Enrolment: Suffolk One opened its doors to students on Tuesday 24th August . Suffolk Radio were first there - to hear the radio interview just click on the sound bar:

Suffolk One is open for enrolment from August 31st onwards 9.00am – 6.00pm no need to book a slot just come along.If you have any queries call us on 01473 603530 or email admin@suffolkone.org Read more

You've got it in One

The name Suffolk One, or just One as it's becoming colloquially known, was the result of finding a simple, memorable word or two to express what the new centre stands for, and the vision, values and aims of everyone involved in moving it forward. But it was no simple task.

Research into the aspirations and expectations of young people heading towards this stage of their education began in 2008 with public consultation about the centre, and continued this year as the challenge of finding a suitable name brought together students, Heads and Governors to consider a shortlist of possible titles: a list that resulted from local and national research, analysis, creative thinking and stakeholder discussion. After working through which names ticked all the boxes and would work just as hard in fifty years as they would today, One stood out head and shoulders above the rest. Most importantly the students we worked with, agreed.

It caused quite a stir in some circles. Seems like a lot of folk were expecting something more traditional, while others were plain confused.

To the former we say: "let's look forward." There is no tradition in an establishment that's not even built yet. One has neither historical nor geographical heritage. Rather, in ten, twenty, a hundred years' time it will be the embodiment of everything its own students and staff have created from scratch - starting now - and that's the most important thing about it. One is about the people who study, work and play there; they will define it as a successful, vibrant learning centre through their own personal achievements. Its reputation will be their legacy.

To those who don't see how the name One is anything to do with education, you're right. But it doesn't need a prescriptive label like all the rest; something as innovative and different (in educational terms) as this centre will be, merits a label of its own. One that speaks more of unity and teamwork and personal achievement, than it does of being an institution.