Friday 16 January 2026

Notices (Please click on the + sign to expand for full information)

All Pupils & Parents: Years 7- Upper Sixth

  • The 1st XV Rugby team are playing Newbury RFC this evening, 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

  • The fourth College Service and Parade will be taking place this 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 can 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:  Pupils should arrive at College already dressed in their No. 1 uniform.

    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. Our Guest of Honour and Inspecting Officer will be Colonel Rupert Read.

    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

  • 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 on Thursday 5 March at 18:00. 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

  • Royal Berkshire Fire Authority (RBFA) have asked us to kindly share this information with any parents who live locally:

    RBFA would like to invite residents of Royal Berkshire to take part in Royal Berkshire Fire Authority’s Budget Consultation regarding Council Tax funding for the next financial year. The consultation will run 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, RBFA is proposing a small increase to the Council Tax for 2026/27 and would like to welcome as many residents as possible to take part in the consultation by completing this online survey.

All Parents:

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  • The Survivor Challenge is an overnight survival experience designed to test the students’ skills and resilience learned across the year. Tasks will range from camp selection and building, team and resource management as well as camp administration to include fire lighting and food preparation.

    The Challenge is planned for Friday 20 March 15:40 (after lessons). It will end the following morning for a 09:30 collection.

    There is a small cost for this event and numbers will be limited. Please see here for more information and to register your child.

    Mr David Mathews, Staff School Instructor & Head of Adventure

  • After a very busy first week back, we have now settled into the Lent Term routine. The weather is currently fluctuating between cold and dry or mild and wet, and I can’t yet decide which combination I prefer…

    On the subject of the weather - and this is particularly relevant to the boys this term - it is very important that all pupils bring in sufficient clothing to keep warm during sport and outdoor sessions. When the weather is wet and muddy, all pupils must have something to change into after sport, and whilst we do have showers and changing facilities, pupils will need towels and toiletries please if they wish to use the showers. Changing into dry sports kit for the remainder of the morning or afternoon session is also fine, but there have been a number of occasions last week when children have decided to wear most, if not all of their available clothing to actually train in, leaving nothing dry to wear afterwards. We have a small amount of spare kit available to loan out in an emergency, and if you could ensure that all clothes are fully labelled it would greatly assist in reuniting children with their clothing.

    I will also take this opportunity to clarify arrangements on a Wednesday afternoon, as this is more variable than other days, and can cause confusion. Wednesday is Dunbar’s Sports Fixtures day, and most Wednesdays the pupils will have either a Home or Away fixture against another school. All parents are welcome to come to any fixture, and children can be taken straight home from the fixture if that suits, or picked up from Dunbar when they return. Approximate timings for all fixtures are available on SOCS (the fixture calendar system we use) in MySchoolPortal, along with team selections and venues etc. but where no fixture is scheduled we have agreed that training will take place from 14:00 - 15:30, after which all pupils may be collected. We run an extended Prep session in the Library from 16:00 - 17:15, so ideally children should be picked up either before or after this session, although it is possible to contact the member of staff on duty during this time to arrange for any pupil to return to Dunbar.

    As always you are most welcome to contact me via email on dunbar@pangbourne.com or on the duty mobile number which is 07887 473903.

    With very best wishes,

    Dr Ian Hart, Head of Junior House

  • I would like to formally invite all Dunbar parents to join us for the Dunbar Family Quiz on Friday 6 February. The doors open at 19:00 and we will aim to start at around 19:30. There will be a number of rounds of questions, you can pre order cheeseboards via the google form below, and a cash bar will be open all evening. The sign-up form is HERE and do bring along any other members of your family who enjoy a good quiz. Grandads, aunties and siblings are most welcome.

    Dr Ian Hart, Head of Junior House

  • An upcoming significant social event this term is the Dunbar Inter-Watch Music evening. This is being organised and co-ordinated by the Music Department, and is scheduled on Thursday 26 February. It will take place in the Chapel, and there will be plenty of seats available, so no need to sign up for tickets - just come along on the night.

