Friday 24 April 2026

Head’s Weekly Update

Academic

As I mentioned in my newsletter last week, the end of year exams are approaching. In a bid to make life as easy as possible for busy parents, we will be publishing next week the detailed plans for the exams to ensure all of the key information and resources are in one place. None of us have time to be hunting around across multiple locations to find the revision materials. 

In addition, there is an extra layer of support for Year 10 and Lower Sixth parents to help ensure that all students moving into exam years in September have a clear view of where they are and what they need to work on to improve. 

Year 10

Year 10 exams end on Tuesday 23 June. These exams are the first real piece of data we have that gives a strong indication of future performance. The Year 10 Parents’ and Guardians’ meeting is on Wednesday 1 July. At this meeting all parents will be issued with several pieces of information:

  • Firstly you will receive a very granular report from Pupil Progress. The report will colour code where your child is against each element of the exam syllabus. 

  • The report will also show how many marks a student is currently off achieving the next grade up. 

  • Each colour coded element will in turn be the heading in the exam board revision guides. 

  • This report will highlight to them (and you) what the main gaps are and therefore where their energy is best directed over the holiday. (Anything that is red!)

  • Students will be taken through this in order that alongside the centralised holiday work we will be setting, they have a bespoke revision and work map for the holiday based on their exam performance in each subject. 

  • You will also be issued with the curriculum overview for Year 11 for each subject. 

  • If we have not already done so, we will also issue the official revision guide/workbook for each subject. 

This will mean that every student has a complete view of where they are in each subject, what the main gaps are, what they need to do over the summer holiday to close those gaps and have the material resources to hand to do this. 

Lower Sixth 

The Lower Sixth exams end on Friday 19 June. The Lower Sixth Parents’ and Guardians’ meeting is on Friday 26 June.  At this meeting all parents will be issued with several pieces of information:

  • Firstly you will receive a very granular report from Pupil Progress. The report will colour code where your child is against each element of the exam syllabus.

  • Each element will in turn be the heading in the exam board revision guides. 

  • This report will highlight to them (and you) what the main gaps are and therefore where their energy is best directed over the holiday. (Anything that is red!)

  • Students will be taken through this in order that alongside the centralised holiday work we will be setting, they have a bespoke revision and work map for the holiday based on their exam performance. 

  • If we have not already done so, we will also issue the official revision guide/workbook for each subject. 

This will mean that every student has a complete view of where they are in each subject, what the main gaps are, what they need to do over the summer holiday to close them and have the material resources to hand to do this. 

I would like to think that there is no other independent school in the country providing this level of granular detail and support. 

Years 7-9

Years 7-9 have the termly Core Knowledge booklets as their main revision tool. Core Knowledge booklets are accessible to parents and students via the College Portal. We will also be publishing their exam schedule next week. 

Over the second half of the summer term our Heads of Department will be hard at work migrating our Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9) curriculums over to the same platform (Pupil Progress). This will mean that from September 26, every parent will receive once a half-term a very detailed breakdown of where their child is against the curriculum for each subject and what they need to do to close any gaps or push further ahead. 

Adventure

As with all projects, some things within our adventure curriculum are taking longer than we wish, but the end result will be fantastic. We are moving steadily toward the point where we will be in a position to start work on our mountain bike course and planning is in place to look at how we can expand and develop the high ropes course so that it rivals the best in the country. In order to make the most of these facilities and the growth that comes from their use, we are going to be making some internal tweaks to where things fall across the week from September 26. This will provide us with longer periods of time for adventurous activities whilst maintaining our academic standards and lesson time. 

Community

Open Morning

We are delighted that we have over 120 families signed up to come to the Open Morning this Saturday. This is on top of the 111 families who have come to our monthly Head’s Introduction meetings and the 100+ that attended the September Open Morning. In the current market, having over 300 separate families come and visit us signals we must be doing something right. Hopefully this will mean we can encourage many more families to entrust the education and growth of their children to Pangbourne and realise that our 230 acres are not just nice grounds but a place to help our young people think well, feel well and live well. 

