Friday 27 February 2026
Head’s Weekly Update
Best wishes,
Oliver Knight
Notices (Please click on the + sign to expand for full information)
All Pupils & Parents: Years 7- Upper Sixth
-
We are delighted to announce the first two concerts in our new Pangbourne Arts series, both taking place in the beautiful Falkland Islands Memorial Chapel. These events promise inspiring live music and we warmly encourage you to come along and support them.
The first concert takes place on Monday 2 March 2026 at 19:30 and is a lecture recital entitled The landscape of exile. This thought-provoking evening explores the experiences of composers who were forced to flee risk and persecution, and how exile shaped their music and creative lives. Through live performance and commentary, the recital brings together music, history, and personal stories in a way that is both moving and illuminating. The performers are Katy Thomson (soprano), Rustam Khanmurzin (piano), and Katy Hamilton (musicologist), whose combined expertise will offer the audience a rich and engaging introduction to the repertoire and its wider context.
The second concert, on Monday 11 May 2026 at 19:30, welcomes the acclaimed all-female vocal ensemble Papagena with their programme Tomorrow is today, drawn from their fourth album of the same name. The concert explores themes of beauty, love, and the passing of time, with music ranging from early composers such as Hildegard of Bingen and Claudio Monteverdi to modern and contemporary figures including Kate Bush, Caroline Shaw, and James MacMillan.
Tickets are now available to purchase online (reserved seating) and details can be found by visiting the music pages of the College website (www.pangbourne.com/music). Whilst these are public concerts, Pangbourne pupils and families can get half price tickets using the code PANGBOURNE50 at checkout. We hope many members of the Pangbourne community will be able to join us to help make these inaugural concerts a great success.
Mr Don Gillthorpe, Director of Music
-
The Art Department are looking for expressions of interest in a trip for Art, Photography or BTEC Art and Design to Venice in February next year.
If your son/daughter is a Year 10, 11 or Lower Sixth student and studying Art we would like to know if you are interested in joining us.
This would be an exciting opportunity for pupils to visit an iconic UNESCO world heritage site, as well as being a valuable cultural experience with the opportunity to create artwork whilst on the trip.
Currently this is just a feasibility study and costs and final itinerary will be decided once we know numbers. The expected dates fall during February Half Term: 10 - 15 February 2027.
Please complete this google form to express your interest.
Mr Tom Poynter, Assistant Head Co-Curricular
-
Dates TBC: Friday 11th/Saturday 12th December - Thursday 17th/Friday 18th December 2026
This year we are returning to Salzburger Sportwelt, Austria for our next ski trip.This has proven to be a popular location both with students and staff due to the excellent in country service, ski terrain variety, evening activity options and snow quality - hence our return. To remind you (or introduce you to), the Salzburger Sportwelt ranges from the town of Radstadt to the village of Filzmoos situated at an altitude of 1,075m at the foot of the Dachstein. In winter the resorts (Flachau, Wagrain-Kleinarl, St.Johann, Radstadt, Altenmarkt-Zauchensee, Bischofshofen and Filzmoos) make up the centrepiece of Austria's largest ski area - the Ski Amadé. We will be staying in a hotel in one of the named resorts which has a short bus ride or walk to skiing and the main telecabine.
If your child is interested in attending please fill out this google form here. Places tend to fill up very fast and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Mr Paul Radford, Head of Port Jackson
-
We have a lot of fixtures in the week following half term. If there are planned absences, please can these be sent through today (Friday 13 February) via the absence request form in My School Portal (From the menu, select My Children and then Pupil Absence from School Request) and also an email to Mr Joe Mills, Director of Sport (joe.mills@pangbourne.com). Up to date teams sheets and fixture details are always available here.
-
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.
-
The much anticipated Pangbournian Community Quiz is back on 20 March at 19:30 in Mess Hall.
With Quizmaster Don Gilthorpe at the helm, it promises to be a fantastic night in aid of two great causes: Transforming Futures, the College's programme providing life-changing Sixth Form bursaries for young people who might not otherwise benefit from a Pangbourne education, and the College's partnership with the Nabugabo Community Learning Centre in Uganda.
Book your tickets here.
Mrs Lucinda Grafton, Director of Development
-
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 16:35 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 will 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.