    The format will be that each Watch will present a group song involving the whole Watch, and there will be a solo vocal performance and a solo instrumental performance for each Watch as well. Since all the children are involved, we will arrange dinner for all Dunbar pupils, and you may meet them outside the Chapel beforehand, or afterwards if you are unable to attend. We aim to start at around 19:00, and the evening should last around an hour or so, but final timings will come out in due course.

    Dr Ian Hart, Head of Junior House

Year 7 - 8 (Dunbar)

  • Well done to Year 10 for conducting themselves calmly and sensibly throughout their assessments this week. They were rewarded with some Divisional downtime rather than clinics straight after their Maths exam finished and of course, some sweet treats to accompany this! 

    Marks will be released on Grade Card 4 on 23 January. There will be a parents' evening (face to face) the same day for you to discuss results with your child's teachers.

    Mrs Abbie Stephenson, Head of KS4

  • Following the Year 10 assessments this week, there will be a Parents' and Guardians' Meeting next Friday, 23 January to discuss the results and progress so far. Booking opens today, Friday 16 January at 18:00 on School Cloud and a user guide can be found here, should you need it. Most appointments start at 16:45 but some busier staff will start a bit earlier at 16:00. There are three matters affecting staff availability:

    • Dr Hennah teaches two Geography sets and a Science set and is therefore very busy. He should have enough appointments but will be able to arrange individual conversations at an alternative time if it is not possible to get a convenient appointment at the event. If your child is taught by Dr Hennah for both subjects, we would ask that you only book one appointment with him.

    • Dr Madagan (Chemistry) left the College shortly before Christmas. We have been interviewing replacements this week and hope to have an update soon. Classes that were taught by Dr Madagan will not have appointments for Chemistry at this meeting but we will arrange for parent conversations once the new teacher has been appointed.

    • Mr Heaven (DT) is unavailable next Friday and has already written to parents of his class about making alternative arrangements.

    The easiest way to access School Cloud is via the College Portal here, then click the 'Parent Evenings' tile on the dashboard. You should be automatically logged in. 

    The meetings will be taking place in classrooms throughout the Study Block. The best location for parking is the café car park and you can find the Study Block by walking down past the minibuses. Unfortunately, there are no parent or pupil toilets in the building and the best option for that are the public toilets at the end of Mess Hall. 

    Mr Mark Seccombe, Senior Deputy Head Academic

  • GCSEs are approaching fast, the focus in the year is good and everyone is working on their process goals so they are empowered to hit their performance goals. 

    They also had their first Unifrog session in tutor groups looking at MOOCS (please ask your child what these are!).  

    Mrs Abbie Stephenson, Head of KS4

  • This event is for all girls in Years 10 to Upper Sixth and it is highly recommended that everyone attends. The evening will be an inspiring and informative opportunity to meet and chat with a number of women from a wide-ranging selection of industries and vocations. Once confirmed, keep an eye on social media channels for biographies of some of our delegates.

    In the past, we have had women from the police, film and television, medicine, military, media and communications, hospitality, finance, law, both large and small business owners and many, many more. Very often, these amazing women - from across our Pangbourne community-  work in careers that you may never have heard of and their pathways there have rarely been linear! 

    Come along on Monday 26 January in Devitt to find out more. 18:45 - 20:45.

    Mrs Elly Hayward, Assistant Head Pupil Expertise

Year 9 - 11

Sixth Form

  • As part of the Geography A Level course we endeavour to take our students out on several days of field work over the two years.  For the Lower Sixth this will take the form of a one day field trip in London on the 26 February and a trip to the South Coast in Upper Sixth.

    The trip on the 26 February 2026 will take place during the school day with a departure time of 08:30. The day will provide case study evidence for the Settlement Dynamics section of the course and allow the students to encounter the changes taking place in inner city London that we have discussed in class. 

    From our parking spot at Barons Court we will travel by Underground to Westminster and on to the Thames River Services boat bound for Greenwich. From Greenwich we will take the DLR North through Canary Wharf and return to Barons Court via The City. At each stop the students will take part in activities that will better inform concepts from the course.

