The Flagpole

At the end of this academic year there will be some changes to the Senior Leadership Team at the College. Digby Carrington-Howell, our Deputy Head – Staffing and Assessment has decided to step down and will be leaving Princethorpe, and as a result, Dr Michael Reddish, our Assistant Head (Director of Studies) will be assuming a new role of Deputy Head (Academic).  In addition, we are currently recruiting for a new post of Assistant Head (Teaching and Learning) to join us in September.

Digby has played an important part in the College’s development over the last nine years. In addition to being a key member of the Senior Leadership Team he has played a significant part in the smooth running and organisation of the school with specific responsibilities including: leading all aspects of the school’s assessment and reporting programme; the organisation and efficient running of internal and external examinations; staff appraisal, training, professional development and induction; monitoring and tracking of pupils’ performance; and oversight of all external inspections.

He has approached his work with enthusiasm and diligence and is greatly appreciated for his calm headedness, sense of perspective and wry humour.

An experienced Biology teacher with a track record of exam success for his pupils, Digby has also supported the wider life of the school, making time to coach badminton and play guitar in the staff band.

We are enormously grateful for all that Digby has done for the College and wish him well for the future as he steps down to spend more time with his wife, Patricia, and looks forward to new challenges.

Princethorpe has passed a recent Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) regulatory compliance inspection with flying colours.

The College was inspected in mid February and has been judged to have met all of the eight standards required of it.  Areas examined in terms of compliance include the quality of education provided, welfare, health and safety of pupils and the quality of leadership and management of the school.

Amongst its findings the report comments on ‘GCSE performance from 2014 to 2016 (the period covered by the inspection) being above the national average’, ‘that principles and values are actively promoted which facilitate the personal development of pupils’ and that ‘the leadership and management demonstrate good skills and knowledge and fulfil their responsibilities effectively’.

Regulatory compliance inspections report on a school’s compliance with the Independent School Standards Regulations. All schools are required to meet all standards applicable to them and the judgements are either met or not met.

Comments Headmaster, Ed Hester, “We are delighted to have met all the ISI’s regulatory standards, the report is testament to the hard work and dedication of the whole team at Princethorpe and my thanks go out to them.”

To access the full report please click here.

The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) is the body approved by the Department for Education for the purpose of inspecting schools belonging to Independent Schools Council (ISC) Associations and reporting on compliance with independent school regulations. ISI inspections are also carried out under arrangements of the ISC Associations for the maintenance and improvement of the quality of the membership.

Our biennial Careers Fair takes place tomorrow, Saturday 17 March 2018 from 9.30am to 1.00pm. Open to all Princethorpe pupils from Year 10 to Sixth Form, this year's fair is set to be our biggest one yet!

With a wide range of speakers and organisations on hand to offer advice and guidance on careers, universities and gap year options, there really will be something for everyone! 

There will be over 40 speakers covering a whole wealth of careers from accountancy to engineering, physiotherapy to dentistry, flying helicopters to property, film design to the music industry, design to entrepreneurship and many, many more. We'll also have universities from across the country, such as Cardiff, Southampton, Loughborough and Surrey, with stalls in the exhibition part of the Fair.

Pupils and their families who registered in advance can collect their personalised timetables for the event at registration. We look forward to seeing you! 

For more information about the day and for an overview of speakers, click here.

Each year Hollywood celebrates the prestigious Academy Awards, but here at Princethorpe College we have our very own ‘night of nights’, the Princethorpe Oscars, when the Sixth Form Atrium is transformed and the red carpet is rolled out for our shining stars and budding directors.

This year 15 films, produced by pupils and staff, were up for consideration with the best of the best being awarded much prized mini Oscars.  Up for grabs were categories including Best Comedy, Best Cliffhanger and Best Romantic Comedy, as well as the much-prized People’s Choice award and of course the most prestigious accolade Best Movie.

Host and compere for the ceremony, Assistant Head – Co-curricular, Mr Greg Hunter, welcomed guests to a special VIP drinks reception before the evening’s showing commenced and the audience sat back and the movies flickered onto the big screen.  The film industry is all about entertaining audiences, providing a momentary escape from reality and the event did just that in spades.

Before handing out the awards Headmaster, Ed Hester, commented, “What a wonderful occasion, such a celebration of talent, wit and creativity.  Our thanks go to all of the contributors and to Greg Hunter for organising this tremendous event.”

After much deliberation and an interval to allow the audience time to rate the films the main awards were announced.  This year the People’s Choice Award was given to the prolific Josh Tidd for his stunning film ‘The Holy Buxton Water’, an excellent piece of work that featured the bleak landscapes of the Peak District and Victorian spa town of Buxton.  The main award of the night Best Movie was reserved for what will clearly become an epic of its time, ‘Class Dismissed Fisher Style’.  The depth of talent involved, Mrs Galano’s struggle, the unique quality of the acting and the artistic talent made the film a clear winner with the judges and audience alike.  The assembled audience couldn’t remember the last time they’d laughed so much.    

It was another fabulous evening; thank you to all of the pupils and staff involved and watch out for next year when our film awards night returns - The Oscars - The Hexalogy.

Other awards went to:

Best Public Information Film: Hollie Moore and Freya Barnett (for Diet And Nutrition)

Best Wildlife Film: Rupert Hatton (for Roos Green Team Video)

Best Editing: Seb Shaw (for The Clone Problem)

Best Bruce Lee Impersonation and Best Falsetto: Mr Scope (for VEGAS 1973)

Best Foreign Language Film: Mr Parsons (for Spanish Trip)

Best Use Of BBC Licence Fee Payers Money: Charlotte Fitzpatrick, Holly Kennedy and Lauren Mason (for The BBC Takeover)

Best Soundtrack and Best Cinematography: Josh Tidd (for The Holy Buxton Water)

Best Horror: Harry Cheshire (for Hide and Seek)

Best Romantic Comedy: Archie Hancock (for The Rise Of The Killer Robots)

Best Tribute: Mr Hunter (for Father’s Day)

Best Script: Caitlin Conmy (for Dear ….)

