Friday 6 November 2026
Head’s Update
Best wishes,
Oliver Knight
Notices (Please click on the + sign to expand for full information)
All Pupils & Parents: Years 7- Upper Sixth
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Join us on tomorrow, Saturday 7 November from 10:00 for the new look Christmas Market.
It’s back and better than ever, featuring even more festive stalls packed with unique gifts, handcrafted crafts and seasonal treats. It’s the perfect opportunity to kick off your Christmas shopping early and soak up that wonderful holiday atmosphere.
All proceeds and funds raised at the Christmas Market support:
- The Transforming Futures Programme: Providing life-changing Sixth Form 100% bursaries to young people who would otherwise be unable to benefit from a Pangbourne College education.
- The Pangbourne College Community Fund: Supporting local educational charities and community projects across the region.
Together, these initiatives empower deserving young people, broaden access and create a lasting social impact across the local community.T Roberts - Christmas Market Lead
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The Remembrance Day College Service and Parade will be taking place on Sunday 8 November, please find information about the schedule for the morning here.
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2025-26 was a remarkable year for the College and its community. Read the brand edition of The Pangbournian, celebrating stories from inspirational Old Pangbournians, such as Jess Rowe’s Pacific odyssey, to stories that honour tradition, embrace change and celebrate all of the Pangbournians who inspire us.
The 2026 edition shines a light on the people, stories and shared spirit that make our Pangbournian Community so special.
View The Pangbournian Magazine 2026 here.
All Parents:
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Please find the link here for the recording of the parent webinar that was held on Wednesday 4 November, 19:00 - 19:45.
This webinar was hosted by Mrs Elly Hayward, Assistant Head Pupil Expertise to explain what the VESPA education mindset is and how we are applying the principles across all key stages of the school. Also outlining how parents can support their child from home with VESPA with particular focus to completing Prep and preparing for exams.
Mrs Amelia Athendriou - PA to Senior Teaching Staff
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The Parent Ambassador Team is excited to share the upcoming dates for our Wreath Making Workshops. Run by a professional wreath maker and former Pangbourne parent, you will be provided with all the materials and guidance you need to go home with a beautiful traditional wreath whilst also supporting the College's Transforming Futures programme. Refreshments included.
The events will be on Tuesday 8 December (evening) and Wednesday 9 December (morning) in the College Cricket Pavillion.
Book your tickets below:
Mrs Fraza-Jane Robins - Year 7 Parent Ambassador
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Join us for the Pangbourne College 110th Anniversary Community Ball on Saturday 5 June 2027 - a landmark celebration bringing together our vibrant College community. Enjoy an unforgettable evening of drinks, dinner and dancing while helping us raise vital funds for the Transforming Futures Bursary Programme and the Pangbourne Community Fund, creating life-changing opportunities for young people.
Tickets can be purchased as individuals, pairs or tables of ten. Please note - ticket sales close on Thursday 17 December.
Get your tickets here.
Mrs Lucinda Grafton - Director of Development & Community
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Visit our Pangbournian Benefits page for more details.
Mrs Lucinda Grafton, Director of Development and Community
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Each half term, you will receive a summary of your child's academic performance using our reporting system, ‘Pupil Progress’. This will give you an indication of both your child's effort levels - as judged by their teachers - as well as their academic attainment. The first summary, which you will receive today, contains effort only. Each subject will grade your child on 'In Class Effort' (effort within the timetabled lesson time) and 'Out of Class Effort' (punctuality and quality of completed prep tasks). Effort is assessed by teachers using the following scale:
Excellent
Good
Satisfactory
Inconsistent
Concerning
It is important to keep in mind at Key Stage 3, pupils have only recently started submitting prep across the full range of subjects, to ease their transition into the College and academic year. I encourage you to discuss the report summary with your child, and the Class Charts system is particularly useful help to inform your discussions. Logging into this will help show you where subjects are recognising good effort or where improvements may be required. Remember that if you have any questions about the grade summary, your child's tutor is the first point of contact to assist you.
You will receive the next summary later in the Michaelmas Term, which will also include academic attainment across subjects.
Mr Anthony Hammond - Head of KS3
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In November, two teams of three will compete with other regional schools in the first round of the English Speaking Union (ESU) Public Speaking Competition. The event guidelines can be viewed here to understand the different roles that pupils take and how the competition is judged. It is open to pupils aged 13-16 this academic year.
