Friday 27 March 2026

All Pupils & Parents: Years 7- Upper Sixth

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

  • To celebrate the unique Pangbournian Community the inaugural Pangbournian Day will be on Sunday 19 April 2026. The event will celebrate 30 years of co-education at Pangbourne and we are delighted to be welcoming Old Pangbournian and Paralympic Rowing Gold Medalist, Frankie Allen MBE, as Inspecting Officer. The 1st XI vs Old Pangbournians cricket match will be played on Big Side in the afternoon and you are welcome to bring picnics to eat on Big Side, if you so wish. 

    Lunch in Mess Hall and OP tours will be available to book after the Parade - pre-booking by Friday 10 April is required. Please book here.

    Mrs Lucinda Grafton, Director of Development & Community

  • Please view the document here that includes more information and the timings of the day.

  • If you are outside the UK over the Easter Holidays and need to access any College system, then you need to let IT know! Send an email to martin.palfrey@pangbourne.com with:

    • The dates you are outside the UK.

    • All the countries you will be visiting. For example, France, or Germany and Holland.

    IT will make an exception for you to allow you to continue to access our systems. Thank you.

    Mr Martin Palfrey, Network, Systems and Data Manager

  • In the interests of safety for all pupils, staff and visitors, please can all drivers please observe the speed limit of 10mph on the Parade Ground. The maximum speed limit on campus is 20mph.

    As more of the Sixth Form reach 17 years of age, please can we also reiterate that no learner drivers should be driving up to Parade Ground or the Sixth Form Café (i.e. they shouldn't turn right at the mini roundabout). 

    Thanks for your cooperation.

    Mr Neil Walne, Bursar

  • Pangbourne offers solo and pair lessons in acting and communication courses with a specialist Trinity teacher and the are some spaces available to start in the Summer Term.

     The Trinity Drama syllabus (comparable to LAMDA lessons) gives students professional style acting classes in a safe space to improve their theatrical technique, characterisation, vocal delivery, physical confidence and expression. 

    The Trinity Communication Skills syllabus teaches effective presentation and persuasive public speaking skills, articulate and engaging interview techniques, critical analysis and creativity. These lessons provide a perfect opportunity to help build confidence for personal and professional development. 

    Sign up now for the Summer Term (or September) and start a course that will give your child exceptional skills to stand out and be their best version of themselves. 

    Contact Mrs Dee Fallon, Head of Trinity, for more details, information on fees and to register your child. 

    Mrs Dee Fallon, Head of Trinity Drama

  • Pupils who are taking their Trinity exams next term should be revising and rehearsing over the holidays as the exams only a few weeks after we return. Much momentum can get lost over the Easter break and it would be a real shame to lose this. Please do encourage your child to perform their pieces to you if they haven’t done so already. You will be so proud to see just what they have achieved!

    Additionally, we will be delighted to celebrate a selection of our brilliant Trinity performers at our annual Trinity Showcase on Wednesday 24 June. 

    Save the date! More details to follow next term.

    Mrs Dee Fallon, Head of Trinity Drama

  • Pangbournian Benefits is a new platform offering exclusive discounts from over 300 local and national brands. Enjoy savings on shopping, travel, wellbeing, dining, and more, with regularly updated offers. Current offers include discounts at a local vineyard, hospitality at Henley Royal Regatta - as well as offers at a number of local restaurants - as well as the Sixth Form Cafe.  

    Give back while you save
    Every use supports Transforming Futures and the College’s Community Fund.

    Get started
    https://myschoolbenefits.co.uk/s/pangbournian-benefits/

  • The winners for this Half Term’s competition are Starboard Watch who amassed 30 points, narrowly beating runners-up Port on 28. Congratulations to Starboard Watch and their Watch Captain Elizabeth, who now win a prize of their choosing at the start of next term. They have selected a 'movie night' (i.e. a movie afternoon!) complete with snacks.