Best Cliffhanger: FSR (for Which Carys)

Best Cinema Verite: MSS, MSW (for Missions Impossible)

Best Ensemble Piece: Kiera McRae, Lauren Mason and Caitlin Conmy (for Class Dismissed Fisher Style)

Best Comedy: Josh Tidd, Seb Shaw, Isaac Ryan and Ollie Lyons (for Mobile  Kombat)

Princethorpe College has been awarded the Gold standard in a prestigious national school library accreditation scheme.  Awarded by the School Library Service UK, the scheme recognises and acknowledges the work of school libraries and their librarians across the country in raising literacy levels, educational achievement and promoting a love of reading.

The national award scheme is endorsed by the School Library Association (SLA), the School Library Group (SLG) and the Society of Chief Librarians (SCL).  The scheme audits 20 key activities and services provided by a school library.  For each key activity the school is recognised at one of three levels – developing, establishing and enhancing.  The Gold award is presented only to school libraries with 15 or more activities and services in the ‘enhancing’ category.   Princethorpe gained an impressive 17 activities awarded as ‘enhancing’, including monitoring of pupils reading, diversity of stock, reading culture and teaching in the library.

College Librarian, Celia Scott, was presented with the award on Wednesday 7 March by Stella Thebridge, Principal Librarian of the Warwickshire Library Service, in Warwick.

Celia Scott commented, “We are thrilled to have achieved such high recognition for our work. Our submission covered a wide range of library activities and services that included not only the library, its staff, facilities and stock but also our wider school support and engagement, the reading culture of the College and the many initiatives, competitions, activities and events we organise and run.  The requirements were challenging and we had to meet tough criteria to receive the award.  We are delighted that the School Library Service team have decided we are worthy of the Gold standard.”

Stella Thebridge, Principal Librarian, Warwickshire Library Service added, “The College librarian clearly works to the highest standards and offers pupils an excellent library service embedded in the wider school curriculum and reading culture. This is a very well deserved Gold award.”

Last weekend Princethorpe College nailed the Independent Schools Netball National Championships with the U18s, U16s and U14s teams all placing and bringing home medals; the only school competing at the Championships to have such success.  Playing at Malvern St James Girls’ School in Worcestershire on Saturday 10 March, girls from schools across the country battled the College sides in as many as six back-to-back gruelling matches.

Played on inside courts and outside on the astro, a new surface for our girls, the teams blitzed through their matches with enthusiasm and tenacity. Thankfully the weather had improved from the biting cold and snow of the week before.

Commenting on the teams’ performances Princethorpe College Head of Girls’ Games, Mrs Debs Brookes said, “It was a fabulous day’s competition with schools visiting from London, the Midlands and the North so there was a great edge to the play and exceptional skill on court.  Our teams were really remarkable from the off with energy and commitment as well as organisation and competitiveness.”

The U14 Girls had five straight wins netting 75 goals along the way.  They lost out only in the finals to Alderley Edge 6-11 to finish as silver medallists.

The U15 Girls played in the U16 competition and, despite being a year younger, played brilliantly to place third and earn themselves a bronze medal.  They lost out in the play off to Alderley Edge, but should take comfort from the knowledge that they beat the overall U16 winners, Stafford Grammar, in the Group Stages.

In their competition the U18 Girls were the winners of the plate final which earned them an overall bronze medal as well.

Thank you to all of the coaches involved in what was a brilliant but long day: Hannah Carminati, Danette Matthews and Tina Fletcher and to Teaching Assistants Bella Fogarty and Evie Donaldson who supported the teams on the day.

Playing for Princethorpe were:

U18s: Leah Dunkley, Sammy Inskip, Sophie Marrow, Emily Nicholls, Reanne Popham (Capt), Cara Wallis and Anna Wells

U16As: Amelia Cunnington, Mia Darling, Luisa Garcia-Stokes, Madeleine Glasspool, Beth Hutcheson, Evie Nicholas, Lucia Rincon-Tivey, Mia Sweeney and Emelia Tubb (Capt)

U14As: Charlotte Brotherton, Anneliesa Douglas, Lucy Gribben, Poppy Hainge (Capt), Milly Hemmings, Nell Johnston (Vice-Capt), Lucia McCosker-New and Rachel Timms

The College’s Lent Term Celebration of Achievement Lunch was an informal and convivial affair.  Held on Tuesday 13 March 2018; 61 pupils from across the school were nominated by members of staff and invited to the College Roundhouse by Assistant Head (Co-Curricular), Mr Greg Hunter, to celebrate their amazing achievements.

All of the pupils had risen to challenges, they had done their best in many different ways, both in and outside of school.  Some were elected for academic perseverance; others were invited along for their contribution to their Tutor Group or House. 

As was to be expected, the pupils were modest about their achievements and seemed surprised by the attention they received, not realising the commitment, motivation and tenacity such success would clearly have demanded.  It is just such qualities that the Celebration of Achievement Lunch aims to reward.  Mr Hunter congratulated each of them and thanked them all for the many wonderful ways that they enrich College life.

Congratulations to them all:

From Year 7: Sam Astle, Jess Evans, Harry Fitzpatrick, James Hawkins, Amy Hogg, Harry Kelly, Morgan King, Jake Lambert, Alexander Leret, Tom Lomas and Chloe O’Carroll-Bailey.

From Year 8: Alex Allison, Marcus Critchley, William Hawkins, Izzy Kuzemko, Jess Mackenzie, Eva Ostler, Evie Phillips, Edward Sharpe, Grace Thomas, Aaron Tiwana and Joseph Watts.

