Reception: Little Lions
Our experienced Reception team, some with over 20 years at St Mark's, help your child settle happily, with play, phonics, friendships and Forest Fridays outdoors every week.
Come and visit us
A caring Catholic primary in south-west Ipswich, with one class in each year, so your child gets individual attention and is nurtured to flourish. Come and see St Mark's for yourself.
Upcoming open events
- Nov10Tuesday 10 November11am
- Dec7Monday 7 December10am
- Jan8Friday 8 January10am
A happy place to learn and grow
At St Mark's, your child becomes part of a warm, close-knit school family where everyone knows their name. With one class in each year group, our staff get to know every child as an individual, and strong relationships between home and school mean families feel part of everything we do, from class Masses to our International Evening. Christ is at the heart of all we do, and we welcome families of all faiths and none.
Book a visitWhy families choose St Mark's
Results to be proud of
In 2025, 87% of our Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, against 60% nationally, and a third reached the higher standard.
Stories waiting around every corner
Our bright, colourful library is one of the children's favourite places, with comfy sofas and shelves of stories waiting to be discovered. A love of reading starts here, and our 2025 reading results were well above the national average.
Fridays are for the forest
Every Friday, Reception and Year 1 head outdoors for Forest Fridays, and our village area gives children space to dig, plant, build and play. Learning outside builds curiosity, confidence and teamwork, and teaches children to care for God's creation.
Something to look forward to all year
From Science Day, poetry competitions and Healthy Living Week to our International Evening and plenty of sport and clubs, there is always something new to try. After-school care runs until 5pm.
Learning, growing and thriving together
Years 1 and 2
Year 1 children keep enjoying Forest Fridays, while reading, writing and number grow through practical, hands-on learning, class Masses and their first nativity performances.
Years 3 to 6
Children take the lead as Play Leaders, Safeguarding Champions and School Councillors, and on the Chaplaincy and Junior Road Safety Teams, moving on to secondary school confident, caring and ready for the next step.
If you are considering joining our school community, we would be delighted to welcome you for a visit, where you can experience first-hand our caring Catholic ethos, dedicated staff and the happy, nurturing environment in which our children thrive.
Questions parents often ask
Do we have to be Catholic?
Not at all. St Mark's is a warm, inclusive school community, and we welcome families of all faiths and none who share our ethos of respect and kindness.
Are there any fees?
No. St Mark's is a state-funded school, so there are no school fees. Optional after-school care is booked separately.
How do I apply for a Reception place?
Apply through Suffolk County Council. For a September 2027 start, the closing date is 15 January 2027. Coming to an open day or a personal tour first is the best way to decide.
We'd love to show you around
We warmly welcome families to come and discover everything St Mark's has to offer. Join us for one of our upcoming open days and see our wonderful school in action.
Stone Lodge Lane West, Ipswich, IP2 9HNGet directions01473 601748
Can't make the open day? We'd be delighted to arrange a personal tour so you can discover St Mark's at a time that suits you.
Arrange a personal tour