The Flagpole

Princethorpe College pupils and staff conquered the 30-metre-high Chapel tower in an epic fundraising abseil challenge on Wednesday 19 April. As part of a drive to raise funds to support their summer 2023 South Africa sporting tour, the pupils from Year 11 and the Sixth Form enthusiastically took on the once in a lifetime challenge.

In light wind and with the sunshine breaking through, there was nothing to hold back the 60 dare devil students and staff from tackling the descent. Under the supervision of outdoor education specialists, 10:10 Ventures, participants were kitted up in helmets and harnesses before being given their safety briefing. First over the top were Sixth Formers, Evie Phillips and Millie Giffin, who led the way effortlessly abseiling the 100-foot drop to cheers from waiting classmates on the ground below.

The last to descend were Headmaster, Grove du Toit, and Deputy Head Pastoral, Beth Sharpe, who ascended the tower at 5.30pm for their turn to climb over the parapets.

Head of Girls' Games, Jen Law, commented, “The South Africa tour is a major event in the Princethorpe Sporting calendar. We expect pupils to take responsibility for raising funds for the trip to support the community activities pupils participate in while on tour. The total raised will need to be tallied up but huge congratulations to all who braved the drop from Princethorpe's mighty tower.”

Designed to challenge and inspire, the UK Chemistry Olympiad is a national chemistry competition run by the Royal Society Of Chemistry. Hosted annually, it is aimed at students in the Sixth Form and offers a unique opportunity for chemistry students to develop their thinking and problem-solving skills and test their existing knowledge of chemistry in situations from the real-world.

The results of this year’s competition have now been received and our two Upper Sixth students who took part in the 2023 Chemistry Olympiad have both achieved certificates. William Gibson-Sexton was awarded a Silver certificate. Joshua Apaya was awarded a Bronze certificate (he was just three marks off a Silver). They faced tough national competition and we congratulate the Princethorpe pair on their excellent results.

The Easter holidays saw the successful start of this year’s Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expedition season with Princethorpe’s Gold, Silver and Bronze Group A participants completing their practice expeditions. Bronze Group B have their first taste of self-sufficient walking this weekend. Always a key part of the Award, the expeditions provide an unforgettable experience that develops team and leadership skills and builds independence and confidence.

From Tuesday 28 to Friday 31 March, 18 Gold students braved wet conditions in the Lake District spending three days of walking and camping. In teams they walked circular routes from Braithwaite to finish in Keswick camping at Borrowdale and Buttermere. Between them, along the way, they enjoyed the stunning views of fells such as Ard Crags, Knott Rigg, Rannerdale Knotts, Haystacks and Catbells.

Then at the end of the Easter holidays, Friday 14 to Sunday 16 April, 50 Silver pupils travelled to the White Peak, where they completed two days of walking and two nights of camping. They trekked from Mandale Farm near Bakewell following routes through beautiful Dovedale, the Manifold Way and along the Tissington Trail to Ilam Hall near Ashbourne and they all successfully completed their practice expedition.

To cap off this mammoth DofE effort, the same weekend the first of the group of 52 Bronze Award pupils also completed their practice expeditions in the local Princethorpe countryside, undertaking two days of walking and one night of camping, walking down to Long Itchington and back. Let’s hope they enjoyed their first expeditions, carrying all their own food and tents and getting to grips with the challenge of cooking your tea on a trangia!

Will Bower, Head of Outdoor Education, said, “Pupils worked hard showing good navigation and camp-craft skills and despite the sometimes challenging weather we had plenty of happy, tired faces at the end.”

All the pupils now need to start planning for their qualifying expeditions that take place later in the term; Gold in Snowdonia, Silver in the Dark Peak and Bronze in the Cotswolds.

And the very best of luck to the 48 Bronze Group B pupils on their practice expeditions.

Princethorpe College came together today, Friday 21 April to celebrate a School Eucharist. We gave thanks as we began the Trinity Term and reflected on the school Chaplaincy theme for the year of ‘Change’.

