Friday 6 June 2025

Head’s Weekly Update

Academic Rigour

Our purpose as a school is to ensure our young people can go out into the world and live a life of choice and opportunity. We want them to leave Pangbourne having been inducted into systems of worthwhile knowledge that enable them to participate in and shape the national discourse. In the words of Alex Standish, we believe that “school subjects then are a way of inducting children into the intellectual habits of humankind, and hence into a disciplinary conversation about knowing our world.”

So our curriculum is designed to ensure that all students at Pangbourne acquire disciplinary knowledge that they cannot learn at home and that this specified curriculum knowledge is based on the most coherent and tested ways of conceptualising the world that we have. 

It has therefore been very pleasing to go through the Year 7 Maths tests they completed earlier this week. Alongside their Pangbourne exams the students sat a nationally-referenced Maths test and the results are testament to the great work of the Maths Department and the commitment of the students. The year group are now significantly ahead of their peers nationally in all areas of the Maths curriculum and over 75% of the cohort have made higher or much higher progress than that expected nationally. 

It is also very pleasing to now have the list of offers being taken forward by our Upper Sixth pupils following the acceptance deadline yesterday. It is a really impressive selection of offers and I want to extend my thanks to Ms Kaur and the Upper Sixth tutors. The list is too long to publish here but it represents a good spread of courses across an excellent selection of Universities and a Russell Group offer rate of 51%.

Adventure & Exploration

It is my intention to ensure that we have a highly skilled and professional team of sports coaches and Directors to provide the very highest levels of coaching to all students. We have made some minor tweaks to the College day for next academic year to enhance this. I have been delighted with the recent appointments we have made and we now have a full suite of Directors for our performance sports and a team of well trained and professional coaches. Over the coming years as we enact the five year sport strategy, I am hopeful that we will see our students enjoy competing at all levels and see the progress they are making, both individually and as a team. Sport is about so much more than the moment of competition and I have really enjoyed watching the preparations for next year begin to come into being. 

We are in the process of training a number of our staff as Paddle Board Instructors and High Ropes Instructors. This will ensure we can further develop our adventure curriculum and guarantee these experiences to every student. This is central to our vision and has equal importance to me as the great Maths results above. 

Community

I am getting very excited about the upcoming inaugural Pangbourne Proms on Friday 20 June at 19:00 . This is our first Proms and it will celebrate everything we love about Music at Pangbourne. Please sign up for your tickets as early as possible to avoid disappointment and keep your fingers crossed for some sun. 

Leadership

Ms Kaur and myself are getting ready to hold the interviews for the new Chief Cadet Captains of the College. Putting yourself forward for this position is a daunting task and requires courage and conviction. I want to applaud all students who have submitted their applications and thank staff and students for their nominations. 

Alongside these interviews and those for the Chief Cadet Captains, the Lower Sixth have been completing their Taking Responsibility week. This is a wide-ranging week spanning sessions on financial literacy and driver safety through to command tasks and community volunteering. The students will put their new skills to the test over the coming weeks as they begin the process of becoming the senior year group in the College.

On the subject of Leadership, I am delighted to share with you the biographies of some of the new Heads of Department that will be starting with us in September 2025. We will be joined by Matt Heaven as Head of Design Technology & Engineering, Fida Sadiq as Head of Business and Economics and Salomon Ifrah as Head of Modern Foreign Languages. We look forward to them joining the staff and bringing a wealth of experience. Please view their staff biographies here for more information.

Best wishes 

Oliver Knight 

COLLEGE NEWS THIS WEEK

Pangbourne College Classic Car Show

The annual Classic Car Show took place on Saturday 31 May and what an incredible day it turned out to be! We welcomed over 500 display cars and nearly 3500 visitors which is the most we've ever had at this event. It has also been a record-breaking year for The Footsteps Foundation, the charity this event supports. This incredible organisation provides life-changing physiotherapy for children, so it means a great deal to us to support them in any way we can.

It was made extra special this year as we welcomed celebrity Jodie Kidd to the College which was very exciting indeed! A big thank you to Sporting Bears who made it possible for so many visitors to enjoy their dream car rides. We also cannot forget about the spine-tingling Spitfire flypast by RAF Benson.

A massive thank you to the live performers and market stalls that attended, including Pangbourne Silver Band and Roy Bailey Big Band. Finally, we must not forget our generous supporters who without them we would not be able to raise nearly as much for charity as we have. Thank you to: Kingdom Coffee, DCL Lubricants, PR Motors, Howden Insurance, Waxxed Detailing and Mammoth.

