Friday 9 May 2025

Head’s Weekly Update

This term seems to have just started, and we are already talking about the May Half-Term holiday. It is always a strange time of year as we are half in this academic year and half finalising the plans for the next academic year. As we work through our plans for the rhythm of the academic year and the experiences we want all our students to have, I am reminded of a quote from Kurt Hahn. 

“I regard it as the foremost task of education to ensure the survival of these qualities: an enterprising curiosity, an undefeatable spirit, tenacity in pursuit, readiness for sensible self-denial, and above all, compassion.”

As we celebrate another week at Pangbourne and continue our planning for the future, it is these qualities that sit at the forefront of my mind. 

It was fantastic to have our architects on site earlier this week as we get ready for the launch of our Sixth Form Centre in September. The point of the Centre is to provide a dedicated space for Sixth Form students to develop the autonomy and purpose necessary for success at University or in the world of work. It will be a space where they can work, socialise and learn during the day whilst also fulfilling their leadership roles within their Divisions. It recognises their growing independence whilst also securing their place as role models for our younger students. 

We welcomed 12 more families on Thursday for our first ‘Head’s Introduction to Pangbourne’ of the Summer Term. I always thoroughly enjoy these events as they give parents a true insight into College life on a very normal school day. It is perhaps a testament to the work we are all doing that we have had to put on many more of these events as demand for enquiries increases. 

Pangbourne Proms on Friday 20 June promises to be an excellent evening of performances that will 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. Tickets are selling quickly so I encourage you to secure yours via the link in the Notices section below.

Finally, congratulations to Tom Cheney, Head of Boarding, who was recognised as a finalist for the Stephen Winkley Award at the BSA Supporting Excellence Awards 2025! This award celebrates exceptional contributions to the boarding community, and Tom’s dedication at Pangbourne truly stands out. Tom is a real asset to the College. 

Oliver Knight

COLLEGE NEWS THIS WEEK

Year 8 Camping Trip

Last Thursday, our Year 8 pupils embarked on an overnight camping trip to Rushall Farm. This adventure allowed the pupils to fully embrace the outdoors while learning valuable camping skills. They pitched their own tents, gathered around a cosy bonfire, and enjoyed roasting marshmallows under the starry sky. It was a wonderful opportunity for them to bond while developing a sense of adventure and exploration.

On the second day, the group set out on a walk from Rushall Farm to Pangbourne College. Divided into small teams, the pupils worked collaboratively to navigate the trail, taking in the beautiful countryside. This outing not only encouraged teamwork and resilience but also deepened their appreciation for nature and the outdoors.

Lower Sixth Students Explore Forensic Science with Bayer Workshop

Last week, our Lower Sixth students had the exciting opportunity to participate in a forensic science workshop run by Bayer in Reading. They engaged in hands-on learning by performing PCR and gel electrophoresis to conduct DNA profiling, using their newfound skills to determine the identity of a simulated shark attack victim. This immersive experience not only deepened their understanding of forensic techniques but also sparked curiosity and interest in biotechnology.

Sixth Form Charity Skydive

On Sunday 4 May, ten of our Sixth Formers bravely did a tandem skydive to raise money for a worthy cause. Having raised funds for Bridge for Young People, students (along with the CEO Tracy Underwood) showed courage as this was a new experience for them all, choosing to jump from either 10,000ft or 15,000ft. With some of them quite nervous and anxious on the day, we are very proud of them all! Our remaining students will be doing their skydive after their exams.

The funds raised are going to support the charity’s new project - Wessex House in Newbury - which will provide a safe and caring living environment for 16-25 year olds leaving care or homelessness.

