Friday 20 March 2026
Head’s Weekly Update
I am going to adopt a slightly different structure this week in order that I can foreground some adaptations and amendments we are making to the way we expect students to conduct themselves as Pangbournians. During the Lent Term I highlighted that there were some changes to guidance coming out of the Department for Education (DfE) that would require some adaptations to the way we do things and the mechanisms we have to promote a happy and collegiate environment.
Whilst the vast majority of my time is spent celebrating the amazing things our students do every day, part of my role is to set and maintain the standards we all expect to ensure that our classrooms are a powerhouse of learning and all students can experience a calm, collegiate and happy atmosphere around the College.
With that in mind, I wanted to talk through two changes we are making from the Summer Term in advance of a wider review for the start of the 2026/27 academic year.
Mobile Phones.
The Department for Education’s (DfE) latest guidance which comes into full effect from 1 April 2026 has a very clear stance on mobile phones in schools. Whilst this is not new and we currently do not allow phones during the College Day, it is important that we are all aware of a changing framework and thus a tightening of enforcement from the College.
The government’s position is that schools should be mobile phone-free environments to minimise distraction, reduce the risk of cyberbullying, and encourage face-to-face social interaction. This is music to my ears and I am delighted the Government has caught up with what the majority of educators have been saying for some time.
To ensure our students can focus entirely on their education and wellbeing, we will continue to operate a ‘Never Seen, Never Heard’ policy during College hours. This is not a new position and we will continue to require that upon arrival at the College, mobile phones must be switched off and handed in to their Pastoral Divisional Lead in each Division.
We understand that some students require devices for medical monitoring (e.g. glucose levels) or as part of a specific SEND provision. These exceptions will be managed on a case-by-case basis through our SEND Department and the Health Centre. There are similar exceptions for boarders and international students and the current policy in the Boarding Houses remains unchanged. Some boarding schools have banned mobile phones entirely for boarders and re-installed landlines. We are watching this project and it will no doubt inform our thinking in the future.
We understand that many parents value their children having a phone for the journey to and from school. This policy does not ban ownership, but rather ensures the school day remains a protected space for learning. As normal, if you need to reach your child urgently during the day, please contact the College, and we will ensure they receive the message immediately.
The main change is simply that some students like to pretend to forget to hand in their phone or have multiple phones in their possession. In order that we enforce the rules we put in place, if phones are not handed in or are switched on, and are found, they will be confiscated by a member of staff. The phone will be stored in the school safe and the family contacted to update them. The phone may then only be collected by a parent or responsible adult. It will not be handed back to the student, regardless of year group.
Saturday detention
In order to help Pangbournians leave the College as a force for good with a strong moral compass, they must know right from wrong and be able to accept responsibility for their actions. Our behaviour system is the fairest way we have of tracking behaviour over time and supporting students to make good choices. Last week I highlighted the very clear ratio of positives to negatives issued and our focus on celebrating all the great things our students routinely do.
It is an honour and a privilege to wear His Majesty The King’s Uniform and we need to ensure we conduct ourselves in a manner befitting this honour. There are occasions when a Pagbournian’s behaviour inevitably falls short of this standard and we have a duty to help them reflect on this and make better choices going forward. To aid our students in meeting the high standards our history and traditions demand, we are bringing in an additional layer within our toolkit; Saturday detention. This will be implemented from the start of the Summer Term.
The Saturday detention is an escalation that allows us to clarify the behaviour and standards the College expects and to provide an opportunity for reflection when these standards are not met. The detention will run from 09:00 -12:00 on a Saturday morning. It will supersede all other commitments. On the very rare occasion that a family commitment - such as a wedding - might clash with the detention, the College may take this into account and roll the detention over to the following Saturday. This however is not the default position.
So whilst my section this week is about clarifying our expectations around what it means to wear our uniform and march under our badge, there are a myriad of wonderful items about the range of activities and events that have been happening across the College this week below that are more upbeat and to offer a positive start to the weekend.
Best wishes,
Oliver Knight
All Pupils & Parents: Years 7- Upper Sixth
Notices (Please click on the + sign to expand for full information)
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Please take the time to read the guidance from the NHS here.
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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 16:45 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 wil, 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. -
Hesperus Division is challenging the whole school to ride a combined 4,225 miles (6,799 km) from Pangbourne College to Nabugabo - on stationary bikes! Every mile counts towards transforming lives in Uganda through the HUGE Charity (Help Uganda Get Educated). This bike ride will be taking place in Hut 6 for the entire final week of Term.
