Friday 26 September 2025
Head’s Weekly Update
Academic Rigour
The first set of Grade Cards are published this week. Their purpose is twofold: to provide useful and accessible information for parents to help shape conversations about learning, progress, effort and next steps; alongside helping teachers, tutors and Heads of Section identify students who would benefit from extra access or extra challenge. We have brought in a new piece of academic software this year to help make this simpler and ensure that we provide you with meaningful data.
The data is not there to be used as a stick but rather as a tool for conversations and expectations. We are trialling this software with the Upper Sixth parents at the parents evening and will await their feedback on its usefulness.
Adventure
It always seems that as soon as I write about sporting success we lose our next games. What I will say though is that the spirit and determination shown by all sports teams last week was fantastic. Sport is not only a great leveller but is also a great teacher. We often learn more from our defeats than our victories and so, whilst losing is never pleasant, it is part of the experience and every student displayed great composure and grit, whatever side of the score they ended up on.
Community
I am writing this after a fantastic 90th annual Divisional Music competition. This is one of the highlights of the College calendar and it is a great way for us to build Divisional identity and healthy competition. I have to admit that hearing the co-educational Divisions singing was easier on the ear and made the competition a much closer event. Having the whole College in the Chapel is central to this and it was great fun to hear the delight as the winners were announced. Well done again to all of the soloists; this takes real courage and I am always deeply impressed when someone stands up and performs in front of their peers.
Leadership
Nothing speaks to our notion of leadership more than our Parades. The Parade last Sunday was wonderful. It was especially pleasing, in our 30th year of full co-education, to close the circle and see the College parade as a fully co-educational entity. This has enabled us to realise the original vision of being co-ed and enhance the memory of Anthony Hudson and his visionary act of bringing girls to the College.
The Parade was a big step up for the Chiefs and they performed their role with real professionalism. I was glad to escape without a sword to the eye and am looking forward to our next Parade on Sunday 12 October. The Inspecting Officer will be Robert Pooley LVO, MBE, CSTJ.
Best wishes,
Oliver Knight
Notices
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Just a reminder that the next overnight leave weekend will take place from 16:35 on Friday 26 September to 19:00 on Sunday 28 September. This means that pupils may leave at an earlier time but school buses and station shuttle buses will depart at their usual time. Provision will be made for pupils up until this time if they are unable to leave earlier.
Overnight leave will also take place on the following dates this academic year:
Friday 21 November to Sunday 23 November 2025.
Friday 1 May to Monday 4 May 2026.
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We are delighted to invite those with careers in the Sports sector to join us as delegates for an evening of networking and career conversations at Pangbourne College.
From 18:00, delegates will enjoy an informal meal and the chance to connect with fellow professionals.
At 19:00, our sixth form students will join us, eager to engage in conversations about your career journeys, seek advice, and gain inspiration for their future pathways.If you are employed in the world of professional or amateur sport in any capacity, we would love to hear from you! We are looking for 15 delegates to take part in this event.
This is a fantastic opportunity to:
Share your professional experience
Support and inspire the next generation
Build valuable connections with like-minded professionals
If you are interested in taking part, please complete the attached Google Form here to register your place.
We very much hope you can join us for what promises to be a rewarding evening of conversation and connection.
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Grade cards will be released on the College portal at 16:00. These give an impression of the start of term. Please note that grade projections, especially for Year 10 and Lower Sixth are based on a limited set of content and lessons. They should be taken as a very approximate guide. As the courses progress, these will become more reliable.
Any questions about grade cards should be directed to your child’s tutor in the first instance.
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Just a reminder that our whole School Open Morning is taking place next Saturday 4 October 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. Your child will be advised at the start of next week 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. There will be no access to the Parade ground after 09:30. The Open Morning will be running from 09:30 - 13:00.
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We are so pleased to announce our brand new elite coaches who we have working with us this term. These new coaches will be supporting the Directors of each of the sports and contribure towards part of our Five Year Sport Strategy and goal of being the best school for sport in the South East of England.
Rebecca Daniel (Hockey Coach) - Currently playing for the Reading Hockey Women’s 1st XI Team in the Premier League, Rebecca moved this year from Clifton Robinsons and was previously working at Clifton College as a hockey coach. Rebecca is also contracted as a GB hockey player so will split her time between working for Pangbourne, playing for Reading, and training at Bisham Abbey with GB.
Izzy Brown (Hockey Coach) - Izzy graduated from the University of Exeter in Summer 2024 with a First Class degree in BSc Psychology with Sport and Exercise Science, and has just completed an MSc in Sport Data Analytics at the University of Strathclyde. Izzy has also played hockey throughout her time at University.
Mike Cooke (Rugby Coach) - Mike is currently the 1st team and starting fly-half for the Rams, a National 1 rugby side based in Reading. Previously, he played for Bishop Stortford in the same league. Prior to adult rugby Mike earned U18 international honours for Ireland and also has full international caps for Ireland 7s. He attended Sedbergh School as a rugby scholar in the Sixth Form and has worked in boarding schools and coached rugby in Ireland. He also attended the University of Brunel as a part of our partner club Ealing Trailfinders pathway.
