Friday 25 September 2026

Head’s Update

Academic Rigour

At Pangbourne we spend most of our time as professionals looking inwards and focussing on every individual child. However, sometimes it is worth us looking out and celebrating the hard work of our students. With that in mind I wanted to come back to our stellar value-added scores from this summer. Value-Added is the measure of how far each individual child travels relative to where they started. A Value-Added score of +1 means that on average every student secured one grade higher than their Cognitive Ability Tests (CAT) predicted they should or would have secured at another school. So a student whose CATs say they will get a 5 in Maths, secures a 6. This is replicated against each of their subjects at each grade point. 

This year our GCSE Value-Added stands at +1.2 and our Upper Sixth Value-Added at +1.1. This means that on average Pangbournians are achieving significantly above what their starting points would predict. I would love to find another school adding this much value to a child’s academic journey. This culminated in our students securing 60% Russell Group University places this year, including Cambridge, Durham, Edinburgh, Exeter, Kings and Newcastle and having a 2-year A*/A average of 41%. 

Exploration

This week we launched the inaugural first leg of our brand new adventure race ‘The Three Rivers Challenge.’ I won’t be able to do the event justice here but there is a wonderful video and write up below. These experiences are designed to develop the character a machine cannot replicate and completion of the race requires an element of suffering. 

We are looking forward to welcoming back our intrepid Year 9 cohort who have spent the past 3 days in Dorset jumping off cliffs and crawling through mud. This is our way of inducting them into the adventurous spirit of Pangbourne, building a team identity and helping them connect with the outdoor life. I think they will all sleep well this weekend. 

In the spirit of exploration and adventure, I am delighted we have had over 20 students sign up for our visit to Shanghai. I am hoping this becomes the first of many such adventures. 

Community

Our Pastoral Team is second to none in the sector. We have designed a model of pastoral care that puts the child right at the heart of the College and our Heads of Division are central to this. I have loved receiving feedback this week from students who can feel that relationship first hand and really value the support, guidance and occasionally firmness of their Head of Division. Their primary role is to ensure that your child gets the absolute most out of their time with us. This experience is going to be enhanced with the opening of The Harbour after the half-term. The Harbour is our new Wellbeing Hub. It is situated over 3 floors and will help further enhance the individual attention we provide. Our Estates Team has worked tirelessly over the summer to get the space ready for our students and I am excited to see it in action. 

Our curriculum and weekly schedule is rich and fast-paced and so missing even a few days of school can disrupt a Pangbournians academic momentum and make catch-up challenging. With this in mind, we would like to offer a gentle reminder regarding our policy on term-time leave. In line with the Independent School Standards and national guidelines, leave during term time can only be authorised by the Head in rare and exceptional circumstances. 

Leadership

I was struck with awe in seeing the way Eva, Isaac and the Chiefs led the Parade on Saturday. I know as a teenager I would never have been able to do this and it is a real testament to their courage and fortitude that they can lead the College so calmly. I am looking forward to seeing the Chiefs learn to lead and grow as individuals over the course of this year.

Best wishes,

Oliver Knight

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

All Pupils & Parents: Years 7- Upper Sixth

  • Our whole School Open Morning is taking place tomorrow Saturday 26 September 2026.

    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. You and your child have received an email which details what job they will be doing or which department their help is needed in.


    Please note, students are required to arrive on site between 09:15 and 09:30 to avoid congestion with our visitors. All pupils should go to the Illawarra Division in the West Building as the East Building (Macquarie & Harbinger) will not be open to pupils. There will be no access to the Parade ground after 09:30. The Open Morning will be running from 09:30 - 13:00. 

    Thank you in advance for your support of this event. 

  • We are looking forward to the Divisional Music Competition next Friday, 2 October. All students will be performing, with timetabled rehearsal slots and supper times arranged before the event begins at 19:00.

    Tickets are now available and can be booked using the link here.

    We are delighted to be reintroducing an Ensemble category this year. Rehearsals are already well underway and the groups are sounding fantastic.

    Ms Nichola Graham - Director of Music

  • CCF Junior Field Day - Saturday 3 to Sunday 4 October 2026

    Our first overnight activity for our Year 9 and Year 10 cadets will take place at Pangbourne College from 18:00 on Saturday 3 October until 18:00 on Sunday 4 October.

    The Junior Field Day will give our newer cadets their first experience of living and working in the field and will cover elements of the CCF Basic and 1 Star syllabus. Cadets will learn and practise fieldcraft skills, including setting up and living in a field environment, cooking for themselves, personal administration and working together as a section.

    Our Year 11 to Upper Sixth senior cadets are also encouraged to attend and will have an important role throughout the weekend, working alongside CCF staff to teach and support the younger cadets and putting their own knowledge, leadership and instructional skills into practice.

    For many of our junior cadets, this will be their first CCF overnight activity and a chance to put into practice the skills they have started learning during weekly training. The weekend will take place entirely on the Pangbourne College site, providing a familiar environment for their first experience of living in the field.

    Cadets wishing to attend should sign up using the form here‍ by Wednesday 30 September 2026. Further joining instructions and a kit list will be sent to those attending.

    CCF Junior Cadet Instructor Cadre (JCIC) - Friday 16 to Tuesday 20 October 2026

    This October half-term, our Year 11 to Upper Sixth cadets have the opportunity to take part in the Junior Cadet Instructor Cadre (JCIC), running from Friday 16 to Tuesday 20 October inclusive.