    The school will purchase TFL travel cards and boat tickets and a recharge of circa £30 will be made to the end of term bill. School packed lunches will be provided but there will also be an opportunity to visit a café or sandwich shop so they may wish to bring some money for that. 

    We will return for the end of the school day at 17:30. Students may wear home clothes and should ensure they are wearing sensible footwear and have a coat to hand if it is cold or wet.

    To confirm you are happy for your son / daughter to attend please could you respond via email to james.capel@pangbourne.com

    Please do not hesitate to contact me with any concerns.

    Mr James Capel, Head of Geography

  • Assessments have gone well this week and it has been nice to have had some reflective conversations with the students about lessons learnt and planning ahead for Summer trials. Results will be formally released on Monday 26 January and can be discussed at the parents meeting on Friday 13 February.

    Ms Indy Kaur, Head of Sixth Form

  • The UCAS equal consideration deadline was met on 14 January by all those who wanted to apply to university. We wish them all the best with their applications. They have been advised in General Studies this week about the next steps.

    Ms Indy Kaur, Head of Sixth Form

  • The next set of trials will be held after February half-term - the week commencing 23 February.

    Timetables will be issued nearer the time.  Academic clinics are in place and students have been encouraged to attend this term to support their revision.

    Ms Indy Kaur, Head of Sixth Form

  • This event is for all girls in Years 10 to Upper Sixth and it is highly recommended that everyone attends. The evening will be an inspiring and informative opportunity to meet and chat with a number of women from a wide-ranging selection of industries and vocations. Once confirmed, keep an eye on social media channels for biographies of some of our delegates.

    In the past, we have had women from the police, film and television, medicine, military, media and communications, hospitality, finance, law, both large and small business owners and many, many more. Very often, these amazing women - from across our Pangbourne community-  work in careers that you may never have heard of and their pathways there have rarely been linear! 

    Come along on Monday 26th January in Devitt to find out more. 18:45pm - 20:45.

    Mrs Elly Hayward, Assistant Head - Pupil Expertise

Sunday 18 January, 09:00 - 12:00
College Service & Parade
Chapel, Community

Sunday 18 January, 13:00 - 16:00
College Production Rehearsal - Full Cast
Drake Hall, Drama

Monday 19 January, All Day
Art Trip to Tate Modern
Year 10 - Upper Sixth, Art, Trips

Tuesday 20 January, All Day
BTEC Design Trip
London Design Museum & Natural History Museum, Trip

Tuesday 20 January, 16:40 - 17:10
Senior Divisional Quiz - Semi-Final 1
Chapel, Co-Curricular

Wednesday 21 January, 17:45 - 18:30
Introduction to Rowing Talk for Year 9 parents
NHRH, Year 9, Rowing, Parents

Friday 23 January, 08:50 - 10:45
Head’s Introduction to Pangbourne
The Hudson Room, Admissions, Prospective Families

Friday 23 January, 16:30 - 20:00
Year 10 Parents’ & Guardians’ Meeting
Study Block, Year 10, Academic

UPCOMING EVENTS

School Calendar
Term dates and College parades

COLLEGE NEWS THIS WEEK

Epiphany Carol Service

On Friday 9 January, the whole College gathered in the Chapel for an Epiphany Carol Service. Beginning with the well-known passage from St John’s Gospel describing ‘the Word made flesh’, the service traced the next part of the Christmas story: from the visit of the Magi to a forward-looking reflection on Candlemas and the presentation of Christ in the Temple. The College Choir and Pangbourne Choristers led the sung parts of the service, enriching the liturgy with beautiful music by Philip Ledger, Sarah Quartel and Oliver Tarney. You can watch the recording of the service via our YouTube channel here.

