The Flagpole

Our Review of the College Bus Services is making good progress and we would like to thank all the current and incoming families who participated in the recent survey for their feedback.

The aim of the review is to optimise the services we provide for families and where possible improve routes and journey times.

We had over 450 responses, which is particularly high and a good sample of the school population. Overall the feedback on the service and routes is very positive with current users ranking it 4.2 out of 5.

Looking at the map with current and incoming family locations, the routes broadly serve all the areas where our current and incoming pupils live. 

Areas raised for improvement include the length of some journeys and a wish for more direct services, the desire for late buses after co-curricular activities, comments on cost and thoughts on the environmental impact of moving more pupils onto the buses. 

Of course making routes more direct may result in fewer stops, but a faster service. Putting additional late buses on does come at a significant price and we are always balancing the service provision with demand and price sensitivity.

On the positive front users commented on the friendliness and helpfulness of the drivers, that the service is reliable, timings generally work well and the vehicles are of good quality.

We have also had a high number or requests for new stops, which will be considered.

We have met with Vectare to discuss their initial thoughts and findings and the next step will be for members of Vectare staff to travel on the routes after Easter. Bus users will be notified when this is to happen on their child's route.

Once the review is completed Vectare will present their findings to the College and work on revised routes and timetables which will be completed and published by early June.

Many thanks

Eddie Tolcher
Foundation Bursar

To assist us with our planning of teaching sets and timetabling, please could you let us know in writing to Mr Hester, via the Registrar, Mrs Rooney by Wednesday 27 April 2022, if you do not wish to take up the offered Sixth Form place. 

This would meet the term’s notice of withdrawal as set out in our terms and conditions.

If a decision is made subsequently not to take up the offered Sixth Form place and a term’s notice has not been given, you will be liable for the term's fees.

Eddie Tolcher 
Foundation Bursar

Parents are reminded of the notice requirements according to our terms and conditions.

A term’s notice is required if a pupil will not be returning to the school. Notice must be in writing, addressed to the Headmaster, via the Registrar, Mrs Rooney by the first day of term.

All letters are acknowledged within seven days; if you do not receive an acknowledgement then please contact the Registrar immediately. 

Eddie Tolcher
Foundation Bursar

Please note that half a term's notice is required if a pupil no longer needs to use the bus service provided by the school. 

This is particularly relevant for pupils in Year 11 and Upper Sixth who have exams in the Trinity term and for members of Upper Sixth who pass their driving test. For example, we need to be advised in writing before the start of the Trinity Term if the bus service is not required after half term in May. Parents wishing to give notice should write to Barbara Bromwich in the Bursary or email buses@princethorpe.co.uk.

Eddie Tolcher
Foundation Bursar

Please see below our current vacancies: 

Princethorpe College

•  Foundation Compliance Manager
•  Lead Examinations Invigilator 
•  Examinations Invigilator 

 Crescent School

• Lunchtime Supervisor

 Full details and how to apply are available via the following link: Join Us

Should you know anyone who might be interested in this post, please do share this information with them.

We have received complaints and concerns from parents, neighbours and the general public about lengthy queues on the drive backing down onto the Leamington Road. This seems to be a particular problem in the afternoon and more specifically on a Friday.

To help improve the situation we would ask that parents do not arrive at the College to pick up their children before 3.30pm. The playground gates are kept closed until this time for the safety and safeguarding of children and queuing traffic on the drive impedes normal traffic on site including visitors with appointments at the school. In emergencies and exceptional circumstances, the gates may need to open early or remain closed beyond 3.30pm to enable us to respond effectively to the situation.

The queues on the road cause a significant problem for local traffic and on occasions vehicles have been known to overtake dangerously in both directions simultaneously.

The College has worked for many years with the local authority and parish council regarding safety on this stretch of road and paid for the addition of double white lines a few years ago.

We want to do our utmost to avoid any accidents or indeed a situation where we are faced with sanctions being imposed on traffic near the College or the police becoming involved.

As an alternative to collecting your child you may wish to consider using the school bus service after school, individual tickets as well as pass bookings can be made using the Bus Services website here. There is currently good availability on all buses for the evening journeys. You need to create an account on the website before making your booking.

We will be monitoring the situation closely and would appreciate your co-operation in this most important matter.

Rob Heath
Director of Estates

Please find below the Term Dates for 2021-22 and 2022-23, including the forthcoming Bank Holidays.

2021-22 (two page document)

2022-23 (two page document)