Ages 
Pangbourne's naval heritage provides the framework for a rounded education, turning out self-assured young adults who are neither arrogant nor entitled. The school is small, down-to-earth and well managed. Clear boundaries make pupils of all abilities feel safe and able to develop the self-confidence to realise their potential. With a caring staff body, the school is hitting the spot with local parents.
Why read our school review?
Unlike other websites, schools can't pay to be included in The Good Schools Guide. This means our review of this school is independent, critical and fair, and written with parents' best interests at heart.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 410 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 124 ·
- Offers boarding
- Yes ·
- Religion
- None
- Fees
- Day £24,297 - £31,695; Boarding £30,700 - £51,225 pa
- Local authority
- West Berkshire Council
Headteacher
Head
Oliver Knight
Since September 2024, Oliver Knight. Pangbourne is Mr Knight’s fourth headship. His first was in 2014 in Greenwich and then in 2017 he became executive head of Phoenix Academy, moving in 2019 to be principal of Ark Acton Academy. Mr Knight has a
Entrance
Entrance assessments focus on strengths and skills inside and outside the classroom, with intake focused on incorporating a broad spread of abilities into each class. Neurodiverse conditions embraced. Students come from a wide variety of state and
- Open days
- April
Exit
Recently anything up to 40 per cent of students have been leaving after GCSEs with new joiners replacing those departing. Often it's 'just for a change' or for specific subjects not offered by the school (eg ballet, drama, agriculture). School is
Latest results
In 2024, 22 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 29 per cent A*/A at A level (61 per cent A*-B). In 2023, 30 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 16 per cent A*/A at A level (47 per cent A*-B); 100 per cent pass rate in BTECs with 79 per cent of students gaining
Average points score (2024)
What is this?
These figures tell you the average grade and average points that pupils achieved in their academic qualifications. A maximum of 60 points are available for a grade A* at A level.
Teaching & learning
Staff turnover low. Whilst academic results are generally on an upwards trajectory, this is not a hothouse. Small class sizes a key feature – largest class is 22 with most averaging 15 up to GCSE. Staff know students very well, with a feeling of
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- BTEC
- EPQ
- GCSE
Learning support & SEN
Team of 10 learning support staff (one specialist SENCo) is rated highly and described as 'very accessible' by parents we spoke to. High potential achiever (HPA) programme to incentivise and challenge the academically gifted (programme has seen
Arts & extracurricular
The busy music centre is home to a very strong music department, with a recital hall, recording suite and 10 practice and teaching rooms, not forgetting the three Steinway grand pianos. Around a third of pupils take individual music lessons. Piano,
Sport
The school commands a strong reputation on the sporting field with opportunities for all to represent Team Pangbourne. Consistent local, regional and national successes recorded by sports teams. The broad range of activities offered encourages the
Boarders
Pangbourne has six senior houses or 'divisions' - four for boys and two slightly larger ones for girls - as well as Dunbar, a junior house for 11 to 13-year-olds. Day pupils and boarders integrated within the houses. Around 38 per cent of pupils
Ethos & heritage
Set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on a campus of 230 acres within striking distance of Reading, Oxford and London, there is a feeling of space here, although the impression is somewhat ‘red-brick’. The school was originally founded in 1917
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
There is a real family feel in the houses. Boundaries are clear and very well defined and pupils seem happy with this. 'Pangbourne is responsible for making my son the person he is today' is the sort of remark we often heard from parents. Staff work
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Provided by the school and not part of our review Pupils will not have access to their phones during the working day. Day pupils may bring a phone to school if necessary for travel purposes. Phones should be handed in on arrival in the morning to respective HOMs, and should then be collected at the end of the day. Boarders will have their phones stored securely in the office during daytime, and will have limited access to them in the evening. Sixth Form can retain their devices overnight In case of an emergency, parents should contact the House staff. Any pupil needing to contact parents or guardians will either be allowed access to their phone, or may use the House Duty mobile.
Pupils & parents
Despite the naval background, only a small number of military families. Seventy per cent of inquiries are via word of mouth, predominantly local families who enjoy the 'community' and contributing to it; quiz nights, school balls and parades provide
Money matters
About 25 per cent of pupils receive some form of means-tested bursary assistance. Two and a half per cent of pupils receive bursary assistance equivalent to more than 90 per cent of fees. Scholarships receive no fee remittance. They provide extra
- Fee information
- Day £24,297 - £31,695; Boarding £30,700 - £51,225 pa
The last word
Pangbourne's naval heritage provides the framework for a rounded education, turning out self-assured young adults who are neither arrogant nor entitled. The school is small, down-to-earth and well managed. Clear boundaries make pupils of all
