The winners of the Suffolk Education Awards 2023 have been announced, and here we find out more about this year's Secondary School of the Year and the Further or Higher Education Provider of the Year.

Further or Higher Education Provider of the Year

And the winner is... Suffolk New College

Providing the broadest range of subjects in the county, Suffolk New College cares about its learners, giving them all the skills they need to succeed in whatever steps they take next. 

The college has four campuses in Ipswich, Otley (Suffolk Rural) and Leiston and Halesworth (On The Coast).

Students have access to the latest facilities and technologies, industry-focused instruction from experienced lecturers, and personalised attention to ensure that they get the most out of their time at the college.

The college provides a range of support services, including academic advising, tutoring and career guidance, to ensure that students have the resources they need.

All facets of learning are covered, including wellbeing, personal development, activities, society clubs and more.

Suffolk New College has a welcoming and supportive community that is dedicated to helping students achieve their goals. 

Alan Pease, principal of Suffolk New College, said he is “enormously proud” to win this award.
“We’ve been on an enormous journey since probably 2019, and it just goes to show that if you create a culture that puts the learner at the heart of everything you do and you have great colleagues, you can achieve great things.”

Congratulations to the finalists: Abbeygate Sixth Form College, One Sixth Form College and West Suffolk College.

East Anglian Daily Times: Left, Adrianna Haynes from LOCALiQ, who presented the award. Right, Shona Norman from Woodbridge School, winner of the Secondary School of the Year awardLeft, Adrianna Haynes from LOCALiQ, who presented the award. Right, Shona Norman from Woodbridge School, winner of the Secondary School of the Year award (Image: Matt Potter Photography and Videography)

Secondary School of the Year

And the winner is... Woodbridge School

Woodbridge School is a co-educational independent day and boarding school for students aged four to 18. It has been rated ‘Excellent’ in all areas by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) 2023. 

The school was established in 1587 and the original mission was to provide an education for the young who would then give back to their community – this is embedded and continues in all that the school does today.  

Combining the best of tradition and innovation, Woodbridge School offers an education that shapes itself around each student, ensuring they become everything they are meant to be.  

The senior school offers a balance of creative challenges and academic excellence, as well as interpersonal and social skills, for life throughout school and beyond. 

Offering a clear vision and values, the school guides dynamic, respectful, high-achieving students to not only find their path but to fulfil their potential. 

Woodbridge School’s headteacher Shona Norman said: “This means the absolute world to the whole of the school, and when I talk about the whole of the school I mean from the pupils through to the maintenance team, the catering team, through to our educators. 

“I am so proud of everybody and the part that they’ve played. This is a phenomenal achievement for us and I am absolutely delighted.”

When asked about plans for the future, she said: “As with any school your most precious assets beside your pupils are your teachers, so making sure they are our absolute priority – that’s what we are all about going forward.”

Congratulations to the finalists: Framlingham College, Hartismere High School and St Benedict’s Catholic School.

To find out more about all of this year's winners, please click here.

For more information and updates on the Suffolk Education Awards 2024, please keep an eye on the website at suffolkeduawards.co.uk