Innovation at Ibstock

Ibstock Place School’s approach to technology is rooted in a clear and future-focused vision. We prepare our pupils for a rapidly changing world by equipping them not only with technical skills, but also the creativity, confidence, and collaborative mindset to use those skills with purpose.

Our Innovation Hub, opened in 2022 as a cross-curricular, pupil-led centre for emerging technologies. Far beyond a conventional ICT lab, the Hub includes podcasting studios, green screen cinematography, VR equipment, robotics kits, 3D printing, and laser cutting—all accessible from Pre-Prep to Sixth Form. The space is led by our Director of Digital Strategy, Mrs Cartwright, whose background as both a robotics specialist and professional dancer embodies the Hub’s unique fusion of technical precision and creative expression.

We are delighted to have received national recognition for our approach to technology:

2025: Finalist Independent School of the Year Award - Best use of Education Technology
2024: Winner 'Best of the Best' for the Digital World in The Week Schools Guide 2024
2024: Shortlisted Talk Education Awards of Innovation - Best use of Technology

Esports

Ibstock's sector-leading Esports programme is led by a dedicated coach, with an inspiring Esports Arena for competitive gaming, learning and socialising.

As part of our commitment to providing innovative, inspiring opportunities for our pupils, Ibstock's Esports programme allows pupils to compete in the British Esports Student Championships - an organised series of fixtures between schools across the UK.

In May 2025, we hosted GAME ON: The Future of Esports in Education, a national conference that affirmed Ibstock’s leadership in coaching, curriculum integration, and facility development.

Ibstock's Rocket League team earned 2nd place at the Bett 2025 Esports Showcase and ranked 16th out of 202 teams in the UK Student Championships. In line with our coeducational ethos, we actively champion greater female participation in the traditionally male-dominated Esports industry, starting with a dedicated Senior 7 girls’ Rocket League session—an initiative we aim to develop through to our co-educational championship-level team.

Pupils at Ibstock Place School, Private Prep School Near Richmond, Barnes, Putney, Kingston, & Wandsworth, building robotic car.

Pupils creatinga podcast at Ibstock Place School, Private Prep School Near Richmond, Barnes, Putney, Kingston, & Wandsworth.

Teacher teaching pupils esports Ibstock Place School, Private Prep School Near Richmond, Barnes, Putney, Kingston, & Wandsworth.

Pupils using the 3D printing machine at Ibstock Place School, Private Prep School Near Richmond, Barnes, Putney, Kingston, & Wandsworth.

Podcast room at Ibstock Place School, Private Prep School Near Richmond, Barnes, Putney, Kingston, & Wandsworth.

Pupils learning mechanics of roboto at Ibstock Place School, Private Prep School Near Richmond, Barnes, Putney, Kingston, & Wandsworth.

Pupils creating podcast at Ibstock Place School, Private Prep School Near Richmond, Barnes, Putney, Kingston, & Wandsworth.

Green screen Podcast room at Ibstock Place School, Private Prep School Near Richmond, Barnes, Putney, Kingston, & Wandsworth.

Ibstock Place School, Private Prep School Near Richmond, Barnes, Putney, Kingston, & Wandsworth.

Hear from Mrs Cartwright,
Director of Digital Strategy and Head Innovation and Learning.

What is Innovation?

What is Esports?

The Wall

The Innovation Hub is home to our multi award-winning pupil-led publication, The Wall.

Pupils work together around a feature ‘editorial table’ on devices equipped with the latest suite of creative applications. The sound-isolated breakout pods facilitate parallel workstreams as different editorial groups plan and draft content for the magazine, while designers create compelling digital media to illustrate the contents.

Click here to see The Wall website.

The Slightly Scientific Podcast

Former Ibstonian Oliver started The Slightly Scientific Podcast from his bedroom during lockdown. Since then, the project has flourished, with twelve published episodes and a team of pupils now producing them from our new Innovation Centre.

From talking vaccines with Dame Sarah Gilbert to uncovering the great mysteries of biochemistry, the aim is to make science fun and accessible while exploring the latest breakthroughs and interviewing experts in the field.

To find out more about the project visit: The Slightly Scientific Podcast or to listen to the episodes see: The Slightly Scientific Podcast on Apple Podcasts

Reviews

The Good Schools Guide
Talk Education
Tatler Schools Guide
From Parents
From Pupils

‘Spectacular music from the start.’

Read the full review

‘Stunning art from outset.’

'Range of clubs and societies...mind-boggling'

Range of clubs and societies…mind-boggling’

‘…pupils are taught to become independent critical thinkers...’

Read the full review for Prep

Read the full review for Senior

'The whole school is led impressively by Chris Wolsey...'

‘The whole school is led impressively by Chris Wolsey. Engaged and accessible, he brings a collegiate style of leadership to the school community.’

'...seamlessly combines tradition and innovation…’

‘This all-through school on the edge of Richmond Park seamlessly combines tradition and innovation…’

‘Christoper Wolsey is somebody who genuinely cares about the wellbeing and opinions of the students.’

‘From personal experience – and it’s the consensus among my peers – I believe that Christopher Wolsey is somebody who genuinely cares about the wellbeing and opinions of the students.’ So says one satisfied parent of Ibstock’s head. And Wolsey cares about the pupils’ articulacy, too.

Tatler

'Alongside forging positive relationships with his charges, he puts great emphasis on their oracy..'

'Alongside forging positive relationships with his charges, he puts great emphasis on their oracy: the public-speaking team recently triumphed in a competition at Cambridge University; and through membership of the The Noisy Classroom organisation, the debaters can argue the toss with children from around the world.'

'The new Esports arena is match-fit for gamers'

'The new Esports arena is match-fit for gamers; the school team has exploded onto the Esports Rocket League, already winning silverware; and did we mention that there’s an incoming head of AI? However, if all this doesn’t sound enticing enough, the roster of foreign adventures should clinch it. ‘Over the next few years, my lucky son is hoping to go on a classics trip to Pompeii and a Tuscan art retreat, as well as language-study visits to Munich and Valencia, skiing in Switzerland and surfing in France,’ reports one parent.'

‘…the range of community and charity activities...'

‘…the range of community and charity activities that my son is involved with is amazing.’

‘We love everything about Ibstock...'

‘We love everything about Ibstock and our son is incredibly happy there.’

'...my daughter is happy and flourishing...'

‘Very happy indeed with the school as a parent. Most importantly, my daughter is happy and flourishing. Thank you.’

'...I don’t think there could be a better school for me.’

‘It’s given me so many opportunities... I don’t think there could be a better school for me.’

‘Right from the beginning I was made to feel at home.’

‘Ibstock...helped me to explore my interests and talents.’

‘Ibstock helped me achieve the grades I needed…but more importantly it helped me to explore my interests and talents.’

Innovation at Ibstock | Ibstock Place School | Private Prep School Near Richmond, Barnes, Putney, Kingston, & Wandsworth

Reviews