Ages 
Scratch beneath the surface of Princethorpe’s majestic façade and landscaped beauty, and you’ll find pastoral care is its beating heart. Imbuing all disciplines and endeavours, it pumps pupils with confidence as they develop and learn. A picture-perfect pastoral idyll.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 894 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 238 ·
- Religion
- RC
- Fees
- £18,597 pa
- Local authority
- Warwickshire Council
- Linked schools
Headteacher
Headmaster
Mr Grove du Toit
Since 2023, Grove du Toit, previously deputy warden at Forest School, London. Born in South Africa, he attended Hoërskool Garsfontein, Pretoria where - despite being an enthusiastic sportsman – he ‘stepped back from rugby’ after breaking his arm, in
Entrance
Over 225 applicants for 130 year 7 places following entrance exam (maths, English, free writing, CEM assessment – VR and NVR), plus reference from previous school. From year 9, entry assessment includes MFL paper and online assessment, plus VR in
- Open days
- Open events take place once a term. Taster days for Year 5 and Year 6 pupils available, check website for details.
Exit
Around 20 per cent fallout after GCSEs, mostly to vocational courses (eg agricultural) or grammar schools. Most sixth formers to university. Durham, Bristol, Worcester, Oxford Brookes popular. Plus apprenticeships, recently to JLR, Rolls Royce, KPMG.
Latest results
In 2024, 44 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 35 per cent A*/A at A level (66 per cent A*-B).
A level - 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
Pupils say the only academic weight is ‘what we put upon ourselves, there’s expectation not pressure’. Parents agree: ‘Teachers praise and gently push.’ ‘My middle child got a little lazy getting a pass when his teacher knew a distinction was
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- BTEC
- EPQ
- GCSE
- VRQ
Learning support & SEN
Full-time head of department, two specialist teachers and an administrator work alongside staff to support the 25 per cent of pupils on SEND register for a range of needs, though only 46 pupils receive learning support. One EHCP. Dyslexia and
Arts & extracurricular
Music department hits the right note with raft of choirs (one open to all, others selective), orchestras, wind bands, ensembles, soirees, concerts. Recent addition of musical theatre scholars and BTEC option – plus three musical theatre shows each
Sport
‘I’ve always labelled us a sporty school,’ our guide proclaimed as we viewed three impressive rugby pitches enveloped by countryside (including a cricket and athletics track in summer). Parents not so sure, saying sport has ‘dwindled a bit’ in recent
Ethos & heritage
Bowling along Warwickshire’s leafy lanes, woodland turns to open countryside as the majestic tower of Princethorpe College’s Pugin Chapel emerges from the landscape, its red silhouette piercing the sky and dominating the view. Previously a
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
Gushing superlatives for pastoral provision - ‘probably school’s strongest asset,’ say parents. The aptly named pastoral corridor is populated by department staff, SEN and heads of house. ‘We can go to any of them, anytime.’ A confidential phone
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 in Year 7 – 9 must ensure their phone is stored in their locker during the school day.
Pupils in years 10-11 may keep their phone in their school bag during the school day, ensuring this remains out of sight.
Pupils in the Sixth Form may use phone in the Sixth Form centre only. They may not sue mobile phones in other areas of the school.
Pupils & parents
Smartly attired in black (and tartan for the girls), pupils were relaxed and chatty on our visit (perhaps it’s the country air) and uber proud of their school and surroundings (understandably so, every window presented a changing verdure of shrubs
Money matters
Academic scholarships (up to 50 per cent remission), plus art, performing arts (choral, drama, music, musical theatre, dance), all-rounder, sport (all between five and 20 per cent remission). Ditto for sixth formers with additional organ scholarship.
- Fee information
- £18,597 pa
The last word
Scratch beneath the surface of Princethorpe’s majestic façade and landscaped beauty, and you’ll find pastoral care is its beating heart. Imbuing all disciplines and endeavours, it pumps pupils with confidence as they develop and learn. A