Alex Cheng (Rugby Coach) - Alex is an experienced coach who has worked in a variety of school and club settings. He is currently involved at Bath and Gloucester DPP having previously been working at London Irish.
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There will be Rugby, Hockey, and Rowing training after Open Morning next weekend which will run from 13:45 until 15:30. Those that are involved in Open Morning activities/touring will be given lunch before training.
Year 7 - 8 (Dunbar)
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The Dunbar Parents’ Dinner will be held at the Goring & Streatley Golf Club on Friday 10 October from 19:30. The cost will be approximately £50 per head, which includes a welcome drink on arrival, three course meal followed by cheese, coffee and port.
There will also be a cash bar available. Dress code will be black tie.
To book your tickets, please click here.
Dr Ian Hart, Head of Junior House
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If you were unable to attend on Wednesday and would like to watch the welcome webinar, please click here. The passcode is 4bFKrx=F.
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If you were unable to attend on Wednesday and would like to watch the welcome webinar, please click here. The passcode is ++5RKF&h.
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On Wednesday 1 October at 18:30-19:00 there will be a 'Welcome to Year 10 webinar' which will set out the plan for the year and our expectations of your child in Year 10.
Please use the link here to join the webinar.
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Year 11 pupils will be taking part in a Sixth Form Taster Day on Friday 10 October. This will take place within the normal College day and all pupils are expected to attend. The aim of the Taster Day is to give students the opportunity to experience a range of A Level or BTEC style subject lessons and to give students a real sense of what life is like in Sixth Form at Pangbourne.
Pupils will be sent an email on Wednesday 1 October which contains a link to an online form to indicate which subject lessons they would like to attend. The form needs to be completed by Monday 6 October at 10:00.
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We require parents’ permission to order GCSE study guides for your child in all their GCSE subjects. The total cost for all guides will be approximately £55.
For ease, please can you confirm that you are happy for this to happen via this form. Please can you do this by 08:00 Monday morning (29 September) I'd be very grateful. Thank you.
Abbie Stephenson
Year 9 - 11
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On Wednesday 1 October at 19:10 - 19:40 there will be a 'Welcome to Lower Sixth webinar' which will set out the plan for the year and our expectations of your child in Sixth Form.
Please see here for a link to join the Lower Sixth Parents’ Welcome Webinar
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Just a reminder that the Upper Sixth Parents’ & Guardians’ Meeting is taking place this evening, Friday 26 September 16:30-19:30 for those parents’ who have already pre-booked their appointments.
There is a planned break between 18:05 and 18:20, when a brief talk by Mr Seccombe and Ms Kaur will be given.
For parents new to Pangbourne, Drake Hall is in the Main Quad, opposite the Library and adjacent to the Sports Hall. -
A reminder that the internal deadline for UCAS applications is Friday 7 November. Please see here for the UCAS Parent Guide 2026 Cycle.
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Please see here for an updated list of open days for Lower Sixth and Upper Sixth students to book and attend.
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There will be an informative session for those students interested in applying for Russell Group universities taking place on Tuesday 30 September, Wednesday 1 October and Thursday 2 October. The webinars will cover topics such as personal statements and researching universities.
Sign up is required which also gives access to recordings of the webinars. Please sign up here.
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With six ‘school’ weeks until trials please do help us by supporting your son/daughter with their revision at home.
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Offering a range of apprenticeship options for post 18 school leavers. Applications open this autumn. Please see the link here.
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Applications are now open for PWCs three day online experience. This is open to Lower Sixth students. Please see the link here.
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Meet leading firms online and attend workshops. Please click the link here to sign up.
Sixth Form
Monday 29 September, 18:30 - 19:45
Charlotte Drake Society: First Meeting of the Year
Community, Year 11, Sixth Form, Old Library
Monday 29 September, 18:30 - 20:00
Andrew Simpson Society: First Meeting of the Year
Community, Sixth Form
Wednesday 1 October, 18:30 - 19:00
Webinar Wednesday - Welcome to Year 10
Year 10, Parents, Academic
Wednesday 1 October, 19:10 - 19:40
Webinar Wednesday - Welcome to Lower Sixth
Lower Sixth, Parents, Academic
Saturday 4 October, 09:30 - 13:00
Whole College Open Morning
Community
UPCOMING EVENTS
COLLEGE NEWS THIS WEEK
The First College Parade of the Academic Year
On Sunday we held our first college parade of the academic year and we were extremely impressed with all of our pupils, especially those new to the College who had never done a parade before but absolutely gave it their all. This parade was particularly special as it was the first parade that involved our new co-ed divisions: Hesperus, Harbinger, Macquarie and Illawarra. The sun was shining and it was brilliant to see some new faces who came to watch and support the pupils. Photo credits go to Sixth Form student, Tegan. Thank you for capturing a brilliant morning
Kale & Blackberry Pop-Up Stall at Lunchtime
We are so lucky to have such a fantastic catering team. On Tuesday, Thomas Franks put together a brilliant spread that included a variety of different sweet and savoury tasting options that included elements of kale or blackberry. The food options included a kale chocolate mousse, a kale salad and a blackberry smoothie.