Next year’s car show is already in the pipeline - and we’re not quite sure how we’re going to top this one!

Taking Responsibility Week for Lower Sixth

Continuing the tradition of previous years, the Lower Sixth were off timetable this past week and have participated in a range of activities.

Each day provided a focus from workshops on life skills such as driving safely, managing finances, interview skills and being confident speakers to starting their UCAS application. Students had the opportunity to try out our new low ropes course and do command tasks as they demonstrated teamwork and leadership skills, which also involved them going off site to ATR - Guardian Training where they were able to learn self-protection techniques and about situational awareness.

Despite the unpredictable British weather, the students particularly enjoyed their day of ‘service’ as they volunteered locally in Pangbourne at Englefield Estate, the Dolphin Centre, St. James and St Laurence churches and with the local Parish Council. They enthusiastically engaged in a range of tasks including weeding, strimming, litter picking, tree tube removal and general tidying up. All students were also given a further opportunity to ‘give back’ as they prepared a range of resources to be used at the primary school in Nabugabo this summer and which will make a huge difference to the lives of the young children there.

The students have finished the week off working together on their ‘divisional identity’ as they step up to take responsibilities as Upper Sixth and have also used the skills learnt this week to participate in three face to face interviews conducted by teachers, alumni and parents.

Trinity Drama Showcase

On Wednesday 4 June, our Trinity Drama pupils performed an array of work based on their recent exam pieces for the Drama Summer Showcase. Pupils from Year 7 through to Year 10 performed impressive monologues and duologues, both contemporary and classical pieces to their families and peers. It was a lovely occasion and great for their hard work throughout this academic year to be showcased. Very well done to all involved and a big thank you to their incredible Trinity Drama teacher, Mrs Fallon, for all her support and guidance when helping them to prepare for the exams.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Saturday 07 June, 10:00 - 16:00
Dunbar Family Fun Day
Community

Saturday 07 June, 19:00 - 22:30
Harbinger Divisional Dinner
Goring & Streatley Golf Club

Monday 09 June - Friday 13 June
Year 9 Exams
Academic

Wednesday 11 June, 16:00 - 19:00
Lower Sixth Parents’ and Guardians’ Meeting
Academic

Friday 13 June, 18:30 - 21:00
Sports Celebration Picnic
Big Side

Saturday 14 June, 08:30 - 10:30
PPA AGM Committee Meeting
DDR, Community

Tuesday 17 June, 13:00 - 17:45
Divisional Team Building Day
Community

Wednesday 18 June, 19:00 - 21:00
Scholars’ BBQ Event
Big Side

Friday 20 June, 16:45 - 20:00
Year 7 & 8 Parents’ and Guardians’ Meeting
Classrooms

Friday 20 June, 19:00 - 21:30
Pangbourne Proms
Devitt Lawn


NOTICES

  • The Sports Celebration and Rowing Dinner have been consolidated into one event this year and will be taking place on Friday 13 June. The evening will start at 18:30  and will take place at the Anthony Hudson Pavilion on Big Side. Families are invited to bring their own food and picnic rugs or chairs  and there will be various speeches and awards presented to celebrate the sporting success of the pupils throughout this year. The dress code is smart casual and it will be an alcohol-free event. This event will be free of charge to all pupils and parents. 


    Please RSVP by completing the online form here by Monday 9 June.

  • The PPA will be holding their Annual General Meeting on Saturday 14 June at 08:30 in Devitt House. Any parents who would like to, are welcome to attend.

  • Year 9 Bronze DofE Assessed Expedition will depart on Friday 27 June.

    Year 11 Silver DofE Assessed Expedition departs on Monday 30 June.

    Year 12 Gold Assessed Expedition departs on Sunday 6 July.

  • Monday 9 June - Sunday 15 June
    Morning sessions continue as normal from 06:30 - 07:30 and are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays, run by Mr Brightmore. The goal is to keep mileage up, easy training, with one to ones available for technique.

    On Saturday 14 June, there is a fixture with Bryanston School and on the Sunday some of the J14 squad will race at Reading Amateur Regatta. Any pupils not racing at RAR, will compete in the Bryanston fixtures, which will be held from 13:00 - 16:30 - please be aware of this time change!

    Monday 16 June - Sunday 22 June
    Main dates to note here are Marlow Regatta on the Saturday 21 June, and mainly, the Henley Women's Regatta which will run from Friday to Sunday. These will be events for Seniors, although we may well include some of the J15s if they are of a sufficient calibre. 

