Friday 15 May 2026
Academic Rigour
We are now well and truly in exam season and we have been very impressed with the way our Year 11 and Upper Sixth have confronted these high pressure situations. All other year groups are starting the final run-in to their end of year exams. Old hands will have noticed that we have moved the dates of some of these internal exams, which we believe enables the exams to be more representative of the course studied to date and thus provide better information to students and teachers about the current picture and next steps. A reminder of the summer exam details:
Year 7 and 8. Exams commence on 1/6/26. The exam schedule can be found here. The revision suggestions for Year 7 can be found here. The revision suggestions for Year 8 can be found here.
Year 9 exams. Exams commence on 8/6/26. The exam schedule can be found here. The revision suggestions can be found here.
Year 10 exams. Exams commence on 15/6/26. The exam schedule will be released in next weeks newsletter. The revision suggestions can be found here.
Lower Sixth exams. Exams commence on 15/6/26. The exam schedule can be found here. The revision suggestions can be found here.
We held a great Sixth Form open event on Thursday evening for September 2027 entry. It was fantastic to see so many students and parents engaged in deep conversation with their teachers about course choice and to hear from Mrs Stephenson and Ms Kaur about the programmes on offer. We have spent a great deal of time looking at the best bets around the future of graduate recruitment and what we can do to provide the very best insurance policy for you.
Adventure
There is a lot going on both for this academic year and with regard to future planning around our adventure curriculum. Year 9 are in their final preparations for Llangorse next week and I am looking forward to joining them for a few days. This is a big part of the Year 9 calendar and requires a lot of staff time both before and during the week. The week away historically conflicts with the National Schools Regatta (NSR) and proves a logistical challenge. It also comes just before the Year 9 end of year exams. We are deconflicting this from next year and moving the Year 9 residential in order that it is not in conflict with NSR and the Year 9 exams. It has taken us a year to do this due to booking confirmations.
Community
Some parents may be aware of a potential Meningitis concern around the Henley and Reading area. The current medical advice is for us to not make any changes to our current planning but to remind all members of the community about the signs and symptoms and what to do if you suspect Meningitis. Please use this link and this link should you want to know more about Meningitis signs and symptoms and what to do if you are concerned.
Planning is already underway for our 2nd annual Pangbourne Proms. The evening will take place on Devitt Lawn on Friday 19 June. There is no better way to welcome in the weekend then relaxing in the sunshine with a glass of something cold, enjoying the talent of the College musicians. Ticket info can be found in the notice below.
Leadership
It was great to hear from Phoebe, Amelia and Isaac at the Sixth Form open evening on Thursday. Standing up and talking in front of a crowd of strangers all staring at you is daunting. It is also part of developing as a leader and I was incredibly impressed with all of them for their composure and clear articulation.
Best wishes,
Oliver Knight
Head’s Weekly Update
All Pupils & Parents: Years 7- Upper Sixth
Notices (Please click on the + sign to expand for full information)
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The hugely successful Pangbourne Classic Car Show is making its annual return on Saturday 30 May 2026 10:00 - 16:00.
Hosting a spectacular array of vintage, classic and rare vehicles, the event is open to the whole community to enjoy. The event is raising funds for the Footsteps Foundation, (which supports children with neurological issues) and the Pangbourne College Community Fund (support local educational and community projects as well as our partnership with the Nabugabo Community Learning Centre in Uganda).
The event is sponsored by local businesses including DCL Lubricants, Howden Insurance, Kingdom Coffee, Mammoth, PR Motors, Sporting Bears and Waxxed Detailing.
For further information and to book your tickets, please click here.
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Join us on Friday 19 June 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 the beautiful North Wessex Downs National Landscape.
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. It promises to be a fabulous evening.
Tickets are £15 per adult (under 18s free). Doors open at 18:00 and performances start at 19:00. To purchase your tickets please click on the link here.