If your child is interested in participating, please encourage them to complete the form here. It doesn't matter if they have not participated in the Debating Society this term or even if they have never competed before. We will be looking to field our six strongest candidates on 30 November.
Mrs Elly Hayward - Assistant Head Pupil Expertise
Year 7 - 9
Year 10 - 11
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Mrs Abbie Stephenson - Head of KS4
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We are very keen to provide support to our Year 11 pupils regarding their plans for their future post GCSE. We want to ensure that your child is well equipped for their choice of Sixth form programme of study as well as looking beyond Pangbourne to ensure they are set up well for the future. In the last few weeks, all pupils in Year 11 have had a careers and future pathways interview with one of our senior members of staff. You should have received an email summarising the key points from the meeting with your child (please contact elly.hayward@pangbourne.com if you have not received this). We would now like to invite you to come in person and talk to senior members of staff informally as well as the option to make an appointment to talk at the Parents meeting on Wednesday 2 December. We will be holding some drop in coffee sessions on the following dates and times:
Morning:
Wednesday 11 November 08:00 - 09:00 (cafe)
Afternoon:
Friday 20 November 16:45 - 17:30 (Sixth Form Centre)
We would love to answer any questions you may have and to discuss your child's plans further so that we can ensure we are supporting them through this process. I hope to see as many of you there as possible.
Mrs Abbie Stephenson - Head of Key Stage 4, Mrs Elly Hayward - Assistant Head, Pupil Expertise and Ms Indy Kaur - Head of Sixth Form
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Mrs Abbie Stephenson - Head of KS4
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We are keen to begin conversations with our Year 10 students and parents regarding their Future Pathways into Sixth form here at Pangbourne College. During the next Half Term, senior members of staff will be meeting with Year 10 students 1:1 to discuss their future pathway at Pangbourne. In addition to our Year 10 Parents Introduction to Sixth Form event on Tuesday 16 March, we would like to extend an invitation to parents to discover what Pangbourne Sixth Form has to offer after Half Term.
We will be available on the below dates to answer any questions you may have and to discuss your child's plans further so that we can ensure we are supporting them through this process. I hope to see as many of you there as possible.
Morning:
Wednesday 18 November 08:00 - 09:00 (Café)
Afternoon:
Friday 20 November 16:45 - 17:30 (Sixth Form Centre)Mrs Abbie Stephenson - Head of Key Stage 4, Mrs Elly Hayward - Assistant Head, Pupil Expertise and Ms Indy Kaur - Head of Sixth Form
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This will be taking place at Ash Ranges Pirbright on Sunday 6 December. This is a full day event to shoot the 2-4* Syllabus for Senior cadets.
Joining instruction will follow after half term.
Mr Matt Heaven - Contingent Commander CCF
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In November, two teams of three will compete with other regional schools in the first round of the English Speaking Union (ESU) Public Speaking Competition. The event guidelines can be viewed here to understand the different roles that pupils take and how the competition is judged. It is open to pupils aged 13-16 this academic year.
If your child is interested in participating, please encourage them to complete the form here. It doesn't matter if they have not participated in the Debating Society this term or even if they have never competed before. We will be looking to field our six strongest candidates on 30 November.
Mrs Elly Hayward - Assistant Head Pupil Expertise
Sixth Form
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Mrs Indy Kaur - Head of Sixth Form
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Please see here for the revision guidance and Trials timetable (w/c 23 November). There is no study leave this week with all students expected at College as normal. BTEC lessons will continue as normal with A Level lessons collapsed. Students will be using their time to revise and access support from teachers. All co-curricular activities will be running as normal and students will be expected to attend.
Mrs Indy Kaur - Head of Sixth Form
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Mrs Indy Kaur - Head of Sixth Form
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This will be taking place at Ash Ranges Pirbright on Sunday 6 December. This is a full day event to shoot the 2-4* Syllabus for Senior cadets.
Joining instruction will follow after half term.
Mr Matt Heaven - Contingent Commander CCF
Saturday 7 November, 10:00 - 15:00
Community Christmas Market
Community
Sunday 8 November, 08:30 - 12:00
Remembrance Sunday Service & College Parade
Community
UPCOMING EVENTS
COLLEGE NEWS THIS WEEK
A Wonderful Reunion at College Parade
On Saturday 10 October, we were delighted to welcome Old Pangbournians (OPs) from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s back to the College to celebrate their 50, 60 and 70-year reunions at the College Parade.
