the decision, Ralph Pruden, Head of Sport, Fitness and Health at Woodbridge School said,
“We have been looking at the Cricket Club returning to use Woodbridge School as its home ground over the last couple of years and I am delighted that this has now been confirmed. We are absolutely committed to providing an outstanding Cricket programme at the School and this is another positive step forward. Woodbridge CC are an ambitious club with a desire to develop strong youth pathways into high level Cricket, we are excited to support this, including the introduction of girls and women’s teams into the club. Sharing our wonderful facilities with the community is really important and I know that this move will provide a strong focal point for Cricket in our town for many years to come“.
For more information about Woodbridge Cricket Club, past and future fixtures, visit woodbridge.play-cricket.com/home.
Woodbridge School is celebrating incredible GCSE results, the best in Suffolk, with our median grade being a grade 7, which is equivalent to an A grade.
Below are the headlines from our GCSE results 2025:
- Almost a quarter of grades (26%) at Woodbridge School were grade 9
- Grade 9 was once again our most common grade, and 56% of students achieved grade 9s in their results this year
- 60% of grades were 9–7, considered to be ‘straight A grades’
- 39% have their median grade as a 9 or 8
- Median grade was a grade 7
The breakdown below represents grades achieved in terms of percentages:
- 26% of grades were 9
- 42% of grades were 9-8
- 60% of grades were 9-7
- 79% of grades were 9-6
- 92% of grades were 9-5
Shona Norman, Head of School
“I could not be more delighted for this fantastic group of students. The sheer breadth of their talents is seen from these excellent results across such a wide range of subjects. To see so many of our students achieving top grades is particularly impressive when considered alongside all of their achievements outside of the classroom. As always, behind these results is a wonderful community of staff and parents who I also extend a sincere thank you to for their ongoing dedication and commitment.”
Karl Hayward-Bradley, Deputy Head Academic
“This has been a truly exceptional year group of students, with very pleasing GCSE results. Languages at Woodbridge burn brightly this year, with 20% of Year 11 students gaining a double 9 in English Language and English Literature; half of these pairing it with a grade 9 in an ancient or modern foreign language. We are proud to see large numbers studying English Literature in our Sixth Form next year, against a backdrop of declining take-up nationally. With so many pupils scoring such strong GCSE grades across the board from the Arts to the Sciences, we look forward to welcoming them into our excellent A level programme in the Sixth Form this coming year.”