Mr Don Gillthorpe, Director of Music
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Please see the Library newsletter for the Summer Term here.
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The photographs taken in April are now available for you to view and purchase from Gillman and Soame. If you have registered on their portal, then you will be notified automatically. Alternatively, please log in to the College portal either directly and browsing for ‘My Children’ and ‘College Photographs’, or by using this link.
If you do have any queries, please contact Gillman & Soame directly via email, enquiries@gillmanandsoame.co.uk or by telephone 01869 328200.
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Pangbournian Benefits are offering a free summer sun care bundle. This bright little bundle is your effortless answer to summer skin care, from first rays to golden hour glow. This includes:
SPF30 5* UVA Face Sunscreen - RRP £8 Now FREE
Lightweight and fast-absorbing, this daily sunscreen shields skin from UVA and UVB rays without feeling greasy, leaving your complexion comfortable, calm and ready for sunshine.
After Sun Face Oil Bar - RRP £15 Now FREE
A deeply nourishing after-sun treat that melts into skin, helping to soothe, replenish and restore post-sun radiance with a comforting, naturally derived blend.
SPF Lip Conditioner - RRP £14 Now FREE
Soft, smooth lips all summer long. This protective lip conditioner hydrates while defending against sun damage, making it a pocket-sized essential for every sunny stroll.Follow the link here to access these offers!
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Bring your friends, family, or colleagues for an evening of fun, food and friendly competition at this adults only event.
Tables of up to 8 people or less – don’t have enough for a table - no worries! We’ll happily assign you to one on the night.
Tickets: £30 per person – includes all wines and cheese
Times: 19:00 - 22:30
All proceeds support:
Transforming Futures – Pangbourne’s initiative to provide life-changing bursaries for young people who might not otherwise benefit from a Pangbourne education. Your generosity helps us open doors, transform lives and build a stronger, more inclusive community.
Come together with fellow Pangbournians for a fun night in good company and help us to make a difference to young lives.
Book your ticket via the portal here.
Mrs Lucinda Grafton, Director of Development & Community
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Please see the Year 7 & 8 timetable for the exam week (Monday 1 - Friday 5 June) here. You can also see the the revision resources guide for Year 7 here and Year 8 here.
Subjects may also supply resources above and beyond that included in the guide, but this is an excellent starting point for revision. The pupils have been fully briefed this week on the assessments and have begun planning and timetabling their own revision time. There will be a further communication in the next newsletter concerning revision advice for the Half Term and the required equipment for the exam week.
Mr Anthony Hammond, Head of KS3
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Please see the letter here for more information.
Year 7 - 8 (Dunbar)
Year 9 - 11
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In a public announcement this week, Ofqual’s Chief Regulator Sir Ian Bauckham appealed directly to students not to take mobile phones or smart devices into exam halls.
Last summer, mobile phone and other smart device offences accounted for 2,225 cases (44.3% of all student malpractice), up from 2,140 cases (41.5%) in summer 2024.
Of those cases, 545 resulted in students being disqualified from some or all qualifications. Mobile phone and other smart device offences remain the most common category of student malpractice. -
The most recent grade cards for Year 10 and Lower Sixth came from the Pupil Progress system. We appreciate that there is a lot more information and terminology than in the previous grade cards. We hope that the information will be much more useful for identifying areas of strength and areas for development within subjects. I have created a video to explain what the different parts of the report mean and how you can interpret them. The video can be found here.
Mr Mark Seccombe, Senior Deputy Head (Academic)
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Please see the Year 9 timetable for the exam week Monday 8 June - Friday 12 June here. We have also included the revision resources guide here.
Subjects may also supply resources above and beyond that included in the guide, but this is an excellent starting point for revision. The pupils have been fully briefed this week on the assessments and have begun planning and timetabling their own revision time. There will be a further communication in the next newsletter concerning revision advice for the half term and the required equipment for the exam week.
