Friday 1 May 2026
Head’s Weekly Update
Academic Rigour
Sixth Form Open Evening
Thursday 14 May sees the second in our sequenced programme of Sixth Form information evenings. The evening is primarily designed for parents and students in Year 10 to meet staff from across the spectrum of subjects we offer and get an insight into what they entail. It is also open to current Year 9 families and Year 11 families who feel they would benefit from finding out further information on their chosen A Level or BTEC choices.
Going into September 2026, I believe our Sixth Form offer will be hard to match anywhere. Alongside our dedicated suite of microcredentials and AI training, we are looking to bring in an AS in Global Perspectives. This will sit in the same block as the EPQ and Core Maths and provide not only an additional qualification but a course that is built around the unautomatable skills of being human. Whilst LLMs like ChatGPT or Gemini can aggregate data and speed up research, they lack the nuance, moral judgement and scepticism that this AS is designed to enhance. We believe these ‘muscles’ will be the ones most in demand in the near future.
Exchange visit to China
Whilst not primarily an academic endeavour, our relationship with Ulink Shanghai is growing. I have been in talks behind the scenes looking at how we can arrange and deliver an exchange visit to China. As mentioned previously, this is currently looking like taking place in late April/early May 2027. Planning is still in its infancy but we are basing the programme on being a two week trip to China, with a cultural focus. A mix of ancient and modern China and a chance for students to experience a different culture. I should be in receipt of a rough itinerary shortly, and whilst 12 months away, I am keen to get the ball rolling.
We have already 32 pupils express interest in going to China on an exchange so please do complete the form here if you haven’t already had a chance to.
Adventure
On Wednesday we have our inaugural Prep Schools and Prep Heads’ adventure challenge. The morning will involve students from some of our local prep schools battling it out on the adventure facilities. Then in the afternoon, I have managed to persuade six Prep Heads to come and compete against the best of the Pangbourne staff (and me!) before hearing about our offer and life at Pangbourne. Then they will hear from Harry Brightmore as he talks to them about his journey to Olympic glory. It will hopefully be a great day and help attract future Pangbournians with a spirit of adventure.
Community
Open Morning
Time and tide wait for no man and the next few weeks are certainly busy. Thank you for your support for Open Morning. In the current climate it was great to have so many prospective families onsite. As ever, the students were our best asset and the feedback from families about tour guides and their interactions with the students has been fantastic. Thank you to all parents who took the time to support and ensured that their children were here on time and looking smart.
Pangbourne Giving Day and 100% Colour Run
On Tuesday 5 May, Pangbourne Giving Day is a 30-hour Divisional fundraising event, celebrating 30 years of co-education at Pangbourne. With the 100% Colour Run as the focus of the event, from 9am on Tuesday 5 May to 3pm on Wednesday 6 May, the whole Pangbournian Community is invited to get involved and support two important causes: Transforming Futures and the Pangbourne College Community Fund. This will help us provide funded places for very deserving Sixth Form pupils - a contribution of funds will also be donated to support local educational charities.
A very generous donor is matching every donation, doubling all donations during the 30 hour period. This means, if you are a UK taxpayer, a £50 donation is boosted to £62.50 with Gift Aid, and with the matched contribution it becomes £125. Please do get involved and show your support. Read more in the notices below.
Pangbourne Proms - Save the Date
The summer is hopefully almost upon us and as such, it is time for Pangbourne Proms. This year, it will take place on Friday 19 June. It promises to be an evening of live music and picnicking on Devitt Lawn. Last year we had over 100 guests attend and we would very much like to double that this time round. Tickets go on sale next week.
Leadership
We are in the process of bolstering and enhancing our careers provision at the College. Given the rate of change currently taking place across society, the automation of the workplace and the emergence of new fields, we want to ensure we have a future-facing model of careers that moves beyond the traditional notion of school-university-work. As such we are currently recruiting for a specialist careers adviser to work with our students from Year 7 up to ensure that we are providing the best advice and guidance at each stage of a student's journey through the College. Currently 33% of students feel they are unclear about the steps they need to take to achieve their career goals and so this is something we want to improve for next academic year.
Best wishes,
Oliver Knight
All Pupils & Parents: Years 7- Upper Sixth
Notices (Please click on the + sign to expand for full information)
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Families are invited to support the 100% Colour Run on Tuesday afternoon in person.