We remembered that the gift of Easter is one of ‘new life’ and of ‘the Resurrection of Jesus’ and learned how early Christians’ small acts of faith brought about a big change. We listened to readings from the Easter story and the Resurrection and joined together in prayers.

Father Alan Whelan MSC reminded us that as we all head into the Trinity Term, the small changes we make in how we work now can support our future success. Pupils then considered what one small change they could make that would make a big difference, recording their thoughts on a card.

Together as a community we prayed for the school, for our families and for all those in the world who need our prayers.

The Junior Ethos Prefects were presented with their badges by the Headmaster.

With thanks to Father Alan Whelan MSC and Father Teddy O’Brien MSC for leading us in our service.

On Sunday 2 April, a small group of Sixth Form students and staff took on the Coventry Way Challenge and walked an amazing 40 miles in just one day.

Their route circumnavigated the city of Coventry, starting in Meriden at 6.00am and walking through Kenilworth, Stoneleigh, Wolston, Brinklow, Bedworth and Corley Moor before finally returning to Meriden. After heavy rain the walking conditions were at times challenging, but they resiliently continued to put one foot in front of the other.

The superhuman team of walkers were raising funds to support our longstanding commitment to providing a daily meal in school to the children at Makalanga School in Malawi.

First over the line were Sam Allen and Ed Mitchell who completed the challenge in 12 hours and 20 minutes.

We are incredibly proud of them all. Please do consider supporting them. You can find out more information and donate here.

Huge thanks to all who walked or who was involved in supporting the walkers on the day.

During March, Princethorpe’s Lower Sixth physicists had their second opportunity to take part in the British Physics Olympiad Year 12 Senior Physics Challenge. Competing against over 6,000 pupils from almost 400 schools nationwide, the students sat a gruelling one hour long written paper, where none of the marks were easy to get.

Head of Physics, Dan Lee, was delighted with the results, commenting, “Congratulations to all, it is great to see our students succeeding in the toughest school-level Physics competition there is.”

Special mentions go to Alex Flegg who was awarded a Silver certificate and was just two marks off a Gold, and to Joseph Newborough, who is the first Princethorpe College pupil to achieve Gold in the Year 12 Senior Challenge. Joseph has now been entered into a ballot to win a visit to the Royal Society in London later this year.

Congratulations also to Jack Grindal and Chris Lock who were awarded Bronze 1 certificates, to Zak Abba, Louis Harper, Emma Sarkies and Andy Wills who received Bronze 2 certificates and to Jake Lambert who received a Commendation certificate.

Wondering just how difficult the competition is? Then have a go at two of the multiple choice questions here (only the first four marks in the paper are multiple choice).

Planet Princethorpe, the College’s environmental team, met on Thursday 16 March to say farewell and thank you to Environmental Prefect,Tom Paling. Tom was coming to the end of his year of office and was handing on the environmental baton to incoming prefect George Wild.

Tom was presented with a hand crafted trophy to recognise his inspirational work over the last year, a year which has been Planet Princethorpe’s most successful year to date. His message to the pupil body and to George was to stay focused and to remember that every small step counts. Asked about his highlights of the year, Tom spoke with pride about the success of Green Week and about the work done with Foundation Assistant Head Mr Darkes on the school’s carbon footprint. On behalf of the group George thanked Tom for his dedication and commitment to the environmental cause. The group will also be planting a tree in recognition of Tom’s work.

Planet Princethorpe meets every two weeks at Tutor Time and is open to all pupils. The group suggests and investigates ideas and opportunities to improve the College’s environmental credentials. 

77 Year 10 pupils visited the traditional Italian ski resort of Val di Fiemme during the Easter holidays where excellent conditions made for plenty of super skiing during their stay.

The party travelled by coach over to Italy and stayed at a friendly well-located hotel where the helpful local staff ensured everything ran smoothly. Accommodation was good and the hotel worked hard to feed our hungry après ski teenagers. On the Monday, the group had a great evening out at a local pizza restaurant where everyone enjoyed the local speciality.

