Friday 6 March 2026
Head’s Weekly Update
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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Our first Saturday College Parade will take place on 7 March 2026. Please see the document here for more information including timings for the day.
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On Thursday 12 March at 19:00 in chapel, we welcome James Cary's stand-up show, God, the Bible and Everything.
James has been one of Britain's leading comedy writers for the last 20 years, writing for Miranda Hart, My Family and Citizen Khan, his own series, Bluestone 42, as well as other series and episodes on BBC TV and Radio 4. We have previously hosted his plays, A Monk's Tale and The God Particle. According to James, his new show "explains the whole Bible, in one hour, with jokes, a big screen and a few props. And maybe even a song."
The event is open to students and staff, as well as parents and the wider community. Tickets will be £10 a head for parents and can be booked here.
The Reverend Neil Jeffers, College Chaplain
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We would like to provide an update regarding bus services on the last day of Lent Term, Friday 27 March 2026.
Due to the earlier finish of 16:45 on the final day of term and historically low pupil numbers using the evening bus services, our usual evening bus routes will not be operating on this date.
We wil, however, continue to run the station minibus service that evening for pupils travelling via train. If you require your child to travel home by bus on the evening of 27 March, please let us know in advance by contacting bursaryadmin@pangbourne.com
Should there be demand, we will arrange a bus (or buses) to accommodate those pupils. We kindly ask that parents contact us by 20 March to allow us to plan accordingly. -
Lions Sports Academy, one of the UK’s leading professional sports coaching academies, are hosting a 3 day rugby residential camp for boys aged 9-15 years old at Pangbourne College this Summer between Tuesday 18 - Thursday 20 August 2026.
The residential camps are designed to immerse young players in the life of a professional player and they focus on skill development, technical and tactical drills, physical fitness, and mental resilience. For more information, please see here.
Get 10% off by using the early bird code: Pangbourne10
Year 7 - 8 (Dunbar)
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We are delighted to share details of an exciting opportunity for our Year 10 pupils to support their GCSE English Literature studies.
The Macbeth Revision Tour will be visiting Woking on 13 April. This performance is specially designed to support students in their understanding of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, which is a key component of the Year 11 Literature course and an important part of their GCSE coursework.
The production focuses on key themes, characters, and relevant scenes, helping to deepen students’ knowledge and boost confidence ahead of their coursework. Seeing the play performed live can greatly enhance understanding of character motivations, dramatic techniques, and Shakespeare’s language.
We strongly encourage families to consider taking advantage of this valuable revision opportunity in preparation for the upcoming coursework during the Easter holidays.
Tickets can be purchased here.
Mrs Sarah Kiernan-Webb, Head of English
Year 9 - 11
Sixth Form
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This is a 90 minute session, from 16.30 - 18.00, looking at the benefits of studying Psychology at Southampton.
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This is a series of 5 informative webinars on a range of topics including student life and personal statements.
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Students are advised to wait until they have their recent trial results & BTEC Results (in March) along with any Offer Holder Day visits before deciding on their 'firm' and 'insurance' choices on UCAS. This will enable them to make an informed decision.
Thank you.
