Friday 16 October 2026
Head’s Update
Best wishes,
Oliver Knight
Notices (Please click on the + sign to expand for full information)
All Pupils & Parents: Years 7- Upper Sixth
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The countdown is officially on! Join us on Saturday 7 November from 10:00 for the new look Christmas Market.
It’s back and better than ever, featuring even more festive stalls packed with unique gifts, handcrafted crafts and seasonal treats. It’s the perfect opportunity to kick off your Christmas shopping early and soak up that wonderful holiday atmosphere.
Mark your calendars, save the date in your diary and get ready to get into the festive spirit!
Lucinda Grafton - Director of Development & Community
All Parents:
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We would like to ask parents/guardians to kindly spend a few minutes completing the short survey here.
As we plan any refinements and future steps in the development plans for the College across a number of different aspects of College life, parental input is valuable.
If you could please complete the survey before Saturday 31 October it would be much appreciated.
Thank you in advance for your feedback.
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Mrs Abbie Stephenson - Head of KS4
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The Parent Ambassador Team is excited to share the upcoming dates for our Wreath Making Workshops. Run by a professional wreath maker and former Pangbourne parent, you will be provided with all the materials and guidance you need to go home with a beautiful traditional wreath whilst also supporting the College's Transforming Futures programme. Refreshments included.
The events will be on Tuesday 8 December (evening) and Wednesday 9 December (morning) in the College Cricket Pavillion.
Book your tickets below:
Mrs Fraza-Jane Robins - Year 7 Parent Ambassador
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Join us for the Pangbourne College 110th Anniversary Community Ball on Saturday 5 June 2027 - a landmark celebration bringing together our vibrant College community. Enjoy an unforgettable evening of drinks, dinner and dancing while helping us raise vital funds for the Transforming Futures Bursary Programme and the Pangbourne Community Fund, creating life-changing opportunities for young people.
Get your tickets here.
Mrs Lucinda Grafton - Director of Development & Community
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Visit our Pangbournian Benefits page for more details.
Mrs Lucinda Grafton, Director of Development and Community
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It was a real pity that the weather chose this week’s Dunbar fixtures to finally turn cold and wet. I managed to spend a little time on Wednesday afternoon watching both the girls’ hockey tournament and the boys’ football fixtures, and it is always a source of pride and excitement to see them represent the College and to witness the enormous benefits being a member of a team brings. The girls battled resolutely throughout, and the signs of improvement are showing throughout the team, as many of the girls start their hockey journey. The boys’ B team had a comfortable win, and scored a hatful of goals, whilst the A team boys slipped to an agonisingly close defeat in a thrilling and goal-laden match.
Looking ahead to next week, I hope to have the opportunity to meet the majority of the Dunbar parents at some stage during the Parents’ Meeting on Tuesday. Appointment slots can be booked with subject teachers and the Academic Tutor, and if you wish to speak with me then just grab me with a cup of tea in between appointments, as I will be there all evening, starting as soon as I can join you all in Drake from Dunbar.
I am also very excited to host the Dunbar Parents’ Dinner this evening at the Goring & Streatley Golf Club. The menu looks fabulous, the speech is fully buffed and polished and the bar will be fully stocked. I am sure it will be a great evening.
We have a College Parade on Saturday, and as always Dunbar parents are most welcome to join us, and if your children will be coming along, all we ask is that they are in their No. 2 uniform please.
Have a lovely weekend when it arrives, and best wishes from me.
Dr Ian Hart - Head of Junior House (Dunbar)
Year 7 - 9
Year 10 - 11
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I took advantage of the rain on Wednesday morning to have a whole Year 10 assembly. This was a great opportunity to speak to all of Year 10 about how they’re finding things so far this year. I explained that in many courses they may have already covered about a sixth of the content, or near to it!
They are a great year group and I think it was really helpful to go through some of the expectations around behaviour with them. I explained quite clearly to them why, for example, they need to be in lessons on time and our expectations of how they behave in them. The Head would say the classroom is a 'sacred space' for learning; Year 10 seem keen to buy into this idea. We also discussed prep and workload. I have reiterated to staff off the back of this assembly how vital it is that they adhere to the prep timetable which was issued at the start of this year.
Please do remember the revision webinar with Ms Dodson and I next Wednesday evening 14 October. We are trying a later time of 20:00 in the hope this clashes less with bus pick ups etc. We shall talk through the key revision strategies and the science behind them. You can join the webinar here.