Please do continue to support this worthy cause by donating here: Pangbourne College is fundraising for Young People and Children First

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sat 10 May, All Day
Rowing Shrewsbury Regatta
Rowing

Sat 10 May, 08:30 - 10:30
PPA Committee Meeting
Devitt Dining Room

Sat 10 May, 18:30 - 19:30
Confirmation Service
Chapel

Sunday 11 May, 12:00 - 16:00
Junior Production Rehearsal
Drama

Tuesday 13 May, 16:45 - 19:30
Year 10 Parents' and Guardians' Meeting
Parent or Guardian

Thursday 15 May, 08:30 - 17:30
Trinity Drama Exam
Drama

Thursday 15 May, 18:45 - 20:00
Andrew Simpson Society
Community

Saturday 17 May, 19:00 - 22:30
Macquarie Divisional Dinner - Goring & Streatley Golf Club
Boarding

Sunday 18 May - Friday 23 May, 09:00- 13:00
Year 9 Adventure Training Week & DofE Bronze Practice Expedition Llangorse, The Black Mountains
Co-curricular, Trip

Wednesday 21 May, 13:00 - 19:00
Golf - Area plate final
Co-curricular

Friday 23 May, All Day
Rowing - National Schools' Regatta - Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham
Rowing

Friday 23 May, 16:45
Half Term Holiday
Holiday

NOTICES

  • Following extensive feedback and consultation we are proud to publish our finalised  Five Year Sport Vision and Strategy 2025-2030. Please view it here.

  • On Saturday 10 May, Pangbourne Tennis Club are holding an Open Day between 1pm – 4pm. There will be activities for kids, teens, adults as well as Walking Tennis, the launch of new Pickleball courts and free lessons. Last year Pangbourne Tennis Club was awarded LTA Club of the Year and is committed to ‘Tennis for all’ so please do pop down and enjoy the fun. Please click here to view the schedule for the day. 

  • The hugely successful Pangbourne Classic Car Show makes its annual return on Saturday 31 May 2025. 

    Hosting a spectacular array of vintage, classic and rare cars, the event is open to the whole community to enjoy.  The organiser has arranged a  fly past from The Battle of Britain Dakota at 15:30 on the day.

    Please book your spectator ticket (cost is per car parking space) here.

    Please register here if you would like to display a vehicle.

  • 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.

  • Netflix’s Adolescence  has cast a spotlight on the complex realities of teenage relationships, leaving many parents feeling uncertain about how best to support and protect their children. In response, the founder of ‘The Wellbeing Hub’ , Alicia Drummond has developed this insightful webinar to inform, reassure, and empower parents with practical guidance and clear strategies.

    This webinar is free for all Pangbourne parents. For more information, please contact Caroline Bond.

  • Exams for Dunbar will be held in the week immediately after Half Term. These are important exams which give us an indication of pupil progress through the year and will inform the setting as they move into Year 8.

    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.

    • Mrs Ellis (Assistant Head Teacher Development & Expertise) will be running a session on revision skills for all KS3 pupils during the tutor slot on Tuesday 13 May.

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. 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.

    • Mrs Ellis (Assistant Head Teacher Development & Expertise) will be running a session on revision skills for all KS3 pupils during the tutor slot on Tuesday 13 May.

  • GCSE exams are well-underway and pupils have made a very positive start this week.

    Yesterday, pupils were given a briefing on exam conduct and the rules which need to be obeyed. It is important that these rules are followed but the exam staff will be on hand to point pupils in the right direction. The two key messages are:

    • Listen to the instructions of the exam staff

    • If you think that anything is wrong, or you have any questions, you must raise your hand and inform the exams staff immediately.

    The slides used in the presentation can be found here.

    There is also JCQ guidance on the use of social media around exams and, in particular, the false claims of leaked exam papers which can be found here.

    Please refer to the updated candidate handbook which is on the portal if you have any questions about the conduct of exams, including what to do if your child is going to be late etc. 

