Celebrating 130 Years
Ibstock Place School celebrated its 130th anniversary in 2024, having first opened its doors in 1894.
Ibstock has an incredibly rich history dating back to the late 1800s. Founded on the educational principles of Friedrich Froebel, which were considered radical for his day, emphasis on the learning experiences of young children and engendering free thinking are still central to our School ethos today.
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For more information on our School’s history including our official online archive, please visit our History page. |
Headmaster Chris Wolsey reflected on 130 years of Ibstock Place School:
'Ibstock has come such a long way since Mrs Bailey declared, in 1894, her ambition to found a demonstration school to showcase the ideas of Friedrich Froebel. We’re delighted that, through 2024, we shall be able to celebrate a proud history which champions both co-education and the value of a genuinely holistic view of education, one which is academically rigorous and yet which also provides our pupils with so much more beyond. We are determined that 2024 will be another vintage year for us! '
2024: A Year of Celebrations
Ibstock 130 Festival
Celebrations commenced with a flagship summer festival in June 2024.
The entire Ibstock community came together to celebrate the school's 130th anniversary with a fantastic Festival. The day incorporated electrifying performances, entertainment, music, activities, stalls and games as well as an array of delicious food and drink. The Festival was certainly one to remember and we thank all the staff, parent and pupil volunteers who made it possible.
Ibstock 130 Concert & Black-Tie Ball
Celebrations of 130 years at Ibstock continued with a remarkable evening of musical delight in September 2024.
The event featured various performances by our talented pupils from Schola Cantorum, the Senior Chamber Orchestra, the Brass Ensemble, Ibstock Choristers and the Ibstock Place Singers. Headlined by a stunning performance of Mozart's Coronation Mass, the performances were nothing short of spectacular, with each ensemble showcasing their dedication. Held at Sinfonia Smith Square, the venue provided the perfect setting for this unforgettable night of music. The Ibstock 130 Concert and Black-Tie Ball was truly a night to remember.
Ibstock 130 Christmas
Our 130 celebrations drew to a close in December 2024, with a special celebration in honour of our German founder, Friedrich Froebel.
Pupils from the Prep and Senior Schools came together to mark the occasion by burying a time capsule on the Orchard, accompanied by our Jazz Choir. Wearing festive jumpers, pupils enjoyed some delicious Christmas tuck, a chance for a photo in Santa’s sleigh and a German market themed lunch, followed by some special 130 cupcakes. Later, Senior 7 and 9 pupils heard from a panel of alumni from across the decades which rounded off the day perfectly.
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