    As cadets become more senior, we want them increasingly involved in leading and instructing our younger cadets rather than simply taking part in training themselves. JCIC will give them the skills and confidence to do this properly, developing their instructional ability, leadership, communication and confidence.

    The cadre will take place on a military Field Training Area (FTA) and we will be fully self-contained for the duration, giving cadets a proper field experience alongside their instructional training. They will learn how to plan and deliver lessons, practise instructing others and develop the leadership skills needed as they take on greater responsibility within the Contingent.

    JCIC is also an important part of progression within the CCF. Cadets who want to progress into more senior leadership roles and be considered for promotion should attend. As our senior cadets progress, we expect them to be able to lead, instruct and pass their experience on to those coming up behind them.

    It should also be a fantastic five days: proper training, on an actual FTA, living in the field and with plenty of opportunity to get stuck in. It will be challenging at times, but should give our senior cadets a real sense of achievement as well as skills that will be useful well beyond the CCF.

    Cadets wishing to attend should sign up using the form here by Monday 12 October. Further joining instructions, transport arrangements and a full kit list will be sent to those attending.

    Major Matt Heaven - Contingent Commander

  • Aviation Society

    Led by Mr Hammond, the Aviation Society gives students a real behind-the-scenes look at how planes work. Sessions cover everything from the basics of aerodynamics to the systems and technology that keep an aircraft in the air. This term's highlight so far has been a close-up look inside a real cockpit, where Mr Hammond talked us through the instruments, controls and what each person's role in the aircraft is. He also shared his enthusiasm for his favourite aircraft, the Boeing 747, explaining the engineering that makes it such an iconic plane.

    George H (Upper Sixth)

    Economics Society

    In economics society this week we have been focusing on the US Stock Market. On Monday, Gabriel, Rory and Alexei looked at the top five performers in the market over this calendar year. We saw that Apple was the top performer, closely followed by Amazon. Every week we are taking turns on presenting a new topic in the US market. We are hoping to broaden our knowledge and understanding on this topic.

    Lewis R (Lower Sixth)

    Bridge Society

    Over the past two weeks in Bridge Society we have managed to cover the basics and are getting to grips with the style of play of Bridge. Bridge is a trick taking card game using a standard 52 carded deck. It is played with 4 players in two competing pairs sat opposite each other. Although rather complicated, Dr Hart has started to teach a small group of students the tips and tricks to becoming masters of Bridge. We have begun walkthroughs and analysis of 'cheat sheets' to start to know how best to play the game. It will be exciting to see the progress as the term continues. 

    Denny W (Upper Sixth)

  • Pangbourne College will be running six cricket sessions on Tuesday evenings starting on Tuesday 3 November. These sessions will be run by ECB Level 4 Cricket coach, Chris Ellison and will be aimed at all pupils interested in cricket. This will take place from 17:30 - 19:00.

    If you’re interested, the booking deadline is Wednesday 30 September. Please see more information on the flyer here and via this link.

    If you have any questions feel free to email the following contact: jeremy@performance-sports.org.uk

    Mr Joe Mills - Director of Sport

All Parents:

  • This is a final reminder for those parents who would like to renew or take up the option of the Pupils Absence Insurance Scheme and Personal Effects Insurance Scheme for the Michaelmas term. Please ensure that you apply by the deadline of Wednesday 30 September 2026.  

    Full details of the new scheme and the QR code required to apply can be found in this leaflet.

  • Thank you to those who were able to join the Rowing Webinar on Monday. 

    Please find the recording from the webinar here.

    As well as sharing information about the Rowing programme, the meeting summarised our exciting plans for a new boathouse. Thanks to many generous and enthusiastic supporters of Pangbourne rowing – current and former parents and OPs – we raised the £2.1M required for this project. Now we are about to press ahead with construction work. 

    Rowing parents are invited to attend the Ground Breaking event on Wednesday 30 September. If you would like to attend the Ground Breaking Ceremony, please register here before Monday 28 September. Final event details will be emailed to registered attendees on Monday 28 September.

    You can keep up to date with information about the new Boathouse development here. 

    Mrs Lucinda Grafton - Director of Development & Community

  • 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. 

    Tickets will go on sale in October.

    Mrs Lucinda Grafton - Director of Development & Community

  • In exciting news, we have partnered with Wellio to work with Years 7-Upper Sixth this year. It is a digital platform that supports your child’s wellbeing through evidence‑based RSE & Citizenship lessons. 

    Wellio helps students proactively improve their mental wellbeing using research-backed habits and techniques. Their programme supports students to improve their sleep, manage social media use, build healthy relationships, improve physical wellbeing and reduce anxiety. 

    If you would like to see the lessons that your child is being taught, please log onto Wellio by using these log in details below:

    Email address: pangbourne-college-parent30@wellioeducation.com

    Password: Dug-Ivy-Click-59

    The last few years have put pressure on everyone, and we believe helping students build strong habits is a crucial part of our wellbeing programme.

    How Wellio Supports Statutory PSHCE & RSHE Compliance

    Rather than retrofitting compliance into fragmented resources, Wellio is built around explicit sequencing and defensible curriculum mapping from the outset.

    With Wellio, schools can:

    For example, schools using Wellio can generate a full Key Stage curriculum map in minutes, clearly showing where statutory content is introduced, revisited and assessed,  ready for inspection conversations.