Mr Don Gillthorpe, Director of Music

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SPORT

Equestrian Team Success at BCA

The equestrian team braved the cold and achieved some good results including a win for Team Captain Olivia at the Showjumping competition at BCA on Saturday 10 January. Pip delivered two super double clears in both the 70cm and 80cm Showjumping classes placing 8th and 9th respectively. A solid start for this new partnership. Izzy also delivered two impressive double clears in the 70cm and 80cm with some competitive jump off turns to take 4th and 5th respectively, securing them a place at the Regional Points League Finals at Hickstead in August. Connie riding a fairly new horse put in a good performance, a double clear that placed them 5th in the 1m Showjumping class. Stepping up for the first time, Connie jumped a fluid round in the 1.10m to place 3rd. Olivia rode a great, competitive round in the 1m to take 2nd place, having narrowly missed out on the win, Olivia took it up a notch with some fantastic, competitive riding to take a convincing win in the 1.10m. Well done to all of our riders who competed. The team will now turn their hooves to the County Dressage Qualifiers in February. 

Ms Stacey Donnison, Director of Riding

U18A Football vs Radley College

The 1st XI undertook their first competitive game of the season away to Radley College last Saturday. After a very strong start which included dominating possession and creating two key opportunities, we failed to clear two long balls and unfortunately fell 2-0 down. The team responded in excellent fashion and converted a brilliant transition to put ourselves back in the game. Despite continuing to dominate possession we failed to deal with another long ball and fell 3-1 down heading into the break. 

A strong second half performance created many goal scoring opportunities which we were unable to take and with seconds to go and pushing to get back into the game, we conceded a final goal as the game finished 4-1. Overall a strong performance with aspects we can improve and take into the next game against Shiplake tomorrow.

Mr James Purdue, Head of Football


U18B Football vs Radley College

The final score of 4-1 flattered Radley, 4-3 or 4-4 would have been a much better reflection of the game and how we played. Going 1-0 down after 90 seconds is never a good start for the away team, our heads did not drop but we took some time to get going. On the whole we actually played better football, there was much more link up play and our counter breaks were very good. We need a little more composure 1 v 1 with the keeper in front of the goal but we created the chances which is important. Nabil slotted our penalty to equalise following a really good run from Alexei, there were some really good, well timed through balls played which gave us many chances. Lewis looked assured in goal and cleared the ball very well. Looking forward to Shiplake on Saturday and converting our chances.

Mr Andy Sumner, Football Coach

U18C Football vs Radley College

The boys started the game well, competing hard. Ethan controlled the ball well in midfield, progressing the team up the pitch. We conceded twice, late in the first half to go in at the break 2-0 down. The team failed to get into the game in the 2nd half and a good Radley side put a few more passes to the keeper to come away deserved winners. A learning experience for the boys but things to build on.

Mr Frankie Rogan, Football Coach

U18D Football vs Radley College

In a contest defined by physical intensity, our boys delivered a performance of immense character against a seasoned and robust Radley side losing the day 0-7. For the majority of the encounter, the team stood their ground with a display of pure "grit and steel," refusing to be overawed by their older opponents.

While Radley were able to capitalise on a number of organisational lapses to find the back of the net, they were never able to break the collective spirit of the squad. The standout takeaway was the unwavering teamwork that remained intact until the final whistle. Will was the heartbeat of the side, pulling the strings in midfield and serving as the primary architect of our attacking transitions. At the back, Archie put in a monumental shift, reading the game with maturity and physical presence, while Beau earned a well deserved special mention for a series of acrobatic and defiant saves.

Mr Joe Mills, Director of Sport


U15A Football vs Radley College

The Pangbourne boys showed great determination and controlled long periods of the game with fantastic possession, creating numerous high-quality chances. While Radley were clinical and took their chances to finish 2-0, the team should be incredibly proud of how they worked together and refused to give up. Max and Archie were both standout performers, remaining composed on the ball and working tirelessly for a side that fought until the very end.

Mr Ben Sainsbury, Football Coach

Girls’ Football Training

On Saturday the U14s, U15s and senior girls didn't have a fixture and instead, they all had training at the College which consisted of half the session being based indoors playing roll on roll off 5 aside games. Fast paced action and lots of time on the ball. The other half of the session was spent in the classroom to go over the College's approach to Football, the in-game tactics we will be deploying and more about what is required of them in their respective positions.

