New Head announced for Ipswich Prep School

The Governors and Headmaster are pleased to announce that Claire Jackson has been appointed to take over from Amanda Childs as Head of Ipswich Preparatory School, from September 2022.

Mrs Jackson is currently Headteacher at St Mark’s Catholic Primary School, Ipswich which she has led for the past four years.

Prior to teaching, Claire gained a Management Degree then worked as an Operations Manager within the events industry, including working for Barclays Bank New York and Wembley Stadium Ltd. She then studied Primary Education at Canterbury Christchurch University and since has held various teaching and leadership roles within the state and independent sectors in Kent, Essex and Suffolk. She holds the National Professional Qualification for Headteachers (NPQH).

During her time at St Mark’s, the school has gained accreditation in Languages, PE, Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural development, Health and Wellbeing and staff development. Claire, herself, is a Maths specialist, who believes in a rich, ambitious academic curriculum coupled with a strong co-curricular offering, that builds knowledge and develops skills for life.

Claire is a mother of two grown up children and in her spare time enjoys running, walking her dog and travelling.

Commenting on her appointment, Mrs Jackson said: "I am delighted to be taking on the role of Head of Ipswich Preparatory School at one of the foremost independent schools in East Anglia and I am looking forward to getting to know the whole school community.

“Ipswich School has a fabulous reputation for helping each individual child reach their potential through a rounded education that is second to none, and it has been a pleasure to feel the energy and commitment amongst staff and view the wonderful site and extensive grounds which enable Prep and Nursery children to live life to the full!

“It will be a huge privilege to be part of the wider community and to work collaboratively with the leadership team to build on the achievements of Mrs Childs and to take the school into its next chapter.

“I believe it is only when children are happy and confident that they develop a love of learning so I lead with kindness, compassion and courage. My Christian faith aligns closely with the school’s values and traditions so I’m certain that I’m going to feel at home at Ipswich School.”

Nicholas Weaver, Headmaster of Ipswich School, added: “It is very exciting for us as a school to be appointing Claire Jackson to be the next Prep Head. It was a daunting prospect to find someone to replace Amanda Childs, who has been such a magnificent leader for the Prep over the last thirteen years.

“We feel that, in Claire, we have someone who will be able to take the school forward, continuing the excellent work that has been done by Amanda and her team. I look forward to welcoming Claire to the school and working with her in Ipswich Prep’s next exciting phase.”

Mrs Childs is leaving Ipswich Prep School to take up a post as Head of Brighton College Prep School. We wish her every success in this new role.