    Trusted by 600+ schools globally, including leading UK and international schools, Wellio helps curriculum leaders demonstrate compliance, coherence and defensible impact without adding planning time.

    What your child will receive

    In Years 7-10 pupils will use Wellio lessons throughout the year to help them build life skills that improve their wellbeing. Year 11-Upper Sixth will do this in occasional tutor sessions.

    These lessons will be led by either the PSHCE staff or Year 11/Sixth Form Tutors and delivered through the Wellio platform. Throughout the lessons, pupils will be using Wellio’s learning platform to help increase engagement and measure the impact of the programme. 

    Wellio lessons are engaging and interactive, featuring videos, discussions, polls, quizzes, and written reflections. These help students reflect, discuss and internalise positive wellbeing strategies in a format that feels meaningful and relevant.

    Lessons are updated regularly, ensuring content remains accurate and culturally relevant. 

    PSHCE & RSHE Statutory Guidance 2026 for UK Schools: DfE Requirements and ISI/Ofsted Expectations

    The 2026 DfE PSHCE & RSHE statutory guidance explained:

    From September 2026, updated statutory guidance for Relationships Education, RSHE and Health Education will become mandatory for all UK schools.

    At the same time, Ofsted/ISI inspections are placing far greater scrutiny on how PSHCE and RSHE are sequenced, delivered and evidenced.

    For many schools, the challenge is no longer simply covering the topics, but clearly demonstrating:

    • How the curriculum is sequenced across year groups

    • How statutory RSHE content is mapped and delivered

    • How pupils’ understanding develops over time

    • How impact can be evidenced during inspection conversations

    Coverage alone is no longer enough. Schools increasingly need a clear, defensible curriculum structure.

    What the DfE statutory guidance for PSHCE & RSHE requires:

    The Department for Education (DfE) statutory guidance for Relationships Education, RSHE and Health Education becomes mandatory from September 2026.

    The guidance sets out the legal content schools must deliver and strengthens expectations around:

    • Age-appropriate sequencing across Key Stages

    • Clear curriculum mapping of statutory RSHE content

    • Safeguarding alignment and sensitive topics

    • Parental consultation and transparency

    • Adaptation for SEND pupils

    Schools must not only deliver RSHE, but demonstrate that their PSHCE curriculum meets DfE statutory requirements through structured progression and documented curriculum maps.

    In practice, leaders need to answer confidently:

    • Why is this topic taught here?

    • How does it build year-on-year?

    • How do we know pupils understand it?

    Why this matters more now

    Inspection conversations around PSHCE are becoming increasingly forensic.

    RSHE is considered not only under Personal Development, but also through Curriculum and Teaching discussions. That means sequencing, delivery and evidence are under closer scrutiny.

    At the same time, implementation challenges remain real. 

    A Youth Endowment Fund survey found that 55% of secondary teachers cite confidence or expertise as a barrier to delivering high-quality PSHCE.

    PSHCE Ofsted/ISI deep dive: What inspectors will ask in 2026

    Under the Education Inspection Framework, PSHCE and RSHE are often explored through a Personal Development deep dive.

    During an Ofsted/ISI deep dive in PSHCE, inspectors typically ask:

    • What is your curriculum intent for PSHCE and RSHE?

    • How is your PSHCE curriculum sequenced across Key Stages?

    • How does knowledge build year on year?

    • How do you ensure statutory RSHE requirements are covered?

    • How do you assess impact in a non-examined subject?

    • How do you adapt provision for SEND pupils?

    Inspectors increasingly expect to see:

    • A structured spiral curriculum

    • Explicit curriculum mapping

    • Embedded assessment and knowledge checks

    • Evidence that pupils retain key knowledge

    Schools that can clearly show curriculum progression and provide mapped documentation tend to feel far more confident during inspection conversations.

    Many schools now use structured PSHCE curriculum platforms to simplify sequencing, mapping and inspection preparation, rather than relying on fragmented lesson resources.

    Evidencing impact without turning PSHCE into an exam subject

    Although PSHCE is not a formally examined subject, it is subject to Ofsted/ISI inspection. Strong schools demonstrate impact through:

    • Retrieval questions within lessons

    • Short baseline and follow-up checks

    • Scenario-based application tasks

    • Pupil voice surveys

    This approach aligns with wider research. The Education Endowment Foundation reports that well-implemented social and emotional learning approaches can add an average of three months’ additional academic progress, rising to five months in some secondary contexts.

    Impact in PSHCE is about promoting understanding and engagement, not grades.

    How the 2026 Guidance Links to Personal Development and Careers Education

    The updated PSHCE and RSHE statutory guidance also sits within the wider Ofsted/ISI Personal Development judgement.

    Schools are increasingly expected to demonstrate how PSHCE connects with:

    • Careers education and the Gatsby benchmarks

    • Character development

    • Safeguarding and online safety

    • SMSC provision

    A coherent PSHCE curriculum strengthens how schools demonstrate personal development and whole-school strategy during inspection.

    Leaders who align statutory RSHE guidance with careers and personal development frameworks create a more defensible and inspection-ready curriculum.

    If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact Ms. Atack (rebecca.atack@pangbourne.com).

    Ms Rebecca Atack - Head of PSHCE

  • Enjoy a free coffee when you spend £25 at Nino’s Italian Deli on qualifying retail goods.

    Visit our Pangbournian Benefits page for more details.