But it was the skiing that everyone was interested in. Beginners, intermediates and advanced, every group benefited from a dedicated ski instructor who coached and fine-tuned their skills and took them out into the resorts. There was a wide choice of runs, from greens up to blacks, so Princethorpe’s downhillers were spoilt for choice. During the week progress was excellent, so much so that the final day’s downhill races were hotly contested; the winners were delighted with the medals awarded at the presentation evening.

Other entertainment included a disco night in the local night club and lots of exquisite Italian ice cream.

All in all the Princethorpe party had a spectacular time with the 2023 Ski Trip providing a memorable end to a busy Lent Term.

Year 9 and 10 pupils enjoyed a French study trip to Montpellier during the Easter holidays, getting to grips with the language while seeing all the sights. Their visit combined language lessons with sightseeing and activities, allowing pupils to put their developing language skills to good use.

In a busy cultural programme pupils explored the city, tried their hand at the traditional game of pétanque and enjoyed plenty of French food. The pupils particularly impressed Ms Galano and Mrs Duran when they went on a treasure hunt across Montpellier, looking for landmarks, answering questions and taking pictures. Perhaps their best challenge though, was learning how to make crêpes from scratch. A lot of pancake flipping was involved as well as discovering all the possible French fillings. Caramel beurre salé proved a particular hit!

It was a fantastic opportunity for the pupils to experience the language and culture of France. Many thanks to all the staff involved in supporting the trip.

Read a review of the trip by Year 9, Jonjo Boyle hereand by Year 10, Jess Lane, here.

Two Princethorpe Year 7 pupils travelled to Prestwold Hall in Leicestershire before Easter, to compete in the National Primary School and Year 7 Cross Country Championships. The event took place on Saturday 25 March, with competitors from across the country taking part. It was a great opportunity for the young runners to gain experience against some of the UK’s top young athletes.

Representing Warwickshire, the runners faced a traditional undulating course and with average fields of over 100 runners in each race, pupils needed their wits about them as they pushed and jostled to gain positions at the start.

James Bostock was seventh home for the Warwickshire team placing 116th in a time of 13 minutes and 28 seconds, while Alvin Wamala finished ninth for Warwickshire in 137th place, running the course in 13.55.

PE Teacher, Will Bower, was pleased with their performance saying, “It was fantastic to see the College represented at the UK National Championships. This was a really good experience for these young runners who were up against club teams. A huge well done to them both.”

Princethorpe College’s Winter Sports Awards took place on the last day of the Lent Term. It was an opportunity to recognise the achievements of the College’s young sportsmen and sportswomen at all levels and across all sports.

The award ceremony began with the awarding of sporting colours recognising pupils’ commitment to sport. That was followed by a summary of the performances of the College’s teams, with awards recognising endeavour, progress, coach's player and most valuable player. The wide range of sports and the sheer numbers of pupils involved a testament to the importance of sport to life at the College.

Foundation Director of Sport, Lee Cassell, Head of Girls' Games, Jen Law, and Head of Boys’ Games, Joe Jackson, then went on to announce the teams of the season for which there were many contenders. The Girls Sports Team Of The Year was awarded to the U14A Girls Hockey Team recognising their success across the year, including finishing as runners up in the Tier 2 England Hockey Schools Midlands Championships and taking the Warwickshire County Championship title. For the Boys Sports Team Of The Year, the award went to the U14A Boys Hockey team, they won the Tier 2 England Hockey Schools Midlands Championships and also took the Warwickshire County Championship title.

Then it was time for the individual awards they included:

Junior Sports Girl Of The Year – Grace McCollin

Junior Sports Boy Of The Year – James Wright

Senior Sports Girl Of The Year – Evie Marston

Senior Sports Boy Of The Year – Alastair Clifford

Sixth Form Sports Girls Of The Year – Evie Phillips

Sixth Form Sports Boy Of The Year – Edward Sharpe

Mr Cassell commented, “Congratulations to all the award winners, it has been another very successful season for the College with plenty to celebrate across the school. Huge thanks to all the pupils for their commitment and effort and to the coaching staff and parents for their dedication to school sport.”