    Until Half Term pupils should still be attending lessons unless:  

    • They are in an exam

    • There is less than 30 minutes remaining in a lesson after an exam finishes (e.g. if their exam finishes at 10:50, they would not be expected to attend the remainder of P3 but they should attend P4 at 11:15)

    • It is P3, P4 or P5 before an afternoon exam

    After Half Term, pupils are on study leave and are not expected in lessons. Teachers have been asked to try and keep themselves available in the periods where they would have had lessons if pupils want to come in for additional support.

    Support clinics are available for pupils to seek individual support from their teachers. The schedule can be found by clicking here.

    We strongly recommend that Year 11 attend the pre-exam blast before each of their exams (at 8.45-9.15 for a morning exam) and (1.15-1.45) for an afternoon exam.

    After Half Term, intensive subject revision sessions will be run by departments the day or session before an exam takes place. The schedules for both of these revision support sessions can be found by clicking here.

    Finally, to make sure that pupils are as comfortable as possible during their exams, they can choose to wear sports kit instead of No.2s from Thursday 8 May onwards if they prefer. Please note that if they choose this then the standard rules of sports kit (e.g. in relation to jewellery) apply.

  • A reminder that the Year 10 parents' evening is on Tuesday 13 May from 16:45-19:30. 

    Please book your appointments as soon as you can. This will take place in Study Block as Drake Hall is now set up for public exams. 

SIXTH FORM

  • Many Upper Sixth students have already started their exams - well done to them for getting on with these calmly. Individual pupil exam timetables can be found here.

    Please refer to the updated candidate handbook which is on the portal if you have any questions about the conduct of exams, including what to do if your child is ill etc. 

    Until Half Term students should still be attending lessons unless:  

    • They are in an exam

    • There is less than 30 minutes remaining in a lesson after an exam finishes (e.g. if their exam finishes at 10:50, they would not be expected to attend the remainder of P3 but they should attend P4 at 11:15)

    • It is P3, P4 or P5 before an afternoon exam

    After Half Term, students are on study leave and are not expected in lessons. Teachers have been asked to try and keep themselves available in the periods where they would have had lessons if students want to come in for additional support.

    Support clinics are available for students to seek individual support from their teachers. The schedule can be found by clicking here.

    We strongly recommend that Sixth Form attend the pre-exam blast before each of their exams (at 8.45-9.15 for a morning exam) and (1.15-1.45) for an afternoon exam. The schedules for these revision support sessions can be found by clicking here.

    Finally, to make sure that students are as comfortable as possible during their exams, they can choose to wear sports kit instead of No.2s/suits from Monday 12 May onwards if they prefer. Please note that if they choose this then the standard rules of sports kit (e.g. in relation to jewellery) apply.

  • Please note that the date for students to confirm their ‘firm’ and ‘insurance’ universities is Thursday 5 June.  If they would like advice, they have been encouraged to speak to Ms Kaur, tutors and teachers.

  • Students had a talk today on creating CVs by Polly Ingestre of MRFG Consulting.  Students are all required to create their CVs ahead of a Careers Interview Day on Friday 6 June. CVs are also important when applying for apprenticeships/degree apprenticeships in the Michaelmas Term. Please follow the link here for more information.

  • The trials commence the week of 19 May.  Timetables will be issued next week to students.  All exam concessions will be in place.

  • Please click on the link here for details about a range of workshops ranging from Graphic Design, Architecture to a Media Summer School.

  • Free online summer school offering courses in:

    • Architecture and product design

    • Art and design

    • Biological sciences and pharmacy

    • Business, law, and marketing

    • Computing

    • Criminology, psychology and sociology

    • Education and teaching

    • Engineering and construction

    • Geography and environment

    • Health professions

    • History, politics and English

    • Media, film, and journalism

    • Sport.

    To apply use the link attached. Deadline for applications Friday 18 July 2025.

    Online summer schools - University of Brighton

  • A residential taster course - for those interested in either Electronics and Computer Science or Biomedical Engineering.  

    There is a cost of £349 for the week including accommodation and meals.  Often over subscribed - but worth trying if you are interested.

    Please see the link for the application here.