Overnight Leave Weekends

Further to the 2026/27 term dates being published, you have hopefully seen that we have removed the Overnight Leave Weekends (ONL) for 2026/27.  In November 2025 we wrote to parents to explain that during the Lent Term we were going to pilot the removal of the Overnight Leave weekend. This is because we do not want to keep doing things for the sake of having always done them and want to ensure that everything we do is carefully thought through, intentional and offers the very best experience for the students. We have removed Overnight Leave weekends next academic year for the following reasons:

  1. Parental feedback has been very clear on our sporting offer. As we continue to improve sporting outcomes, we want to provide more training and fixture opportunities. Not having an Overnight Leave weekend increases the available dates for competitive fixtures. Historically we had numerous parental complaints around the lack of sports fixtures and ONLs reduced the scope for fixtures further. If we have a spate of poor weather we can go 3 or 4 weeks with no competitive fixture.  It also made it harder for us to enter into fixtures with other similar schools as we had a limited number of Saturday slots available. This is unacceptable to me, especially as we start to have more success on the sports pitch. Success breeds success and students feeling like a team on the pitch engenders a team ethos off the pitch and builds student confidence to do hard things. They discover they are capable of more than they realised. 

  2. Parental feedback has sought enhanced flexibility around weekends and the opportunity for students to remain onsite. 

  3. One of our big drivers over the coming years is to offer great value for money and therefore enhanced flexibility and support for parents alongside a busy, purposeful and rewarding offer for students. 

  4. We want to continue to enhance the boarding community and sense of belonging it creates.

  5. Moving to a Saturday Parade means we will no longer run 13 days in a row, excepting Remembrance Sunday. 

  6. As we are 80% day and most Saturdays are only a morning commitment, Overnight Leave weekends were poor value for money for parents and reduced the offer for students. 

College Parade correction

The eagle eyed amongst you will have noticed that in the summer term of next academic year there is a College Parade on Saturday 1 May. This was my error in my spreadsheet as this is indeed the Bank Holiday weekend and much as I would love to have a parade and then fixtures on that day, I do not feel this would be met with universal approval. The correct date for the College Parade is Saturday 17 April 2027. The website has been updated to reflect this. 

Leadership

It was fantastic to see Faith and Ed lead their last parade as Chiefs before Founders’ Day. I have to say, I thought that the Parade on Sunday was the best this year and the whole College had a real buzz about it. It was especially significant to have the Divisions inspected by three OPs who are all such strong role models. Guest of Honour and Inspecting Officer Frankie Allen MBE (2015-20), Paralympic Gold Medal winner, led the inspection of Divisions with distinction and warmth. She was joined by Morgan Llewellyn (2015-22), recently recognised with a Police Constable’s award for bravery and Jeremy Moger (1962-66), who after a full career in the Army is now retired but is still fully engaged in charity work and volunteering - both of whom brought a deep sense of pride and connection to the proceedings.

Best wishes,

Oliver Knight

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All Pupils & Parents: Years 7- Upper Sixth

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

  • Just a reminder that our whole School Open Morning is taking place tomorrow Saturday 25 April 2025.

    It is really important to have the support of our students at the Open Morning to showcase the breadth of what Pangbourne has to offer to prospective families. Thank you to parents for your support.

    Please note, students are required to arrive on site between 09:15 and 09:30 to avoid congestion with our visitors. There will be no access to the Parade ground after 09:30. The Open Morning will be running from 09:30 -13:00.

  • College Divisional Photographs

    On Monday 27 April Gillman and Soame are visiting the college to take the annual Divisional photographs. Dunbar will need their No. 2 Uniform including jumper, whilst pupils in Years 9 to Upper Sixth should be in their full No. 1 uniform including their Lid. The schedule is tight, but we anticipate finishing at 17:10 so that pupils may leave at their usual time. The bus drivers have been informed and will wait for any pupils that may be slightly delayed due to the photographs.