More House is celebrating after winning the most hotly contested competition in school, the House Cup. Their victory was announced by House Activities Leader, Jess Newborough, in the Prefect Inauguration ceremony at the end of the Lent Term. The House Cup was presented to the outgoing More House Captains, Evie Phillips and Lara Tripp-Smith, and More House Activities Co-ordinator, Megan O’Gorman, as jubilant More pupils cheered across the school.

Before announcing the result, Mrs Newborough shared some of her highlights of the year, speaking of her delight at how Princethorpe pupils respond and the camaraderie and sense of community that the House activities provides. She spoke of the importance of taking part, of standing up to be counted, reminding us all that whether it is the regular weekly fun of the Friday quizzes or the big events such as House Activities Day, every single point contributes.

Across the year it was a steady and consistent performance that helped More pupils amass their huge total of points and finish first across the line but well done to all pupils across the school who participated in the events so enthusiastically. The final results this year were: 1st More, 2nd Benet, 3rd Austin and 4th Fisher.

Huge thanks go to all the House team, including the House Activities Co-ordinators and House Captains for all they do to organise and run House events.

Wednesday 26 April 2023 - 7.00pm - 8.30pm

All pupils and staff are invited to attend a STEAM Talk by Dr Bill Crofts from Warwick University on the Warwick University Satellite Project (WUSAT) and engineering in space. The talk will take place in the Sixth Form Lecture Theatre from 7.00pm - 8.30pm.

Tickets are free and available through My School Portal on the booking link here.

Wednesday 26 April - 7.00pm

We all agreed that The Remains of the Day by Ishiguro was a very worthwhile read involving great sadness and poignancy at times, although the butler Stevens whose narrative we share is undoubtedly a very frustrating character! We were also happy to have Proust and the Squid by Maryanne Wolf – a book that needs dipping into rather than read at a sitting, but most informative on the process of reading from a scientific and sociological perspective. We will be meeting again at 7.00pm in the library on Wednesday 26 April. On that occasion we’ll be discussing Still Life by Sarah Winman, a family saga that has been well received by readers. We always welcome newcomers, so please join us whether or not you have read this particular book. We are a friendly and unpretentious group of readers who are always open to new suggestions.

Thursday 4 May 2023 - 5.00pm to 7.30pm

Prospective pupils and their parents are warmly invited to Crackley Hall and Little Crackers Open Evening on Thursday 4 May from 5.00pm.

Come and find out more about what a Crackley education can do for your child. This is a great opportunity for prospective families to get a feel for the school and to meet Mr Duigan, Headmaster, and speak to key members of staff.

To book your place, please click here.

For more information on admission to Crackley Hall School and Little Crackers Nursery please email Jenny Vaughan at admissions@crackleyhall.co.uk or call 01926 514410.

Tuesday 9 May - 5.00pm to 7.00pm

Prospective pupils and their parents are warmly invited to Crescent School's Open Evening on Tuesday 9 May 2023 - 5.00pm to 7.00pm.

Come and find out why Crescent School has been judged Excellent in all areas by the Independent Schools Inspectorate. It's a great opportunity for prospective families to get a feel for the school and to meet, Mr Thackway, Headmaster.

We are already taking registrations for places in Reception and Year 3 starting in September 2024 and beyond. 

To book your place please click here. 

For more information or to talk to our Admissions Team, please contact our Registrar Mrs Helen Morley on 01788 523851 or by email admissions@crescentschool.co.uk.

Availability for September 2023: 

We have had very high levels of interest in places for Reception and our Year 3 class for September 2023 entry. As a result, we have already allocated all of the available places in these year groups for September 2023. We are now operating waiting groups for families who are still interested in a place, should a suitable one become available.

We are also currently operating waiting groups in most other years apart from our current Year 1 class (Year 2 for September 2023 entry).

To find out more please click here.

Tuesday 9 May 2023 - 7.30pm in the Sixth Form Lecture Theatre

2023 is a very special year for van Gogh at it is 170 years since he was born in March 1853 and 50 years since the Van Gogh Museum opened it doors in June 1973.

