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Photo of Pangbourne College
Reviewed

Pangbourne College

Independent school · Reading, RG8 8LA
  • Secondary
  • Co-ed
  • Ages 11-19
  • From £24,297 pa
  • 410 pupils
  • Boarding

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.


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 track record in driving up standards. Phoenix Academy was in Special Measures when he arrived and was the lowest performing school in London. Two years after he took over, it was the most improved school in London. In the four years he has been principal at Ark Acton Academy, he has improved results year on year. He is on the board of a multi-academy trust and is a governor for a London prep school and senior school. He is a firm believer in outdoor education. His adventure programme has taken the first state school children to the top of Ben Nevis in winter.

Mr Knight has a track record in driving up standards. Phoenix Academy was in Special Measures when he arrived and was the lowest performing school in London

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 prep schools including Brockhurst, Marlston, Moulsford, St Andrews, Thorngrove, the Manor, and local primary schools such as Bradfield, Goring and Pangbourne. Admissions at 11 into year 7 (year group size about 35) have doubled in the last 10 years with about 50 per cent coming from local state schools. At 13, on average a further 60 students join, mainly from local prep schools.

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 working hard to enhance the sixth form package with initiatives such as a new school café where sixth formers can enjoy free periods in a relaxed environment. Vast majority of those who stay or join the sixth form go on to university, with around 50 per cent Russell Group universities. Durham, Exeter, Bath, Southampton, Nottingham popular. One or two Oxbridge places most years but none in 2024. One medic. Both academic and vocational subject choices popular, as are apprenticeships. Despite its naval heritage, only a handful each year go into the Forces.


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 merit/distinction*.

Average points score (2024)

School
36.59
LA avg.
35.09
Eng. avg.
35.69
Data highlight

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 mutual respect evident between teachers and pupils. In the words of one parent, ‘Staff are so down to earth and approachable.’ Curriculum has been broadened to enable the mixing of A levels and BTEC for pupils wishing to follow a more vocational route. A third of pupils in the sixth form take a BTEC (same UCAS points as an A level) studying subjects such as film, media, sport and enterprise. EPQ also a popular choice – an extended project on any subject of interest (organising an event also an option). Every student has a baseline prediction to assess their potential (MidYIS/YELLIS) with focus on the value-added the school can offer. Individual pathways built to suit each pupil. School adept at catering for children with a wide range of abilities, making it a popular choice for families with several children wanting to choose one school for the whole family. 'Our three children are all very different, but all have thrived in their own way.' Parents say teachers make them feel welcome and involved. Academic subjects are no longer taught on Saturdays. The school day runs from 8.20am to 5.50pm Monday to Friday, followed by prep, with Saturdays reserved for matches.

Qualifications taken in 2024
  • A level
  • BTEC
  • EPQ
  • GCSE
7:1
Pupil to teacher ratio
14-16
Average class sizes (up to 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 academic results climb markedly since 2020). The school embraces students with minor learning difficulties (ADHD, dyslexia, mild autism, speech and language issues) with individual lessons offered at extra cost. The small class sizes allow teachers to implement strategies devised by the SEN specialists in class with monitoring in place to track progress. For most, the support of their teachers is sufficient. Of the 465 students in 2022, 197 were on the SEN register.

0 %
Students with a SEN EHCP
50.9 %
Students with SEN support

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, drums, guitar and singing are favourites. Along with a big band and numerous opportunities to perform, in keeping with the school's naval heritage, there are three school choirs and a school marching band which performs regularly at local community events.

A recently appointed dynamic head of design technology waxed lyrical about the green racing car being designed in the DT studio where pupils can opt for either the product design route or textiles. Forward-thinking ideas are definitely on the agenda here. Art facilities exuded creativity with the light spacious studio including an area for photography and a dark room. The school has three drama studios and is working on expanding the performing arts offering. Theatre trips, drama productions and workshops currently on offer. Years 7 and 8 were performing Shrek on the day we visited the school.

CCF, compulsory in year 10, has a Royal Marines section as well as Army and Royal Navy. We were impressed at how the strong military traditions of the school are used to imbue knowledge of so many key values and life skills. The pride of being part of 'Team Pangbourne' and 'mucking in' came across strongly in pupils we chatted to. However, if this doesn't strike a chord, this may not be the school for you. DofE is compulsory in year 9 and well managed; all students do the bronze award. Three-quarters go on to complete the silver and a third do gold. There are many clubs, including the student journalism club and the debating society.