From Year 9: Keely Ball, Stanley Brocklebank, Archie Hancock, Archie Houghton, Bhavdeep Jandu, Grace Leight, Lucia McCosker-New, Ethan Smith, Lauren Taylor, Mac Wood and Riley Worrall.

From Year 10: Ben Abrahamson, Ellis Chaplow, Tom Crowfoot, Will Crowfoot, Evie Nicholas, Toby Rigg and Matthew Wills.

From Year 11: Libbi Ancill-Griffiths, Jack Bent, Caitlin Conmy, Charlotte Khan, Caitlin Newport, Hannah Richards and Dominic Turner-Burr.

From Lower Sixth: Luke Browning, Meera Chauhan, Amy Field, Jasmin Rigg and Jake Wilson.

From Upper Sixth: Matthew Bonsall, Samantha Bromage-Eccles, Maddie Doherty, Matthew Duigan, Luke Dunkley, Sol Elliott, Miriam Isaacs, Lucy Jordan and Aidan McMahon.

Huge congratulations to Upper Sixth Former Charlotte Martin and her wonder dog, cocker spaniel, Whispa who came third in the Young Kennel Club team agility at the international dog show Crufts last weekend, Sunday 11 March.  Charlotte who has been competing with Whispa in agility classes for over five years now said, “Whispa really loves agility and she always gives her all.  She is semi-retiring now and I have a new dog, Deefa, to bring on, so it was just perfect that we did so well and ended with a podium finish.”

Charlotte’s team, Diamond Cluster, consists of five handlers with their dogs, her fellow competitors are all friends she has made through the Young Kennel Club (YKC) and she urges anyone with an interest in dogs to join up.  She continued, “The Young Kennel Club and Crufts are a great place to network, meet fellow enthusiasts and make friends.”

Diamond Cluster qualified for Crufts last year in regional rounds of the YKC Agility.  In the 2018 final they were competing against 16 other teams, a total of 80 dogs.  Clever canines who leap, balance and whip around a complex obstacle course following a snap of a finger and a shouted command seemingly defying the laws of gravity and momentum.

The seventeen-year-old from Cawston in Rugby has worked hard for her success, as well as practising at home she trains weekly with Rugby Dog Training Club, the home of the renowned Mary Ray, who invented heel work to music, and who gave a stunning farewell display at Crufts this year.

Charlotte is a great ambassador for the YKC, she took time to volunteer on their stand last weekend, talking to young people about the YKC and the opportunities it offers, she added, “If you have an interest in dogs then you should get involved, there are lots of opportunities available and I have made some great friends.  I was lucky enough to travel to Luxembourg last year where I represented Great Britain in dog agility.”

Well done Charlotte and Whispa, we were delighted to hear of your success.

On Tuesday 13 February 2018 Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award holders accompanied by their families enjoyed a night of celebration and were treated to an inspirational talk by Professional Rock Climber Ben Heason.

Ben shared with us his incredible journey from his first television debut on ‘You’ve Been Framed’ (falling off the rock face as a young man) to him leading an international team ascending the world’s highest waterfall, Angel Falls in Venezuela, which stands at a colossal height of 979 metres. It took 20 days of continuous climbing and pushed the team to their limits. He taught us that as long as you have faith in your own abilities and determination there is nothing you cannot achieve. It demonstrated that, with hard work, focus and planning, positive thinking and a determination to succeed, any goal is attainable; it encouraged others to live their own lives to their potential.

Last year was special for the College’s Duke of Edinburgh team as a record number of pupils signed up to and completed their Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

Four Upper Sixth students completed their Gold Awards and are now awaiting their presentation events at St James's Palace and I am sure that more will follow as fourteen students completed their Gold expeditions last summer. The College has also had its success and expertise at managing the award recognised by becoming a Directly Licensed Centre and was presented with its organisational licence by a representative from DofE Central Office.

It was a fantastic evening which would not have been possible if not for the hard work and dedication of pupils, parents and DofE Staff.  On behalf of all of the DofE participants I would like to thank the DofE team for their invaluable contribution and hard work behind the scenes.

Grace Blackhall
Upper Sixth Student - DofE Gold Award Recipient

The lastest edition of the College's Admissions Update e-newsletter has just been published. It is packed with news to give prospective parents and pupils a feel for College life, information on forthcoming events and helpful advice about the admissions process, particularly for those who are looking to join us in September 2019.

Our friendly Admissions Team are already busy accepting registrations for 2019 and there are plenty of opportunities for prospective pupils and their parents to visit the College before the Entrance Exams in November, including a new open event, our Open Morning next Tuesday 20 March 10.30am to 12.30pm, our summer Open Evening on Wednesday 6 June from 6.30pm to 8.30pm and taster days for Year 5 children in May and June.

Comments Melanie Butler, Assistant Head, Marketing, Admissions and Communications, "Parents and pupils still have plenty of time to prepare and opportunities to visit the College in the run up to the exams. The results will be posted out at the end of November, making for an exam-free Christmas holiday, which has got to be good news."

The newsletter is issued twice a year to coincide with key admissions periods and the next edition will be published in Autumn 2018, prior to the Entrance Exams.

To view the newsletter click here.

If you have any queries relating to admissions please feel free to email the team at admissions@princethorpe.co.uk.

Click on the attachment below to download the latest ‘In the News’ posters featuring some of the Foundation's recent media coverage.

In the News

In the last few months we have had stories in the local press including the Leamington Courier, Kenilworth News, Rugby Advertiser, Daventry Express, Leamington Observer, Rugby and Lutterworth Observer and the Coventry and Warwickshire Telegraph.  The Foundation has also been featured in Catholic Today and the Independent Schools’ magazine Attain.