Mrs Abbie Stephenson - Head of KS4
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I hope Year 11 have had a great day at the Taster Day today. They have engaged with the entire day really positively and have been exemplary students. Those who have been buddies to students visiting from other schools to sample life in our Sixth Form have done an excellent job. Conversations with senior staff and tutors will continue over the next half term and beyond - please do have these at home as well. Ultimately, we will need your child's final choices by Tuesday 16 March. After this date, students will still be able to change their choices, but they will need to fit within the subject blocks which will have been created.
On Wednesday, I took advantage of the rain first thing in the morning to have a whole year group assembly (usually it's Parade practice). I spoke about revision for Trials and showed Year 11 this Revision for Trials 1 document which looks somewhat daunting. They have started to work on this with their tutors and should have it ready to show you at home (please ask to see it) by half term.
Additionally, I have shared with them the Trials timetable and information sheet so they are in a great place to start their planning.
Two dates for your diary:
Wednesday 14 October: Revision Webinar with Ms Dodson and I. We are trying a later time of 20:00 in the hope this clashes less with bus pick ups etc. We shall talk through the key revision strategies and the science behind them. You can join the webinar here.
Wednesday 2 December - Parents' Evening following Trials 1 to discuss results, next steps and work over the Christmas holidays. It is vital that you and your child attend this please.
As ever, if you have any questions please do ask.
Mrs Abbie Stephenson - Head of KS4
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Pupils currently in Year 11 will have the opportunity to apply for a Scholarship in their chosen field for when they enter the Sixth Form in Year 12 in September 2027. Academic Scholarship awards are available as well as co-curricular areas of Art, Design Technology, Drama, Music and Sport.
We are excited to introduce our brand new Pangbournian Scholarship award. The Pangbournian Scholarship is for an all-rounder who excels in three disciplines or more. The right candidate will have a strong academic track record, contribution to sporting excellence in more than one field and also offer a strong contribution to at least one other area of the College such as Art, Design Technology, Drama, Music and Sport. This award carries a 30% fee remission.
If pupils would like to apply for an academic scholarship we would encourage a conversation with Mrs Stephenson Head of Key Stage 4. For the co-curricular scholarship awards, we would encourage them to speak first with the Head of Department before submitting their online application.
The closing date for all Scholarship applications is 30 October 2026.
The Academic, Art, Design Technology, Music, Sport and Drama Scholarship assessments will take place during w/c 16 and w/c 23 November 2026.
The Scholarship brochure can be found on the Scholarship page of our website here and the online application can be completed here.
The Admissions Team are happy to help with any queries about the process so please do not hesitate to get in contact on admissions@pangbourne.com.
Mrs Elly Hayward - Assistant Head Pupil Expertise
Sixth Form
There are no Sixth Form updates this week.
Friday 16 October, 17:15
Half Term Begins
Community
Friday 16 October, 18:00 - Tuesday 20 October, 18:00
CCF: Exercise Pangbourne Wanderer
Year 11 - Upper Sixth, Co-Curricular, Trip
UPCOMING EVENTS
COLLEGE NEWS THIS WEEK
Art Trip
Mrs Nichola Graham - Director of Music
Annual National Service for Seafarers’ 2026
Mrs Nichola Graham - Director of Music
SPORT
Girls’ U13A - Hockey Tournament
Dunbar took part in a round-robin tournament, with the girls arriving full of excitement and enthusiasm. It was fantastic to see them putting the skills developed during our sport sessions into practice.
Our first game against Holme Grange saw us concede two early goals, but the girls responded positively and grew into the game. Their defensive organisation, passing and communication improved as the match progressed. Milly had an excellent game in goal, showing confidence when clearing the ball and communicating well with her defenders. In attack, Evie worked tirelessly to take on opponents and carry the ball forward, creating opportunities for Lucille, who demonstrated some excellent dribbling skills.
Although the results were not in our favour, the girls showed tremendous effort, resilience and determination throughout the tournament. They continued to encourage one another, develop their skills and work together as a team. They should be incredibly proud of their enthusiasm, perseverance and progress.
Miss Esme Young - Hockey Coach
Girls’ U15A vs The Oratory School
Another impressive victory for the Under 15s, securing an 8-0 win, with the umpire blowing for full time 10 minutes early!