We were impressed at how the strong military traditions of the school are used to imbue knowledge of so many key values and life skills

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 less sporty to have a go and be active. Viewed as a key element in developing leadership and the 'flag values', at least an hour of sport is timetabled four days a week with fixtures on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Sports performance programme available for the gifted.

Traditionally sailing and rowing are big here (notable successes at Henley) with the boat club situated off site on a six-kilometre stretch of the Thames. Pupils are on the water as much as possible. Recreational sports such as fitness, golf and table tennis available, as well as core sports hockey, rugby, football, cricket and rowing for the boys; hockey, rugby, netball, rowing and tennis for the girls. One parent suggested the offering is 'almost too broad, if that's possible'. Equestrian club well supported. Facilities are good with further investment planned. Recently refurbished outdoor swimming pool and gym, and new Astro hockey pitch proving popular.


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 board in some form, whether full, weekly or part-weekly (usually four nights). The school has recently introduced flexible overnight stays, which have gone down very well with parents. There is a move to encourage pupils from west London to become weekly boarders with London a mere 45 minutes away. Weekly boarders generally start the week on Sunday evenings and travel home on Fridays after school. Parents comment that the school goes out of its way to be flexible where necessary with exeats, travel etc. Small percentage of international students (about six per cent) are fully included.

Staff in the boarding houses described by parents as particularly family-oriented, kind and nurturing. We were very taken with the genuine warmth of the matrons and impressed that pupils are taught to iron and do their own laundry as well as being barred from their kitchens (galleys) if they don't keep them up to scratch – life skills we heartedly approve of in today's world. One parent spoke of her son's housemaster being ‘like an uncle’ and boarders we spoke to seemed very at home in their ‘cabins’.

The houses are fit for purpose with decor of dorms basic and functional. Meals are eaten in the central 'mess hall' with the recently overhauled catering department providing good food with an emphasis on healthy eating. Boarders we spoke to seemed happy with activities organised for them out of school hours, although many do go home at weekends.

124
Total boarders
41
Full time boarders
36
Weekly boarders
47
Flexi boarders

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 by a shipping company to prepare boys for life as officers in the Merchant Navy or Royal Navy. Co-ed since 1996, about 40 per cent of pupils now girls. Buildings comprise a mixture of large Victorian and 21st-century architecture. Whilst the nature of the school changed in 1969 when it became an all-round independent school with charitable status, it is the naval heritage of this Christian school that gives Pangbourne its distinctive character, ethos and ceremonial traditions.

Whilst Pangbourne has come a long way from the austere school it once was, nautical terminology still abounds - houses (divisions) are named after ships and ports, bedrooms are 'cabins', common rooms are 'gunrooms'. Meals are eaten in the 'mess hall' and casual clothes known as 'mufti'. Royal Navy officer cadet uniform is still worn every day. Pupils parade seven times a year in their 'number one' (ceremonial uniform) on the vast parade ground in front of the school. With military precision, these ceremonies take place in all weathers, attended by families, and often enjoyed by Old Pangbournians. Uniforms and turnout are expected to be immaculate while for some 20 minutes a guest of honour inspects the whole school, taking the salute as pupils march past. One female sixth former talked enthusiastically of the ritual of 'shining shoes till they shone like mirrors' ahead of parade and pupils appeared genuinely proud and animated when they spoke of these events, seemingly relishing the discipline involved. The traditions introduce rigour and formality as well as forging a feeling of pride, self-discipline, service and community. Parents enjoy the opportunity to 'really feel part of the community' as well as a sense of pride in the pupils, and seemed surprised how much their children enjoy the ceremonies

The school's impressive ship-shaped Falkland Islands Memorial Chapel, opened in 2000 by the late Queen, reflects the Christian culture and values at Pangbourne (although all faiths are supported at the school). Once a week the whole school gathers here for 'congers' (morning congregational practice).

Students are encouraged to take an active part in Team Pangbourne, including joining committees, student councils and the like. Manners are big, as are the peer mentoring and Taking Responsibility programmes in the first sixth form year. These cultivate leadership skills for positions of responsibility in the final year at school. 'Cadet captains' (prefects) and heads of school are chosen by the head and senior staff.