    Mrs Lucinda Grafton, Director of Development and Community

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  • A reminder to all parents that on Wednesday 30 September, 18:00 - 18:45, we are holding our welcome webinar for Year 7 and new joiners into Year 8, though all Year 8 parents are also welcome. The session will give you a broad overview of the curriculum for Year 7 and 8 pupils, key staff and co-curricular opportunities. Please see the link here to join

    Mr Anthony Hammond - Head of KS3

  • As we begin to settle into the regular routine of the term, a brief update from the Dunbar desk.

    The children are gradually learning the routines and our new joiners are looking far more settled. It has been great to see the boys and girls out on the sports field, and I have loved being able to watch the football and hockey fixtures taking place. Hopefully you have all now been formally introduced to your child’s Academic Tutor and have received the information regarding the ClassCharts behaviour management software. This is an invaluable tool in keeping track of how your child is performing in real time, so please ask if there is any aspect of this which you need clarifying. I have access to all the ClassCharts data for the Dunbar pupils and it is always overwhelmingly positive. It enables me to get a real insight into the academic lives of the children in Dunbar.

    Dunbar Divisional Associations

    As you may well be aware, we have changed the system in Dunbar for internal competitions. Whereas previously all Dunbar pupils were assigned to one of four ‘Watches’ (Aft, Forward, Port or Starboard) on arrival, which would then be used for competition purposes within Dunbar, and pupils would then be assigned their Senior Division shortly before the end of Year 8. As from this September all pupils in Dunbar were assigned their Senior Division on arrival (Harbinger, Hesperus, Illawarra or Macquarie), and these are now used for internal competitions. This has already had several benefits, primarily the fact that all Dunbar pupils have a tangible link to the pupils in the Senior School, and can therefore take a meaningful part in the whole school events. It has been wonderful to see the Year 7 and 8 pupils taking part in the ongoing Divisional Music practices and this will be the first time they have competed alongside the older pupils. It has also been marvellous to see the Dunbar pupils taking part in Drill and Parade Practice and whilst there is still no requirement for them to attend College Parades, this training will stand them in great stead for their transition into Year 9.

    ‘Girls on Board’

    I thought I would also share with you some information regarding the ‘Girls on Board’ programme we introduced last year, and are continuing this year. ‘Girls on Board’ is a programme developed by Andrew Hampton, Headteacher of Thorpe Hall School in Essex, and is designed to help girls between the ages of 7 and 18 navigate the often troubled waters of friendship problems. 

    To quote the website ‘Girls are empowered to solve their own friendship problems, recognising that they are usually the only ones who can. Girls on Board sessions are non-judgmental and reflective, designed to evoke empathy amongst the girls and it is that empathy that fuels the search for harmony and resolution. By empowering girls to find their own solutions, parents need worry less, schools can focus more on the curriculum and the girls learn more effectively – because they are happier.’

    We have just held our first session with the Dunbar girls this year, whilst those in Year 8 will have come across this last year. The girls really engaged with the content and the concepts and we plan on having our second session very shortly. I would be very happy to give more details about this approach, or by all means have a look at the website yourself here.

    Parents’ Dinner

    Having hopefully put the date of Friday 9 October into your diaries, I am delighted to share the booking link here for Dunbar parents to sign up for our annual Parents’ Dinner at the Goring & Streatley Golf Club. There will be welcome drinks on arrival, three delicious courses, a mercifully short speech by yours truly, and a cash bar open all evening.

    Please do consider joining us for this event, the booking form is now open but will close at midnight on Friday 2 October.

    Please see the menu below:

    Starters

    Sundried Tomato & Parmesan Arancini with Pomodoro Sauce

    Beetroot, Goats Cheese and Hazelnut Salad with Honey & Balsamic

    Sticky Beef Salad with Shredded Vegetables

    Main

    Pan Seared Chicken Breast with Roasted Baby Potatoes. Vegetables and a Creamy Leek & Bacon Sauce

    Chalk Stream Trout. Crispy Sage & Parmesan Gnocchi with Greens and Brown Butter Sauce

    Aubergine, Halloumi & Tomato Pie with potatoes and Greens

    Dessert

    Creme Brulee with Shortbread

    Vanilla Cream Choux Bun with Warm Chocolate Sauce

    Lemon Meringue Slice with Raspberry Coulis

    Dr Ian Hart - Head of Junior Division (Dunbar)

  • A reminder that the Year 9 Welcome Webinar for parents is taking place next Wednesday 30 September 19:00 - 19:45. Please see the link here to join. This will focus on the key elements of transition into the senior years (Year 9 upwards), the curriculum, co-curricular opportunities and academic milestones specific to Year 9, particularly the options process.

    Mr Anthony Hammond - Head of KS3

Year 7 - 9

Year 10 - 11

  • Thank you to all of you who attended the 'Welcome to Year 10' webinar. I hope it was a useful evening. Please see the link to the recording here. The passcode is H^i.vw59.

    I also wanted to give you a reminder of the revision techniques webinar that will be taking place on Wednesday 14 October. Please do put the date in your diary and the link to join that webinar will be available in next week’s newsletter. I have just been teaching my Year 10 English class how to make an effective flashcard, so I am looking forward to doing the same with you. On that note, lots of my Year 10 class used paper as improvised flashcards for the prep I set this week. As I've explained this is no substitute for proper card flashcards (ideally coloured and ideally 6"x4"). Please can I ask that you invest in several packs of flashcards so students have them at home and ready for preps which require them. They can also buy them from the school shop. 

