Head’s Weekly Update

The College calendar shows the schedule for our busy programme of fixtures and regattas throughout the term. It will indicate the teams playing, the opposition, and whether fixtures are home or away. Alongside this, there may also be training sessions for teams where there is no fixture or regatta. This will be communicated by the coaches in the week prior to the Saturday.

If a student is selected for a team but is unavailable, permission must be sought from the Director of Sport no later than the preceding Wednesday.

Students who are not selected for a team and have not been advised of training are not required to attend College on a Saturday.

If a fixture is cancelled, the coaches will communicate this to the team and may offer training instead.

Mr Tom Poynter, Assistant Head Co-Curricular

Mr Joe Mills, Director of Sport

With effect from the start of the Lent Term 2026, the College Shop opening hours will be Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 09:00 to 15:00 during term time.

The 1st XV Rugby team are playing Newbury RFC on Friday 16 January at 19:00. The fixture will be taking place at Newbury RFC’s home ground and the address is Newbury RFC, Monks Lane, Newbury RG14 7RW. 

The fixture taking place at Newbury means that there will be access to the club bar for spectators. The College would like to stress this should only be used by parents and at no point should any students be drinking alcohol. We have a very clear policy that no current Pangbourne student, irrespective of their age, can drink alcohol or be under the influence of alcohol whilst on campus or representing Pangbourne College. The club has its own clear alcohol policy stressing that anyone who looks under 18 years old will be asked to provide identification to prove their age and drinks may only be purchased one at a time (not large group orders). A breach of this could see them lose their licence. 

The club has also asked us to politely remind our players and spectators that they have a strict ‘no dogs allowed’ policy.

Mr Tom Poynter, Assistant Head Co-Curricular

Mr Joe Mills, Director of Sport

Every year, the Chaplain offers Confirmation classes in the Lent Term, to prepare for Confirmation in the Summer Term. Please do get in touch with Mr Jeffers on neil.jeffers@pangbourne.com if your child would be interested. Classes will probably be on Monday lunchtime this year, starting on 19 January, but we aim to accommodate anyone who is interested. It is open to any year group. Attending the classes does not commit you to getting confirmed, it is just an opportunity to think and ask questions.

The Reverend Neil Jeffers, College Chaplain

We’re inviting parents working in STEM to spend an evening with our Sixth Form students at our Future Pathways Careers & Networking Event. Start with an informal supper with fellow professionals, then share your journey and career insights in small groups — from AI to cybersecurity, medical sciences to renewable energy, engineering to data analysis,. whatever STEM career path you are following, please help us to inspire the next generation

One evening. Real conversations. Lasting impact.

Register your Interest here - places are limited!

Mrs Sue Carpenter, Community Relations Officer

The fourth College Service and Parade will be taking place on Sunday 18 January, please find information about the timing of the morning below:

08:30 Divisions open and pupils to arrive from this time

09:00 College Choir and Chamber Choir in Chapel

09:00 Refreshments available in the Mess Hall from 09:00 and also to be purchased in the Café between 09:00 – 10:45 and (but these must not be taken into Chapel please)

09:15 Pupils in Divisions for briefing with Division Chiefs

Please note: 

1. Pupils should arrive at College already dressed in their No. 1 uniform.

2. Year 9 pupils will participate in this Parade which will be their first one of this academic year. 

09:45 All pupils from Years 9 to Upper Sixth to be seated in Chapel

10:00 Service in Chapel - please be seated in good time  

Pupils in Years 7 & 8 are welcome but not required to attend. All parents are very welcome to attend.

10:45 Service ends and refreshments available in Mess Hall

11:15 Parade begins

11:45-12:00: Parade ends

A polite reminder: please make sure that your child has eaten a good, filling breakfast before coming to the Service and Parade.

If you are interested in entering this years photography competition, please see here for more information.

The deadline for submissions are Monday 23 February (First day back after the February half term).

All submissions must be submitted as a JPG file to Mr. Unsworth by email alexunsworth@pangbourne.com

As a valued stakeholder to Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, we would like to invite you to take part in Royal Berkshire Fire Authority’s Budget Consultation. 

Royal Berkshire Fire Authority (RBFA) is consulting Royal Berkshire residents and staff on Council Tax funding for the next financial year until 09:00 on Monday 2 February.

RBFA is committed to delivering value for money across the services provided to local residents. However, due to significant budgetary pressure as outlined in this letter, to maintain the current level of service RBFA is proposing a £5 increase for 2026/27, based on a Band D precept, to £91.31.

Take part in the consultation by completing this online survey.