1917

Founded in

Royal Navy officer cadet uniform is still worn every day. Pupils parade seven times a year in their 'number one' (ceremonial uniform) on the vast parade ground

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 at building confidence and identifying individual talents in the belief that happy students do well. Diversity also championed, with different abilities and backgrounds welcomed and included. Weekly staff meetings use a traffic light system to identify pupils who need help or greater support to thrive. One pupil we spoke to praised the school for identifying her eating challenges very early, referring her to the school counsellor and helping to deal with issues before they escalated.

Socially, sixth formers enjoy the new café. Firm rules are in place, including zero tolerance of drugs in school. On the issue of bullying, several parents remarked that the school had dealt with such issues well. 'Inability to reform bullying behaviour' is not tolerated and is punishable by exclusion from the school. Suspensions are also issued for 'inappropriate, offensive or unpleasant behaviour' and mini detentions used for lesser issues, but the head is very clear that 'everyone makes mistakes' and that in so doing lessons are learned. 'Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions from an early age,' explained one parent.

The uniform list at Pangbourne is necessarily long (and strict), with uniform standards based on those of the Royal Navy an 'important part of the college identity'. So for girls, nail varnish and unnatural hair colours are not permitted, jewellery usage tightly controlled, and only very discreet make-up allowed from year 9 onwards (not permitted in years 7 and 8). Boys are not to dye their hair and hair must comply with school guidelines. Three uniforms required, one naval uniform for every day and one for more ceremonial occasions, and then there's games kit and clothes for weekends on top. Some parents have noted that buying the uniform comes at a considerable cost but thankfully there is an online second-hand shop. Sixth formers can wear suits to school.

For girls, nail varnish and unnatural hair colours are not permitted, jewellery usage tightly controlled, and only very discreet make-up allowed from year 9

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.

Updated Oct 2024

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 opportunities for parents to mix. Parental involvement is embraced here – parents are involved and invested in their children's education and personal development. 'Thank you for reviewing our school,' wrote one of the mothers we interviewed, herself a trained teacher. About 60 per cent of parents are second generation public school, but most families are dual income and work hard to send their children to the school. Many like the fact that the school suits all their children who often have very different talents, abilities and needs. Most pupils live within a 50-minute drive of the school with the proportion of day pupils on the rise. Six bus routes from local areas including Basingstoke, Chieveley, Henley, Newbury, Maidenhead and Wantage.

Former pupils include film director Ken Russell, Olympic sailor Andrew (Bart) Simpson, motorcycle racer Mike Hailwood, hedge fund guru David Harding, former Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Michael Layard and Dazed & Confused magazine founder, Jefferson Hack.

410
Number of pupils

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 opportunities for pupils and opportunities to excel in their chosen talents. Academic and music awards offered at 11; academic, music, drama awards for entry at 13 or 6th form.

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 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.

What the school says

With almost 30 years of co-educational experience, Pangbourne College is an independent day and boarding school for girls and boys aged 11-18 years, set in over 230 acres of Berkshire’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with the best four mile stretch of rowing river in the country. At Pangbourne College, we are guided by our past whilst fully embracing the hope and opportunity of the future. It is this which allows our students to leave us as well-rounded and compassionate individuals, able to flourish in a complex world.

Contact the school

Address

Pangbourne
Reading
Berkshire
RG8 8LA
Get directions

Have you considered?

School data & information Pangbourne College Pangbourne, Reading, Berkshire, RG8 8LA
410 Pupil numbers
243/1167 Pupil numbers boy/girls split
124 Sixth form numbers
124 Total boarders
41 Full time boarders
36 Weekly boarders
47 Flexi boarders
14-16 Average class sizes (up to GCSE)
7:1 Pupil to teacher ratio

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.