    In conjunction with this webinar, revision guides have been handed out or will be before half term (in all subjects bar Drama, Art and Photography) to all pupils in Year 10.  Please ask for them to come home and keep them safely there. Homework will sometimes be set from these and they will become increasingly useful over the course of the two years for things like RAG rating topics and making flashcards (this will be covered in more detail in the webinar).

    Finally, please do remember the Of Mice and Men production on Saturday 3 October, which promises to be fantastic. I know that some pupils for various reasons cannot make it. The production is on tour and in Maidenhead on the 19 November if you can make it there instead. Please see more information here.

    Mrs Abbie Stephenson - Head of KS4

  • Following the revision webinar last week please see the academic calendar for Year 11 here. This goes through week by week what to expect with your child (provisional coursework deadlines are on there for example). Please look over it with your child to see what the year as a whole will look like for them.

    Homework is starting to ramp up for Year 11 now. I have had a number of conversations with parents who say that their child claims there is no prep. It may be that they have managed to complete all prep while at school somehow, but unfortunately in Year 11 there is always something useful they can be doing. If they have time, making a set of flashcards or being quizzed on a set they made last year will be a really worthwhile enterprise. Please invest in many sets of coloured 6x4 flashcards for them too! Please see also Mrs Kiernan-Webb's notice below about English revision sprints.

    Please do remember the Of Mice and Men production on Saturday 3 October, which promises to be fantastic. I know that some students for various reasons cannot make it. The production is on tour and in Maidenhead on the 19 November if you can make it there instead. Please see more information here.

    Over the next few weeks and before half term, Ms Kaur, members of the Senior Leadership Team and I will be meeting all of Year 11 one to one to discuss their Sixth Form and future pathways with them. Any conversations you can have at home about the next stages will be really helpful. To help with your choices please use our Guide to Choosing Your Subjects at Sixth Form. This a comprehensive guide of what we offer. Option blocks are built around pupils’ initial choices and subjects are run subject to numbers. This is an exciting time, looking ahead to Sixth Form and beyond and we look forward to chatting through this with your child.

    Mrs Abbie Stephenson - Head of KS4

  • We are delighted to have arranged for Makin Projects’ touring production of Of Mice and Men to visit Pangbourne College on Saturday 3 October. The performance will begin at 14:30, following the morning’s sports fixtures. Lunch will be available for pupils beforehand at an additional cost.

    John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men is the principal prose text studied for the Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Literature examination. Watching the novel performed will deepen pupils’ understanding of its characters, relationships and central themes, while allowing them to experience the emotional power of Steinbeck’s story beyond the classroom.

    I had the pleasure of seeing this production in 2025 and was particularly impressed by the way it brings the characters and their world vividly to life. It is a powerful, engaging and highly relevant interpretation of the novel.

    We hope all Year 10 and Year 11 pupils will attend. We anticipate that tickets will cost approximately £10 per pupil, although the final price will depend on the number of pupils attending.

    Please complete the form here by Monday 28 September to confirm your son/daughter’s attendance.

    Mrs Sarah Kiernan Webb - Head of English

  • As we have all settled back to school after the long, hot summer, the reality and challenge of exams is approaching, and a few parents have already been asking about revision and guides.

    With everyone currently hard at work on their Macbeth Literature coursework, it’s easy for English Language revision to slip off the radar. To ensure we don't lose sight of the November Language Trials while keeping workloads balanced, every student received a Trial 1 Sprint Booklet this week. Please see here.

    What Are Revision "Sprints"?

    Rather than sitting down for overwhelming study marathons, these booklets break English Language revision into short, bite-sized tasks. Working in small bursts over a few weeks helps information stick much better, avoids last-minute cramming, and gives students a clear focus during study periods in the library.

    How You Can Support at Home:

    • Encourage Small Wins: Ask your child to show you their completed sprints! They are designed to be self-marked so students can see their own progress straight away.

    • Use Year 10 CGP Guides: Don't forget that the CGP revision guides allocated to students in Year 10 are still a fantastic resource to use alongside these booklets and have lots of example answers.

    • Positive Praise: These tasks are all about building good habits - teachers will be awarding positive points for every completed sprint to celebrate their independent effort.

    Thank you so much for your continued support as we work together to help Year 11 feel ready, confident, and calm ahead of November.

    Mrs Sarah Kiernan-Webb - Head of English

Sixth Form

  • It has been great getting to know the Lower Sixth over the last three weeks. They have now settled into routines and the focus is now helping them to get organised with meeting prep deadlines and doing consistent revision. They should be really proud of how they are getting on and have transitioned into Sixth Form life. 

    Please use the link here to view the recording of the ‘Welcome to Lower Sixth’ webinar which was held on Wednesday 23 September at 19:00. The passcode is Yz82^Cn@.

    Ms Indy Kaur - Head of Sixth Form

  • With six College weeks until the Upper Sixth Trials in November, the focus this week has been talking to students about ensuring that they have routines and systems in place as part of their preparation.

    They are also all currently being supported by their tutors with their UCAS personal statements and conversations around plans for when they leave next summer. It has been a bit of a slower process this year with engagement so any support that you can provide at home is appreciated.

    Ms Indy Kaur - Head of Sixth Form

  • We have scheduled an early meeting for parents of Upper Sixth pupils with teachers and tutors next Wednesday 30 September. The focus for these conversations will be the start of the Upper Sixth year, expectations for the year ahead and UCAS applications. Appointments commence at 17:15 for most staff and run through to 19:30. Some teachers, with large classes, will be available from 16:30. This is an in person event.