    Dr Ian Hart, Head of Dunbar (Junior House)

  • As you may be aware, the College is holding an Open Morning on Saturday 25 April, and it would be lovely if one or two current Year 7 or 8 parents were able to join me in Dunbar for the morning to help greet and talk to the visiting prospective pupils and their families. No prior experience required, and if you feel this is something you would like to do then please contact Dr Hart on  dunbar@pangbourne.com  to let him know. The timings would be from approximately 10:00 to 13:00, but this is flexible if you have other commitments at that time. Thank you.

    Dr Ian Hart, Head of Dunbar (Junior House)

Year 7 - 8 (Dunbar)

Year 9 - 11

  • I would like to wish all Year 9 pupils a restful Easter holiday. As mentioned previously, we will be in touch in the Summer Term with formal confirmation of GCSE Options Choices now we have received the final choice forms.


    I have been delighted with the enthusiasm from the year group about welcoming our U-Link Shanghai exchange pupils. There will be some changes to classes (except English, Maths and Modern Languages) as we accommodate the new pupils joining in the Summer Term with the class sizes being smaller on average than in the Michaelmas and Lent Terms. Pupils will receive their new timetables when they return in April. 

    Mr Anthony Hammond, Head of KS3

  • Year 9 have all embarked upon their independent Devitt & Moore projects now. Each pupil should have met with their mentor, agreed a project outline and how they are going to achieve their project objectives. 

    The Easter break is the perfect time to encourage your child to work on their projects. The variety of projects that pupils have decided to explore is vast but key things that you can do to encourage and support are as follows:

    • Ask them about their title and project outline - the most important thing about the project is that they are curious and independent 

    • Discuss the outcome - how will they present their findings in their viva in June?

    • Encourage them to note down any sources that they read or research onto their project outlines (on Google Classroom)

    I hope that each student enjoys their break and I'm excited to hear more about their findings in the Summer Term.

    Mrs Elly Hayward, Assistant Head -Pupil Expertise

  • What an incredibly busy term it has been - the assessments Year 10 wrote back in January seem like years ago now! Off the back of these, I know tutors have been encouraging students to step on and make progress. Year 10 have also been involved in a huge range of different activities outside the classroom this term: football, rowing, CCF field day, Come Dine with Me, hockey, riding, The Addams Family, choir, Art trips, photography competitions, school council - the list is pretty much endless! Well done to all for a productive term.

    Next term the Year 10 exams will start two weeks after Half Term (w/c Monday 15 June) and English Literature coursework will start in earnest soon after we return with An Inspector Calls. After all the academic effort, they can look forward to a day of water sports at the Dolphin Centre in Pangbourne once their exams are over. 

    For now, I hope they are able to rest and recharge fully over the holidays so that they return full of energy and ambition for the final term of Year 10.

    Mrs Abbie Stephenson, Head of Key Stage 4

  • Year 11 have been working hard on revision timetables and all now have one ready for printing out at home and sticking on the fridge (have you heard that before?!). I hope a large number of them will be able to come in for the subject support sessions and structured revision sessions over the holidays - please do sign your child up for this asap, (booking link here) - and please do remember to send them in with a packed lunch! 

    After the holidays, normal lessons continue as usual, but obviously exams will take place around this - notably Art practical, Modern Languages speaking exams and Drama all take place very early on in the term. The first full cohort exam is on Monday 11 May with English Literature. 

    With thanks for all your support over the past weeks and months - your children know what to do and really are knuckling down now. Please let's remember that the moment anyone puts effort into something, they are already successful.  

    Good luck!

    Mrs Abbie Stephenson, Head of KS4

Sixth Form

  • It has been a very busy Lent Term for the Sixth Form - with coursework, Divisional competitions, sports wins (and losses!), the school production, trips, music recitals etc. so they all deserve to rest and recuperate. 

    • Lower Sixth: Congratulations to those who were recently promoted and I look forward to supporting them on their journey as they make the transition into their roles.  

    Those doing their EPQ, Core Maths and Geography exams are encouraged to use this Easter break wisely to prepare for their exams. 

    With trials week commencing 15 June students are encouraged to start planning their revision over the break.