In celebration, former Deputy Head (Pastoral), Margaret-Louise O'Keeffe will return to Princethorpe for an illustrated talk, focusing on some key dates in the last ten years of van Gogh's life, including some lesser known ones. The events on each selected date will be linked with others, so a vivid picture of van Gogh's experiences, feelings and output will be revealed.

Works will include; those in Paris, where he lived with his brother, Theo; Arles, where Gaugin arrived for a catastrophic visit; San Remy, where van Gogh stayed in the asylum; and Auvers, where the artist took his own life in July 1890 and where he is buried.

You can reserve places by using the link click here

Tickets can be purchased at the door but having an idea of numbers will help for refreshments afterwards.

Adults £5.00 and children are free.

If you have any queries please contact Loretta Curtis here or telephone 01926 634200 x 326

We look forward to seeing you soon.

Throughout the Trinity Term, we will be hosting a number of Taster Events for prospective pupils looking to join Princethorpe in 2024 and beyond.

Year 4 and 5 Say Hello To Hockey
Saturday 13 May 2023 9.30am to 12.00pm

If you'd love to give hockey a try, why not come along to the Princethorpe College 'Year 4 and 5 Say Hello To Hockey' taster session!

This activity is open to children who do not attend a Foundation Prep School.

A morning of free hockey training on our astroturf, you'll learn new skills, make friends and have fun. Aimed at girls and boys, the morning will finish with a mini tournament, beginners most welcome!

Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. To book your child's place please complete a booking and consent form, for a copy please click here.

Year 5 Taster Days
Tuesday 13 June and Wednesday 21 June 2023

Aimed at prospective Year 5 pupils, our Taster Days are a great way for your child to really experience Princethorpe during a normal school day.

Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Please click here to book your child's place at one of our Year 5 Taster Days.

Crackley Hall and Crescent School Year 5 pupils and their parents have already been invited to school specific Taster Days and Parents' Information Sessions in April.

Year 6 Taster Days will be available in September 2023.

For further information on admissions and entry to the College in 2024 visit our school website or speak to the Admissions Team on 01926 634201/297 or by email at admissions@princethorpe.co.uk.

Saturday 13 May 2023 10.30am - 12.30pm

We are offering OPs, former parents and staff the opportunity to visit the College and get a sneak preview of the new Science Centre, after a delicious complimentary brunch in the Refectory (served until 12.00 noon).

Foundation Assistant Head, Alex Darkes, who is project managing the build will lead the tour, that will also include other parts of the campus. 

Visitors are also welcome to watch the Sports Fixtures taking place that morning.

The Old Princethorpians' Association organises the brunch as an opportunity for all to reconnect with both the College and with each other in an informal, friendly environment.

If you would like to attend please register on Princethorpe Connect. Please do spread the word!

Saturday 27 May – Sunday 28 May 2023

The National Schools And Riding Clubs Two Day Event will take place for the eighth year running on the magnificent Princethorpe estate.

Entries are now open for the National Schools and Riding Clubs Two-Day Event, which is the only event of its kind in the UK and attracts up to 300 riders each year.

Now in its 22nd year, this year’s event includes a new 70cm class to open it up to a wider field of competitors, with a new spectator area introduced to satisfy growing demand.

The event takes place across 27 to 28 May at Princethorpe College, near Rugby, and is backed by local firms The Wigley Group and Newton LDP as its returning main sponsors.

Entry to the event is free so we do hope you can come along and enjoy a wonderful weekend of equestrian events.

For more information and or to enter please click here.

Wednesday 7 June - 6.30pm to 8.30pm

The College's annual Summer Open Evening will take place on Wednesday 7 June from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. This is a perfect opportunity for prospective families looking for a place in September 2024 and beyond to visit the school, for children to take part in departmental activities and for parents to meet and chat to members of staff and pupils.

The Headmaster will also address visitors during the evening. Light refreshments will be available.

Please click here to book your place. 

Friday 9 June 2023 - 7.30pm to 9.30pm

Ready for a unique and exciting gin tasting experience? 