    Booking opens today, Friday 25 September 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. A grade card will be available for you to review ahead of the event.

    For parents new to Pangbourne, Drake Hall is in the Main Quad, opposite the Library and adjacent to the Sports Hall. 

    Mr Mark Seccombe - Senior Deputy Head Academic

  • InvestIN have just introduced their next wave of one-day career experiences!

    Insight Days give you the chance to explore what a career is really like, get hands-on industry experience and meet professionals working in the field.

    You’ll have something useful to add to future applications and, most importantly, get a better idea of whether it’s the right career for you.

    Insight Days are taking place on Sundays throughout November, either at University College London (UCL) or online.

    Insight Pass: Register for more than one Insight Day and get 15% off with code INSIGHTPASS before midnight 30 September.

    You can find out more and register your place here.

    Ms Indy Kaur - Head of Sixth Form

Friday 25 September, 17:10
Year 9 Return from Residential - Dorset
Year 9, Co-curricular

Saturday 26 September, 09:30 - 13:00
Open Morning
Whole School, Admissions

Wednesday 30 September, 11:15 - 15:30
Royal Marines Band Service Visit and Performance
NHRH, Music

Wednesday 30 September, 17:15 - 19:30
Upper Sixth Parents’ Meeting
Upper Sixth, Academic, Parent/Guardian

Wednesday 30 September, 18:00 - 18:45
Webinar Wednesday: ‘Welcome to Dunbar’
Year 7, Academic, Parent/Guardian

Wednesday 30 September, 19:00 - 19:45
Webinar Wednesday: ‘Welcome to Year 9’
Year 9, Academic, Parent/Guardian

Friday 2 October, 19:00 - 21:00
Divisional Music Competition
Whole College, Music, Parent/Guardian

Saturday 3 October, 14:00 - 18:00
Of Mice & Men Production
Drake Hall, Year 10, Year 11, Academic

Saturday 3 October, 18:00 - Sunday 4 October, 18:00
CCF Weekend Recruit Cadre for Year 9 and 10
Year 9, Year 10, Co-Curricular, Trip

UPCOMING EVENTS

School Calendar
Term dates and College parades

COLLEGE NEWS THIS WEEK

Three Rivers Challenge Canoe Expedition

The weather could hardly have been kinder for the canoe based element of the Three Rivers Challenge. A barmy 24°C and water like glass were the order of the day. The only downside to a summer of fine weather was barely any flow in the river at all. Beautiful conditions for a paddle, perhaps, but not particularly helpful for anyone hoping that the river might do some of the work over the seventeen kilometre route. 

Eight crews from the four Divisions had been selected and trained for the race. Unfortunately, Macquarie suffered an injury between the training day and the start, leaving them a man down before they got on the water. Commiserations to Barney R.

The race itself unfolded over more than six hours, with the crews gradually making their way downstream from Wallingford to Pangbourne. A conservative first half gave way below Goring Lock to a furious and decisive final six kilometres. Round Cow Corner, through the Railway Bridge, over the Main Straight and down to the Pangbourne College Boat Club the paddles went down hard for a good thirty minutes. 

Charlie G and Alex G made the early running, establishing the initial lead, with James P and Sam B in hot pursuit. Around three kilometres into the final section, Will Peters and Ralf Tompkins pushed through into second place. Shortly afterwards, Eva S and Finn M moved up to replace a tiring James and Sam.

This left both Illawarra boats occupying second and third place, a particularly useful tactical position given that the prize would go to the first complete Division to cross the line. With the result dependent on the combined performance of the crews rather than simply the first boat home, the race became as much about tactics as outright speed.

James and Sam, however, were not quite ready to surrender. A late resurgence saw them closing the gap, although some tactical steering may have helped the leading crews keep their route, and their advantage, under control. With every paddle stroke counting, the final kilometres provided a suitably tense conclusion.

Further back, Denny W and Harry P put in a strong performance to finish fourth. Harvey D and Sienna R were fighting their own battle, with the formidable, three person Macquarie juggernaut of George W, Tiara P and Grace W. Continuously leapfrogging each other they continued to battle gamely on. Sadly, despite their considerable determination, the Macquarie boat were unable to prevail and eventually fell off the rear of the fleet to finish in last place.

The individual honours went to Alex G and Charlie G, whose spectacular display of stamina and grit saw them take the individual victory. Huge congratulations to both for an outstanding performance.

The Division competition produced a closely fought result. Illawarra took the overall team victory, represented by Will P, Ralf T, Eva S and Finn M. Hesperus finished in second place, followed by Harbinger in third and Macquarie in fourth.

A huge well done to everyone who took part. You can watch a video of the race here.

The next event will be the River Pang Yomp - We will call for teams early in the Lent term to represent their Divisions in a long distance route march. Can Illawarra hold the lead?

Mr Tom Poynter - Assistant Head Co-Curricular

First College Parade of the Academic Year

Last Saturday was a wonderful morning, bringing the Pangbournian community together for our first College Parade of the academic year. It was fantastic to welcome some new faces to parade and see everyone come together once again following Founders’ Day in July. Our Year 9 pupils have a little more time to perfect their drill before making their parade debut on Saturday 10 October. We look forward to seeing them in action then.

Car Engineering Activity

This week, we took delivery of a Formula Vee car, kindly loaned to us by Dominic Taylor Lane from the Association of Heritage Engineers.