    • Upper Sixth: I have been really proud of how the year group has responded to revision advice, their BTEC results and the feedback from the parents’ evening earlier this week. As we now enter the final weeks towards the summer exams, a consistent routine over Easter is encouraged. All students should have a revision plan with access to resources online. Students are encouraged to sign up for the revision clinics over Easter here.

    Student Finance applications are now open, please view here.

    I look forward to welcoming everyone back on Wednesday 15 April.

    Ms Indy Kaur, Head of Sixth Form

Friday 27 March, 16:45
End of Term
Whole School

Saturday 28 March - Saturday 4 April
CCF Easter Camp
Longmoor Camp, Adventure, CCF

Tuesday 14 April, 19:00
Boarders Return
Boarding

Wednesday 15 April, 08:00
Start of Summer Term
Boarding

Wednesday 15 April, 17:15 - 20:00
Marching Band Rehearsal Evening
Music, NHRH

Friday 17 April, 19:00 - 22:30
Macquarie Parents Divisional Dinner
Goring & Streatley Golf Club, Community

Sunday 19 April, All Day
Pangbournian Day & College Parade
Boarding

UPCOMING EVENTS

COLLEGE NEWS THIS WEEK

Year 8 Survivor Challenge

A huge well done to our Year 8 pupils who took on the Survivor Challenge last Friday. They really got stuck in: from learning how to skin rabbits to taking part in team challenges and spending time outdoors away from screens.

They also experienced local wildlife and made the most of being out in nature which was great to see. The biggest challenge of all was sleeping under a canopy in 0°C, and every single one of them made it through the night. A brilliant experience and some amazing memories made that will stay with them for life.

Mr Tom Poynter, Assistant Head Co-Curricular

Academic Scholars’ Dinner

Scholars from Year 8 to Year 13 gathered for an inspiring evening at the Academic Scholars’ Dinner which celebrated achievement, curiosity, and a shared love of learning. The event highlighted both academic success and the rich programme of enrichment activities which includes a diverse lunchtime lecture series exploring topics from the beaver trade in Canada to the nature of money and leadership from Aristotle to today.

A standout moment was a thought-provoking talk by entrepreneur Steve Etherton, who encouraged students to embrace being beginners, step beyond comfort zones, and develop the human qualities that remain vital in an age of AI. Drawing on his work with JUMO, DEEP, and Emergent, he reflected on human performance under uncertainty and the importance of adaptability.

The evening was filled with warmth, conversation and connection, as scholars across year groups came together over dinner and a lively quiz. It concluded with an inspiring speech from Senior Scholars Ida and Faith, who encouraged everyone to embrace every opportunity. Overall, the event celebrated not just achievement, but intellectual ambition, community, and the joy of learning.

Composition Masterclass and Chorister Workshop

On Wednesday, we were delighted to welcome back celebrated composer and choral conductor Oliver Tarney to Pangbourne. The day began with an inspiring composition masterclass for Leo (Upper Sixth), followed by an intensive workshop with the Pangbourne Choristers, who were challenged to focus on precision, expression and the finer details of their repertoire in preparation for upcoming events, including the College Parade and the Falkland Islands Memorial Service.

Congratulations to all the pupils involved for their dedication and hard work, and our sincere thanks to Mr Tarney for generously sharing his expertise and experience.

Mr Don Gillthorpe, Director of Music

Live Lounge Recital

On Thursday, the second Live Lounge Café recital of the term took place in the Sixth Form Café, continuing what is quickly becoming a popular and regular feature of the musical calendar. Pupils delivered a varied and enjoyable programme to an appreciative and supportive audience, with performers from across the year groups taking part.

It was particularly pleasing to see the event organised and managed entirely by pupils, with Eva and Leo (L6) doing an excellent job in coordinating the evening. Thanks also go to Mrs Davies and Mr Arguelles for their work in preparing the guitar group and saxophone ensemble.

A thoroughly enjoyable evening of music, and we look forward to the next Live Lounge recital in May.

Mr Don Gillthorpe, Director of Music

The Wintech Junior Sculling Head

On Monday, five Pangbourne College Boat Club (PCBC) crews represented the College at this National time trial attended by school and club crews from across the UK.