Rugby Distillery are joining us for an evening in June to host a guided tasting of their unique gins, which are produced in copper stills using traditional methods.

Join us for a fun evening and learn more about their history, their connection to Rugby, and their commitment to creating exceptional gin.

Non gin drinkers welcome - alternative beverages available on the night.

More details to follow soon.

Princethorpe PTA

Thursday 22 June from 6.00pm to 8.30pm and Sunday 25 June from 2.00pm to 4.30pm

A celebration of our pupils' GCSE and A-level Art, Photography and Design work will take place in the Sixth Form Centre on Thursday 22 June from 6.00pm to 8.30pm and on Sunday 25 June from 2.00pm to 4.30pm.

A range of design and technology projects, from resistant materials to textiles, will be showcased alongside the stunning art and photography work the College is renowned for.

Comments, Paul Hubball, Head of Art, "This is a great opportunity to share our pupils' fantastic creativity with a wider audience and to welcome more art and design lovers to Princethorpe."

Adds Head of Design and Technology, Paul Scopes, "We look forward to welcoming all the exam pupils and their families from across Design, Art and Photography to enjoy the fruit of their labours."

All are welcome. On Thursday evening admission is free, on the Sunday admission will be £2 per car including entry to the College's Summer Fête and Motoring Festival. Light refreshments will be available.

Sunday 25 June 2023 - 2.00pm to 4.30pm

As the College enters the Trinity Term the PTA focus our attentions on the highlight of summer – the PTA Summer Fête and 26th Annual Motoring Festival.

There will be the usual array of stalls including our school supported charity stalls; countless fun games and activities. We'll be firing up the BBQ and for those of you who find days like this thirsty work we'll be providing an array of drinks in the refreshment tent.

We are always seeking new supporters for this event so if you could help us out for an hour at the Fête or at future events, please do contact us at pta@princethorpe.co.uk or via Twitter@PrincethorpePTA.

We are once again running the popular ‘Pre-loved Uniform Stall’ and if you have any uniform which is no longer required this can be given in at the Student Hub. School blazers, ties, skirts, jumpers, PE kits and PE bags are always welcome, with proceeds of this stall going directly back to the PTA and the pupils of the College.

Should you have any ideas or queries regarding the Fête or the PTA, please contact us at the above email address.

Many thanks

Princethorpe PTA

As we approach the beginning of the examination season, we wanted to provide some final notes about arrangements for Year 11; this repeats information given to parents in the recent Q&A evening and to pupils in assemblies. 

Examination Timetables 
Year 11 pupils have already received their examination timetables and know how to view these on My School Portal. These are also visible to parents from the left-hand menu on My School Portal. Roomings will be added closer to the examinations. 
 
Study Leave  
From Thursday May 11, pupils are not required to be on-site except when they have an examination. They may choose whether they work at home, in school or a combination of the two.  
 
Study Leave Registration 
In order to know exactly who is on site at any time, Year 11 pupils will need to sign-in and out of school if arriving/leaving during the school day. For those wishing to leave school after an examination, we would request that they are collected in specified windows so that we can control traffic on the playground during the school day. 

• Pupils arriving for a morning examination will be registered in the exam room 
• Pupils arriving to a study room for Period 1 will be registered in the room
• Pupils arriving at any other time of day should sign in at the Pupil Hub 
• Pupils leaving after an examination can sign-out on the playground and be collected by parents at the times shown in the table below. 

I hope you were able to attend the Years 8 and 9 360 Review Evening yesterday evening that you found it informative and helpful.

Presentations from the evening are available below:

Revision Skills

Using Technology to Support Learning

We would also welcome your feedback on the evening to inform our planning for future events, using the following link here.

January Exam Season

Results for the January exams have now been distributed.

Summer Exam Season

All pupils have been given their personal exam timetable and a copy of the Candidate Handbook – it is important that they are familiar with all the information it contains; a copy can be viewed here. Timetables and, nearer the time, allocated rooms can be viewed on the pupil and parent portals.