Mr Anthony Hammond, Head of KS3
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Huge thanks to all of you who attended the Sixth Form Open Evening last night. The link to the Guide to Choosing Subjects at Sixth Form can be found here. The link to the recording will be shared next week. I hope you found the evening helpful. It is early days, but great to show our Year 10 at this point, the exciting times which lie ahead of them in our Sixth Form.
I have re-linked the exam information sheet here. The day by day timetable for Year 10 exams will be in the newsletter next week, but as the information sheet makes clear, students should expect examinations in every one of their subjects. Over the next week, they will formulate revision timetables for half term with their tutors. Please ask them to show this to you and ideally print them out and have them on the fridge. They have just completed a session with Mrs Hayward on revision skills this afternoon and should be fired up, raring to go and give it their all for their exams.
Mrs Abbie Stephenson, Head of KS4
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We have updated the student portal to resolve a minor administrative error regarding English Literature unit grades; please refresh your page to view the corrected results. While these marks are useful benchmarks, we encourage you to look to the Teacher Predicted Grade as the most authentic and holistic reflection of your child’s progress and potential.
It has been a pleasure to witness such impressive academic rigour this week as students navigate their coursework, and we are particularly heartened by the exceptional attendance at our lunchtime and after-school clinics - a testament to the dedication and scholarship of our pupils.
Mrs Sarah Kiernan-Webb, Head of English
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And we're off! Time has gone into a strange warp speed and most of Year 11 will be halfway through their GCSEs by the end of next week. Their behaviour in exams has been exemplary and everyone seems to be handling the pressure really well. If you are collecting your child early or bringing them in late, please do remember to let us know in advance and also remind your child to sign in or out. A lot of staff time this week has been spent chasing students who have left school without signing out.
Lessons and clinics continue as usual next week. I have relinked this sheet here which shows the breakdown of what is happening over the next 5 days, so you are all aware.
Next Friday afternoon, mindful of the formula of stress+rest=growth, all of Year 11 will come together to mark the start of study leave and also the halfway point of their GCSEs. They have organised a relaxed afternoon of inflatables, music, food, ice cream and games on Big Side from 13:30 and 16:30. Please see the invitation here and please also complete this brief google form here giving your consent for £25.50 to be added to the school bill to cover the costs of this. Last year, this worked brilliantly and it was a fantastic way to round off an intense Half Term.
Mrs Abbie Stephenson, Head of KS4
Sixth Form
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In a public announcement this week, Ofqual’s Chief Regulator Sir Ian Bauckham appealed directly to students not to take mobile phones or smart devices into exam halls.
Last summer, mobile phone and other smart device offences accounted for 2,225 cases (44.3% of all student malpractice), up from 2,140 cases (41.5%) in summer 2024.
Of those cases, 545 resulted in students being disqualified from some or all qualifications. Mobile phone and other smart device offences remain the most common category of student malpractice. -
The most recent grade cards for Year 10 and Lower Sixth came from the Pupil Progress system. We appreciate that there is a lot more information and terminology than in the previous grade cards. We hope that the information will be much more useful for identifying areas of strength and areas for development within subjects. I have created a video to explain what the different parts of the report mean and how you can interpret them. The video can be found here.
Mr Mark Seccombe, Senior Deputy Head (Academic)
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The focus for the Lower Sixth needs to be on preparation for their Trials with 15 College days to go. They need to access the advice and guidance provided by teachers. The exam timetable can be viewed here and the exam guidance can be viewed here.
Please note:
BTEC lessons will continue during the week and pupils will be expected unless they have an exam at the time.
All other activities (Sport, Activities, Assembly, Parade Practice, Congers, Music Ensembles) continue as normal, and pupils are expected to attend.
They will also be starting the UCAS process after half term so they are encouraged to continue doing research on universities and potential pathways alongside completing super-curricular activities like work experience, MOOCs and reading beyond the curriculum.
