Stoke High School in Ipswich celebrates 125th birthday

Stoke High School, in Maidenhall Approach, has a number of events planned throughout the year to celebrate reaching this milestone.

To honour the academy's history, artist Lydia Bevan has been commissioned to create a unique piece of art - a hand-drawn map which highlights the academy's close historical and geographical connections to the area.

The artwork created at Stoke High School (Image: Ormiston Academy Trust)

The artwork features significant and well-known landmarks in Ipswich, including the original location for the Tower Ramparts School before it was replaced by Stoke High School, the Stoke Mammoth, the Corn Exchange and churches.

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As well as this, the academy has also planned to create a commemorative book, filled with personal anecdotes, photos and stories from current and former students, which will be open to contributions from alumni and residents who have memories of their time at the school.

Karen Baldwin, principal at Stoke High School, which is part of Ormiston Academies Trust, expressed her delight at being able to commemorate the milestone.

She said: “This is such an exciting year for Stoke High and we are so proud to look back on all the amazing achievements over the past 125 years - with many more to come.

The artwork created at Stoke High School (Image: Ormiston Academy Trust)

"We are delighted to kick of celebrations with an excellent piece of artwork which encourages our students to appreciate the history of both the academy and the local area, and also creates an opportunity to consider how Stoke High has evolved as a central part of the community.

"We are all incredibly excited for this coming year of commemorating and we look forward to welcoming the whole academy community to join in on the special occasion and share in celebrating Ipswich’s vibrant history."

Principal Karen Baldwin with students at Stoke High School (Image: Ormiston Academies)