Six Princethorpe boys have earned representative honours playing for the Warwickshire Under 16s rugby squad this season.  Pictured proudly in their County strip are Year 11s (left to right) Callum Cooke, Harry Smith, Tom Parker, James Crabtree, Sam McCosker-New and Jack Hewitt at their match against their North Midlands counterparts at Leamington RFC on Sunday 4 February 2018.

The Princethorpe boys have been helping to make Warwickshire a side to contend with for several years now – some first made the County squad two years ago as Under 14s.  They have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunities their County selection and training has provided.  This formidable combination of wing, second row, prop, hooker, scrum half and centre had a tough match at Leamington but proved that Warwickshire was definitely a side to be reckoned with taking the win with help from tries from Harry, Jack, James and Sam.

The boys are due to take on the East Midlands next although the game has had to be rescheduled because of the recent snow.

Head of Rugby at Princethorpe College, Pete Bucknall commented, “The boys’ County selection is fully justified, reflecting the hard work they put in on the training field and the competition pitch.”

Tuesday 20 March 2018 - 10.30am to 12.30pm

A new spring Open Morning for the College will take place on Tuesday 20 March giving prospective families a chance to visit the school on a normal working day, with Year 7 and 8 pupils acting as tour guides. Light refreshments will be available.

For further information on admissions to the school please call the Registrars on 01926 634201 or 01926 634262 or email admissions@princethorpe.co.uk

Wednesday 21 March 2018 - 7.30pm

Sixth Form Lecture Theatre

Followed by wine and light refreshments in the Atrium

Vincent Van Gogh created dozens of memorable images of women during his brief painting career: peasant women in the fields; the prostitute with whom he lived for a while; café owners; his postman-friend’s wife rocking a cradle in Arles; the wife of a warder in the St Remy asylum where he lived for a year, and finally, Doctor Gachet’s daughter in Auvers-sur-Oise where he committed suicide in July 1890.

This slide-illustrated talk will examine these striking, colourful and unconventional images of the women he knew and it will also focus on the most important woman in his life and art… someone he met only three times. It is to this little-known woman that all who love Van Gogh are immeasurably indebted. All will be revealed!

Tickets may also be purchased at the door, (adults £5.00, children free) but advance notice helps catering, please. Princethorpe, Crackley Hall and Crescent School pupils free of charge. Please complete the booking form here. We are happy to receive provisional bookings by e-mail, please, to alexdarkes@princethorpe.co.uk. 

Thursday 22 March 2018 7.00pm

There will be a recital from some of the most talented pupils taking music lessons at Princethorpe College in the Clarkson Theatre on Thursday 22 March 2018 at 7.00pm.

It will be a friendly and informal evening, and a great chance to experience some of the vast talent shown by our pupils.  There will be a combination of solo and small group performances on the evening, and an opportunity after the event to meet up with your child’s peripatetic teacher for a chat if you would like.

Everyone is welcome to attend, and there will be light refreshments after the event.  No tickets are required but due to limitations on seating, could I please ask that you reserve your seats by clicking here.

Gil Cowlishaw
Head of Music

Saturday 24 March 2018 - 9.30am - 12.00pm

The Crescent School, Princethorpe's junior school in Rugby, is opening its doors to prospective and current parents and children for a Spring Open Morning on Saturday 24 March 2018 from 9.30am to 12.00pm. 

As part of the Open Morning there will be a very special performance by Reception to Year 2 pupils, along with children from Nature Trails Nursery, of The Bee Musical.  With a fabulous script and nine terrific songs to get you buzzing and bee-bopping, you just won’t bee-lieve how good this delightful and educational musical is!

This promises to be fantastic entertainment for visitors of all ages, and will really showcase the talents, confidence and stage presence of the school's youngest pupils. The show commences at 10.00am and we would urge visitors to arrive early to get a good seat!

After the half-hour performance there will be a short presentation about the Crescent and our ambitions for the school as part of the Princethorpe Foundation, and the chance to meet new Headmaster, Joe Thackway. There will also be short Q&A sessions with Alan Webb, Assistant Head - 
Head of Pre-Prep and Headmaster Joe Thackway about entry to Reception and Year 3. 

Elsewhere on site there will be plenty to see and do, including guided tours by the older pupils, sporting displays, instrumental performances, plus the opportunity to visit classrooms and chat informally to current parents and staff from Nature Trails, the Crescent and Princethorpe College. Light refreshments will be available. There is no need to book.

For more information about the Open Morning please call Registrar, Mrs Helen Morley on 01788 523851 or email admissions@crescentschool.co.uk.

Alternatively please visit our website www.crescentschool.co.uk for more information.

Wednesday 28 March 2018

Parents of pupils elected to serve on the Prefect Body, for the term of office which commences at the start of the Trinity term 2018, will receive an invitation from the Headmaster inviting them to attend the Prefect Inauguration Ceremony.

The ceremony takes place on Wednesday 28 March at 1.45pm, in the Sports Hall, as part of our final assembly of the term and is preceded by a buffet lunch at 12.45pm in the Sixth Form Centre Lecture Theatre.

Replies will be due in by Friday 28 March.

Wednesday 28 March 2018

The Old Princethorpians' Leamington Pub Meet which had to be postponed earlier in the month due to the adverse weather conditions, has been rescheduled to Wednesday 28 March (the last day of term).

We will meet as before at The Star and Garter, Warwick Street, in Leamington from 6.30pm in the upstairs function room. A delicious buffet will be provided and all are welcome!

Saturday 14 April 2018

The British Dyslexia Association has an annual international conference and this year they are having a session designed for parents and families. This years' event is in Telford, with the Parents and Carers Day taking place on 14 April 2018. The sessions will run from 9.00am to 4.00pm and costs only £20.00 per person.