  • An opportunity to get an insight of university life at Lancaster University - ranked 10th in the UK in the Complete University Guide 2024/25.

    A residential course - cost £475.  Use the link here to send an enquiry and check availability .

  • A range of courses available both online and in person (London) - costs involved. Please see here for more information.

  • We were blessed with the most glorious weather for our Year 8 Camping Trip last week, and the event was a tremendous success. The walk went smoothly, and the whole year group managed very well with the heat and the tent-pitching. They were back in good time, and nobody got (too badly) lost in the process!

    The boys and girls have been working hard in the nets and in the field on their cricket skills over the last two or three weeks, and this has paid off with a really pleasing win in our first fixture against Leighton Park. I look forward to more fixtures - both cricket and tennis - over the coming weeks and more impressive performances.

    I can also take this opportunity to thank all those who helped with the recent College Open Morning. The weather was kind to us again, and as always, it was a wonderful opportunity to meet so many people keen to come and see what makes this place so special.

    There are no more big Dunbar events this side of Half Term, but lots happening when we come back in June, starting with the end of year exams for pupils in both Years 7 & 8. We then have the Dunbar Family Fun Day at the end of that week, on Saturday 7 June, and for those who haven’t been to this event before, we normally run a social tennis tournament in the morning, followed by a BBQ lunch at Dunbar, and then games and socialising after lunch. More details will come out nearer the time, including the chance to sign up to play in the tennis tournament (no ability or equipment required, and all the family welcome to take part, both young and old). John Okten set a high bar for the BBQ last year, with his aged steak and homemade hot sauce, and the picnic hampers were out in abundance. Later in the term, we have the Dunbar Summer Disco and the Year 8 Dinner, but more on those in due course.

    Ian Hart


  • We have welcomed the glorious weather these past couple of weeks, it has been really lovely to see everyone being able to relax outside and taking well-earned breaks from their revision and busy schedule.

    The public exam groups appear focused, prep sessions in the afternoon now run alongside academic clinics, which I hope everyone will make good use of.

    I was really pleased with the efforts of a number of boys taking part in the colour run, lots of effort all round and a number of notable top ten finishes. Well done to Noah, Aaron and Alex for your outstanding performances. Congratulations also to Mr Jackson for a  very impressive run.

    Year 9 are preparing for the Llangorse DofE trip in the week before half term, please make sure that they have appropriate footwear for walking.

    I am looking forward to hearing of further success for the Harbinger boys representing the College this weekend.

    Please do sign up for the Harbinger dinner in June (link here), and also let us know if you want to take advantage of the BBQ on Whites for Founders’ Day.

    Andrew Sumner

  • It has been a glorious two weeks at the College, and I think all the boys have enjoyed the warm weather so far this term. Well done to Year 10 who have now completed their assessments last week, I am sure they will be drawing targets to work upon in lessons going forward to challenge themselves.

    Year 9 students are very much preparing for their Llangorse trip the week after next. It is always a great experience for them to challenge themselves and take themselves out of their comfort zones! 

    The rowers have a busy schedule these coming weeks, having also raced over the bank holiday weekend. Cricket and tennis are also going well, with the weather helping. With just two weeks now till half term, there is a lot going on for the boys. As ever, if you have any questions, please do email hesperushousestaff@pangbourne.com

    Tom Cheney

  • It has been a lovely two weeks at the College, and I think all the girls have enjoyed the nice weather so far this term. Well done to Year 10, who have now completed their assessments last week; I am sure they will be drawing targets to work upon in lessons going forward to challenge themselves. Year 9 students are very much preparing for their Llangorse trip the week after next; it is always a great experience for them to challenge themselves and step out of their comfort zones!

    The rowers have a busy schedule these coming weeks, having also raced over the bank holiday weekend. Cricket and tennis are also going well, with the weather proving very supportive.

