All-ThroughCo-educationalISI · Excellent

The Meadows Montessori School

Ipswich, Suffolk · IP1 6AR

AAB+ A-level

9–7 GCSE

2.2%

Day fees

£10k

Inspection

Excellent

Read report
School website

The Meadows Montessori School is a small, independent all-through day school in central Ipswich offering Montessori-informed education from age 3 through to A-level. With just 70 pupils across a wide age span, it provides a genuinely intimate learning environment where personalised progression is prioritised over rigid cohort advancement. The school's Montessori philosophy emphasises child-led discovery, practical life skills, and mixed-age collaboration, creating a distinctive alternative to conventional UK independent schooling.

  • Authentic Montessori approach with mixed-age learning and child-centred pacing
  • Very small pupil population allowing highly individualised attention and bespoke progression
  • Continuous education from Nursery through to A-level without disruptive transitions

Who thrives here

Self-motivated, curious learners who thrive on autonomy and multi-sensory, hands-on exploration. Pupils who struggle with rigid structure or large class cohorts often flourish here. Ideal for families philosophically aligned with Montessori principles and comfortable with non-conventional academic pacing.

Strengths at a glance

Exam results50th pctSports30th pctCo-curricularno dataValue vs peers50th pctPastoral & wellbeing100th pct

Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.

At a glance

School typeAll-Through · Day
Founded1987
Number of pupils70
Age range3–18
GenderCo-educational
Day fees£9.6k/yr
Settingurban
LocationCentral Ipswich location offers reasonable public transport links; limited on-site parking typical of urban independent schools.

Contact & visit

32 Larchcroft Road

Ipswich, Suffolk

IP1 6AR

www.themeadowsmontessori.com
01473233782
Mrs Samantha Sims, Head

Nearest stations

Ipswich Railway Station15 min
Ipswich Bus Station8 min

Frequently asked questions

What are the fees at The Meadows Montessori School?

Day fees at The Meadows Montessori School are approximately £9,600 per year (2024/25).

How do you get into The Meadows Montessori School?

The Meadows Montessori School admits pupils at 3+, 4+, 7+, 8+, 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by Interview, Assessment. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.

What are The Meadows Montessori School's exam results?

At The Meadows Montessori School, 2.2% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.

Is The Meadows Montessori School a boarding school?

The Meadows Montessori School is a day school in Ipswich and does not offer boarding.

What is The Meadows Montessori School's latest inspection rating?

ISI rated The Meadows Montessori School “Excellent” (2023).

What parents say

Frequently praised

Genuine child-centred learning with respect for individual pace and learning style

Supportive, nurturing community; children develop strong intrinsic motivation

Practical, hands-on approach develops real-world competence and independence

Common concerns

!Very small cohort sizes may limit peer friendship circles and competitive opportunities

!Not yet inspected by Ofsted; quality assurance and consistency not independently verified

!Montessori approach may not suit pupils seeking structured, fast-paced exam preparation or traditional academic rigour