A few pupils have exam clashes, these have now been resolved. A clash of exams only occurs when two exams for different subjects are timetabled to start at the same time on the same day.

Where two exams for the same subject are timetabled to start at the same time on the same day, they will be taken one after the other. This applies to GCSE History, IGCSE French, IGCSE Spanish and A-level Maths.

Pupils and parents in Year 8 are reminded that the following textbook needs to be returned to their Science teacher by Friday 16 June 2023.

Year 8 - Smart Science textbook.

If a textbook has been lost, a charge will be made for this book.   

PSHE gives pupils knowledge, understanding and practical skills to help them live safe, healthy, productive lives as active members of society. Pupils at Princethorpe have PSHE lessons each fortnight and also a vertical tutor time session each week. Each year group also has a full PSHE Immersion Day during the academic year.

There are three main strands to our PSHE programme – Health & Wellbeing, Living in the Wider World, and Relationships. These strands are taught through a wide-ranging series of lessons from the PSHE Association, the national body for PSHE teaching, which follows the statutory guidance from DfE. The lessons take place in a safe and age-appropriate learning environment, using discussion tasks and scenarios to allow the pupils the chance to consider the options and risks of different situations. Pupils also have opportunities to ask questions and are given options for further support if required.

Over the next few weeks, all pupils in Years 7-10 will be looking at relationships. These lessons will include looking at consent, understanding what it is from a legal and ethical standpoint and how to challenge assumptions. Older pupils will also look at pressure and coercion. Pupils in Year 11 will be looking at study skills and revision as they prepare for their summer exams.

A limited number of members of the Lower Sixth will be able to park at school from Thursday 8 June 2023.

To receive permission the Sixth Former must:

• have the consent of their parents and the Head of Sixth Form
• provide their full driving licence and their current insurance certificate and photocopies
• agree to abide by the required Code of Conduct

There is an administration fee of £30 for the provision of a parking permit which provides access to parking, an electronic fob and a parking permit until the end of Upper Sixth. The charge for lost fobs is £18 and for lost discs £2.  Please note that there will be a refund of £10 for electronic fobs returned to the School Shop at the end of Upper Sixth.

Please note that there is a limit to the number of parking permits that can be issued. Permits are issued on a first-come first-served basis but only where the requirements detailed above are met in full.

The forms to apply for a permit are available from the Sixth From Administrators in the Sixth Form Resource Centre. When completed, including the signature of a parent and the Head of Sixth Form, the Sixth Former should take them, together with their full driving licence, (both the card and the paper section - if applicable) and current insurance certificate, plus photocopies, to the School Shop.

Members of the Lower Sixth are welcome to provide the paperwork to the School Shop from the 22 May 2023 but permits will only be issued from Thursday 8 June.

If the contract is broken then the permission to drive to school will be withdrawn by the school. Please note that Sixth Formers park at their own risk and that the school does not accept liability for accidents, damage or loss incurred.

Please note that if a Sixth Former drives to school without a permit they will be given a warning on the first occasion and will be denied parking on the second occasion. We would appreciate the support of parents in this matter, this is so we can discharge our responsibilities to everyone on school premises as well as to individual drivers.

Eddie Tolcher
Foundation Bursar 

Welcome back to a very busy summer term. We wish all the very best to the Upper Sixth in their exams and the Lower Sixth in their mocks. 

UCAS and Careers

Any questions about UCAS or careers related advice please contact Mrs Quinney directly by email at jacquiquinney@princethorpe.co.uk.

Key Dates

Friday 5 May - Headmaster's Outgoing Prefect and Subject Ambassador Dinner 7.00pm-9.45pm

Friday 12 May - Upper Sixth Last day, more details to follow

Thursday 29 June - Upper Sixth Thanksgiving Eucharist and Buffet Supper 7.00pm-9.30pm

Monday 3 July - Lower Sixth UCAS and future planning day and evening BBQ

Wednesday 5 July - Upper Sixth Leavers' Ball 7.00pm-11.55pm, Warwick House

Best wishes

Ben Collie 
Head of Sixth Form 

Maybe you were lucky enough to get away over the Easter break and now there are a few foreign coins or notes lurking in a pocket or a handbag?

