pangbourne college

[abitrag568u]

Hi Mumsnetters,

I'm hoping for some candid, current insights on pangbourne college in Berkshire, specifically for year 11 entry.
My son ("DS") is currently doing really well academically and is predicted strong GCSE results (a mix of 8s and 9s, especially in Maths/Sciences). However, he is also extremely sporty—his main passion is rugby, and he currently plays club.
We are looking for a school where he can genuinely combine his academic potential with his high sporting commitment, ideally leading to strong a levels.

Have you considered Wellington College?

highly academic and great at rugby too

sorry, I cannot help on Pangbourne

Pangbourne isn't regarded as particularly academic, to be honest, but the new head is extremely well-regarded and, pastorally, it's said to be a brilliant school.

Have you read it’s review here? https://www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk/uk-schools/review/pangbourne-college

Year 11 is a VERY odd time to move schools.

Does the school do the same subjects he is studying now?

Do they do the same exam boards?

Do they do the same eg texts for English Lit; topics for History and in the same order over Y10/11?

Is there any coursework for any of his subjects? Which will be done in which school?

Start of Y10 is the absolute latest for an orderly movement between schools, otherwise wait for 6th form. Your reasons for moving - in school sport, basically- just don’t seem strong enough for such a disruptive move.

Or was Y11 a typo?

Wise words, moving at Y11 is terrible timing unless it’s a dire emergency

Agree with other responses - it is really not a good time to move in year 11! You'll find most schools just won't accept any pupils into that year group (and the ones that will, have spaces for a reason). Usually the very latest you can move in Spring term of year 10. However, if you mean that he will move in year 12 you need to get a move on! Most top academic schools are assessing for those places this month and their lists may well have closed already. Lots of schools run late entry assessments, but if you want a better chance of getting a place, you need to get onto their lists asap and get onto the assessments before Christmas. Happy to advise - do PM me!

I also think it’s interesting when people automatically throw out places like Wellington. It’s very in vogue at the moment, and from what I’ve seen it’s full of London families with the kind of budgets many of us simply don’t have. Pangbourne is very different — you get a real mix of families, backgrounds, and personalities, which I think is a huge positive.
And one of the reasons, why we love it for our DC.

There have been big changes under Oliver Knight. With regards to academics they’re not far behind St Edward’s & Bradfield when it comes to exam results now. Pangbourne might not have the same glossy reputation as some schools, but I wouldn’t write it off for that reason. It’s genuinely charming, very un-London, — and honestly, I think that’s part of what makes it so good.

Sport-wise, rugby has been improving a lot, with a new Director of Rugby and a new Director of Sport coming in January, which should only strengthen things. A new boat house for rowing is being built in the new year too.

Moving in Year 11 isn’t ideal, but sometimes you don’t have the choice. Definitely check exam boards so you’re not making life harder than it needs to be.

Have you visited Pangbourne College? If not, definitely go and meet the SLT and the Head.