Birchwood Primary School, Ipswich

In its own words: "Quite simply, it is our intention that every pupil, irrelevant of needs, develops such a ‘passion for learning,’ that they seek out and embrace amazing opportunities to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding in school, at home and in the wider environment."

From the headteacher's welcome: "On behalf of the children, staff, governors and whole school community we’d like to warmly welcome you to Birchwood Primary School. We are extremely proud of all that goes on at Birchwood. We value every child and ensure that we foster the individuality of their interests and experiences."

The school runs after-school care.

Coming up: an admissions event on Monday 9 November 2026 and an open day on Monday 9 November 2026. Check the school's website before you go, as dates can change.

In 2025, 83% of Year 6 pupils at Birchwood Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 80% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 75% and 72% in Suffolk and 77% and 75% across England.

Results rose from 80% in reading and 77% in maths in 2024.

With small year groups, a few pupils can move these figures by several points.

For September 2026 entry, 42 families put Birchwood Primary School as their first choice and 88 named it as one of their preferences, for 29 places offered. That is 1.4 first choices for every place. 13 families who put it first were not offered a place there.

The nearest other state primary schools to Birchwood Primary School are Gorseland Primary School (0.3 miles, Requires improvement, 76% reading, 76% maths); Martlesham Primary Academy (0.8 miles, Good, 92% reading, 75% maths); Cedarwood Primary School (1.2 miles, Good, 68% reading, 63% maths); and Heath Primary School, Kesgrave (1.6 miles, Good, 72% reading, 77% maths).

Birchwood Primary School's 2025 results were higher than 3 of these 4 schools.

10% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), and 9.6% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

The largest ethnic groups are White British (72%), Mixed (13%) and Asian (6%).

In 2026, 21 pupils (10%) received SEN support and 6 (2.9%) had an education, health and care plan, against 16.2% and 4.6% at the average state school. The most common need among them is speech, language and communication needs.

Birchwood Primary School had 14 teachers in 2026, one for every 15 pupils: more teachers per pupil than a typical primary school, at about one for every 20.

The nearest railway station is Entrance1, about 2.9 miles away in a straight line.

5 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Valiant Road (adjacent), 100 metres away.

In 2024/25, Birchwood Primary School issued 2 suspensions, 1 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.