For further information  please visit the Parents and Carers Day page on the BDA website. For the session timetable please click here

The event is described as "a leading conference on Dyslexia/Specific Learning difficulties across the age ranges" and so will have relevance for learners with co-occurring needs such as dysgraphia etc.

Lorna Prestage
Learning Support

Thursday 19 April 2018 - 12.15pm

On behalf of Fisher House, it is my pleasure to invite you to our first House Service which takes place on Thursday 19 April in the College Chapel.

The service will be a celebration of our House community and will begin at 12.15pm.  If you are able to join us, I would recommend you aim to arrive at midday to be seated in the Chapel before the arrival of the pupils.

There will be signage to indicate where to park on the day.

We would be delighted if you could also stay at College after the service to join us for lunch. So that we can cater efficiently, please reserve places with Lisa Gardner by clicking here no later than Monday 16 April 2018.

We look forward to welcoming you.

Mrs Chris McCullough
Head of House – Fisher

Wednesday 24 April 2018 at 7.30pm

Our March book was How to Stop Time by Matt Haig, an inventive story about a man who simply lives forever and the small group of others in the same circumstance who form a secret fraternity that both cares for them and limits them in many ways.  This is an easy read from page to page which we all enjoyed.  The book takes us on a whistle-stop tour of many historical periods that the hero has lived through and addresses the problems involved in falling in love when his situation inevitably comes between him and a loved one.

Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 24 April in the library at 7.30pm.  We will be discussing Nutshell a recent novel by Ian McEwan, one of a number of recent books inspired by Shakespeare.  Please do join us whether or not you have read this particular book.  We always welcome new faces and enjoy hearing of others’ reading interests.

Chris Kerrigan
Head of English

Saturday 28 April 2018 9.30am to 12.00pm

If you've got a youngster who would love to give hockey a try, why not get them along to the Princethorpe College 'Year 4 and 5 Say Hello To Hockey' taster session.

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

If you have any queries concerning the morning call the Registrars on 01926 634262 or email admissions@princethorpe.co.uk.

May and June 2018

During the summer term Princethorpe College offers taster days for children currently in Year 5 (children born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008), who are interested in admission to the College in September 2019.

These days involve a number of classroom sessions, a tour of the school, lunch and other activities such as a question and answer session with current pupils. The days run from 9.30am to 3.00pm.

The College will be hosting taster days on Wednesday 9 May, Thursday 24 May, Tuesday 12 June and Thursday 21 June.

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.

Wednesday 16 May 2018 - 7.30pm

Sixth Form Lecture Theatre

Followed by wine and light refreshments in the Atrium

From 8 March until 9 September 2018, the first solo exhibition of Picasso’s work at Tate Modern, London, will be held. Entitled The EY Exhibition Picasso 1932-Love, Fame, Tragedy, it will focus on one year in the prolific artist’s life when he was passionately absorbed in his love for Marie-Thérèse Walter, his young mistress, also an inspirational muse. Picasso created dozens of images of her blond, sensual beauty in different media during a time often called his ‘year of wonders’ when the artist was at the height of his powers.

For the first time since they were created over just five days, Nude, Green Leaves and Bust, Nude in a Black Armchair and The Mirror will be shown together with around a hundred other sensational works.

This slide-illustrated talk will examine Picasso’s relationship with Marie-Thérèse, its impact on his long-suffering wife, Olga, and its tragic outcome.

Tickets may also be purchased at the door; but advance notice helps catering, please. Princethorpe, Crackley Hall and Crescent School pupils free of charge. Please complete the booking form here. We are happy to receive provisional bookings by e-mail, please, to alexdarkes@princethorpe.co.uk.

Monday 25 June 2018

All Year 11 pupils are invited to the Princethorpe College Year 11 Prom at Warwick Castle. Tickets are on sale now and we hope all our pupils will come to celebrate the end of GCSE courses and exams before pupils make their transition to the Sixth Form.

The event will be supervised by Princethorpe staff and alcohol is strictly forbidden. The event will be for Princethorpe pupils only, guests from other schools are not allowed.

The event will be held on the evening of Monday 25 June 2018 from 7.00pm until 11.30pm and the venue will be the stunning Warwick Castle. This is a special occasion and the dress code will reflect that. Gentlemen are expected to wear suits or tuxedos and for ladies formal evening wear is required – dress to impress is certainly the order of the day!

The cost of the event is £55 per person, which includes soft drinks, the hire of the venue, a three course meal, and a disco. A photographer will be on hand to record the evening for posterity and photographs will be available to order at a later date.

Please encourage your son or daughter to attend, we feel this will be a memorable evening for all involved and it will offer pupils an opportunity to celebrate the end of exams with all of their peers.

If your son or daughter would like to attend, we require a permission slip to be completed - click here to download slip. This slip should be returned to Ms Satchwell at the Student Support Hub by Friday 11 May.

If you have any queries regarding this event please do not hesitate to contact me.

Beth Sharpe
Deputy Head Pastoral

Tuesday 3 July 2018 at 7.30pm in the Chapel

Followed by refreshments in the Atrium

Once again, Tim Campain, Director of Music at Warwick Road United Reformed Church, Coventry, will play a wide variety of pieces from various genres on the renowned Princethorpe Binns’ organ of 1901.

Tickets may also be purchased at the door; but advance notice helps catering, please. Princethorpe, Crackley Hall and Crescent School pupils free of charge. Please complete the booking form here. We are happy to receive provisional bookings by e-mail, please, to alexdarkes@princethorpe.co.uk

The exam entries have now been completed for this summer’s exams and pupils have been issued with their personal exam timetable together with guideline booklets for written exams and non-exam assessments. Copies of the booklets can be downloaded by clicking on the appropriate link:

• Candidate Booklet, Written Exams
• Candidate Booklet, Non-examination Assessments

Individual timetables can also be viewed on the pupil portal and, as they are allocated nearer the time, rooms and seat numbers will be displayed.