    Mr Martin Palfrey

    Network, Systems and Data Manager

  • On Tuesday 5 May, we are delighted to launch our very first Pangbourne Giving Day. This special 30-hour fundraising event brings our Community together in celebration of 30 years of co-education at Pangbourne and we are inviting parents, families and friends to show their support.

    This year’s Giving Day supports two important causes: Transforming Futures and the Pangbourne College Community Fund.  Your generosity fuels life-changing opportunities - opening doors for students, while also supporting valuable local community initiatives. Every contribution, large or small, helps create opportunity and lasting impact.

    Join us for the Colour Run!
    Parents and families are warmly invited to attend the 100% Colour Run on Tuesday afternoon (full timings to follow in next week’s newsletter). Come along to support your Division in what promises to be the ultimate Division showdown!

    There will be refreshments and a range of stalls on site throughout the event, helping to raise further funds on the day. Pupils will also be taking part in a non-uniform day for a £1 donation, adding to the excitement and school spirit.

    Back your Division, get involved, and show your support – every step and every donation counts. You will also be able to track your Division’s progress and see how much has been raised in real time.

    All donations (including £1 for non-uniform) in the lead-up to Giving Day can be made here.

    This is the Pangbournian spirit in action: compassion, opportunity, impact. Every gift takes us one step closer to our target.

    Please support Giving Day on 5 May and help make this inaugural event a huge success.

  • The next concert on Monday 11 May 2026 at 19:30, welcomes the acclaimed all-female vocal ensemble Papagena with their programme Tomorrow is today, drawn from their fourth album of the same name. The concert explores themes of beauty, love, and the passing of time, with music ranging from early composers such as Hildegard of Bingen and Claudio Monteverdi to modern and contemporary figures including Kate Bush, Caroline Shaw, and James MacMillan.

    Tickets are available to purchase online (reserved seating) and details can be found by visiting the music pages of the College website (www.pangbourne.com/music).

    Whilst these are public concerts, Pangbourne pupils and families can get half price tickets using the code PANGBOURNE50 at checkout. We hope many members of the Pangbourne community will be able to join us to help make these inaugural concerts a great success. 

    Mr Don Gillthorpe, Director of Music

  • As we move into the spring term, the digital world our children inhabit is becoming increasingly complex—not just socially, but financially. This month, we are focusing on two critical areas: the rise of Child Financial Exploitation (CFE) and the hidden risks in seemingly "safe" platforms like Pinterest.

    Understanding Child Financial Exploitation (CFE)

    You may have heard the term "money muling," but experts now refer to this as Child Financial Exploitation. This is when criminals groom young people to use their bank accounts to move "dirty" money (the proceeds of crime) to make it look legitimate.

    According to Crimestoppers, this is a serious criminal offence under the Proceeds of Crime Act, and the consequences for a young person can be life-altering:

    • Frozen Accounts: Their bank account will be closed, and they may be "blacklisted," making it impossible to open another one.

    • No Student Finance: Without a bank account, they cannot receive student loans or university grants.

    • Employment Barriers: Many employers will not hire someone who cannot pass a basic financial background check or provide a valid bank account for wages.

    • Legal Risk: Laundering money carries a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison.

    Spot the Signs: Be alert if your child suddenly has unexplained luxury items (clothes, tech), receives vague job offers via social media promising "easy cash" or "no experience necessary," or becomes secretive about their bank app.

    The "Safe" App Trap: Pinterest & Gaming

    We often focus on TikTok or Snapchat, but The White Hatter and The Educator warn that exploitation often hides in "passive" environments.

    • Pinterest is a Social Network: Many parents view Pinterest as a harmless digital scrapbook. However, it has a Direct Messaging (DM) feature. Because it’s seen as "safe," predators or exploiters may use it to contact teens away from the more scrutinised gaze of mainstream platforms.