Amelia was outstanding, scoring five goals in the opening 20 minutes, including a hat-trick in just 10 minutes. Genny added two goals, while Ruby H scored her first goal of the season playing a year up. Pangbourne dominated throughout, even allowing The Oratory to field an extra player!
Sabrina made her first appearance in goal and earned a clean sheet without needing to make a save. Chloe and Thea were excellent going forward, while Arya, Darcey and Izzy P impressed with their defensive work and distribution. Darcey also performed well in midfield alongside Eva and Alice, who continue to grow in confidence. Bea, Izzy B, Molly and Izzy S all showed positive signs in their positioning and play.
Player of the Match – Amelia
A brilliant performance from Amelia, who scored five goals in 20 minutes and was a constant threat throughout. The only way to stop her was to take her off! Thoroughly deserved.
Mr Otis Williams - Hockey Coach
Girls’ 2nd XI vs The Oratory School
The result did not reflect how well Pangbourne dominated this game. Emma W scored an excellent reaction goal in the first half which was followed by a well taken goal from Lottie C in the second half. The Pangbourne press was excellent and everyone worked well together to secure the lion's share of posession throughout the game. Some of our passing and movement was fantastic to watch and we really did deserve a more positive result. We were undone in the last 10 minutes of the game with a breakaway goal and a short corner.
Mr Andy Sumner - Hockey Coach
Girls’ 1st XI vs The Oratory School
The girls started well, applying pressure to The Oratory from the first whistle. Our midfield moved intelligently to create space, which we exploited to break through The Oratory’s press and enter the final third. We spent much of the first half in their half, applying pressure and creating opportunities. Sadly, we were unable to convert these chances in open play.
The Oratory fought back, but our high press and teamwork prevented them from gaining a foothold in the game during the first half. Excellent ball carrying from Harriet, Gracie and Caitlin resulted in us winning four short corners before the break. Unfortunately, we were unable to convert these golden opportunities.
The Oratory came back into the game in the second half but created little from open play. Our defence, led by captain Grace, remained very strong, allowing us to threaten on the counter-attack. Sadly, The Oratory scored from a rebound following a short corner, leaving us 1–0 down.
Fatigue began to set in, and we struggled to play through the wide channels after this. Despite winning a few more short corners, we were unable to get on the scoreboard.
Overall, it was a great game of hockey that was closely contested.
Mr William Main - Hockey Coach
Boys’ U12B Football vs Holyport College
Another spirited performance from the team with special mentions to James L, Freddie, Oscar G, Arthur and Luke who showed great determination throughout the match. Very few opportunities on goal in the first half which ended 0-0 as neither team was able to break the deadlock.
The second half was a completely different game with Pangbourne being dominant from the start but unfortunately conceding two goals due to some very loose defending. The boys rallied and scored one back but unfortunately did not convert their numerous chances to equalise.
Mr Fabrice Vie - Football Coach
Avon Bluefriars Small Boats Head
A busy day of racing for our senior rowers, with athletes competing across all three divisions. Pangbourne secured four wins in the Senior Boys Quad, J16 Double and J15 Girls Single, with plenty more strong performances across the squad. Well done to our crews.
Mr Harry Brightmore - Assistant Director of Rowing
Congratulations to Bear and Jasper on their selection to Bath Player Development Group U15 level run by the Bath Rugby Academy. This is a youth rugby player pathway programme that identifies and develops top young talent from grassroots clubs and schools, helping them step up into a high-performance training environment. They will now attend weekly training sessions as part of the Bath Rugby Academy set up. Well done boys.
Divisional Updates
The next Divisional Update will be
Heads of Divisions and Email Addresses:
Harbinger: Mrs Candice Greenly - harbinger@pangbourne.com
Hesperus: Mrs Laura Besley-Piggott - hesperus@pangbourne.com
Illawarra: Mrs Dona Poitrat Rachmaninoff - illawarra@pangbourne.com
Macquarie: Mrs Steph Kingsland - macquarie@pangbourne.com
Dunbar: Dr Ian Hart - dunbar@pangbourne.com
Boarding Updates
Heads of Boarding Houses and Email Addresses:
St George - Mrs Debbie Atkins - stgeorge@pangbourne.com
Port Jackson (boys) - Mr Paul Radford - portjackson@pangbourne.com
Adelaide (boys) - Mr Ed Williams - adelaide@pangbourne.com