There will be refreshments and a range of stalls available throughout the afternoon, helping to raise additional funds for Giving Day (so please bring some spare change!).
Guests are asked to arrive in time to park on parade ground by 15:00. The first race will begin at 15:15 and the final race will finish at 16:30.
Please note that, due to the races taking place, vehicles will not be able to leave the site until the event has concluded. For the event, pupils should bring a white T-shirt / Tuesday will also be a non-uniform Day.
Please see the letter here that has more information about this event.
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On Tuesday 5 May, we are delighted to launch our very first Pangbourne Giving Day. This special 30-hour Divisional fundraising event brings our community together in celebration of 30 years of co-education at Pangbourne. Starting at 9am on Tuesday 5 May and ending at 3pm on Wednesday 6 May, Tuesday will be a non-uniform day and the event supports two important causes: Transforming Futures and the Pangbourne College Community Fund. We are hugely grateful to our generous matched donor who will be doubling all donations during the 30 hour period - meaning the impact of your support is doubled.
All Giving Day donations can be made here.
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On Tuesday 5 May we are enhancing the security settings of the College network for BYOD devices. This means that any personal device must have the settings shown below. These can be found on Windows 11 machines under:
Settings
Network and Internet
WiFi
Manage Known Networks
Select ‘Pangbourne Personal’
Other devices will have a similar route to network settings, but a search may be necessary in some circumstances.
The most important one is that DNS server assignment must be set to Automatic (DHCP). Pupils who have entered their own, manual DNS settings will not have access to the internet until they revert to the standard, default settings.
Pupils in the Easy4U scheme do not need to take any action as these settings are managed automatically.
Please see the correct Network Settings for Pangbourne College here.
Any pupils who need help with their internet or WiFi settings on their personal device should visit IT Support at break and lunchtime.
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The next concert on Monday 11 May 2026 at 19:30, welcomes the acclaimed all-female vocal ensemble Papagena with their programme Tomorrow is today, drawn from their fourth album of the same name. The concert explores themes of beauty, love, and the passing of time, with music ranging from early composers such as Hildegard of Bingen and Claudio Monteverdi to modern and contemporary figures including Kate Bush, Caroline Shaw, and James MacMillan.
Tickets are available to purchase online (reserved seating) and details can be found by visiting the music pages of the College website which you can view here.
Whilst these are public concerts, Pangbourne pupils and families can get half price tickets using the code PANGBOURNE50 at checkout. We hope many members of the Pangbourne community will be able to join us to help make these inaugural concerts a great success.
Mr Don Gillthorpe, Director of Music
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We are holding our Sixth Form Open Evening on Thursday 14 May and all Year 10 parents and pupils are encouraged to attend. Year 9 parents and pupils are also very welcome to attend and any Year 11 parents and pupils who still have any questions about their chosen subject choices are also welcome to come and speak to subject staff members.
Please complete the form here to confirm your attendance.
There will be free refreshments available in the Sixth Form café from 17:00 to 17:30 as well as in the Sixth Form centre throughout the evening. The evening will start with a talk from Mr Knight, Ms Kaur (Head of Sixth Form) and Mrs Abbie Stephenson (Head of KS4) as well as some Sixth Form pupils in the Chapel at 17:30 (polite reminder that no drinks are allowed to be taken into the Chapel).
Following the talk, there will be a chance for you to look around the Sixth Form Centre as well as hear from subject experts about the subjects on offer as part of our A Level and BTEC curriculum. The subject departments will be based in Devitt House and the Sixth Form Centre. The evening will run from 17:30 – 19:00. We look forward to welcoming families to what we hope will be an insightful and informative evening about life in Sixth Form.Ms Indy Kaur, Head of Sixth Form
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If your child would like to take part in the Berkshire School Combined Athletics event please complete this google form to sign up.
Combined athletics is where participants take part in a number of events which vary between age, boys and girls.
The names of the events relate to the number of events you do:
Pentathlon = 5 Events
Heptathlon = 7 Events
Octathlon = 8 events
Decathlon = 10 eventsStudents will enter under Pangbourne but parents or carers are required to take students to and from the event.
If you are interested in competing, the deadline to complete the Google form is Friday 8 May. Once filled out the school will enter students.