Your support will help build a fifth safe house for a family in the Nabugabo community, continue the amazing work of previous students and fund projects like installing classroom ceilings at Nabugabo Primary School. Donations go straight to supplies, local builders and supporting the charity’s work.
A percentage of donations will also support our College Charities; Transforming Futures and the Pangbourne College Community Fund.
Let’s support Pangbourne Pupils as they pedal together to make a real difference. Please donate here.
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We are really looking forward to our Wellbeing Day at the College which is taking place on Thursday 26 March. We are thrilled that this most useful and empowering day has now become a permanent fixture in the College’s Calendar.
Please view more information and the full schedule here.
Ms Rebecca Atack, Head of Drama & PSHCE
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To celebrate the unique Pangbournian Community the inaugural Pangbournian Day will be on Sunday 19 April 2026. The event will celebrate 30 years of co-education at Pangbourne and we are delighted to be welcoming Old Pangbournian and Paralympic Rowing Gold Medalist, Frankie Allen MBE, as Inspecting Officer. The 1st XI vs Old Pangbournians cricket match will be played on Big Side in the afternoon.
Lunch and College tours will be available after the Parade - pre-booking by the Thursday 10 April is required. Please book here.
Mrs Lucinda Grafton, Director of Development
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We are delighted to be holding our second concert in our new Pangbourne Arts series, taking place in the beautiful Falkland Islands Memorial Chapel. This event promises inspiring live music and we warmly encourage you to come along and support them.
This will take place on Monday 11 May 2026 at 19:30 and 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) until 19:00 on the day of the performance 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
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For those who were unable to attend the Boat Club meeting for the Pangbournian Community last Tuesday 17 March please see the recording here.
This recording provides information about the College Rowing programme and plans for the new Boat House.
Mrs Lucinda Grafton, Director of Development
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Pangbournian Benefits is a new platform offering exclusive discounts from over 300 local and national brands. Enjoy savings on shopping, travel, wellbeing, dining, and more, with regularly updated offers. Current offers include discounts at a local vineyard, hospitality at Henley Royal Regatta - as well as offers at a number of local restaurants - as well as the Sixth Form Cafe.
Give back while you save:
Every use supports Transforming Futures and the College’s Community Fund.Get started here.
Mrs Lucinda Grafton, Director of Development
Year 9 - 11
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As highlighted by Mr Knight in a previous newsletter, the College will be running revision sessions in various subjects over the Easter break. The sessions have been scheduled to avoid pupil clashes so, in the vast majority of cases, pupils should not have to choose between two of their subjects. There will be supervised revision sessions running throughout the day for pupils who do not take a subject in a session.
The revision days will run to the normal College day start and end. Please note that there will not be College buses operating during the holidays. If you would like to take advantage of these revision days, the schedules and links to booking forms can be found here. Please note that there is a £20 charge per day for attendance and that places are limited. Once a day is full it will be removed from the booking form.
Mr Mark Seccombe, Senior Deputy Head (Academic)
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The Summer Term sees Year 10 geographers taking part in two pieces of fieldwork for the AQA GCSE course. These will take place all day on Tuesday 21 April and the day will see studies undertaken along the River Pang and in Reading town centre to provide data from which students will write two reports that will inform their preparation for the GCSE Paper 3 section on fieldwork. The day is compulsory for the completion of the AQA exam requirements.
The physical fieldwork will see students exploring how the channel characteristics of the River Pang change over its course. In particular they will look at sediment size, channel width and depth and flow rate.
The human fieldwork will see students carrying out environmental quality surveys in Reading near the Hexagon and Oracle shopping centre under the focus of how regeneration of urban space can change visitor numbers, retail space and land values.
This day of Geography will fit within the timings of the normal school day and see students depart on the trips at 08:30 and return to school at 17:15. Students will attend lunch in College between each session. Students not on the trip will attend lessons as normal on that day.
Students should wear home clothes and bring a change including spare shoes, in case they get wet at the river. A coat or sun cream may be required depending on the weather.
Although a different format, this is a normal school day within the normal times and there is no additional cost. If there is any reason why your son / daughter is unable to attend please could you reply via email to james.capel@pangbourne.com.