  • Join us on Friday 20 June at 18:00 for a relaxed and enjoyable evening of live music performed by Pangbourne pupils. The event will be held on Devitt Lawn with stunning views across our surrounding Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

    This family-friendly concert is the perfect way to spend a summer evening - bring a picnic, unwind with friends and family, and enjoy live performances that highlight the musical life of the College. This event will be an opportunity for Pangbournians, past and present, to come together and to celebrate the College's positive community impact. It promises to be a fabulous end of year celebration.

    Tickets are £15 per adult (under 18s free). To purchase your tickets please click on the link here.

  • Parents of students involved and staff are warmly invited to the Private View of the End of Year Art Exhibition on Thursday 26 June, 18:00 - 20:30.

    This will take place in the Art department and will include work of Upper Sixth and Year 11 students.

  • During the summer holidays, a group of Lower Sixth students are going out to Uganda to work in Nabugabo, our partnership primary school.

    They will not only be taking out teaching and learning resources which they will make as part of the Taking Responsibility course, but other donations as well.

    This year we are focussing on collecting boys' boxers and girls' pants, ages 6 - 14. Please can they be new and in their original packaging. Your donations will make a huge difference to the children. Mrs Bond will be collating the donations, so please leave them in Reception or give them to your son or daughter to give to her.

    Thank you very much.

  • Parents and guardians attending HRR on Thursday 3 July are invited to join the College at the Pangbourne College gazebo in Lions Meadow from 12:30 - 14:00.

  • Year 11 and Upper Sixth Students

    Year 11 and Upper Sixth students are expected back in College by the following dates:

    • Monday 30 June 08:15 - Year 11 Silver Duke of Edinburgh's Award pupils

    • Wednesday 2 July 19:00 - Year 11 and Upper Sixth boarders to return

    • Thursday 3 July 08:15 - Year 11 and Upper Sixth day pupils to return

    Arrangements for the afternoon of Friday 4 July:

    • Prize winners' rehearsal will take place in Chapel at 16:00 - 17:50. All prize winners are expected to attend.

    • Any other pupils (excluding prize winners) may leave College at 16:00.

    • Buses will depart at the usual time 17:50.

    • Any pupils who are unable to leave at 16:00 will be supervised in College until buses depart.

    • Upper Sixth Final Service will be taking place in the Chapel at 18:00. Parents are warmly invited to attend. Students are expected to wear suits or No. 2s uniform.

  • As a reminder, please view the Schedule for Founders' Day on Saturday 5 July. There will also be an opportunity to visit the Art Exhibition in the Art department during the morning.   

  • Please view the whole school photograph for 2025 here.

  • In Pride month we are joining in with the rainbow laces campaign aimed at promoting LGBTQ+ participation and visibility in sport. For the whole month pupils will be able to wear rainbow laces on non-naval uniform (sports kit or Sixth Form suits). The proceeds from the sale of the rainbow laces will go to SupportU, a LGBTQ+ charity running support groups in Berkshire. A pair of laces will cost £5 and can be collected from the College after half term. If you would like to participate then please complete the form here.

  • This will take place on Friday 20 June between 16:45 - 20:00. Bookings for this will be available shortly.

  • The Junior College Production will be performed from 19.00-20.30 on Monday 23 June 2025 at Piggeries (behind Dunbar). It is BYOP (Bring Your Own Picnic). If you would like to sit on blankets, this area will be closer to the stage, but those that would like to sit on chairs will have to sit slightly further back, behind those on blankets. You can enter the performance area via the entrance to Dunbar and feel free to park on the grass behind the DT department, left of mini-roundabout. Should you attend and BYOP, please could we ask that you dispose of your own rubbish and do not bring dogs to the performance.

    Many thanks and we look forward to seeing you then.

Years 7-8

Years 9 -11

  • Exams for Year 9 will be held in the week commencing 9 June. These are important exams which give us an indication of pupil progress through the year and will inform setting as they move into Year 10.

    The exams will take place in the Sports Hall and pupils should take revision with them. This revision should be in hard copy, pupils will not be allowed to bring their own devices into the exam hall apart from the Progress Test sessions. Where pupils have an access arrangement for PC use, they will be provided with a College device. Pupils need to bring headphones (wired or wireless) that connect successfully to their own device for the progress test sessions.