    • Gaming & Financial Pressure: Online gaming is now heavily commercialised. Students face immense peer pressure to buy "skins" or "loot boxes." This pressure can make the "easy cash" offers of financial exploiters even more tempting.

    • From Monitoring to Mentoring: Total bans often lead to "burner phones" or secret accounts. Instead, try to understand their digital world. Play the games they play and look at their Pinterest boards together.

    Action Steps for Parents

    1. Talk Early: The National Crime Agency suggests starting conversations about financial safety between the ages of 11 and 16.

    2. Privacy Check: Ensure messaging is disabled or restricted on "passive" apps like Pinterest.

    3. No Fault Reporting: Make sure your child knows that if they do get involved in something financial that feels wrong, they should tell you immediately. Criminals rely on a child’s fear of getting in trouble to keep them trapped.

    4. Report Anonymously: If you have information about someone recruiting young people for financial crime, you can report it 100% anonymously to Fearless.org (the youth service of Crimestoppers).

    The Bottom Line: Financial grooming is often the first step toward more serious forms of exploitation. By staying informed and keeping the lines of communication open, we can protect children’s financial futures.

    Mr Mark Skidmore, Deputy Head Pastoral

  • 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. 

    This week's highlighted offer is every Monday you can buy a hot drink at the Sixth Form café and enjoy a cake, pastry or cookie for free with Pangbournian Benefits. 

    To log in or get started click here.

  • Lions Sports Academy, one of the UK’s leading professional sports coaching academies, are hosting a 3 day rugby residential camp for boys aged 9-15 years old at Pangbourne College this Summer between Tuesday 18 - Thursday 20 August 2026. Find out more information on the flyer here.

    The residential camps are designed to immerse young players in the life of a professional player and they focus on skill development, technical and tactical drills, physical fitness, and mental resilience. For more information, please fill out the form here.

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Year 9 - 11

  • I am pleased to say that the Geography fieldwork was successful last week. 

    I thought it might be helpful to have a reminder of the key dates for this term:  

    25 April: Open Morning 9:30 - 13:00

    15 - 23 June: Year 10 exams

    24 June: Dolphin Watersports Day

    1 July: Parents' and Guardians’ Evening

    Year 10 are working on revision techniques and strategies with their tutors throughout this Half Term, with the idea of helping them to get prepared for their exams. The key strategies are flashcards, quizzing and practice questions (only when they have done the first two!).  We had a webinar on revision strategies at the start of the year which you can request access to the recording of here.  I will convey to Year 10 that the more they do now the better they'll feel this time next year! It would be great if you could please reinforce these messages at home!

    Mrs Abbie Stephenson, Head of KS4

  • Well done to all students for successfully completing their MFL speaking, Art and Photography exams this week, as well as the PE moderation. It has been a busy week, but I am so impressed by how well-prepared everyone has been and I was delighted that they have all just got on with things calmly.  A great start!

    Next week is our last 'normal' teaching week of the year, with no exams impacting lessons at all.  Students should be sure to use every classroom and clinic opportunity that they can.

    I have met with the Year 11 party committee this week and all are enthusiastic about helping to organise their 'start-of-study-leave/halfway-through-exams' celebration on the afternoon of Friday 22 May.  They are currently canvassing the opinions of their peers about exactly what they would like - more information will follow soon!

    Please do keep on quizzing them!

    Mrs Abbie Stephenson, Head of KS4

Sixth Form

    • Lower Sixth Trials Week - w/c 15 June

    • Taking Responsibility Week - w/c 22 June

    • Lower Sixth Parents’ & Guardians’ Meeting - Friday 26 June

  • Dear Fellow Upper Sixth Parents,

    The last term's school fees have been paid, the weather is improving and the summer party scene is looming! Hoorah!

    The long awaited Leavers' Ball invitation will be with you very shortly, but to get you in the mood, the Black Tie evening will start at 18:30 with complimentary drinks, followed by a delicious three course meal in Drake Hall - which will have been transformed into an unrecognisable space, to fit with this year’s theme of 'A Starry Night'. 