Mr James Capel, Head of Geography
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Year 11 have been working hard on their revision timetables with their tutors. Some are very organised and have a comprehensive plan - others do not. They should have written when all their exams are into their plan and be backplanning revision and past paper practice from these dates, aiming to write at least three full past papers in the week to ten days before each of their exams. I would like to offer a session after school on Monday from 17:15 - 18:00 to work with students on these timetables if they would like to do so, and Mrs Hayward will do the same with them on Wednesday lunchtime from 13:15 - 13:45. By the end of term every student should have a complete revision timetable.
Please let me (and your child!) know if you would like them to attend.
Mrs Abbie Stephenson, Head of KS4
Sixth Form
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This will be an opportunity to discuss Trial and BTEC results along with what support needs to be given over the Easter break at home ahead of the start of the summer series of exams.
Booking opens today, Friday 20 March at 18:00 on School Cloud and a user guide can be found here should you need it.
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.In advance of the meeting, a report will be generated from the new Pupil Progress system which will give detailed feedback on Trials performance. This will be uploaded to the Portal and will be visible in the 'My Child's Documents' section. Teachers will also have hard copy versions at the meeting.
Ms Indy Kaur, Head of Sixth Form
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As highlighted by Mr Knight in a previous newsletter, the College will be running revision sessions in various subjects over the Easter break. The sessions have been scheduled to avoid pupil clashes so, in the vast majority of cases, pupils should not have to choose between two of their subjects.
There will be supervised revision sessions running throughout the day for pupils who do not take a subject in a session. The revision days will run to the normal College day start and end. Please note that there will not be College buses operating during the holidays. If you would like to take advantage of these revision days, the schedules and links to booking forms can be found here. Once a day is full it will be removed from the booking form.
Please note that there is a £20 charge per day for attendance and that places are limited.
Mr Mark Seccombe, Senior Deputy Head (Academic)
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We are excited to give you initial details on the forthcoming Leavers' Ball, due to take place after Founders’ Day on Saturday 4 July 2026. The Ball will be a black-tie event and will take place in Drake Hall from 19:30.
The Ball is for Upper Sixth students and their parents or guardians. Please kindly note that a parent or guardian needs to attend with each student, or an agreed adult can be nominated as a responsible adult.
There will be a fabulous three course dinner, lots of dancing and we can promise copious amounts of glitz and sparkle. It will be a truly amazing event to celebrate the end of their Upper Sixth and their time at the College.
Tickets will go on sale during the Summer Term. Further details will follow, so please keep an eye out for updates which will be in the newsletter. For now, please save the date, and prepare to dust off those dancing shoes!
Mrs Helen Bishop and Mrs Nicola Merry
(parents of Ed Bishop and Faith Merry)
Friday 20 March, 15:40 - Saturday 21 March, 09:00
Year 8 Survival Challenge
Hesperus Woods, Activities, Year 8
Friday 20 March, 19:00 - 22:00
Community Quiz
Mess Hall, Community
Monday 23 March, 09:15 - 13:15
Maths Inspiration Show
Hexagon Theatre in Reading, Year 11, Lower Sixth, Academic, Trip
Monday 23 March, 16:00 - 17:00
Literary Lecture: Othello
NHRH, Academic
Monday 23 March, 19:00 - 21:00
Academic Scholars’ Dinner
The Hudson Room, Scholars, Academic
Monday 23 March, 18:30 - 20:00
Andrew Simpson Society
All year groups, Community
Tuesday 24 March, 08:50 - 10:45
Head’s Introduction to Pangbourne
The Hudson Room, Admissions, External
Wednesday 25 March, 14:00 - 17:00
Choristers workshop
Year 8, Music
Wednesday 25 March, 16:35 - 18:30
Upper Sixth Parents’ & Guardians’ Meeting
Drake Hall, Academic, Parents’ & Guardians
Thursday 26 March, All Day
PSHCE Day
Pastoral, Whole School
Friday 27 March, 07:30 & 15:00
DofE Gold & Silver Practice Expeditions depart
Parade Ground, Co-Curricular
Friday 27 March, 16:45
End of Term
Whole School
UPCOMING EVENTS
COLLEGE NEWS THIS WEEK
A Level Tudor Symposium
Thursday saw the return of our popular Tudor Symposium. Aiming to help Upper Sixth students as they near their final A Level exams next term, the day featured lectures from four distinguished speakers to over 150 visiting students and their teachers, along our own, in the Falkland Islands Memorial Chapel.