Ms Indy Kaur, Head of Sixth Form
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I have been really proud of how Upper Sixth have conducted themselves during exams and watching them support each other with revision in the Common Room and study spaces. With a few weeks still to go - they need to continue finding the balance between study and well earned rests so as to not burn out.
A reminder that AM exams start at 09.00 and PM exams at 13.30. Students are advised to give themselves enough time in the morning, especially if driving in themselves, to ensure that they are not late. If there are any problems on the day they need to contact myself and also email exams@pangbourne.com.
Pre-exam blasts will be taking place before exams - though optional - attendance is recommended for those last minute tips and words of wisdom from staff.
Ms Indy Kaur, Head of Sixth Form
Sunday 17 May, 09:00 - Friday 22 May,13:00
Llangorse Adventure Training Week
Year 9, Trip
Thursday 21 May, 19:00 - 20:00
Live Lounge Recital
Co-curricular, Music
Friday 22 May, 13:30-16:30
Year 11 Celebration Event
Year 11, Big Side
Friday 22 May, 16:45
End of Half Term
Year 9, Trip
UPCOMING EVENTS
COLLEGE NEWS THIS WEEK
Pangbourne Arts Concert
On Monday evening, we were treated to a stunning concert by Papagena Singers, built around song from their latest album, ‘Tomorrow is Today’. The five voices of Papagena blended beautifully in the Chapel acoustic, showcasing the ensemble’s remarkable versatility. The programme moved seamlessly from Renaissance and Baroque works to folk songs and a breathtaking arrangement of Kate Bush’s ‘This woman’s work.’ It was a memorable evening and a privilege to hear these expert singers bring such diverse and thoughtfully curated programme to life.
Mr Don Gillthorpe, Director of Music
Rock Climbing Trip
Last Friday and Saturday, 11 pupils went rock climbing in Limestone quarries near Brecon in South Wales, staying overnight in the local Youth Hostel. Our climbing instructor, Nathan Hill from LifeChangingActivities.com, took us to a stretching set of climbs in two different quarries. We had to work hard to get to the top but all achieved some success including holding our nerve to descend a long abseil.
Well done to Zac, Rohan, Robyn, Arthur, Henry, Seb, Rhys, Max, Andrea, Otto and Charlie for getting in some fantastic climbing.
Mr Fergus Yuille
Year 10 RS Trip to Oxford
The Year 10 RS class spent Tuesday in Oxford with Revd Jeffers and Dr Hennah. We enjoyed a tour of Christ Church, both the cathedral and the College (including the Harry Potter sites!) and in the afternoon we spent time with the imam at the mosque on Cowley Road. It was a useful exercise to visualise what we’ve learned about in Christianity and Islam.
The Reverend Neil Jeffers, Head of Religious Studies
Golf Fixture vs The Oratory
Well done to our golf team on Wednesday who showed great resilience in both rain and hail, with even some hints of thunder. A narrow 2-1 loss to the Oratory, but a triumph over the conditions. Victory for George G and Tom H, but narrow losses for Isaac H, Archie C, George W and Charlie G. The Caversham golf course provided a serious challenge in high winds with hailstones covering the greens!
Revd Neil Jeffers, Golf Coach
SPORT
Tennis Fixtures vs The Oratory
Last Saturday, Pangbourne went head-to-head with The Oratory in 15 mixed doubles matches. Our players did incredibly well winning 14 out of the 15 mixed doubles matches. It was a beautiful day on the grass courts. Looking forward to more fixtures to come.
Mr Frankie Rogan, Head of Tennis
U13A Cricket Match vs St Gabriel’s
Last Wednesday, our U13A team played against St Gabriel’s, unfortunately losing out to a strong bowling performance by the opposition. Pangbourne’s bowling performance was solid throughout the innings, keeping pressure on the opposition and limiting scoring opportunities. The fielding was a real highlight of the match, with a number of run outs and lots of run saving stops. Unfortunately, our batting wasn’t at its best on the day but we will continue to work on that next week.