If you have any questions please contact Joe Mills (Director of Sport) Joe.Mills@pangbourne.com
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Year 7 - 8 (Dunbar)
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The exam week for Years 7 and 8 takes place Monday 1 - Friday 5 June. Pupils will be completing exams in:
Maths
Science
Computer Science
Religious Studies
Modern Languages
Geography
History
Drama
Online Progress Testing in English, Maths and Science
We will soon be publishing details of the exam timetable and revision resources to support pupils in their preparation for these exams. This a valuable opportunity for pupils to demonstrate their learning across the year and to assess progress. This also helps to build the resilience required in the future for the intensive period of the summer of Year 11.
Mr Anthony Hammond, Head of KS3
Year 9 - 11
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The exam week for Year 9 takes place on Monday 8 - Friday 12 June. See below for what Year 9 will be tested on during this week:
Maths
Science (Chemistry, Physics and Biology)
Computer Science
Religious Studies
Modern Languages
Geography
History
Drama
Online Progress Testing in English, Maths and Science
We will soon be publishing details of the exam timetable and revision resources to support pupils in their preparation for these exams. In Year 9, it is important to emphasise that pupils must apply themselves across all their subjects, including those that are not necessarily being pursued as GCSE subjects in Year 10.
Mr Anthony Hammond, Head of KS3
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In tutor time this week, we have continued to focus on revision techniques especially flashcards. Students should have asked you to purchase flashcards (coloured ideally) and binder rings too. They have also been asked to ensure that they can locate all the subject revision guides which you ordered and they were issued with through school back in October. They will need to use these over the coming weeks as they start their revision.
Please do read the notice above about the Sixth Form Open Evening on Thursday 14 May. The event is aimed mainly at pupils and parents in Year 10 - it will be wonderful to see as many of you as possible there.
Mrs Abbie Stephenson, Head of KS4
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All Year 11 had an exam briefing on Wednesday morning where we ran through all the exam protocols. The good news is that they are very familiar with these as they have had two sets of Trials in their various exam venues already.
The main points form the briefing were as follows:
Remember - if you have been putting effort in, you have already been successful!
Exam timings:
Morning:
08:15 - exam blast/walkthrough (usually in Nancye Harding for full cohort exams) but I will advise as necessary
08:45 - be outside your exam venue (Drake for most) no later than this
09:00 - exam start time
Afternoon:
13:00 - walkthrough/blast
13:20 - be outside your exam venue no later than this
13:30 - exam starts
Before Half Term: If you have an exam in the morning, you should have 30 mins break after it has finished and then go into your lesson (likely period 4).
If you have an exam in the afternoon, you should attend periods 1 - 3 as normal, then you should go to the library to revise for it during period 4. You should go to lunch at 12:15 in order to get through lunch quickly.
If/when your subject finishes (as Art already has) you should continue to attend those lessons, and bring plenty of revision materials with you.
If you are ill/late - please let exams@pangbourne.com know as well as me! If you communicate with us we can make a plan, if you don't it is very stressful for everyone!
What to bring:
- A clear pencil case (not sandwich bags) plus black pens, pencils, highlighters, rubber, ruler, calculator and Maths set
- A water bottle, small clear plastic with no label
What NOT to bring:
- Phones
- Any kind of watch
- Check there are no notes in pockets
Uniform:
You can wear correct No. 2s or correct Pangbourne College PE kit. If you are choosing to wear PE kit you must wear navy tracksuit bottoms. Please come in the right clothing so there is no drama and you have a calm start to the exam.
Kindness:
Please be kind to each other during this time, where people may show/hide their stress in very different ways. Being kind is far more important than any results.Also I have shared the following information sheet with Year 11 which details what topics/skills are required for each paper.
GCSE information sheet summer 2026
Mrs Abbie Stephenson, Head of KS4
Sixth Form
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Lower Sixth Trials Week - w/c 15 June
Taking Responsibility Week - w/c 22 June
Lower Sixth Parents’ & Guardians’ Meeting - Friday 26 June
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A reminder that students need to have chosen their firm and insurance choices by Wednesday 6 May.
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An excellent opportunity to find out more about PWC. The event is being held in Reading on Thursday 14 May from 17:30 - 19:00. To register, sign up using the link here.