The day brought together old friends and plenty of nostalgia, beginning with coffee with the Head, followed by Chapel for some guests and then College Parade. A special highlight saw four OPs honoured to inspect their former Divisions: Kingsley Borrett (1956), Charles du Cane (1956), Robert Williamson (1966) and Sir William Gibbons (1966).
After lunch, guests explored the College archives and enjoyed a tour of the College, reflecting on how much has changed over the decades.
Well done to our pupils on another successful Parade day and thank you to all guests who joined us!
Aiming High at Bisley! A Fantastic Afternoon of Rifle Shooting
Following College Parade on Saturday, 15 students, joined by their siblings, parents and even one grandparent, enjoyed a fantastic afternoon of rifle shooting at the UK’s National Shooting Centre in Bisley. The afternoon began with a safety briefing, accompanied by some very welcome warm bacon and sausage rolls before the shooting started at 13:30.
The shooters were firing at targets 600 yards away using modern sniper rifles, an iron sighted target rifle and towards the end of the day, a Lee Enfield Number 4 Rifle, (as used in the Second World War and carried by the College’s Guard). Plenty to challenge even the most confident of marksmen.
Despite some interesting windy conditions, both pupils and parents proved to be fantastic shots. As the afternoon progressed, the excitement grew, with plenty of friendly competition and a real buzz as everyone compared their targets and celebrated their successes.
Shooting continued until 16.30, by which time everyone had enjoyed the opportunity to try the different rifles and experience the challenge of long-range target shooting. It was wonderful to see students and family members sharing the experience, supporting one another and enjoying an afternoon of friendly competition.
A huge thank you must go to Gary Muranyi, who organised the event, rallied his fellow instructors, (some of whom are medal-winning competition shooters), to support the afternoon and for providing the catering. Gary is an Old Pangbournian and a long-standing supporter of the College, and his enthusiasm and generosity helped make this event such a success.
Although this day was very much an experience day, (and there will be more), the bigger plan is to bring competitive shooting back to the College, after an absence of decades, so that we can take on other schools from UK and overseas.
This will take some dedication and training, but looking at the shooters on this day, is totally within reach and we have some superb instructors offering to help.
It would be good to have at least a few teams representing Pangbourne at the NRA’s Imperial Meeting in July 2027 – this is the world-renowned annual national marksmanship championships! A fantastic afternoon was had by all, and we look forward to our next opportunity to take aim!
Mr Stephen Hennah
Art Trip
Our Lower Sixth artists spent Monday morning with The Outside Dyers at Hardwick Estate, Whitchurch-on-Thames. Located just across the Thames from Pangbourne, the visit was an environmentally friendly trip that allowed us to explore natural dyeing and its relationship with the environment.
The highlight was undoubtedly meeting the sheep! Students discovered the journey from fleece to finished wool, exploring wool treatment, carding, spinning and dyeing. They learnt about the science of dyeing, including how colour binds to fibres and how mordants and natural ingredients enhance colour and prevent fading.
Our discussions extended to chemicals in clothing and the environment, where clothes are dyed, and the impact of policies and restrictions. We explored how natural dyes are sourced from plants, which parts can be used, and how to forage responsibly. We also discussed sheep care and the use of pigments in food and fine art paints.
Students left with naturally dyed wool for their textile projects, as well as wool they had carded, spun and dyed themselves. The visit was a fascinating, hands-on experience that enriched their understanding of materials, processes and sustainability.
Our A Level artists are exploring Fine Art Painting and Printing, Sculpture and Textiles through a practical, materials-led approach. This pupil-centred programme encourages experimentation across a wide range of media and techniques before learners develop their individual interests and specialise in their chosen Art and Design pathway.
Mrs Gayle Payne - Teacher of Photography & Art/Design Technology
Annual National Service for Seafarers’ 2026
On Wednesday, 40 students from Years 7 to Upper Sixth, accompanied by five members of staff, travelled to London to attend the Annual National Service for Seafarers at St Paul’s Cathedral. Attending national events such as this provides our students with a wonderful opportunity to represent the College beyond our own community, while celebrating our strong maritime heritage. Our students joined forces with singers from London Nautical School and the Royal Hospital School to form a combined choir, creating an impressive musical ensemble within one of the country’s most iconic and inspiring venues.