The JM15 coxed quad of Zach, George, Fergus, Leo and Otto put in a determined performance despite a lack of water time and placed 25th of 64 crews. A solid start to a season that will see them only get faster.

The JW15 girls placed 34th of 64 in the equivalent event. This crew of Louisa, Tamsin, Gracie, Bunny and Sophie will have wanted to place higher, again a lack of water time showed. 

The senior girls placed 24th of 39 in JW18 quads. Our results reflect a current position that determined PCBC athletes wish to improve upon for the regatta season. We now have a serviceable river and an Easter training camp should see students able to turn good winter land training into effective water miles and speed.

Mr Ed Green, Director of Rowing

SPORT

Success at the Hickstead Trials

The equestrian team enjoyed and delivered a fantastic array of results at the weekend. Pip P made her arena eventing debut in the 70cm, placing 6th closely followed by team mate Alice C in 7th. Izzy S placed 7th in the 80cm class. Olivia C, Sophie, Connie and Izzy took the win in the 90cm with Connie placing 5th individually. The team of Olivia, Connie and Sophie then went on to win the 1m Eventers Challenge with Sophie taking the top spot individually with fellow team members Olivia and Connie placing 4th and 6th respectively. A total of two team qualifications and two individual qualifications for the Hickstead Eventers Challenge Championships in May. 

Sunday continued with lovely rounds from Izzy and Pip, Pip placing 5th in the 80cm class, narrowly missing out on individual qualification. Olivia (off the back of Saturday's successes) competed in the Hickstead Elite Qualifiers at Coombelands on Sunday to take 5th place amongst top competition.


Boys’ U18A Football Fixture vs Cokethorpe

Wednesday afternoon produced our most convincing victory of the season on Big Side. In an afternoon where several weeks of hard work all came together, our boys managed to create several key moments and convert many of them. In total we managed to convert 5 chances into goals and defended with great resilience ensuring we kept a clean sheet at the other end. Final score 5-0.

Mr James Purdue, Head of Football

Boys’ U18A Football Fixture vs St Edward’s

It was a case of saving the best until last for the 1st XI team as we played St Edward’s away on Saturday. After a strong start to the game, early pressure was rewarded with two fantastic goals as we sailed into a 2-0 lead. St Edward’s rallied well and put us under significant pressure which led to two goals before the break and a deadlock at half time, 2-2. The response from everyone involved was fantastic and we regained the lead before adding to our tally in the later stages of the game. Final score 4-2 and a fantastic end to a very pleasing week.

Mr James Purdue, Head of Football

Girls’ 1st XI Football at Lord Wandsworth College Football Tournament

The girls’ 1st XI ended their season in spectacular fashion, soaking up the sunshine and delivering a masterclass in resilient football. After clinical group-stage victories over Shiplake and Bradfield, the girls secured a second-place finish, setting up a tense Pangbourne derby against our own 2nd XI. in a nail-biting encounter, the 1st XI edged the win 1–0 thanks to a stunning long-range strike from Flora M.

The semi-final brought a rematch against Bradfield, where Pangbourne dominated play but were repeatedly denied by a series of incredible saves from a top-tier goalkeeper. Despite creating three massive chances, the game remained deadlocked and was cruelly decided by the lottery of a penalty shootout, which saw the girls narrowly miss out on the final.

Mr Frankie Rogan, Football Coach

Girls’ 2nd XI Football vs Lord Wandsworth College

The 2nd XI travelled to Lord Wandsworth this weekend to take part in their second tournament this season. After winning their first game vs Marlborough the girls were in high spirits. We were ready to take on our next game, Wellington. Wellington were a strong competition and sadly we lost this game. The quarter finals… with a long wait to find out who we were playing, it was the lucky Pangbourne 1st XI. The girls were ready to go and prove their worth. With a tough fight and the girls not giving up once the final result was 0-1 to Pangbourne 1st XI. This was an incredible game that the girls fought hard in. The girls played fantastically through the whole tournament. 