The success and growing popularity of the event has been consolidated by our ability to attract some of the leading academics in Tudor history, and this year was no different. The day opened with Lucy Wooding (Lincoln College, Oxford) leading us through the dawn of the Tudor century with wry observations and a precise breakdown of the challenges that the Tudor dynasty faced at its outset. Saira MacNicol, Schools Content Manager at Historic Royal Palaces, based at Hampton Court Palace, followed with a fascinating insight into the workings of the royal court, highlighting some of the key figures of the era, such as Thomas Wolsey and Henry VIII himself.
After delegates enjoyed a picnic lunch in the sun we returned to the afternoon lectures. Kirsten Claiden-Yardley, who worked as a consultant on the set of 'Wolf Hall', helped students understand how different types of evidence can be used to make a judgment on the period - in this case the evidence that survives (or doesn't) from church architecture. The Reformation told through the buildings that experienced it was a powerful lesson in the craft of an historian. The day then concluded with a thoughtful and considered appraisal of the challenges Elizabeth I faced during her reign, presented by one of the top MPhil students currently in Oxford University - Ebrahim Hanifehpour.
With such a comprehensive array of subject knowledge, breadth of coverage and depth of academic excellence, we hope that the day helps send our students off into the Easter revision with a clearer perspective on the history, and renewed enthusiasm and vigour for the last push towards the summer exams. We are, as ever, incredibly grateful to all the speakers who gave of their time and guidance so freely and willingly yesterday.
Mr Ben McLeod, History Teacher
Charlotte Drake Society Flamenco Workshop
On Monday, the girls had a fantastic time letting loose and immersing themselves in the vibrant world of flamenco with the incredible Maika. Dressed beautifully in full traditional flamenco attire, Maika guided them through the fundamentals, gradually building a lively routine in a fun and engaging workshop - perfect timing before the intensity of exam season begins.
From golpes and tapados to tacos and puntas, alongside palmas and claras, the room came alive with rhythm as the girls stamped, clapped and stepped their way through a joyful and energetic evening.
Thanks to Maika for a brilliant workshop.
Mrs Elly Hayward, Assistant Head Pupil Expertise
Divisional ‘Come Dine with Me’
Last night, we held our annual Divisional ‘Come Dine with Me’. This was a fantastic evening which saw all five of our Day Divisions take part in having to cook/bake something from canapes to desserts. Not only was some cooking expertise required but they also were expected to provide fantastic entertainment and to decorate their Divisions in line with their theme. Each division then got scored out of 10 by our panel of judges for the evening. It was a lovely opportunity for all year groups to work together within their Division to produce a brilliant evening. Our judges were spoilt by some excellent quality of food and the whole evening saw some very funny moments which you will be able to witness yourself once the video is released to YouTube. Keep your eyes peeled as the results will be announced in this newsletter after Easter.
Girls’ 1st XI Football vs The Abbey School
The girls hosted The Abbey School on Big Side last Wednesday 11 March looking to secure not only an unbeaten season but looking to win every game they have played.
In truth it was not our best performance. We struggled to get into a rhythm in attack and our defensive organisation wasn’t good enough. In the 2nd half it was clear to see our superiority but after dominating for large parts we couldn’t find a goal to secure the win. 0-0 final score. Still an unprecedented unbeaten season for 11 aside for the girls and to say this wasn’t one of our better performances only shows how outstanding they have been all year. Year 10s making their 1st team debut (Ori G, Chloe S and Annie W) made a huge difference in the 2nd half.
Mr Frankie Rogan, Football Coach
SPORT
Rowing 1st VIII and Mixed VIII
Eighteen Pangbourne College Boat Club seniors travelled to the Tideway to race the Schools Head of the River on Friday 13 March.
The College’s rowers handled themselves admirably on a challenging piece of river despite very little water time. This is testament to the good work done on land over the winter. The 1st VIII moved from 15th on the river in their division to 7th. A good step-up for a young crew featuring four J16s.
Mr Ed Green, Director of Rowing
DIVISIONAL UPDATES
The next Divisional update will be on 27 March 2026.
Date for your Diaries
The Divisional Dinners will be held on the below dates next term. Please do add these to your diaries. Parents from all year groups are welcome to attend.
Friday 17 April - Macquarie (book your tickets here)
Friday 5 June - Hesperus
Saturday 6 June - Harbinger
Friday 12 June - Illawarra
BOARDING UPDATES
Adelaide
As we entered the last couple of weeks of term, life continues to be busy in the boarding house with emphasis at this critical time of year for boarders sitting public exams to balance work and downtime.
In the wider life of the school it has been great to see some of the boys fully involved.