Ms Indy Kaur, Head of Sixth Form
Friday 27 February, 17:45-19:00
An Evening with Record-Breaking Ocean Rower, Jess Rowe
Chapel, Community, Rowing
Monday 2 March, 08:30-14:00
Year 9 2026 Academic Scholarship Assessment Day
Internal, External, Admissions
Tuesday 3 March,14:00-17:00
Reading at Calcot Primary - World Book Day
Year 10, Lower Sixth, Academic, Trip
Monday 2 March, 19:30-21:30
Pangbourne Arts Professional Concert Series: The Landscape of Exile
Chapel, External, Community, Music
Wednesday 4 March, All Day
A Level History Day Trip
Hampton Court Palace, Sixth Form, Academic
Wednesday 4 March, 16:45-18:30
Year 9 Parents’ & Guardians’ Meeting
Drake Hall, Year 9, Parents’/Guardians’, Academic
Thursday 5 March, All Day
CCF Field Day
MOD Training Estate, Year 10 - Upper Sixth, Co-Curricular
Thursday 5 March, All Day
World Book Day: KS3 Dress-Up Day
KS3, Community
Thursday 5 March, All Day
A Level RS Trip to British Museum
London, Sixth Form, Academic, Trip
Thursday 5 March, 18:00-21:00
Future Pathways: Science, Technology and Engineering Careers Networking Event
DDR, Community
Saturday 7 March, 08:30-09:30
Class of 2026 Upper Sixth Parents’ Celebration Breakfast
Mess Hall, Upper Sixth
Saturday 7 March, 09:00-11:40
Fifth College Parade of the Year
Chapel, Parade Ground
UPCOMING EVENTS
COLLEGE NEWS THIS WEEK
Dunbar Inter-Watch Music Competition
On Thursday 26 February, our Year 7 and 8 pupils produced a wonderful evening of music at the annual Dunbar Inter-Watch Music Competition. Modelled on the format of the senior Divisional competition, the event brought together all four Watches (Port, Starboard, Aft and For’ard) to compete across three classes: solo singer, solo instrumentalist and the Watch song.
The performances gave pupils an opportunity to demonstrate not only musical ability, but also growing confidence, stage presence and strong teamwork within their Watches; congratulations to all who took part. Particular commendation goes to Port Watch, who achieved first place in every category and were deservedly named overall winners.
We were especially delighted to welcome back George Picker, former Assistant Director of Music at Pangbourne, as our adjudicator. Our thanks go to Mr Picker for giving his time so generously and for providing thoughtful and encouraging feedback to the pupils. Please see the results below:
Solo song
1st: Ruby H. (Port)
2nd: Yaz P. (Starboard)
3rd: Jess D. (Aft)
4th: Freddie W. (For’ard)
Solo instrumental
1st: Xander R. – drums (Port)
2nd: James L. - drums (Starboard)
3rd: Ralph M. – alto saxophone (For’ard)
4th: Luke M. – piano (Aft)
Watch song
1st: Port – Hakuna Matata from The Lion King
2nd: Starboard – Friend Like Me from Aladdin
3rd: Aft – Be Our Guest from Beauty and the Beast
4th: For’ard – Under the Sea from The Little Mermaid
Mr Don Gillthorpe, Director of Music
Marching Band Rehearsal Evening
The Music School was a hive of activity on Tuesday as our Marching Band came together for an extended evening rehearsal.
The rehearsal began outdoors on the astro with focused drill practice, giving pupils the opportunity to refine their movement and coordination. The band then moved indoors for detailed sectional rehearsals, before ending the evening playing together as a full ensemble. Bringing the musical and visual elements together in this way was both rewarding and impressive to witness.
It is brilliant to see the band’s hard work and dedication continuing to pay off. Our thanks go to all the pupils and staff who contributed to such a successful evening, with particular thanks to our Bandmaster, Mr Nicholls for organising and leading the event.
Mr Don Gillthorpe, Director of Music
Lower Sixth Geography Fieldwork in London
The Lower Sixth Geographers enjoyed the early spring sunshine on a trip to the capital. At Parliament Square they discussed London's role as a World City, democracy and transatlantic relations. Then from Westminster Pier they took a boat down river to Greenwich exploring London's trading history and the regeneration of the riverfront. At Greenwich we checked in on Pangbourne's maritime past, discussing the role of the Merchant Navy and saw the Cutty Sark, a tea clipper that is not dissimilar to the namesake ships of our Divisions. On to the DLR we travelled across the Isle of Dogs, observing the new ‘edge city’ of Canary Wharf and inner city socio-economic challenges in Shadwell. Our final stop was at Shoreditch where we walked the length of Brick Lane and discussed gentrification and ethnic diasporal change in Whitechapel. An informative and worthwhile day spent situating our learning in real world examples!
Mr James Capel, Head of Geography
SPORT
Congratulations to Harry in Lower Sixth who was one of 13 to get selected to represent the U18 UR7s National Rugby team in Portugal over half term.
We have some exciting fixtures happening this weekend. Please see SOCS for the most up to date information on these.