I will miss coaching this fantastic group of students and cannot wait for next season. Thank you to all the parents for their support and to the girls for their excellent work ethic all season.

Miss Izzy Peacock, Football Coach

Girls’ U15A Football vs St Edward’s

What a remarkable finish to the season this proved to be. Arriving at Teddies to a very busy site, with multiple matches taking place, we expected a stern test in the final match. Having lost 0 - 9 earlier in the season, the girls were determined to turn things around and this they did in emphatic fashion with some key players returning to the team. Having dominated the opening minutes it was only 7’ into the match when Ori, our technically gifted central midfielder opened the scoring. This was followed up shortly afterwards by a strike from our Captain, Chloe, to make the score 2 - 0, and already the match looked secure. Four more goals were scored before half-time, a hat-trick from Amelia, and one from Genny.

In the second half we made some adjustments in an attempt to manage the game and avoid an unnecessarily large score, however despite our best intentions the goals continued to flow. Ori scored again almost immediately after kick-off, and there was then a relatively quiet patch, with Teddies enjoying a little more possession and making a few chances, before a flurry of goals late on from Genny, Amelia, Chloe and a final well-deserved strike from Annabel, who had been playing despite feeling unwell.

The game therefore finished 11 - 0 to Pangbourne, meaning a 20-goal turnaround had been secured since the start of the season against this team. The girls played attractive and effective football throughout, and it has been a pleasure to see the level of their development this season.

Dr Ian Hart, Football Coach


Boys’ U14A Football vs Wellington College

A hastily assembled side due to players not showing up showed remarkable spirit despite their defeat in a fiercely contested match this weekend. With players meeting for the first time just before kick-off, expectations were modest. However, what the team lacked in familiarity, they made up for in determination and work rate. From the first whistle, they pressed together, communicated constantly, and showed a willingness to fight for possession.

There were plenty of chances created through sheer effort rather than polished play, and defensively the team stood strong, throwing bodies on the line and covering for one another. It was clear that, not knowing each other very well, they quickly developed a sense of unity on the pitch. 

In defeat, the team earned respect - proving that teamwork isn’t always built over time, but sometimes forged in effort, attitude, and resilience.

Mr Werner Nel, Football Coach


Boys’ U14B Football vs Wellington College

This one was definitely a game of two halves. Pangbourne put on a spirited display in the first half and were unfortunate to be trailing 2-0 at the break. The second half was a completely different game altogether, as Pangborne lost their shape and conceded 3 goals in quick succession right at the start of the half. Credit to Bear for reducing the score on his third attempt on target after a couple of efforts hit the post. Final score 1-7.

Mr Fabrice Vie, Football Coach

Noah Takes Second Place in the Reading Mini Marathon

Many congratulations to Noah in Year 8 who completed the Reading ‘mini’ marathon last weekend, coming second place in his group. Noah completed the 3km in an incredibly fast time of 9 minutes and 6 seconds. As well as this, Noah did his local 5k park run in 16 minutes 46 seconds which is the U14 course record. Well done Noah!

DIVISIONAL UPDATES

Harbinger

This past two weeks in Harbinger Division has been full of energy, creativity, and celebration. One of the highlights was our Divisional “Come Dine With Me,” where students showcased an incredible range of talents: Ted impressed everyone with his excellent guitar playing, Amber added a thoughtful touch with beautifully crafted napkins, Lucy delighted us with her exquisite cooking, and Emilie, Posy and Bea brought the evening to life with their amazingly sung Easter rendition of the cup song. It was a wonderful example of teamwork and community spirit. We are also proud to celebrate student leadership, with Isaac taking on the role of Chief Cadet Captain of College, and Harvey and Clara stepping up as our new Heads of Division. We look forward to seeing all they will accomplish in their roles.

Sam and Emilie, Chief Cadet Captains of Harbinger

Hesperus

Hesperus has had a very busy past couple of weeks, for many of our students after a long season of land training it has been great to see the rowers get back out on the water and take part in head races. Well done to many of the Hesperus students who really showed the values of Hesperus and gave excellent performances. There has been outstanding team spirit on and off the water and we can’t wait to see more results and enthusiasm from the Hesperus students as the regatta season is nearly underway. 