Jude, Cam and Harry have been active with Rugby 7s attending tournaments at Embley School, Marches and Reading Blue Coat. It’s a steep learning curve but one which has brought some success against top schools but more importantly it has served as preparation for the ‘Big One’ at Rosslyn Park in the final week of term. As a House we wish them all the very best next week.
In Football, we have Jack H, a passionate footballer who has been Adelaide’s representative in the 1st XI throughout the season. Jack loves his football and it was great to see Ollie G progressing from the 2nd XI to join him in the last home game of the season against Cokethorpe. It was a 5-0 win for the boys which was witnessed by myself, Mr Atkins, Mr Sadiq and Ted M. A fantastic display in glorious sunshine.
Rowing is now coming into play with Spring time seeing the boys back on the water. A winter of early mornings in the gym and the land training facility has to pay off and now is the time to shine. To date, we have had two events with two House representatives, Ed B and Alex O. The first at Eaton and the second ‘Heads of the River’ in London last weekend. Both were very successful and all looks good for the Summer Term, especially after the fine tuning which the Easter rowing camp will bring. Both boys are extremely committed to the cause and having seen Alex’s hands on returning from London, I was in no place to question his commitment!
Congratulations to the winners of this year’s Adelaide Fantasy Six Nations:
1st Place - Tom H 2343
2nd Place - Cam M 2248
3rd Place - Jude R 2139
On Tuesday 17 March, the Upper Sixth were taken out to dinner at Nino’s as a ‘Thank you and farewell’ for what has been a most enjoyable final year (less half a term) in Adelaide. They have been a tremendous group and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with them. They have shown respect, behaviour has been excellent and most importantly we have shared lots of quality downtime chats and laughter. A time I hope they will all look back on and smile!
As we head into the final week, we have one House event remaining and that is the Adelaide Families’ football tournament. Boys are currently working on team names. Watch out for the report in the first newsletter next term.
Finally from me, I would like to thank Mr Atkins for his support in the House this half of term. To Mr Sadiq and Mr Lee for their weekly tutor sessions and last but by no means least to Kat. Kat is the Adelaide housekeeper and I, and the boys think the world of her in all that she does for us.
It remains for me to wish you all a very Happy Easter. For some of the boys it will not be a break but just remember, your summer starts earlier! For the rest of us, enjoy and make sure you are well rested for the Summer Term, the best term.
Mr Ed Williams, Head of Adelaide
Port Jackson
Over the past two weeks, Port Jackson has maintained a strong academic focus as students continue their preparations following the recent mock examination period. With results now released, there has been a clear emphasis on reflection and progress. The boys have been encouraged to identify areas for improvement, allowing for targeted focus and meaningful change as they move forward in preparation for their upcoming exams.
Alongside this, there has been clear and steady progression in the implementation of revised study plans, particularly for our Year 11 and Upper Sixth students. Staff have been working closely with the boys to refine revision strategies, improve time management, and build confidence in their subject areas. It has been encouraging to see a positive and focused attitude developing across both year groups as they approach these crucial stages in their academic journeys.
Beyond the classroom, the boarding community has enjoyed some excellent extra-curricular experiences. Last Sunday’s ice hockey trip was a great success, providing the boys with an exciting and energetic outing that was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended. Looking ahead, there is plenty of anticipation for the upcoming go-karting trip this Sunday, which promises to be another fun and memorable event.
As the term draws to a close, there is a growing sense of excitement for the Easter break. The boys are very much looking forward to some well-earned rest, and it is lovely to hear that a number of them will be travelling and spending time away on holiday.
Finally, we will be saying goodbye to two of our German students at the end of this term. They have been valued members of the Port Jackson community, and their presence will certainly be missed. We wish them all the very best for the future and thank them for the positive contribution they have made during their time with us.
Overall, it has been a productive and enjoyable two weeks at Port Jackson, balancing academic commitment with community spirit and enrichment opportunities.
Mr Paul Radford, Head of Port Jackson
St George
The girls in St George look forward to a well-deserved break! Those in exam years have been working very hard and have shown lots of resilience as well as dedication to their studies. In House, we have enjoyed a St Patrick's day party and the Divisional Come Dine With Me competition. Next week we look forward to our Easter celebrations and our termly house closing.
Mrs Shannon Flynn, Head of St George
Boarding House Email Addresses
stgeorge@pangbourne.com
portjackson@pangbourne.com
adelaide@pangbourne.com