Ipswich High School proudly hosted its inaugural Founders Day, bringing together all pupils and staff to mark the beginning of celebrations leading up to the school’s landmark 150th anniversary in 2028.
The entire school community united for a joyful morning of music, reflection and celebration. A key highlight was the debut performance of “Ipswich High: Past, Present, Forever”, a specially commissioned school anthem composed by internationally renowned musician Ben Parry.
The lyrics of the new song were created using words and reflections from pupils across the school, from Prep to Sixth Form, who were invited to share what Ipswich High means to them. Their responses were woven together by Ben Parry into an uplifting anthem celebrating the school’s heritage, values and forward-looking spirit.
Ben Parry is one of the UK’s leading choral composers, conductors and arrangers. His work has been performed by the BBC Singers, King’s College Choir, and at the BBC Proms, and features in the soundtracks of Harry Potter, The Hobbit and Glee. Parry is currently Director of the professional ensemble London Voices, and his work spans everything from cathedral commissions to global film scores.
Special guest Amy Svendsen, Chair of the Ipswich High School Old Girls’ Association, a network of over 800 alumnae attended the event to share her reflections. Amy, who was a pupil at Ipswich High School when it was based at Westerfield Road from 1983 to 1990, gave a heartfelt speech about her memories of school life through the academic year, offering a powerful connection between the past and present.
The celebrations concluded with the whole school singing Happy Birthday, a ceremonial cake cutting, and a shared moment of pride in the school’s journey; past, present and future.
Mr Dan Browning, Head, commented: “As a school community, we are very excited about our 150th birthday which is fast approaching in 2028. Pupils from across the school rose to the challenge to write words for our new school song to celebrate this milestone, which has been composed by internationally renowned composer Ben Parry. The whole school sang with pride on Founders Day. The title of the song reminds us of our legacy: Ipswich High: Past, Present, Forever.”
Categories: Ipswich High School School News