    There will be a card-only bar selling wine, beer and a wide range of non-alcoholic alternatives. After the meal, we can then dance the night away until the evening ends at midnight.

    Tickets will go on sale shortly, but just to remind you, all students do need to be accompanied by a parent, guardian or an appointed responsible adult for the evening. 

    The budget for the Leavers' Ball is solely made up of the money raised from ticket sales (no profits made!) and it is our intention to make this year's party a memorable and fitting occasion for all of us to celebrate our children's time at Pangbourne.

  • With exams now underway please ensure that students are well rested and prepared when they come in. We are doing our best to provide them with the space and support that they need both in and out of lessons.

  • A reminder that students need to have chosen their firm and insurance choices by Wednesday 6 May.

  • For those students going to university in September 2026, the Student Finance is now open. Please see here.

  • Lower Sixth students had a session delivered by Polly Ingestre of MRFG Consulting aka CV Lady UK this week. She has offered to assist students with their CVs at a special rate of £50.  If you would like to take up this opportunity please contact her at info@mrfgconsulting.com. Students are also receiving support from their tutors and in the Sixth Form with their CVs.

  • An excellent opportunity to find out more about PWC. The event is being held in Reading on Thursday 14 May from 17:30 - 19:00. To register, sign up using the link here.

  • For those students interested in a career in STEM, this is an opportunity on Tuesday 26 May (10:00 - 15:00) to learn more about AWE’s apprenticeship opportunities. To register, sign up using the link here.

Saturday 25 April, 09:30 - 13:00
Whole School Open Morning
Whole School

Sunday 26 April, 09:00 - 17:00
CCF - Skill at Arms Training
Co-Curricular

Monday 27 April, 15:30 - 17:10
Divisional Photographs
Whole School

Tuesday 28 April, 16:40 - 17:10
Div Debate Semi Final (Harbinger v Hesperus)
Whole School, Co-Curricular

Wednesday 29 April, 13:20 - 14:20
Upper Sixth Charity Netball Match
Upper Sixth, Co-Curricular, Sport

UPCOMING EVENTS

School Calendar
Term dates and College parades

COLLEGE NEWS THIS WEEK

Pangbournian Day and College Parade

Thank you to all our pupils, parents and extended families for making Pangbournian Day such a special and memorable event. It was an honour to welcome Frankie Allen MBE as Guest of Honour and to see the Pangbournian Community, past and present, come together to celebrate 30 years of co-education. Pangbournian Day 2027 will be on Saturday 17 April.

At the centre of the day was a Parade held in beautiful spring weather, with pupils, parents, former staff and Old Pangbournians gathering in large numbers. The Parade was reviewed by three distinguished Old Pangbournians: Guest of Honour Frankie Allen MBE (2015–20), a Paralympic gold medallist; Morgan Llewellyn (2015–22), recently recognised for bravery; and Jeremy Moger (1962–66), a retired Army officer active in charity work. Their inspection highlighted the high standards of the pupils and reflected the shared values of the College.

A particularly meaningful moment was the sight of boys and girls marching side by side, marking 30 years of co-education and demonstrating unity, discipline and inclusion. The marching band added to the occasion with an impressive performance that drew admiration from the crowd.

After the Parade, the community gathered for lunch and an afternoon of cricket, offering time to reconnect and reflect. Representatives from the OP Yacht Club were also present, showcasing the strength of the wider network. Throughout the day, friendships were renewed and stories shared, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere.

The success of this inaugural Pangbournian Day sets a strong foundation for the future, establishing what is sure to become a valued annual tradition..

KS3 Music Recital

We had a splendid evening in Music School on Tuesday at our KS3 recital. Ten talented pupils from across Years 7, 8 and 9 took to the Recital Hall stage, sharing pieces they’ve been developing in their instrumental and vocal lessons. For many, this marked their very first solo performance; especially impressive for those who only began lessons earlier this year. A particular highlight was a lovely ensemble performance of 'Edelweiss' by three Year 8 violinists.