Mr Callum Smith, Cricket coach
Bedford Regatta
PCBC took the Senior Boys’ squad to race over 1150m on the river Great Ouse. The J16 boys raced in the eight and lost by length to a strong Radley crew while the J18 boys raced in the coxed four and lost to half the Abingdon first eight.
The J16 boys then split into two coxed fours. The A four beat Bedford School and Great Marlow School to reach the final where the boys narrowly missed out on a win by less than a length by Abingdon School.
The activity at the Boat House on Saturday was productive. It felt good to have the J14s combined with the J15 group - this is not normally possible on the Saturday because of training times being 08:30-12:30 (J15) and 12:00-14:30 (J14). Seeing the immediate future of the club training together was a positive.
The training maturity of the groups has advanced. Both year groups managed three sessions, all of which were meaningful in the lead-up to the National Schools Regatta.
Mr Ed Green, Director of Rowing
U15/U17 District Athletics Event
Well done to those who attended and took part in our county athletics event at Palmer Park stadium. Noah competed up a year group, demonstrating a spirited 3rd place in the U15 1500m and 4th out of 15 in the U15 High Jump. Archie S competed in the 800m final, placing a very impressive 5th in the U17 category. Aaron C also had a great first run of the season, getting off the starting line with purpose and placing a respectable 9th in the U17 1500m final.
Congratulations to super woman Gracie C who not only won the U17 300m, but won with 50 metres of daylight between her and the nearest competitor clocking a time that puts her in the top tier nationally. Lastly, to Will P who entered the U17 Long Jump just to give it a go and emerged as the Long Jump champion by an impressive 30cm.
Many of our students have now made it to the next round. We will be announcing these next week.
Miss Izzy Peacock, Teacher of PE
100% Colour Run
Well done to all of our fabulous students who took part and contributed to the 100% Colour Run and charitable giving day. The results are in and we had some incredible finishing times for our top boy and girl in the junior section who ran 3.28km.
Junior race (3.28km)
Noah M: 11:54
Millie B: 15:35
In the Junior section the Divisions finished with the final scores:
1st: Aft 84 pts
2nd: Port 73 pts
3rd: Starboard 53 pts
4th: Forward 45 pts
Well done to Aft for winning the battle of Dunbar and huge congratulations to Dunbar as a whole for such incredible participation having 91% of Year 7/8 competing on the day.
Our Intermediate and Senior races, though scored separately, had their scores combined to give an overall Divisional winner. Our top boys and girls times for the Intermediate runners and senior races were:
Intermediate race (4.11km)
Gracie C: 18:20
Fynn M: 17:10
Senior race (4.73km)
Joe B: 21:30
Maisie S: 18:25
The combined scores for the Divisions were:
1st: Illawarra 226 pts
2nd: Harbinger 180 pts
3rd: Macquarie 158 pts
4th: Hesperus 155 pts
Congratulations to Illawarra who won the Points Trophy by displaying fantastic athletic performance and finishing with an incredible 13 out of the top 20 available sports for points in the Senior race. Notable mention to Harbinger who won the Participation Trophy for having the highest percentage of their Division active in the race with a fantastic 91% participation.
Thank you to all the teachers and support staff that made the day possible by giving their time to support our students. Also, thank you to all the parents who attended and supported the pupils in the spirit of the event.
Mr Joe Mills, Director of Sport
DIVISIONAL UPDATES
Divisional Dinners
Hesperus - Friday 5 June at Goring and Streatley Golf Club. Please book your tickets here.
Harbinger - Saturday 6 June at Goring and Streatley Golf Club. Please book your tickets here.
Illawarra - Friday 12 June at Goring and Streatley Golf Club. Please book your tickets here.
The next Divisional update will be Friday 22 May.
Adelaide
The past two weeks in Adelaide have been full on as exam season has officially began for our GCSE, BTEC and A Level students. The House has been busy with revision sessions, late-night prep and plenty of determination as students tackle the first round of papers.