Macmillan Coffee Morning
Thank you so our fantastic chiefs for the running the Macmillan Cancer bake sale for our pupils at break time on Monday. It was great to see so many of the pupils donating money to this important cause. Also, a huge thank you to our parents who donated and enjoyed a coffee and cake with us in the café after drop off. Lastly, a huge thank you to Thomas Franks for donating the cakes that we were able to sell. They were delicious.
SPORT
Rugby 1st XV Fixture against Borlase Grammar School
Wednesday afternoon’s rugby match was a real end-to-end battle, with both teams going all out in attack and creating plenty of chances, but after trading blows all game, Pangbourne finally broke through late on and managed to hang on for a hard-fought win. Well done to Max who got Man of the Match.
Annual OP vs Pupils Golf Match
On Monday 22 September, some of our Pangbourne golfers took part in the annual golf competition against the Old Pangbournians. With a large contingent of pupils slashing their handicaps over the summer, it was a well fought match, finishing in a relatively comfortable 4-2 win for the College.
Well played Henry, Cameron, Rory, George W, Alex, Johnny, Finn, Ethan, Tom and George G, as well as Mr Sumner and Mr Jeffers. Next up we face the Oratory in the ISGA tournament.
DIVISIONAL UPDATES
Divisional Coffee Mornings
All parents are warmly invited to attend a coffee morning for parents in your child’s division on the following dates:
Harbinger - Tuesday 7 October
Hesperus - Tuesday 14 October
Illawarra - Thursday 16 October
Macquarie - Monday 13 October
These will provide an opportunity to meet the Pastoral Divisional Leads as well as other parents and will take place from 09:15 - 10:30.
Just as a reminder, you can contact your child’s Divisional teams on the following email addresses:
Harbinger - Jehan Dyer and Stephen Hennah
07706 313998
Hesperus - Laura Besley-Piggott and Alex Unsworth
07706 314005
Illawarra - Donatienne Poitrat and Werner Nel
07706 313999
Macquarie - Steph Kingsland and Tom Walford
07706 314001
BOARDING UPDATES
St George
We are delighted to share that the girls have settled in wonderfully during the first few weeks of term and are truly enjoying each other's company. There’s always a buzz in the gunroom after prep, filled with an array of activities—be it Wii competitions, dancing, karaoke, arts and crafts, or our regular games of Bingo! It’s lovely to see the girls socialise beyond their friendship groups and year groups.
Our weekends have been very relaxed; the girls have enjoyed shopping trips, bowling, making their very own pizzas and homemade chips, and baking cakes for all to share.
Jackie and I love engaging with you all, so please do not hesitate to stop us for a chat when you see us around at school events. If you're attending the U6 parents' evening this Friday, do pop into the house to say hello if you have a moment. We hope all our boarders have a restful weekend, and we look forward to seeing them on Sunday evening!
Best wishes,
Shannon Flynn
St George House Contact Numbers:
Shannon Flynn 07887 473891
Jackie Turner 07860 953538
Boarding house office 01189 766755
Port Jackson
The early weeks in boarding right at the start of the academic year are critical in establishing clear expectations, embedding routines, and fostering a strong sense of community. It has been brilliant to see that the boys have responded positively and have already begun to demonstrate maturity, responsibility, and resilience. From punctual wake-up calls and regular mealtimes to supervised prep and evening wind-downs, the boys have been getting into the routine of organisation and time management particularly in preparing for the school day and managing personal belongings.
Personal conduct has been another key area of focus for the boys and they are learning to share spaces respectfully, keep their rooms and bathrooms in order, and show courtesy to peers and staff alike. Alongside the emphasis on structure and discipline, the social life of the house has begun to flourish. Shared experiences - whether through sports fixtures, communal meals, or informal recreation - have allowed bonds of trust and friendship to form quickly. The boys have supported one another in managing any homesickness, adapting to new expectations, and overcoming the challenges of boarding life. A positive house spirit is already emerging, with older pupils in particular offering guidance to the younger members. These friendships, rooted in mutual respect and shared responsibility, will undoubtedly be a cornerstone of the year ahead.
In summary, the first two weeks have laid a solid foundation for the term. The boys are adapting well to routines and taking greater ownership of their actions. Strong friendships are already developing, contributing to a positive and supportive house culture. The house is moving forward with a sense of purpose, unity, and optimism for the term ahead. We look forward to welcoming the boys back after the overnight leave weekend.
‘For the strength of the Pack is the Wolf, and the strength of the Wolf is the Pack’
‘The Law of the Jungle’ 1894 Rudyard Kipling
Best wishes,
Paul Radford
Port Jackson House Contact Numbers:
Paul Radford 07711 593470
Maddie White 07706 314002
Boarding house office 01189 767458