-
To celebrate World Book Day, pupils in years 7, 8 and 9 are invited to take part in a dress-up day on Thursday 5 March.
Students may come dressed as:
a book character (e.g. Harry Potter, Matilda, Katniss Everdeen), or
a book genre (e.g. fantasy, mystery, science fiction or horror).
Costumes do not need to be elaborate – simple, low-cost ideas using everyday clothing are absolutely fine. Please ensure that all outfits are appropriate for a school setting and suitable for a normal school day.
We’re looking forward to seeing students celebrate their love of reading and creativity!
Mrs Vanessa Saunders, Head of Digital Resources/ Librarian
Year 7 - 8 (Dunbar)
-
Dear Parents,
Wednesday 4 March will be the second Year 9 parents’/guardains’ meeting of the year. It takes place between 16:45-19:30 and the online booking system opens at 18:00 tonight (Friday 27 February). This parents’/guardians’ meeting follows a similar format to the first meeting, but the timing of the evening comes shortly before the final options deadline of Friday 13 March. Please note that the parents evening takes place in Drake Hall.
It is an ideal opportunity for you as parents to:
Receive an update on your child's progress to date in their subjects
To find out about their suitability to the demands of the GCSE course in options subjects
A chance to ask any questions about GCSE courses and the Year 9 curriculum
I will be publishing the final options form to pupils on Monday 9 March, this is something they will be given time to complete independently in their tutor groups. After this, there is a process of us reviewing the demand for each subject and ensuring we can accommodate as many combinations as possible. The pupils are also asked to nominate a 'reserve' subject, as on rare occasions, the subject combination does not fit within the timetable constraints found in all schools. We will be writing to you as parents to confirm your child's final GCSE options choices as well.
Just a reminder that parents should only book appointments in the following subjects if they feel that it is a realistic GCSE option for their child:
Art (Miss Green)
Drama (Ms Nathan)
RS (Rev Jeffers)
PE (Mr Rogan/Mr Mills)
I look forward to seeing many of you at the parents evening next week.
Mr Anthony Hammond, Head of KS3
-
To celebrate World Book Day, pupils in years 7, 8 and 9 are invited to take part in a dress-up day on Thursday 5 March.
Students may come dressed as:
a book character (e.g. Harry Potter, Matilda, Katniss Everdeen), or
a book genre (e.g. fantasy, mystery, science fiction or horror).
Costumes do not need to be elaborate – simple, low-cost ideas using everyday clothing are absolutely fine. Please ensure that all outfits are appropriate for a school setting and suitable for a normal school day.
We’re looking forward to seeing students celebrate their love of reading and creativity!
Mrs Vanessa Saunders, Head of Digital Resources/ Librarian
-
As we approach the Duke of Edinburgh expedition season, all Silver and Gold participants have been asked to review their expedition kit to ensure it meets the award requirements. We kindly ask parents to check the kit list shared with participants via Google Classroom and to familiarise themselves with the expedition dates.
Gold participants are also busy completing their expedition paperwork in teams, with important deadlines coming up soon. We would appreciate it if parents could check in with their children about their team’s progress and encourage them to complete any outstanding sections.Mr Crossley and Mr Quinlan are more than happy to field any questions if emailed.
Mr Andy Crossley: andy.crossley@pangbourne.com
Mr Danny Quinlan: danny.quinlan@pangbourne.com
Year 9 - 11
Sixth Form
-
Trials will commence on Monday 23 February for the Upper Sixth. There will be no A Level lessons that week as students will be revising in College, as they will have access to teacher support, or be in their Trials. BTEC lessons continue as normal. Co-curricular activities will be running as per the timetable.
Students have had reminders on the importance of tracking and planning their revision over the half term break.
Please see the Trials timetable here.
Ms Indy Kaur, Head of Sixth Form
-
Initial entries have been made for this summer's exams. You can view your child's entries through the College portal here. They can be found within the 'My Child' section by clicking on 'Exam Timetable'. Please note that the paper name is how it is referred to by the exam board and some are more obvious than others! If your child is in any doubt about the nature of the paper, they should ask the relevant teacher.
The overview of all the summer term examinations, including those which are scheduled in advance such as the Art and Photography exams and MFL oral exams can be found within the 'Academic - Exams' section of the College Documents. A link to this overview is also at the top of the individual entries page.