A-level results will be published on Thursday 16 August; the College will open at 7.00am and results will be published to the pupil portal at 9.00am.

GCSE results will be published on Thursday 23 August; the College will open at 9.00am and results will be published to the pupil portal at 10.00am. On both days, staff will be on hand to assist with queries and to advise on future options.

If parents wish to have access to the exams section of the portal, this facility has to be enabled by the pupil beforehand, see the written exam guide for instructions.

Please note that results cannot be given out over the telephone; if a pupil wants their results to be collected by a third party, written permission must be sent to the Exams Officer before 10 August 2018. Any results envelopes not collected by 2.30pm on results days will be posted home.

Mrs Shellagh Dodds
Examinations Officer

Parents of Year 11, your son or daughter's House Tutor will be in touch shortly to organise an appointment to discuss their progress. Appointments will take place between Monday 19 March 2018 and the end of term.

Dr Michael Reddish
Assistant Head - Director of Studies 

Monday 19 March 2018

The Year 8 Parents’ Evening takes place on Monday 19 March 2018 from 6.00pm to 8.30pm in the Sports Hall. A layout of the Sports Hall is available here to assist you to plan your evening.

We look forward to seeing you then.

Dr Digby Carrington-Howell
Deputy Head - Staffing and Assessment

Reports for Year 7 will be posted out on Friday 16 March 2018.  They will also be available to view on the Parent Portal.

Dr Digby Carrington-Howell
Deputy Head - Staffing and Assessment

Reports for Lower Sixth will be posted out on Wednesday 28 March 2018.  They will also be available to view on the Parent Portal.

Dr Digby Carrington-Howell
Deputy Head - Staffing and Assessment
 

Progress Reports for Year 11 will be published on Friday 16 March 2018 and will be available to view on the Pupil and Parent Portals.

Dr Digby Carrington-Howell
Deputy Head - Staffing and Assessment

Exam Reports for Upper Sixth will be published on Wednesday 28 March 2018 and will be available to view on the Pupil and Parent Portals.

Dr Digby Carrington-Howell
Deputy Head - Staffing and Assessment

Please note that Upper Sixth study leave will commence after school on Friday 25 May.

Ben Collie
Head of Sixth Form

Order your copy now!

We are well into the process of producing our Class of 2018 Yearbook. It is a beautiful keepsake and is received at the final Thanksgiving Service held for Year 11 in the summer. It has pages for signatures which makes it into a lovely book to keep. Each pupil has their own half page where they document their best times here at Princethorpe and where they hope to be in the future.

The cost of the book is £29.50 and the total cost of your order will be added to next terms bill.

To order your copy please click here and complete the order form by no later than Tuesday 20 March 2018.

Beth Sharpe
Deputy Head Pastoral 

Thursday 19 April 2018, 6.30pm-9.00pm

Rescheduled due to the poor weather on Thursday 1 March, this evening of workshops will provide you with all the essential information and knowledge you need to support your son or daughter through the decision-making and application process. Please note this is for parents only as students will be receiving the information in their own sessions during the school day. The programme for the evening includes:

• Why go to university?
• Aston University - Degree apprenticeships
• Warwick University - Student finance and funding
• Unifrog and UCAS - A parents' guide
• Loughborough University - A parents' guide to personal statements

There will be a break during the evening when a buffet and refreshments will be served, this will also provide parents with an opportunity to talk to our visiting speakers.

Please confirm your attendance by clicking here.

Jacqui Quinney
Head of Careers and UCAS Co-ordinator

It is time for students to think about applying for 2018/19 student finance.

Students starting a full-time course at university or college in 2018/19 can apply now for their finance online at the Student Finance England website by following the steps below: 

• Set up a student finance online account.
• Log in and complete the online application.
• Include details of your household income and get your parents to support your application, if needed.
• Send in proof of identity, if needed.
• Sign and return the loan declaration, which you should receive within 6 weeks.

You should apply as soon as you have decided on your firm and insurance courses to make sure your money is in place at the start of your course. It's quick and easy and you don't have to have a confirmed place - you should use your first choice for the application and change it online at a later date if you need to. Do not wait for your exam results before you apply - it will be too late!

Click here to be taken to the Student Finance England website to start your application.

Jacqui Quinney
Head of Careers, UCAS Co-ordinator 

Sunday 25 March 2018  

We have over 75 students signed up for our Mary’s Meals sponsored walk challenges on Sunday 25 March 2018. Parents of those Sixth Form students taking part have been invited to a special talk by Peter Higgins, Board Director, for Mary’s Meals next Friday afternoon before the walk (23 March 2018).

Our final training walk took place last Saturday and our walkers are as ready as they will ever be for next Sunday. These walks, of either twenty-four or forty miles in length in a day, are a major challenge for all taking part but they could not be for a more worthy cause. Mary’s Meals was founded back in 2002 with a small project to feed 200 children in a school in Malawi.  Mary's Meals is proud to have now served it's billionth meal in India and, for the first time, has begun feeding children in Ethiopia - the fifteenth county to receive Mary's Meals. 

Why not support our intrepid walkers by sponsoring a child or two?  You can make a donation via the on-line page, simply click here to make your pledge. 

We’ve already raised just over £2,500 this academic year. Princethorpe College aim to raise enough money to feed six hundred and thirty-six children for a whole school year at Makalanga Primary School in Malawi - £8,841 in total.

This simple initiative has helped children all over the world receive a daily meal in school and since 2007 Princethorpe College has been a part of that, raising in excess of £70,000.

The average cost of a daily meal is £13.90.  Mary’s Meals is still expanding its work, seeking to provide every hungry child with a daily meal in their place of education. The charity now provides a daily meal to 1,230,171 children.

Thank you for your support.