We’re excited to see how these young musicians continue to grow as they move through the College. Well done to everyone who showed such courage and commitment in performing.

Mr Don Gillthorpe, Director of Music


KS3 Extreme Reading Challenge

Over the Easter holidays, Key Stage 3 pupils were asked to take a photo of themselves reading in an unusual place. This was part of the Extreme Reading Competition which was judged by Alex Unsworth, Head of Photography. We were very impressed with the creativity from pupils. Please see below some of the shortlisted photos.

Mrs Rosemarie Seccombe-Wade, Assistant Head of English

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Tennis Fixtures vs Bloxham

The opening weekend of the Summer Term saw Pangbourne in a full block set of fixtures vs Bloxham. The boys battled fantastically at home on the hard courts as the 1st team won convincingly only dropping 2 sets out of 9. They cantered to a 7-2 victory with our top pair consisting of Isaac H and Fergus B winning all 3 matches beating the Bloxham pair who delivered their only loss last year. The U15s also came out 6-3 winners starting the term how they left off last summer. The 2nds fought well in a close contest ultimately losing out 5-4. With the year 9s there is plenty of room for improvement losing out in a 9-0 sweep to Bloxham... The only way is up!

The girls’ 1st and 2nd team came up against a very strong Bloxham side whose top pair were a force to be reckoned with. However, that didn't stop our girls giving them a tough old time with the 1st pair Faith M and Emilie J coming out the wrong side of a 6-4 loss but winning their other 2 games. Harriet P and Bea W-D staged a dramatic tiebreak comeback after being 6-3 down and coming back to win 8-6 securing their first win as a pair. A good showing from the girls but ultimately a 6-3 loss overall. 

The U15 girls showed that there isn't a sport they can't play after cruising to a 6-3 win over their Bloxham opponents with Anna A and Ori G showing strong potential in the 2nd and 3rd pairing as well as Chloe S and Isla M sweeping all 3 of their matches. 

In the U14s Genny E and Sofia J demonstrated grit and strength beating all 3 opponents with relative comfort in their first ever tennis match for the school. After a couple of miss communications in early games they smoothed things out and made the score a respectable 6-3 overall loss to Bloxham. 

Mr Frankie Rogan, Head of Tennis

SPORT

Boys’ 1st XI vs Old Pangbournians Cricket Match

On Pangbournian Day, Pangbourne held the annual OP vs 1st XI cricket match. The College won the toss and decided to field first. There was a point soon after the start when the OPs were in dire straits, and it was thought the game would be over quite quickly but they rallied (experience v enthusiasm in effect) and posted a breathtaking score of 115. 

Then the reply; could enthusiasm get the better of experience? Well, sadly not, and through accident and occasional design, the OP bowlers and fielders contained the College XI who posted a creditable 103.  Overall a match played in a spirit of comradeship and fun, and watched by a goodly group of spectators. Congratulations to Dylan Teague as Player of the Match.

Whitmore-Price Trophy

A lovely day at Sandford Springs Golf Club for the Whitmore-Price Trophy. Congratulations to overall winner Johnny, with a gross 82. George took the Stableford competition with 38 points, as well as the longest drive. Ethan won the nearest the pin. Well done to all the competitors.

Cricket 1st XI vs Halliford School

The cricket season opened with a competitive fixture against Halliford School. After losing early wickets, Alex D and George M steadied the innings to post a defendable total for Pangbourne. 

Pangbourne’s defence started brightly with clinical early wickets from Bertie D and Charlie S, putting Halliford under immediate pressure. However, a strong partnership from Halliford’s 5th and 6th batters ultimately saw them chase down the target.

Despite the result, it was a valuable season opener with clear takeaways for the squad. A special congratulations to Charlie S (Year 10) on his successful 1st XI selection.