Please do not worry if there are any clashes, it is a common occurrence and the exams team will be in contact to let you know how the clash will be resolved.
Mr Mark Seccombe, Senior Deputy Head
-
All Upper Sixth parents and guardians should have received a personal invitation from the Head, by email last week, to join him at this celebratory event on Saturday 7 March from 08:30-09:30.
If you would like to attend, please RSVP using the Google Form attached in the email by Monday 23 February.
If you have any queries about this event or didn't receive the original email, please contact Amanda James, EA to the Head, via amanda.james@pangbourne.com.Mr Knight looks forward to seeing you there.
-
In assembly on Monday, Mr Poynter fired the starting gun on an exciting new flagship event: the Three Rivers Challenge. Taking place during the penultimate week of June, this annual inter-divisional adventure race will see an elite group of Sixth Form students push their limits across three days, three disciplines and 60 kilometres. Designed to test strength, teamwork, resilience and leadership, the Challenge promises to be a highlight of the College’s adventure calendar.
Students were invited to form Divisional teams under the leadership of their CCCs with the aim of competing in an extreme triathlon inspired by our local rivers: a 16.5 km run along the River Kennet, a 26.5 km yomp beside the River Pang, and a 17 km canoe race on the River Thames supported by Adventure Dolphin.
We look forward to updating you as the teams take shape and the preparation progresses.
Mr Tom Poynter, Assistant Head Co-Curricular -
With a focus on helping our students prepare for life beyond Pangbourne, our new enrichment activities have got off to a strong start this term with the introduction of the Emergency First Aid at Work course for Lower Sixth students. The course has proved extremely popular and was oversubscribed, with 12 students successfully enrolled. Due to high demand, we aim to run additional courses in the Summer Term and again in the Michaelmas Term.
After half term, Self-Defence classes will begin, also for the Lower Sixth. Delivered by a qualified Martial Arts Master, these sessions will support students in developing greater awareness, confidence, and personal safety skills.
Mr Tom Poynter, Assistant Head Co-Curricular
-
A number of opportunities have been shared with the Lower Sixth on Google Classroom. These include:
Oxbridge essay competitions (History, Law and Humanities)
A Physics Webinar Series at Lancaster University
Insight into Aerospace Engineering at the University of Liverpool (course fee payable)
Insight into Maths at Lancaster University (course fee payable)
Insight into Mechanical Engineering at University College London (course fee payable)
PWC Virtual Insight Programme - apply online
Cap Gemini In Person Work Experience - apply online
Savills Apprenticeship Virtual Insight Programme - apply online
Schroders Work Experience Insight Day - apply online
Ms Indy Kaur, Head of Sixth Form
-
As we approach the Duke of Edinburgh expedition season, all Silver and Gold participants have been asked to review their expedition kit to ensure it meets the award requirements. We kindly ask parents to check the kit list shared with participants via Google Classroom and to familiarise themselves with the expedition dates.
Gold participants are also busy completing their expedition paperwork in teams, with important deadlines coming up soon. We would appreciate it if parents could check in with their children about their team’s progress and encourage them to complete any outstanding sections.Mr Crossley and Mr Quinlan are more than happy to field any questions if emailed.
Mr Andy Crossley: andy.crossley@pangbourne.com
Mr Danny Quinlan: danny.quinlan@pangbourne.com
Friday 27 February, 17:45-19:00
An Evening with Record-Breaking Ocean Rower, Jess Rowe
Chapel, Community, Rowing
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, 16:35-18:30
Year 9 Parents’ & Guardians’ Meeting
Drake Hall, Year 9, Parents’/Guardians’, Academic
Wednesday 4 March, 17:30 - Thursday 5 March, 17:15
CCF Overnight 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, 09:00-12:00
Fifth College Parade of the Year
Chapel, Parade Ground
UPCOMING EVENTS
COLLEGE NEWS THIS WEEK
Dunbar Inter-Watch Music Competition
Mr Don Gillthorpe, Director of Music
SPORT
DIVISIONAL UPDATES
Harbinger
This week has been an incredibly busy and productive one in Harbinger. Our Year 11 and 13 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. Much of Harbinger has 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 Jourdain, Chief Cadet Captain of Harbinger
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 Tournament and the Boys XI facing St Edwards. 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 for the following weeks is preparing for our first Parade Saturday next week, 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 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