The car was built in England by Royale of Huntingdon and is one of only 11 ever built. It was then shipped to the USA, where it raced in the 1970s Formula Vee series, which was a support series for NASCAR. After this, it was used in unrestricted AutoSolo events in the USA before returning to the UK to compete in AutoSolo events here.

As part of their engineering activity this year, our pupils will be rebuilding the engine and car, with the aim of having it running by this summer and using it in classic racing events.The car has a 2,800cc Type 4 VW engine, fitted with Porsche barrels and Porsche 912 heads, and is mated to a supercharger, producing around 300bhp.

This is a hugely exciting and unique project for our pupils to be involved in, giving them the opportunity to work hands-on with a piece of motorsport history.

Mr Tom Cheney - Classic Car Engineering Activity Lead

Year 9 Adventure in Swanage

Year 9 enjoyed a memorable adventure in Swanage, Dorset, making the most of the sunshine while taking on some serious challenges. Pupils tackled a giant inflatable waterpark, completed a 1.5-mile mud run through waist-deep mud, climbed and jumped from sea cliffs, navigated high ropes and explored tunnel complexes. It was a fantastic opportunity to develop new friendships, build resilience and try something new, including making their own beds for some of them. We are delighted to see this exciting new element becoming part of the Pangbourne calendar. A huge thank you to the staff who gave their time and energy to make the trip possible.

Mr Tom Poynter - Assistant Head Co-Curricular

Year 7 Music Lessons

Our Year 7s have now all had their first lessons on their new instruments, and Monday saw their very first ensemble rehearsal. The room was full of energy, sounds and rhythms and they quickly discovered that starting and stopping together is trickier than it looks. We can’t wait to see their progress as they move from rhythms to notation over the coming weeks.

Ms Nichola Graham - Director of Music

SPORT

Golf Fixture vs Old Pangbournians

Monday afternoon found 10 pupils and two staff at The Berkshire Golf Club for our annual golf match against the Old Pangbournians. In glorious weather the College triumphed 3 1/2 vs 1 1/2 with good performances all round.

Mr Neil Jeffers, Golf Coach

Football

U13A Boys’ Football vs Leighton Park School

A fantastic start to the season for the U13A side, with an impressive 5–1 victory built on excellent football and a solid team performance in both attack and defence.

Pangbourne began brightly, creating several promising chances but were unable to find the breakthrough. A brief lapse in concentration allowed the opposition’s standout player to fire an unstoppable shot past Tolia, giving them an early lead. The response, however, was outstanding. Seb raced through on goal to level the score before Jago produced a superb solo run, weaving through the defence and finishing brilliantly into the top left corner. Just before half time, Raf received the ball out wide and struck from distance, his powerful effort slipping through the goalkeeper’s hands to give Pangbourne a deserved 3–1 lead.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Pangbourne continuing to dominate possession and create chances. Seb capped off a lovely team move with his second goal of the game, and after going close on a couple of occasions, JJ maintained his ‘goal a game’ reputation by cutting inside and smashing home his first of the season, followed up with multiple lovely celebrations! JJ was unfortunate to have another excellent finish ruled out for offside, leaving the final score at 5–1.

There were outstanding performances across the pitch. Christian, Raf and Josh were a constant threat, beating defenders, delivering dangerous crosses and making intelligent runs into space. Yanis and Teddy both impressed on their midfield debuts, showing confidence on the ball and always looking to play forward. Rory also enjoyed a strong debut in an unfamiliar position, looking composed and settling into the role well, with plenty of promise for the weeks ahead.

Defensively, the team were equally impressive. Tolia commanded his penalty area confidently and made several important saves, while Ralph was strong in the tackle and brought real physicality to the back line.

Man of the Match: El Boy, for an outstanding defensive display. He gave the opposition almost nothing, organised the back line superbly, and was a key reason behind such a commanding team performance. A brilliant start to the season, long may it continue.

Mr Otis Williams - Football Coach

U13A Boys’ Football vs Holyport College

Pangbourne were unfortunate to come away empty handed after a highly competitive match against Holyport. It was an evenly contested game with chances at both ends, but despite creating several excellent opportunities, we were unable to find the back of the net.

The boys worked tirelessly throughout the first half and produced some excellent passages of play. Although we were unlucky to concede, there were strong performances all over the pitch. Teddy was particularly impressive, showing real quality and maturity in the right back position despite having limited experience there.

The second half saw Pangbourne create several clear cut chances. Seb and Jago were both denied in one on one situations by Holyport’s outstanding goalkeeper, who proved to be the difference between the sides. Jago also came agonisingly close with a superb free kick that crashed against the crossbar.

Late in the game, an unfortunate defensive mistake allowed Holyport’s striker a simple tap in, putting the result beyond our reach.

Despite the score line, this was a performance full of effort, determination, and quality. It was a game that could easily have gone either way, and the boys should take plenty of positives from it as we continue to build momentum throughout the season.

Mr Otis Williams - Football Coach

Hockey

U13A Girls’ Hockey vs Abingdon School

We are so pleased with the performance from our Dunbar girls. A brilliant win of 6-2 over three small games. The girls worked tremendously hard, they communicated well and used the width of the pitch to their advantage. The defence did a brilliant job clearing the attack and our goalkeeper Millie really put herself on the line! Hettie did an amazing job of driving up the pitch, passing to her teammates, and even scored her first goal! We also had some great goals from Millie B and Izzy.