On Thursday, our 1st team girls received their new match shirts. We are looking forward to wearing them at our first match this Saturday.

Mr Frankie Rogan, Football Coach

Saturday Rowing Training

On Saturday we had very good attendance across all year groups and the new training facility and the gym were put to good use. The senior athletes (Years 11 to Upper Sixth) did 4x8 minutes of threshold work and weights. The J15s did an hour of CV work and conditioning and the J14s were introduced to the kit and handling equipment at the river.

Mr Ed Green, Director of Rowing

SPORTS CALENDAR
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BOARDING UPDATES

Port Jackson

Welcome back to Port Jackson Boarding House — and welcome to Lent Term 2026!

While the house was wonderfully quiet and peaceful over Christmas and New Year, it’s safe to say it hasn’t stayed that way for long. It’s been brilliant to have all the boys back again, bringing the energy, excitement — and just the right amount of chaos — that makes Port Jackson feel truly alive.

In consultation with our year group reps, we’ve been listening carefully to their requests (some rather extravagant!), and plans are already being made to accommodate their wishes and enhance the boarding experience this term. Watch this space…

Here’s to a happy, busy, and memorable term ahead!

Paul Radford, Head of Port Jackson

St George

We have loved welcoming back the girls into St George and hearing all about their time over the Christmas break; it is lovely to have a buzz in the house again! Since returning, many of our boarders have been under the stress of exam pressure and we have been most impressed with how they have handled this, and the work ethic they have shown during prep sessions. In their downtime, the girls have enjoyed a pamper evening, baking, a game of 'Traitors', and have been making the most of our new darts board, basketball hoop and ping pong table. On a Monday evening, we are now offering the girls a chance to take part in a yoga session which is run by international hockey player, Grace Balsdon - this has been a real hit and there are a few spaces left to sign up to!

With best wishes,

Shannon Flynn, Head of St George

Adelaide

It has been a relatively quiet couple of weeks in Adelaide as the boys have got back into the swing of things following the Christmas holiday - in particular, adjusting to the early morning wake-up has been a challenge for some! 

The boys have been working studiously, as some sixth formers complete BTEC examinations, whilst year 10 and Lower Sixth have been working through their internal assessments. Of an evening, many have been filling the common room to watch The Traitors and play table tennis or pool in order to relax after a tiring day. There has been much excitement at the arrival of new pots and pans, as well as a brand new dual-basket, XXL air-fryer in the House. Consequently, many of the boys have been turning their hands to more complex cheffery, with all kinds of unusual concoctions emerging from the galley.

On Wednesday, several boys took the opportunity to go down to Pangbourne village to collect supplies and have a coffee/frappé from Costa. This followed on from a trip to Calcot retail park last Sunday to the large Sainsbury's, Boots and B&M.

Best Wishes,

Olly Metcalfe, Head of Adelaide

Boarding House contact details

Each boarding house has a Head of House in charge who is ably assisted by their Deputy Head of House. They are the first point of contact if you have any problems, concerns or worries, and act as your in-college ‘parent’. As a reminder, please see below the conact details for our boarding staff:

St George (Girls’ Boarding) 

Head of House: Shannon Flynn 

Mobile: 07887 473891

Deputy Head of House: Jackie Turner

Mobile: 07860 953538

Email: stgeorge@pangbourne.com

Tel: 0118 976 7755

Port Jackson (Boys’ Boarding) 

Head of House: Paul Radford 

Mobile: 07711 593470 

Deputy Head of House: Maddie White

Mobile: 07706 314002

Email: portjackson@pangbourne.com

Tel:  0118 976 7458


Adelaide (Boys’ Boarding) 

Head of House: Oliver Metcalfe

Mobile: 07706 314008

Deputy Head of House: Edward Williams

Mobile: 07887 473890

Email: adelaide@pangbourne.com

Tel: 0118 976 6689

DIVISIONAL UPDATES

The next Divisional update will be on Friday 23 January.