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For those students interested in a career in STEM, this is an opportunity on Tuesday 26 May (10:00 - 15:00) to learn more about AWE’s apprenticeship opportunities. To register, sign up using the link here.
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A number of opportunities have been shared with the Lower Sixth on Google Classroom about opportunities to apply for this summer. They have been strongly encouraged to engage with them.
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Please book your tickets to the Upper Sixth Leavers’ Ball here. Please note, all students do need to be accompanied by a parent, guardian or an appointed responsible adult for the evening.
Friday 1 May, 16:45 - Monday 4 May, 19:00
Overnight Leave
Boarders
Tuesday 5 May 09:00 - Wednesday 6 May 15:00
Pangbourne Giving Day
Whole School
Tuesday 5 May, 15:00 - 17:00
100% Colour Run
Whites, Community, Whole School
Thursday 7 May, 08:50 - 10:45
Head’s Introduction to Pangbourne
Admissions
Friday 8 May - Saturday 9 May, All Day
Rock Climbing Trip
Year 8 - Upper Sixth, Trip, Co-Curricular
Friday 8 May, All Day
U15 & U17 District Athletics
Year 9 - Lower Sixth, Sport
Sunday 10 May, All Day
CCF Field Training
Bramley Training Area, Co-Curricular
Sunday 10 May, 11:00 - 16:00
Junior Production Rehearsal
KS3, Drama
UPCOMING EVENTS
COLLEGE NEWS THIS WEEK
RAF Benson ‘See What You Can Be’ Event
Last Thursday our Year 8 girls had the privilege of attending RAF Benson for the See What You Can Be 2026 event. Throughout the day, the girls had the opportunity to speak to many inspiring women across the RAF in a variety of jobs including firefighters, pilots, Olympians, adventurers, air stewardesses, farriers and many more. The guest speakers were equally awe inspiring as they talked to us about their path to success and all the setbacks they faced along the way. They proved that no matter the odds, you are capable of achieving anything you put your mind to.
CCF Skill at Arms Day
On Sunday our cadets took part in Skill at Arms day which saw 16 Cadets and 4 staff, including cadets from our partner school, Denefield School Reading. Pupils spent the day under instruction from CCF Skill at Arms Instructors, being taught the skills and drills to use the cadet weapon system safely and correctly ready for their first field exercise in two weeks.
Year 10 GCSE Geography Field Trip
On Tuesday 21 April, 42 Year 10 geographers collected data by testing how the River Pang compares with Bradshaw's model of a typical river. Students worked impressively in groups measuring the width, depth, velocity and sediment size at 6 sites from the source at Compton to confluence with the River Thames. In the afternoon, our focus shifted to urban geography, assessing the success of regeneration in Reading Town Centre. We look forward to seeing the learning from students in the write up element of this GCSE fieldwork.
U14s & U15s Tennis vs Shiplake
This past weekend the U15s and the U14s travelled away to Shiplake to face our local rival. The U15s soared to 7-2 victory with top pair Joseph H and Will P, 2nd pair Finn M and Archie S continuing their 100% win rate in all matches so far. Special mention to Robbie B and Jack P who stepped in last minute after 2 dropouts to participate in their first ever game of tennis and even managing to pick up a win!
The U14s came out the wrong side of a very close 5-4 loss. Standout performances from 2nd pair Sophia J and Genny E who were playing for the Year 9 boys team after showing promise early on and went on to win two of their three matches and only losing to Shiplake’s top pair 6-4. It was great to see such a strong improvement from the group on court this week.
Mr Frankie Rogan, Head of Tennis
SPORT
2nd XI Cricket Match vs Cranford
On Tuesday afternoon the Pangbourne College Cricket 2nd XI played Cranford School in a T20 match on Bigside. Cranford batted first and scored 123 for 8 after their 20 overs. Pangbourne bowled consistently well, in particular Louis B, George H, Russel F and Captain Denny W until an unfortunate fielding injury ended his spell. The whole team fielded exceptionally, taking all catches offered by the opposition, well done to Phoebe S for keeping wicket. George H and Henry S opened the batting and put on a solid opening 40 runs, supported by the rest of the team. Henry finished on 46 not out to help win the game with an over to spare. It should be noted that Henry would have scored 50 had the square leg umpire not fielded a certain boundary trying to get out of the way.