Updated Oct 2024
Our review contains additional results data reported to us by Pangbourne College and is updated annually. See the review

GCSE-level results data is not reliably reported on for independent schools. We have chosen to show only the results achieved in individual subjects. Find out more

Subjects entered at GCSE level (2024)

Pupils attending this school entered exams in these subjects. The list only includes qualifications approved for inclusion in the performance measures. The subjects and qualifications on offer at this school may change year on year. For a full list of subjects and qualifications on offer at this school, visit the school or college website or contact the school directly. Find out more

Subject Qualification Entries Avg. grade
Spanish GCSE (9-1) Full Course 7 8
Religious Studies GCSE (9-1) Full Course 15 6
Physics GCSE (9-1) Full Course 18 7
Physical Education/Sports Studies GCSE (9-1) Full Course 31 6
History GCSE (9-1) Full Course 29 5
Geography GCSE (9-1) Full Course 68 6
French GCSE (9-1) Full Course 27 6
Drama & Theatre Studies GCSE (9-1) Full Course 8 6
Design & Technology GCSE (9-1) Full Course 34 6
Computer Studies/Computing GCSE (9-1) Full Course 14 5
Chemistry GCSE (9-1) Full Course 18 7
Business Studies:Single GCSE (9-1) Full Course 35 5
Biology GCSE (9-1) Full Course 18 7
Art & Design (Photography) GCSE (9-1) Full Course 15 6
Art & Design GCSE (9-1) Full Course 19 6

% of pupils achieving AAB or higher, including at least 2 facilitating subjects (2024)

School
12%
LA avg.
16%
Eng. avg.
20%

What is this?

Facilitating A levels are ones that are commonly needed for entry to leading universities. They are: biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, further mathematics, geography, history, English literature and classical or modern languages. The % of pupils achieving AAB or higher may therefore decrease if many pupils have opted not to take two or more of the facilitating subjects mentioned.

Average points score (2024)

School
36.59
LA avg.
35.09
Eng. avg.
35.69

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.

Subjects entered at 16 to 18 (2024)

Pupils attending this school entered exams in these subjects. The list only includes qualifications approved for inclusion in the performance measures. The subjects and qualifications on offer at this school may change year on year. For a full list of subjects and qualifications on offer at this school, visit the school or college website or contact the school directly. Find out more

Subject Qualification Entries Avg. grade
Sociology GCE A level 14 A
Psychology GCE A level 25 C
Physics GCE A level 11 B
Physical Education / Sports Studies GCE A level 9 B
Mathematics GCE A level 19 B
History GCE A level 8 A
Government and Politics GCE A level 11 B
French GCE A level 6 A
English Literature GCE A level 12 B
Economics GCE A level 21 B
Classical Civilisation GCE A level 6 B
Business Studies:Single GCE A level 13 B
Biology GCE A level 10 B
Art and Design (Photography) GCE A level 7 A

Entry and exit data

Here we report figures on pupils moving between schools at the usual entry and exit points, as well as student destinations into higher education. We publish publically available data for state schools. For independent schools, The Good Schools Guide collects data from its prep schools as to where their pupils go on to. Find out more

Our review contains additional entry and exit data reported to us and is updated annually. See the review

Recent feeder schools

SEN overview

Pangbourne College is a mainstream school. The school may provide support for students with special educational needs as detailed below. If you require more information on conditions the school can support, we encourage you to contact the school directly.

SEN statement

Provided by the school and not part of our review

A well staffed learning support centre ensures that students who need extra subject specific exam preparation or general academic support are well catered for. Prospective families are encouraged to enquire about learning support when scheduling a visit or tour of the College.

Updated Oct 2017
0 %
Students with a SEN EHCP UK mainstream school avg. 2.7%
50.9 %
Students with SEN support UK mainstream school avg. 12.9%

SEN conditons supported

Schools report the conditions they might be able to support. Please note, this may not be a complete list. Find out more.

Conditions (Might cover/be referred to as) Provision
ASD - Autistic Spectrum Disorder Aspergers, Autism, High functioning autism, Neurodivergent, Neurodiversity, Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), Social skills
HI - Hearing Impairment
MLD - Moderate Learning Difficulty Learning needs
MSI - Multi-Sensory Impairment Sensory processing
OTH - Other Difficulty/Disability Downs Syndrome, Epilepsy, Genetic, Tics, Tourettes
PD - Physical Disability
PMLD - Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulty Complex needs, Global delay, Global developmental delay
SEMH - Social, Emotional and Mental Health Anxiety, Complex needs, Emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA), Mental Health
SLCN - Speech, Language and Communication Selective mutism
SLD - Severe Learning Difficulty Complex needs
SpLD - Specific Learning Difficulty Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Auditory processing, Developmental Co-ordination Difficulties (DCD), Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Handwriting Yes
VI - Visual Impairment Special facilities for Visually Impaired
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