Away from the classroom, Ulink students made the most of the Bank Holiday with trips to Chessington World of Adventures on Saturday, Imperial College, Hyde Park and The Natural History Museum on Sunday and Silchester Roman Town on Monday, followed by an action-packed day at Thorpe Park last weekend.
Meanwhile, Ed and Alex represented the school at the Bedford rowing regatta, with Alex and his crew rowing superbly to reach the final - a fantastic achievement.
With just one week to go until Half Term, excitement is building for the Year 9 trip to Llangorse. What more can a boy ask for than a week in the promised land. They will be joined midweek by our Ulink students for what promises to be another memorable experience.
When it comes, we wish you all a fantastic and relaxing Half Term break.
Mr Ed Williams, Head of Adelaide
Port Jackson
Over the past two weeks, Port Jackson has remained busy, positive and full of energy as we continue through an important period of the academic year. A huge amount of focus has been placed on Year 11 and Upper Sixth examination preparation, with students working incredibly hard during prep sessions and supporting one another throughout the process. The atmosphere in the House has been purposeful and encouraging, and it has been wonderful to see the determination and resilience shown by so many of the boys.
For some of our Upper Sixth students, examinations have now been completed and they have returned home for some well-earned rest before coming back for the final week of term and preparations for their last Founders’ Day Parade. As they begin to look ahead to the next exciting chapter beyond College life, we thank them for the enormous contribution they have made to Port Jackson during their time with us and wish them every success for the future.
Meanwhile, our Year 9 pupils are eagerly anticipating their residential trip to Llangorse next week in the beautiful Welsh countryside. Excitement levels are certainly building, and no doubt they will return tired but full of fantastic memories, new experiences and plenty of stories to share with the rest of the House.
Our Ulink pupils continue to thrive within the boarding community, building strong relationships in House and growing in confidence each week. They have also enjoyed a number of excursions in and around London, making the most of the opportunities available to them and experiencing life beyond the College.
Mr Paul Radford, Head of Port Jackson
St George
As we move through a busy and exciting Half Term, there has been a great atmosphere around the House. Our Year 11 and Upper Sixth students have continued to make St George proud during the ongoing examination season. It has been particularly pleasing to see the calm, focused approach many students have taken towards revision, alongside the supportive and collaborative spirit they have shown one another. We are incredibly proud of the effort, determination and positivity they continue to show, and we wish them every success as exams continue over the coming months.
This week has also seen plenty of fun and creativity across the College as we marked National Mental Health Week. The theme of “green” has been woven throughout many of our activities, helping to promote wellbeing, connection and time outdoors. Students thoroughly enjoyed spending time in the woodlands building dens, before relaxing with some fresh fruit in their creations.
Another highlight of the week was our very own Bake Off competition! Students impressed staff with a range of delicious dishes, which were judged on both presentation and taste. Bonus points were awarded to those who cleverly incorporated the colour green into their dishes, to mark National Mental Health week.
Looking ahead to the weekend, our full boarders will enjoy a trip to Bristol. During the visit, students will have the opportunity to see the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge, explore We The Curious and visit the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery. They will also be treated to lunch out during the day. We hope this trip will provide a well-deserved opportunity for our boarders to relax, explore and enjoy some time together after such a busy few weeks.
There is still plenty to look forward to next week before we break for Half Term. We are excited to celebrate a Lower Sixth birthday, and enjoy a karaoke night!
Finally, next Thursday we will end the Half Term with lots of games, prizes and activities planned, it will be a fantastic way to celebrate the end of a successful Half Term together. We hope all families enjoy a restful and enjoyable Half Term break when it arrives.
Mrs Shannon Flynn, Head of St George
BOARDING UPDATES
Boarding House Email Addresses
stgeorge@pangbourne.com
portjackson@pangbourne.com
adelaide@pangbourne.com