After a long term of competitions and events, the division took part in div football, team spirits were high and a huge congratulations to the girls and boys on all their efforts, they should be really proud of themselves and representing the Division. 

Last week we had the annual divisional ‘Come Dine With Me’ competition, it brought many members of the Division together and whether you were a confident cook or more of an entertainer, everyone was involved and enjoyed themselves. It was a very successful evening, we served the desserts and well done to all our chefs, Margot, Jazzy, Maximus, Fergus, Millie, Amy and Tom. A special mention to Margot and Jazzy who made a spectacular chocolate and vanilla marble cake which the judges thought was store bought! Our entertainment was also a big success with games from ‘chubby bunny’ to whipped cream ending up all over the floors of the Division. 

While we are eager to find out the results with the Divisions, the effort and drive in the Division can not be faulted and there is a strong sense of comradery. This has further been shown in the Nabugabo charity cycling event where many Hesperians are in the top rankings of distance completed. Special shout out to Lewis who has accumulated 168km individually so far!

The end of this term marks also the hand-over of the chief positions to the current Lower Sixth. We wish the new Chief Cadet Captains, Phoebe S and Alex G, all the best in their new roles. As a result, this changeover means that the current Chiefs are now stepping down in preparation for the exam season starting soon. From us both it has been a pleasure to lead Hesperus Division throughout the year. Especially through memorable moments such as winning Div music. We will both miss being in such a position and hope that the new Chiefs will enjoy it as much as we have. 

Izzy and Alex, Chief Cadet Captains of Hesperus

Illawarra

The last couple weeks have been packed full of exciting Divisional events. One of the highlights was Divisional Football where Illawarra came out on top due to lots of determination and grit, everyone displayed amazing sportsmanship and it was an eventful morning. A big thank you to everyone who helped with Come Dine with Me, it was a fun, Easter themed, evening with amazing food and we hope everybody enjoyed getting involved cooking, decorating or entertaining. The main focus in the coming weeks will be preparing for our last College Parade on Pangbournian Day on Sunday 19 April where Illawarra is a strong contender for the Parade Cup, we plan to give it our all and hopefully it is displayed in our marching and uniform. We hope everyone has a well-earned rest over the Easter break and we wish those Year 11s and Upper Sixth luck with revising for exams.

Erika and Kam, Chief Cadet Captains of Illawarra

Macquarie

It has been another busy and successful period for the Division, with plenty to celebrate. Divisional Football was a real highlight, a great turnout from Macquarie with so many students involved. The sun shone, spirits were high, and it was fantastic to see such enthusiasm and teamwork on display. We narrowly missed out on first place, but it was a brilliant effort from everyone involved and a great morning of sport.

Come Dine With Me was equally memorable. The Division looked amazing, beautifully decorated with Easter touches, and the evening had a wonderful atmosphere. It was fantastic to see students from all year groups taking part, serving delicious petit fours and providing great entertainment. A truly fun and inclusive event. I'd really like to thank everyone who gave up their evening to take part and support this.

This week also saw the announcement of our College promotions. We are looking forward to working with our new Divisional leadership team while our current leaders move onto study leave. Grace W and George W, our new Chief Cadet Captains of Division, will be supported by new Cadet Captains and Cadet Officers, and we are excited to see them develop in their roles.

We are looking ahead to our annual Divisional Dinner on Friday 17 April. All parents are very welcome, as are our Upper Sixth students. We would love for you to join us as we celebrate our current Upper Sixth and the Division as a whole. Please book your place here.

As we reach the end of a very busy term, I wish everyone a restful break and a very happy Easter. For those preparing for exams, I hope revision is balanced with some well-earned rest.

Thank you to everyone for your continued support.

Mrs Steph Kingsland, Pastoral Divisional Lead of Macquarie


BOARDING UPDATES

The next boarding update will be on Friday 17 April.

Boarding House Email Addresses

stgeorge@pangbourne.com

portjackson@pangbourne.com

adelaide@pangbourne.com