    Support for the pupils:

    • Revision guidance documents will be shared on Google Classroom, which tell pupils what content they need to revise and where they can find revision materials. This document is also available for Parents on the School Portal by clicking here and then the 'Academic - Exams' category.

    • Pupils have been learning about memory and effective revision strategies during their Theory of Learning lessons during the year.

  • Year 11 pupils who are involved in the DofE Silver Expedition must be in school at 08.15 on Monday 30 June in order to head off. Anyone else in Year 11 not doing DofE is expected to be in school at 08.15 on the morning of Thursday 3 July (Boarders may return from 19:00 Wednesday 2 July). They will then be in school until the end of term culminating with Founders' Day on Saturday 5th July.

  • I have booked a day of water-based activities at the Dolphin centre in Pangbourne on Thursday 26 June for all of Year 10. This replaces the trip at Longridge activity centre in Marlow on 10 June. The trip to Dolphin will be far more cost effective, working out at approximately £35 per student. 

    Students should register in school at the normal time of 08.15. We should be back at school by 16.00 and students will be free to head home at this point if they wish. 

  • On Wednesday 25 June 17:00 - 18:00, we would like to invite Year 10 parents to an Introduction to Sixth Form. Mr Knight and Ms Kaur will be giving an introduction to life in Sixth Form at Pangbourne, sharing plans with you about the new Sixth Form Centre and you will also hear from pupils about their experiences in Sixth Form.

    Please fill out the Google Form here to register your attendance for this event by Friday 20 June.

SIXTH FORM

  • Booking for this event is now open on School Cloud.

    The easiest way to access School Cloud is via the College Portal and by clicking the 'Parent Evenings' tile on the dashboard. You should be automatically logged in. A grade card will be available for you to review ahead of the event.

    Appointments will be held in the Study Block.

SPORT

SUCCESS AT THE NATIONAL SCHOOLS’ REGATTA IN NOTTINGHAM

The 23 - 25 May marks a key date in the rowing calendar, the National Schools Regatta. Pangbourne College attended in force in what is one of the largest and most competitive junior rowing events in the world.

On the Friday, Pangbourne had a J14 Girls Octuple and a J14 Boys Coxed Quad racing. Both crews successfully managed to earn their place into a final, with the Boy's Coxed Quad claiming 6th in the D final, and the Girls Octuple storming to a 2nd place finish in the C final.

Saturday opened the account for the J15s and the Seniors. Windy conditions made the course challenging, but the performances from the Year 10s saw the J15 Boys Eight race into 6th place in the C final, and the J15 Girls Eight gain a 4th place finish in the B final. Our Senior Boys Coxed Four set down the second fastest time in the time trial but recognised the need to step on, and had to fight bowball to bowball with Kings College School to earn a silver medal in the event.

Unfortunately, due to the wind speed increasing over the weekend, the Sunday's racing was cancelled. Despite this, we should celebrate the incredible work put in by our Senior Girls Coxless Four, the Senior Girls Double, and the Boys Coxless Four. They have trained hard to showcase their skill on the National level, but will have all eyes on competing at Henley Royal Regatta in a month's time.

SUCCESS FOR OUR RIDERS AT HICKSTEAD

Following on from their podium finish at The Royal Windsor Horse Show, our Equestrian Team again took silver, this time at The All England Jumping Course in the 1m Hickstead Elite. The team of Lottie, Maisie, Olivia and Sophie rode superbly amongst some of the best schools teams in the country to take second place.

The three day Championship Show also saw our team of Amy, Lois and Lucy placed 9th in the Preliminary County Dressage Finals.

The Berkshire County Champions, Lottie, Lucy, Olivia and Sophie placed 4th in the County Finals with Lottie also placing 4th individually.

Lottie continued her weekend with success with the fastest final in the 1.10m, just one rail prevented the win though still enough to place 4th in a fiercely competitive jump off.

CAITLIN AND GRACIE PLAY AT THE U14 SUPRA LEAGUE NATIONAL FINALS

Year 9 pupils, Caitlin and Gracie played at the U14 Supra League National finals a few weeks ago with the Reading Lynx team and managed to come a very close 2nd place.

The team made it through to the final of competition with draws against Beeston and Surbiton and a win against Bath. Falling only to a shoot-out after a 2-2 draw against Knole Park in an incredibly tense final.

We are very proud of the girls and looking forward to seeing where the next season takes them!

DIVISIONAL UPDATES

Divisional updates will be fortnightly. Next update on Friday 13 June.