Rod Isaacs
Assistant Head of Sixth Form

As the Lent term draws to a close, we start moving our thoughts to the Trinity term and cricket season.  The cricket kit is not compulsory, however, for those who will be representing the College and those who would like to be wearing the kit we offer a cricket shirt and sleeveless pullover.  As a general guide we normally run an A and a B team for U12 through to U15’s and as such the team must be wearing the school kit.

All orders must be placed before the end of the school day on Friday 23 March using the order form here and they will be available to collect from the school shop from Trinity term start, Wednesday 18 April.

A set of kit is available in the School Shop for you to try on for size, although the white PE Polo is a good size guide.

If you need any help with your order please contact Nicola Browne on 01926 634272.

Nicola Browne
Shop Manager

Following on from your letter of invitation the first parents' meeting will be:-
 
Tuesday 27 March - 6.00 pm - 7.00 pm in the Sixth Form Centre Atrium.

It is expected that a representative parent attends and pupils are also welcome.  Please can you bring your completed paperwork and your child's passport.

If you are not able to come, please inform Neil McCollin prior to the evening at neilmccollin@princethorpe.co.uk

Legends Hockey Camps will be returning to Princethorpe this summer, where you spend four days living hockey. Getting coached by world class coaches, playing some great hockey, and having a great time.

The dates for the 2018 Camps are:-

Camp 1 24 - 27 July

Camp 2 31 July - 3 August

All details for the camps, including booking can be found by visiting the website https://www.legendshockeycamps.co.uk

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact Mr Dexter on 07807 274421 or email colindexter@sky.com who will be most happy to assist you.

Any items of sports kit that require initialling can be done during the forthcoming Easter break.  Please drop your kit into the School Shop by 4.00pm on Wednesday 28 March 2018.  Please note all articles of clothing must be new or freshly laundered if they are to be sent to the embroiderers.  Items will be ready for collection from the shop when school reopens on Wednesday 18 April 2018.

You can have up to three initials and these must be include the first name initial and surname initial. 

If you have any queries please contact our Nicola Browne on 01926 634272 or email nicolabrowne@princethorpe.co.uk

Nicola Browne
Foundation Shop Manager

Due to circumstances beyond our control the Bronze DofE Review and Route Planning scheduled for Sunday 20 May 2018 has been re-scheduled to Thursday 17 May 2018 4.00pm -7.00pm.  We will provide food for pupils at the end of the school day. Please accept my apologies for the change at this late stage. 

Last week I handed out three forms that all bronze participants must return by Monday 19 March to confirm their place on expedition.  Please use the links below for copies of the medical, code of conduct and kit forms.  A large number are currently outstanding, and I would be grateful if you could please return the forms as soon as possible.

• Peaks 2018 Consent Form
• PC Code of Conduct 2018
• Personal Equipment Form - Bronze

Final details regarding the practice expeditions will follow in due course.  There is a meeting for pupils on Wednesday 21 March at 13.05pm in the Sixth Form Lecture Theatre to discuss the next steps.

Will Bower
Head of Outdoor Education - DofE Manager

Practice expedition meetings for pupils will be held next week in the Sixth Form Lecture Theatre. 

Bronze Award - Wednesday 21 March at 13.05pm (please see the Bronze Award update article also featured in this newsletter)

Silver – Tuesday 20 March at 13.05pm (Expedition kit will be handed out to those borrowing equipment)

Gold –  Monday 26 March at 13.05pm (Have you booked your residential?  Please refer to the guidance email previously sent out by which details the process)

Will Bower
Head of Outdoor Education - DofE Manager

Please click here for the planned school trips in the coming years. This document will be updated each term, but it should allow you to make an informed decision when deciding on trips for your child to attend.  For any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Greg Hunter
Assistant Head - Co-curricular

Thurs 29 March
Ski Trip to Val di Fiemme, Italy departs 2:30pm.*

Thurs 5 April 2018
Ski Trip to Val di Fiemme, Italy. returns 5:30pm.*

*Departure and return times are still to be confirmed.

Please send any outstanding photos of passports and EHIC cards to me as soon as possible at catherinewarne@princethorpe.co.uk

Lockwoods Ski Shop in Leamington have kindly offered all students on the trip a 10% discount, valid until 28 March 2018, on all products. To take advantage of this offer, please print this voucher and show it at the till.

Please contact me if you have any questions regarding the trip.

Catherine Warne
Trip Co-ordinator

We are seeking to appoint a dynamic, creative and inspiring Assistant Head (Teaching and Learning) to our Senior Leadership Team from September 2018 to support and develop pupils and teaching staff across the school.

The post holder will have had proven success as a middle leader and will be able and prepared to inspire pupils and colleagues alike both by example and through carefully researched and executed initiatives. Not only will he/she will be an outstanding classroom practitioner across the age and ability range but they will also have a track record of developing and improving the teaching of others to the highest level. The post holder will work closely with other members of the Senior Leadership Team and Heads of Department as well as teaching and support colleagues more generally. The role represents an excellent stepping stone to Deputy Headship, providing the successful candidate with the opportunity to lead on a wide variety of whole school initiatives.

The Assistant Head (Teaching and Learning) will be responsible for researching, designing and implementing strategies to enable the highest possible standard of teaching and learning throughout the school. He/she will be absolutely committed to ensuring that great teaching is delivered throughout the school and that it leads to pupils’ academic achievements being the very best that they can be.

The Assistant Head (Teaching and Learning) will join the two Deputy Heads (Pastoral and Academic) and the two Assistant Heads (Co-curricular and Director of Digital Strategy) in reporting to the Headmaster and will be line-managed by the Deputy Head (Academic). He/she will be on a significantly reduced timetable, reflecting the importance of the position. We are looking for a person who will work well with the existing members of the Senior Leadership Team and so the appointment will be made without regard to academic subject specialism. This is a superb opportunity for a person with drive and ambition to make their mark in a thriving and successful independent school.

