Chives Montessori School, near Ipswich, celebrates 30 years

Chives Montessori School celebrated it's 30th anniversary on June 1, with the school consistently growing during that time.

Starting with just eight pupils, there are now 80 on the school roll, with some students being the children of past pupils.

The school has celebrated its 30th year (Image: Chives Montessori School)

Carolyn McNeill, a mother of four and grandmother to six, established the school in 1994 following Montessori training, and wanting the best start for her own children.

Montessori education focuses on the freedom of choice within a structured environment, with many famous names having gone through this education system including Prince George, Taylor Swift, Jeff Bezos and the creators of Google.

The school, which started from a family home in Coddenham, moved to its current location on a farm in Akenham, just north of Ipswich, in 2005.

Carolyn McNeill with some children from the school and author and illustrator Marjoke Henrichs (back right) (Image: Chives Montessori School)

They celebrated the occasion by showcasing the art work of current pupils along with a message about what they liked about Montessori.

Suffolk-based author and illustrator Marjoke Henrichs opened the exhibition.

Carolyn McNeill, who is still in charge of the school, said: "I  feel extremely privileged to have trained and worked with so many amazing staff and to have build such a committed team.

The school has gone from eight children to 80 (Image: Submitted)

"It is such an honour to have inspired so many tiny minds over the years and witness their progress and to have the encouragement of local families.

"I am so proud of the support of my family over the years as the school is a part of their lives too as my time has had to be carefully shared."

The exhibition will remain open until the end of the month.

Chives Montessori School opened in 1994 (Image: Chives Montessori School)