Mr Andrew Sumner, Cricket Coach
Port Jackson
It has been a wonderfully positive and uplifting time in Port Jackson, with a real sense of energy, warmth and connection continuing to grow across the House.
A particular highlight has been an exceptional College Parade on Pangbournian Day a couple of weeks ago. The boys represented their respective Divisions with great pride, demonstrating not only smart presentation but also a strong sense of unity and spirit. It was especially lovely to see the Port Jackson boys looking so smart and carrying themselves with such confidence and purpose - something that made me incredibly proud and truly reflects what makes Port Jackson such a special place to be.
We have also been delighted to continue strengthening our relationships with our students from China. It has been a real pleasure to see friendships forming so naturally, with more interaction, shared experiences and a genuine interest in one another’s cultures. These connections are such an important part of boarding life, and it is heartening to see how much the boys are gaining from being part of such a diverse and supportive community.
Looking ahead, there is plenty to be excited about. We have a range of upcoming weekend trips planned, offering something for everyone - from outdoor adventures to cultural visits and relaxed social outings. All boarders will have the opportunity to sign up, and we warmly encourage the boys to get involved, try something new, and make the most of these opportunities.
Finally, with the bank holiday weekend approaching, there is a real sense of anticipation in the House. It promises to be a happy and memorable time, with opportunities to relax, recharge and continue building the strong friendships that make life in Port Jackson so special.
As always, thank you for your continued support.
Mr Paul Radford, Head of Port Jackson
Adelaide
The past fortnight in Adelaide has been both productive and uplifting. Our senior boys have been fully engaged in their revision for A Levels, BTEC and GCSEs. They are showing strong focus and commitment as they start to take exams and prepare for those upcoming in the weeks ahead. It’s been encouraging to see them supporting one another and making the most of the quieter study periods and also taking advantage of the study sessions offered by our visiting tutors, Mr Sadiq, Mr Leigh and Dr Tanna, who has joined the Adelaide team this week. A warm welcome to him!
Meanwhile, our Ulink pupils are into the swing of Pangbourne life and are settling in well. They are becoming increasingly confident, forming friendships, and integrating smoothly into the daily rhythm of boarding life. Their positive attitude has been a welcome addition to the house community. At weekends, Mr Li, Mr Atkins and myself have accompanied them on a familiarisation tour of Pangbourne, Windsor Castle, Bicester Shopping Village Outlet and the Chinese supermarket in Reading.
The College Parade on Pangbournian Day saw the boys immaculately turned out for our final parade before Founders’ Day and only last week the house was open for visitors for Open Day. Adelaide looked excellent thanks to the behind the scenes organisation of Kat and on the day Mr Atkins, myself and the guides who were able to impart what life is really like on a day to day basis.
On the sports field, congratulations go to Charlie S in Year 10 who is representing the 1st XI and to Hugo T who completed an end of season tour with Henley Hawks to Guernsey. Staff have also been busy enhancing the environment, coming together to plant pots and refresh shared spaces. These small but meaningful touches have made the house feel brighter and more inviting for everyone.
Overall, it’s been a period of steady progress and community spirit. Have a relaxed and enjoyable Bank Holiday weekend to recharge those batteries for the next block of three weeks leading to half term!
Mr Ed Williams, Head of Adelaide
St George
St George have been making the most of the sun and the warmer weather these past two weeks! There are regular badminton tournaments in the St George garden - the girls tell me that they remain undefeated to all Adelaide opponents, but I'm sure the boys in Adelaide would claim otherwise! Swingball is slowly becoming the new competition of choice amongst the Houses, so we will keep count of the House scores on that front too!
The girls have also enjoyed a fire pit night where they had the chance to make smores whilst taking a moment to sit, unwind and catch up with their peers in House. This was a well attended activity and the girls are already asking to do it again!
Looking forward to next week, we will be enjoying dumpling making and a woodland walk amongst the usual activities of board games, Mario Kart, pool, darts and ping pong. We have celebrated Izzy's birthday this week and we look forward to three upcoming birthdays next week!
We wish all of our boarders and their families a restful bank holiday weekend and overnight leave.
Ms Shannon Flynn, Head of St George
BOARDING UPDATES
Boarding House Email Addresses
stgeorge@pangbourne.com
portjackson@pangbourne.com
adelaide@pangbourne.com