    We recently enjoyed a wonderful Illawarra Dinner,  a wholesome evening that brought the house together and felt like a lovely moment to mark the year so far. With just two weeks now until half term, a lot is going on for the girls. As ever, if you have any questions, please do email illawarrahousestaff@pangbourne.com.

    Rosie Jewell

  • The exam season is upon us, and we wish the boys in Year 11, Lower Sixth & Upper Sixth the best of luck with these. The message is a simple one - get organised, get your head down and leave nothing to chance. I am sure that they will rise to the occasion.

    The glorious weather means that there is plenty going on at the College and in the Division. Our dinner is next weekend, and we look forward to hosting many parents at Goring & Streatley Golf Club for what is always a wonderful event. Year 9 are preparing to head off to Llangorse in a couple of weeks time and the usual efforts are being seen on the river, cricket pitches and tennis courts. The boys continue to impress and I am sure will carry on in this vein through to the end of the academic year.

    David Metcalfe

  • With the Bank Holiday Monday, these last few weeks have gone by quickly, and a few of the boys have already started their public exams. The Year 10 pupils have finished their assessment week and can now look forward to making the most of the rest of the term. Year 9 should be looking forward to Llangorse in a week’s time, and then before we know it, half term will be upon us.

    I wish all those competing in sports over the next few weeks in rowing, tennis and cricket all the best as competition heats up.

    Finally, it was lovely to see those that were able to come to the brewery last Friday. The weather was in our favour, and it was really nice to see everyone be able to ‘let their hair down’. Hopefully, we can organise another one before the end of the term.

    Steve Thompson

  • Last Friday was the St George dinner. I would like to thank all those who came along and made it such a special night. It was a lovely venue, good food and good company.

    We are well and truly in the thick of exam season now, with BTECs, A levels and GCSEs all starting. The girls are working hard, and I am proud of them. The year 10s are starting to get their exam results back. They coped well with their exam week, and I am pleased they displayed such a positive attitude.

    It has been nice to have had such lovely weather, and the girls have been enjoying the beautiful grounds. Sport is in full swing again this weekend with girls involved in a raft of fixtures including rowing, tennis and cricket. I wish them all much success this weekend.

    Year 9 are almost ready for their Llangorse week and are starting to talk about what they will pack.

    As always, if you have any questions, please email stgeorgehousestaff@pangbourne.com

    Jenny Jones

DIVISIONAL UPDATES

SPORT

CELEBRATING MIA AND COACH GEORGIA’S ENGLAND HOCKEY PREMIER LEAGUE VICTORY

We are thrilled to congratulate current Upper Sixth student Mia and her Hockey Coach Georgia on their incredible achievement in winning the England Hockey Premier League with Reading Hockey Club. This victory is not only a testament to their skill and determination but also a reflection of the values we uphold at Pangbourne — hard work, resilience, and teamwork. It’s a proud moment for our community, and we are so pleased to see their dedication on and off the field recognised at the highest level. Well done Mia and Georgia!

OWEN’S U15s CUP VICTORY WITH BRISTOL ROVERS

Our Year 10 Owen has recently demonstrated exceptional skill by winning the U15s Development Cup with his Bristol Rovers Academy team, held at the renowned Mem Stadium last week. This achievement is not only a proud moment for Owen but also a significant milestone in his sporting journey.

Owen’s accomplishments reflect his hard work and talent in football, and we couldn't be more proud of his efforts. As he continues to pursue his dreams in this competitive field, we look forward to supporting him in future challenges and celebrations.

OLI RECIEVES BURSARY OFFER TO JOIN THE TRAILFINDERS RUGBY ACADEMY AT BRUNEL UNIVERSITY

Congratulations to Upper Sixth student, Oli who has accepted a place to join the Trailfinders Rugby Academy at Brunel University in London.

Oli has worked extremely hard for this opportunity, attending several Ealing Trailfinders Elite Pathway training sessions. We look forward to following Oli’s rugby career at Brunel, starting in September.