This year’s repertoire presented a new challenge, as both choral anthems were performed unaccompanied. Despite the additional demands of a cappella singing, our students rose to the occasion, taking confidence from performing alongside their peers from the other schools and delivering their music with skill and enthusiasm.
The College was also represented by our Chiefs of College, who helped organise and assist members of the public throughout the service. In addition, a Colour Party from the Guard proudly processed the College Colour alongside other nautical organisations, contributing to the ceremonial significance of the occasion.
For many students, this was their first experience of performing in such a magnificent cathedral. They were amazed by the scale of the building, the remarkable acoustics and the extraordinary resonance of the space. While some were understandably nervous at the prospect of singing before a large congregation and in the presence of HRH The Princess Royal, they quickly found their confidence and sang with enthusiasm, pride and conviction.
The day was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended. Throughout the visit, our students conducted themselves impeccably, representing the College with maturity and professionalism. We are incredibly proud of the way they embraced the experience and of the contribution they made in honouring the seafaring community.
Mrs Nichola Graham - Director of Music
Fuelling Success: Sports Scholars Dive into Performance Nutrition
Our sports scholars recently took part in an engaging, interactive performance nutrition workshop led by nutritionist Ruby from Thomas Franks. The session provided invaluable insights into how targeted nutrition directly impacts athletic performance, breaking down the essential strategies for pre-workout fuelling, during performance stamina, and post-exercise recovery.
To put theory into practice, the scholars had hands on experience, whipping up their own custom energy balls. While things got a little messy, the students walked away with a delicious, practical recipe to fuel their training sessions and a deeper understanding of how to power their bodies for peak performance.
Mr Joe Mills - Director of Sport
SPORT
Boys’ Rugby U15B vs Churcher’s College
The boys were superb. We weren't sure what to expect going into our first match of the season against Churcher’s College.
The match was tightly contested, with both teams tackling well. No one could fault the effort put in by our team and I am very proud of the team. The match ended as a 22–27 loss but it went right down to the wire. It has given us lots to work on for future fixtures.
Mr Frankie Rogan - Rugby Coach
Boys’ Football U12B vs Luckley House School
A fantastic result for the team after having to deal with a setback in the previous game. Great reaction from the whole squad, as everyone wanted a great outcome. This showed on the pitch with a comfortable 3-1 lead at half-time. Pangbourne's combativity and constant pressure paid off. The second half was one sided and we continued to press Luckley high which forced several defensive mistakes. Full credit to the whole squad, and well done to Arthur and Rohan who scored 5 goals between the two of them.
Mr Otis Williams - Football Coach
Cross Country Event
On Wednesday, Pangbourne competed in their first ever Cross Country event. We arrived at Downe House bright and early, quickly realising we were by far the biggest school group there. Dunbar pupils impressed Mr Purdue and I enormously. Their dedication to their own running but also every other single runner competing was exceptional, cheering everyone from junior girls to senior boys through the finish line. I would like to give some special mentions to Noah M for winning the intermediate boys category, Maisie S for placing 5th and Harriet P placing 11th in the Senior girls and Otto T placing 8th in the Senior boys race.
To end this on even better news, our Senior boys qualified for the Regional Competition which will be taking place in November.
Well done to all runners. It was a great to watch you smile, push yourselves and enjoy being out of you comfort zone.
Miss Izzy Peacock - Teacher of PE
Divisional Updates
Harbinger
Hesperus
Illawarra
Macquarie
Heads of Divisions and Email Addresses:
Harbinger: Mrs Candice Greenly - harbinger@pangbourne.com
Hesperus: Mrs Laura Besley-Piggott - hesperus@pangbourne.com
Illawarra: Mrs Dona Poitrat Rachmaninoff - illawarra@pangbourne.com
Macquarie: Mrs Steph Kingsland - macquarie@pangbourne.com
Dunbar: Dr Ian Hart - dunbar@pangbourne.com
Boarding Updates
The next boarding update will be on Friday 13 November.
Heads of Boarding Houses and Email Addresses:
Adelaide (boys) - Mr Ed Williams - adelaide@pangbourne.com
Port Jackson (boys) - Mr Paul Radford - portjackson@pangbourne.com
St George - Mrs Debbie Atkins - stgeorge@pangbourne.com