Single accommodation may be available. The Princethorpe Foundation has its own pay scale which is above national scales.

Application: To apply for this vacancy applicants must submit a Princethorpe College application form, together with a CV and covering letter detailing your personal qualities, experience and how you meet the person specification for the role. Applicants must ensure the application form is fully completed, including a detailed career history with specific dates.

Closing date: Wednesday 21 March 2018 at 9.00am.  Candidates selected for interview will be informed by Thursday 22 March with interviews taking place later that week/early the following week, at Princethorpe College

Further details and an application form are available from the College website www.princethorpe.co.uk/employment-opportunities

The Princethorpe Foundation seeks to appoint a Foundation Assistant Head (Director of Digital Strategy) to lead our schools’ ICT development and to act as a central driving force for ICT provision within teaching and learning.  This post provides an excellent opportunity to make a real impact by further strengthening the educational experience throughout the Foundation.

The successful candidate will lead on the development of the Foundation’s future ICT provision and the implementation and development of ICT projects. ICT is seen as fundamental to teaching and learning, as well as to the smooth running of the Foundation as a whole. The new appointee will ensure that the current systems are both flexible and effective and provide the best possible enhancement to teaching and learning. He or she will appraise and develop the use of ICT to enhance learning, within and beyond the classroom, and ensure that the Foundation is well positioned to implement new developments.

Single accommodation may be available. The Princethorpe Foundation has its own pay scale which is above national scales.

Application: To apply for this vacancy applicants must submit a Princethorpe College application form, together with a CV and covering letter detailing your personal qualities, experience and how you meet the person specification for the role. Applicants must ensure the application form is fully completed, including a detailed career history with specific dates.

Closing date: Monday 19 March 2018 at 9.00am.  Candidates selected for interview will be informed by Tuesday 20 March with interviews taking place later that week/early the following week, at Princethorpe College.

Further details and an application form are available from the College website www.princethorpe.co.uk/employment-opportunities

The College seeks to appoint an outstanding teacher and inspiring leader to join a highly successful sports department from September 2018. The Head of Girls’ Games will play a leading role across the department, making significant contributions to our existing sporting and academic success.  We pride ourselves on the range and quality of the sports that we offer as much as we celebrate our delivery of A-level, GCSE and BTEC (level 2 and 3). The candidate should therefore be able to coach a major sport to the highest level throughout the academic year as well as offering outstanding academic Physical Education.

Candidates should be able to inspire pupils and colleagues alike to achieve their best and encourage even those of limited sporting ambition to actively enjoy and embrace stretching their own potential. They will show the vision and dynamism required to lead an excellent team, combined with the organisational and managerial prowess that a busy department depends upon. They should be a strong team player with proven excellent coaching and teaching ability, and show rigour, creativity and openness in their professional approach.

Single accommodation may be available. Princethorpe has its own pay scale which is above national scales.

This is an excellent opportunity to join the fast growing Foundation that values its staff and offers a rewarding benefits package including discounted places for staff, a pension scheme, child care vouchers and a cycle to work scheme.

Application: To apply for this vacancy applicants must submit a Princethorpe College application form, together with a CV and covering letter detailing your personal qualities, experience and how you meet the person specification for the role. Applicants must ensure the application form is fully completed, including a detailed career history with specific dates.

Closing date: Monday 19 March 2018 at 9.00am.  Candidates selected for interview will be informed by Tuesday 20 March with interviews taking place later that week/early the following week, at Princethorpe.

Further details and an application form are available from the College website www.princethorpe.co.uk/employment-opportunities

Parents and pupils are encouraged to sign up for our Twitter news feed on the bus service using @PCBuses. We will use this to keep pupils and parents informed of anything that happens during the journeys to and from school.

Simply go to twitter.com/PCBuses. From here you can follow @PCBuses, if you have a twitter account, or if you do not regularly use twitter you can bookmark this link on your mobile or computer and check it whenever you need to.

The safety of pupils using the bus service is of paramount importance. We ask parents to talk to their children about how to keep safe going to and from the bus stop and ensure they know what to do if the bus doesn’t arrive.  There is a briefing for pupils who use the bus service at the start of each academic year. The College’s risk assessments of the bus service  are available on the following links: To and from School,  Bus Arrival and Bus Departure.  Copies are also on the Parent Portal.

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 has to be received by the first day of term but for parents of pupils in Year 11 notice must be received by Friday 20 April. Notice must be in writing, addressed to the Headmaster. All letters are acknowledged within seven days; if you do not receive an acknowledgement then please contact the Registrars immediately at registrars@princethorpe.co.uk

Eddie Tolcher
Foundation Bursar

Parents may recall paying a deposit when their son or daughter first started at the College. We will write to the parents of pupils in the Upper Sixth regarding instructions for the return of deposits next term and return them in the summer holiday. We will write to parents of Year 11 pupils who do not return to the Sixth Form in early September. Deposits will be returned at the end of September/start of October.

Eddie Tolcher
Foundation Bursar

We would like to remind parents about parking at school when dropping off or collecting pupils.

All pupils arriving and leaving school at the normal time must be dropped off and picked up in the playground area adjacent to the pupils’ entrance and tennis courts. This is the only designated area for parents at the beginning and end of the school day.  Please do not drop off pupils at the end of the drive or in the bus bay. Furthermore, for the safety of all pupils, parents are asked not to drive through the North Car Park and drop off or pick up from the Sixth Form Centre. 

The playground is closed to traffic from 9.00am to 3.30pm. Parents arriving within this time period are asked to park in a visitor’s parking space and go to reception or the student hub.

Mrs Beth Sharpe
Deputy Head, Pastoral