Why not round them up and put them to good use? All donations would be gratefully received and all money raised will be split between UK projects of the SVP (St Vincent de Paul Society), including support for the homeless, elderly, handicapped and those coming out of prison and an overseas SVP project helping to fund secondary school education children - especially girls - in India. Click here to discover what the SVP organisation is about and how your donation can help.

The money can be current or out of date, British or foreign; anything is welcome.

Click here and watch the video to see how cash4coins works. This is what you can donate:

• All foreign coins and banknotes
• Current UK coins and banknotes
• Any old British and Irish money
• Even obsolete currency

Please send in money in a strong envelope labelled ‘Rod Isaacs - Cash4Coins’. This can be handed in to form tutors to pass on.  We raised nearly £170 last year. 

Many thanks

Rod Isaacs
Assistant Head of Sixth Form

Please don’t forget that Princethorpe College PTA is registered with easyfundraising. So, even when we are not hosting fundraising events in school, we can still continue to raise free funds, at no extra cost to you.

When you shop via the easyfundraising website or app, with over 4,100 of your favourite retailers, including John Lewis & Partners, eBay, Amazon and many more, you will raise FREE donations for the school.  

If you’re not already registered, please visit our easyfundraising page here:

This will really make a difference to our school! Thank you for your support.

Our friendly PTA here at Princethorpe College are keen to welcome new members. 

By joining our PTA community, you are not committing to volunteer, but just to joining our community and if you do wish to volunteer you will receive emails when we require help to run our events.

For more information about the PTA and how to join please email pta@princethorpe.co.uk

Princethorpe PTA

Well done to all who completed their practice expedition over the Easter break and good luck to the Year 9 pupils on the Bronze B Practice Expedition on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 May 2023.

Review and Route Planning – Sunday 14 May 2023

The next step is for all participants to plan their qualifying expedition routes. 

Year 9 Bronze  

The Bronze Review and Route Planning takes place on Sunday 14 May 2023 in the Limes.   

This important element of the expedition section is mandatory for all participants. Please arrive promptly. Bring a pen, notebook, your DofE folder and a facemask. You may wear appropriate casual clothing. In the meantime, please continue to log hours, collect evidence and sign off your physical, volunteering and skill sections.

Useful resources can be found on MySchoolPortal here.

Will Bower
Head of Outdoor Education - DofE Manager

It is always great to hear about our pupils' successes that take place outside of school; please do keep us updated if your son or daughter has won a competition, is performing in a show or competing at a high level with a sporting team outside of school, we would love to hear more. 

We would like to invite parents to submit this information to us via a nomination form by clicking here so we might celebrate these achievements in school too.  

Neil McCollin
Assistant Head - Co-Curricular

Details of the co-curricular clubs for this term were posted to families over the Easter break as part of the Trinity Term Calendar. I also have pleasure in attaching an electronic copy here. 

Neil McCollin
Assistant Head - Co-Curricular

We would like to remind parents of some useful contact details.

To report a pupil absence please email attendance@princethorpe.co.uk or telephone the Attendance Line on 01926 634260.

For other enquiries please use the email addresses below:

Bus related queries - princethorpe@vectare.co.uk

School Shop - uniform@princethorpe.co.uk

Medical Centre - pcmatrons@princethorpe.co.uk

School fees -  accounts@princethorpe.co.uk

General enquiries - post@princethorpe.co.uk

Lost property - lostproperty@princethorpe.co.uk

Wisepay catering - cashless@princethorpe.co.uk

Email addresses for members of teaching staff can be found on My School Portal.

Please find below the updated Term Dates for 2022-23 and 2023-24

2022-23 (two page document) -  new Bank Holiday for the King's Coronation

2023 -2024 (two page document) - revised Prize Giving and PTA Christmas Fair dates

Please see below our current vacancies: 

Crackley Hall

• KS1 Teacher
• RE Co-ordinator 

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.