Mr Ben Sainsbury, Head of Cricket

SPORTS CALENDAR
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DIVISIONAL UPDATES

Divisional Dinners

Hesperus - Friday 5 June at Goring and Streatley Golf Club. Please book your tickets here.

Harbinger - Saturday 6 June

Illawarra - date TBC

Harbinger

This week in Harbinger has been both busy and highly productive. As GCSE and A Level examinations approach, Year 11 and Upper Sixth students have been making a commendable effort to maximise their potential and secure strong results.

Reflecting on the recent parade, there has been clear and encouraging improvement. It has been particularly pleasing to see the house unite and demonstrate such strong spirit and cohesion. The new CCCs have embraced their roles with enthusiasm and professionalism, contributing positively to the organisation of upcoming events.

Our Ulink Shanghai students are settling in very well, and have added an exciting dynamic to the division. We are looking forward to having them at our Divisional debate next week. 

Mrs Jehan Dyer, Pastoral Divisional Lead of Harbinger

Hesperus

Last weekend we had our second to last Parade of this academic year. Hesperus Division had a great success, the students presented themselves to an excellent standard, the uniforms were in great shape, marching was the best it has been all year, so a big well done to the students who took part on Sunday. The effort and commitment on the day reflected the values of Hesperus Division and this is the same standard and enthusiasm that we would like to see for Founders’ Day. After the parade the annual fixture against the Old Pangbournians took place and provided a wonderful afternoon of cricket. It was lovely to see so many alumni back to the College and the match was played with a great competitive atmosphere with many Hesperus students taking part. 

We have a very exciting term ahead with many competitions such as Div Sport, the annual colour run, girls’ football vs boys’ rugby netball match and the Three Rivers Challenge. We can’t wait to see what this term brings for Hesperus Division. 

Izzy and Alex, CCCs of Hesper

Macquarie

It’s been a busy and exciting start to the term for Macquarie Division. We have been delighted to welcome 11 students from Shanghai, who have quickly become a valued part of our Division. Our Year 9 students have done a wonderful job hosting them, showing kindness, responsibility and enthusiasm in helping them settle in. We look forward to seeing these new friendships continue to grow over the coming weeks.

On Friday evening, we held our annual Divisional Dinner at Goring and Streatley Golf Club. It was a really enjoyable occasion and a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our fantastic Upper Sixth. Thank you to everyone who helped make it such a memorable event.

It was also lovely to see such strong support for Parade on Sunday - the last before Founders’ Day. Emily and Cam have led the Division brilliantly this year, and all students looked immaculate and marched with great pride. They should be extremely proud of themselves.

Tuesday afternoon saw the Division Debate take place. Immie, Vita, and James spoke articulately and persuasively, representing the Division with confidence and skill. Although they narrowly missed out on a place in the final, they should be very proud of their efforts. We wish Illawarra the best of luck in the next round.

Meanwhile, students studying languages have completed their speaking exams, and GCSE and A Level exams in Art, Photography, and Design Technology are now underway. We wish all our Year 11 and Upper Sixth students the very best of luck over the coming weeks.

Grace and James, CCCs of Macquarie

Illawarra

It's been a busy start to the Summer Term for Illawarra. It has been amazing to welcome our Ulink students to the Division and involve them in our house activities. We also had our first Pangbournian Day over the weekend where Illawarra put in a strong performance during the Parade. The next focus is practicing for Founders’ Day, our final parade of the year, which we hope to uphold an excellent standard of uniform and marching.

As well as this, three of our Illawarriors took part in the newly introduced Divisional Debate against Macquarie with the topic “Social media influencers are harmful to society”. After a strong rebuttal from Macquarie we managed to successfully score the win and move onto the final in a few weeks. We hope everyone had a well-earned rest over Easter break and we wish those with exams the best of luck!

Erika, CCC of Illawarra

BOARDING UPDATES

The next boarding update will be on Friday 1 May.

Boarding House Email Addresses

stgeorge@pangbourne.com

portjackson@pangbourne.com

adelaide@pangbourne.com