Miss Esme Young - Hockey Coach

1st XI Girls’ Hockey vs Gordon’s School

The 1st XI travelled away to Gordon's on Friday night with a tough game ahead. The pitch was slow and sandy, meaning we had to take extra care with every pass that we made. We made a good start to the game, being well organised in our defence, before we strung together some passes, moving Gordon's around the pitch. However, as the half continued, Gordon's dominated the possession and created some good chances. We were resolute in our defending, with Emily proving impossible to beat in goal. When we moved the ball quickly, and beat their high press we looked very dangerous. We opened them up on a few occasions and the deadlock was broken when Harriet made a great individual run from midfield, leaving defenders in her wake before she slipped the ball in at the near post to give us the lead. This goal gave us confidence, however, we were still spending most of the time without the ball. Some great defending from Grace, Laila, Annie and Olivia, which kept Gordon's from scoring and we were able to break away again with debutant Annabelle providing the finishing touch to double our lead on the stroke of half time.

The second half was even more challenging, with last ditch tackles flying in from every player. We were trapped in our half, conceding over 10 short corners. Isla was brave as she ran out at the attacker every time, providing pressure so that they couldn't shoot. Emily continued to stop everything that came at her, increasing Gordon's frustrations.

Our efforts in defence resulted in fatigue, meaning we were careless when we won the ball. We struggled to move the ball up the pitch and give our defenders a rest. Despite this, we rallied together as a team and didn't allow Gordon's back into the game, resulting in a 2-0 win.

What an effort from everyone.

Mr William Main - Hockey Coach

SPORTS CALENDAR
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Divisional Updates

Harbinger

It’s been another busy week for Harbinger, with lots going on and plenty of people getting involved.

A massive well done to our team of Upper Sixth who took part in the Three Rivers Challenge on Monday. The team did really well and managed to finish third, which is a great result! Everyone showed great teamwork and determination, so well done to everyone who took part.

College Parade on Saturday was a brilliant event, a lot of work lead up to it so it was good to see the hard work on display. We have been focused on Div Music for the rest of this week which has been going very well. We are so grateful for all the members of Macquarie who have been putting in extra work, specifically our soloists and instrumentalists, we can't wait to see the performances next Friday.

Harvey & Clara - Chief Cadet Captains of Harbinger

Hesperus

Students are now well and truly back in the swing of things and settling into the daily routine. Sports fixtures are fully underway, with several Hesperus students representing the College in hockey and rugby, while our rowers are preparing to take part in head races over the coming weeks.

A big well done to Poppy, Isla, Maximus and Fergus on their successful auditions for the College production. We are looking forward to seeing them take to the stage and wish them all the best with the rehearsals ahead. We are also very pleased with the start we have made in Parade. Those who participated last Saturday put in a great effort, and it certainly showed. There is plenty still to work on, but it was a very positive start and something we can build on.

Divisional Music is fast approaching and students are busy preparing their solo performances, ensembles and, of course, the all important group song.There is a lot of hard work going on behind the scenes, and we are looking forward to seeing it all come together.

Alex & Phoebe - Chief Cadet Captains of Hesperus

Illawarra

It has been another fantastic and successful week for Illawarra. A major highlight was the Three Rivers Challenge - a demanding 16km canoe race along the River Thames, where our students demonstrated incredible teamwork, determination and resilience to come out on top and win the competition. Massive congratulations to Illawarra for taking first place, along with a big shout out to Eva, Finn, Will and Ralf for their outstanding effort and team spirit!

Meanwhile, rehearsals for Div Music are in full swing as we prepare to perform ‘Life is a Highway’. Everything is coming together brilliantly, so please keep listening to the song outside of rehearsals (even in the car!) so everyone knows the lyrics by heart as we move off-script and start adding actions.

Finally, a massive congratulations to Matty Z and Harry P-W for being named Roos of the Week. Their commitment, enthusiasm, positive mindset and exceptional effort during Parade practice means they thoroughly deserve this recognition.

Finn & Amelia - Chief Cadet Captains of Illawarra

Macquarie

It's been a busy and exciting week in Macquarie.

We really enjoyed our first Parade of the year. Although we didn’t come top this time, there was lots to be proud of and, of course, plenty for us to work on. Our uniform really needs to be our main focus before the next Parade - we know we can do it. A special shout out goes to Matthew B, who clearly understood the assignment and impressed Mr Radford with his exceptionally shiny shoes.

Rehearsals for Div Music are now well and truly in full swing, with extra practices taking place at lunchtimes. We are really looking forward to seeing all the hard work come together and watching everyone perform.

It has also been a fantastic week of sport for many Macquarie students. Many of our students have been involved in some brilliant fixtures, with a particular mention for the Girls’ 1st XI Hockey and their excellent performance. We were also delighted to see the 1st XV Rugby team secure a great win, with some of our Year 11 boys stepping up to play alongside the Sixth Form. It was a fantastic match with great teamwork.

Three of our Upper Sixth took part in the first stage of the Three Rivers Challenges, canoeing ten miles along the Thames. They were one team member down due to injury but took part in great spirits. Well done to you all.

It is much quieter with the Year 9s being away in Dorset. They are all really settling well. Michael, Eloi and Noah must be applauded for volunteering to read in Chapel - so brave after only having been with us for such a short time.

George & Grace - Chief Cadet Captains of Macquarie

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

The next boarding update will be Friday 2 October.

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