DIVISIONAL UPDATES
Harbinger
This week has been an incredibly busy and productive one in Harbinger. Our Year 11 and Upper Sixth students have been fully focussed on their Trial examinations, showing true dedication and commitment in the lead up to their final assessments. On Tuesday afternoon, the Division came together to discuss the week's orders: taking responsibility and preparing ourselves for the next Parade and the standards required. Many of our Harbinger students have proudly been representing the 1st teams in Football, demonstrating the elite levels of talent and sportsmanship. We have also had a few of our Year 11 students selected to represent the school at an upcoming Rugby 7s tournament - congratulations to Nabil and Archie for this achievement. We are grateful for Harbinger’s dedication this week.
Emilie, Chief Cadet Captain of Harbinger
Hesperus
Hesperus Division continues to make strong progress on Parade through consistent practice, higher standards and clear expectations. The College has witnessed improved student participation across all year groups while students continue to put forth their best efforts. House culture is developing well, with stronger teamwork, discipline and pride in presentation. Our Flag Values are now represented more clearly in behaviour, attitude and commitment, both on and off Parade. We are dedicated to winning the Divisional Sport Trophy this term and we are training effectively for our upcoming contests. We are excited for our upcoming participation in Divisional sports which will include Football and we aim to achieve excellent results. We are excited to deliver an impressive performance during the upcoming Parade.
Izzy and Alex, Chief Cadet Captains of Hesperus
Illawarra
The new Half Term has got off to a busy and positive start across the Division after what was a well earned break. There’s been a real sense of momentum this week with plenty already happening both in and out of Illawarra.
This week, Year 11 and Upper Sixth have begun their mock exams, marking an important point in the term. Mocks are always a good chance to see where things stand, practise exam technique, and build confidence ahead of the months to come. It’s been encouraging to see our Illawarra students display focus and determination as the exams get underway.
In this week's muster, the focus has been on learning about Ramadan and exploring different cultures and traditions. This session has been a great opportunity to broaden understanding, reflect on the diversity within the wider community and remind our students to be curious about other cultures.
It is also an exciting week for sport, with a packed fixture list ahead including the Girls 7-aside Charterhouse Football Tournament and the Boys XI Football team facing St Edward’s. With many Illawarriors representing in these and other teams, there is plenty to look forward to, and we wish everyone competing the very best of luck.
Our main focus is preparing for our first College Parade on Saturday 7 March, practising our marching and polishing our shoes to make the most of the rest of the Parades this year.
Erika, Chief Cadet Captain of Illawarra
Macquarie
It has been so lovely to come back after a well-earned Half Term break feeling properly rested and ready to go again. The students have stepped back into their routines brilliantly, and there’s a really positive, purposeful buzz around the Division at the moment.
A special well done to Year 11 and Upper Sixth, who have coped incredibly well with their Trial exams this week. They’ve approached everything with real maturity and resilience, and it’s been fantastic to see the calm and focused way they’ve conducted themselves throughout.
The sunshine has certainly helped too! It’s amazing what a bit of blue sky can do. Students have been making the most of the brighter weather, heading outside at break and lunchtime, which has definitely added to the cheerful atmosphere across the Division.
We’re really looking forward to next Saturday and our first College Parade on a Saturday — I’m hoping I’ll be able to catch up with some of you there. Next week, we’ll focus on making sure uniforms are parade-ready and shoes are super shiny so that the whole Division shows itself at its very best.
As ever, thank you for your continued support — it really does make a difference.
Mrs Stephanie Kingsland, Pastoral Divisional Lead (Macquarie)
Date for your Diaries
The Divisional Dinners will be held on the below dates next term. Please do add these to your diaries. The booking form links will be sent out after half term to book your tickets. Parents from all year groups are welcome to attend.
Friday 17 April - Macquarie
Friday 5 June - Hesperus
Saturday 6 June - Harbinger
Friday 12 June - Illawarra
BOARDING UPDATES
The next boarding update will be on Friday 6 March.
Boarding House Email Addresses
stgeorge@pangbourne.com
portjackson@pangbourne.com
adelaide@pangbourne.com