DirectoryWest BerkshireSeniorPangbourne College
Senior school

Pangbourne College

Pangbourne College is a boys' senior school offering day, weekly and full boarding for ages 11 to 18.

West BerkshireSeniorBoysAges 11–18Both406 pupils
Day fees
£33,282
How competitive entry is
School Exam + Group AssessmentCompetitive entry
Pupils
406
Founded
1917
Next deadline
No dates published
Verified 1 month agosource
Houseroom Index 2026
56.7/100· ranked #97 of UK independents
78% data confidence·v2026.4.0
How is this calculated? →
Pillar breakdown
Academic outcomes36
Destinations & outcomes60
Future-readiness55
Pastoral & wellbeing70
Pupil flourishing65
Value-add28
Access & breadth90
Parent sentiment70
External consensus70

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Our take

Independent co-ed senior school in Berkshire for ages 11–18, day or boarding. Selective entry, top-tier London fees.

Best for
Who thrives here
  • Families seeking a senior school for ages 11–18, with thinking already on 11+ or 13+ entry.
  • Families who prefer a co-educational setting over single-sex.
  • Families weighing day vs boarding — both are offered.
  • Children who can demonstrate strong academics at entry assessment — this is a selective school.
  • Families comfortable with top-tier London independent fees in exchange for the level of provision.
Watch-outs
Know before applying
  • Fees sit at the top of the London market. Factor in extras (uniform, trips, lunches, music tuition) before committing.
  • Selective entry — assume some form of assessment at the relevant entry point. Plan tutoring or familiarisation early if needed.
  • SEND provision isn't documented in our profile. If your child has an EHCP or specific learning needs, ask admissions about case-by-case capacity before applying.
AI-generated guidance

About the head

Mr Oliver Knight is the current Head of Pangbourne College, leading the school with a focus on academic rigour, community, leadership, and exploration. He is noted for praising the resilience and strong academic achievements of Pangbourne students.

Our mission at Pangbourne is to induct our students into disciplined conversations about knowing the world, enabling them to shape national discourse and be a force for good.

Academic RigourCommunityLeadershipExplorationAdventure

Distinctive features

230 acre site

Co-educational day and boarding

Four pillars

Academic Rigour, Community, Leadership, Adventure & Exploration

Sports Performance Programme

Dedicated Sixth Form Centre

Activities & co-curricular

sport

Competitive and Recreational SportsEquestrianHockeyPerformance SportRowingRugbySports Performance ProgrammeSports Performance Programme (Scholarship)Sports Teams

music

Academic MusicCo-Curricular MusicIndividual Music TuitionMusic (Co-Curricular)Music EnsemblesMusic Scholarships

drama

DramaPangbourne Arts Events

academic club

Debating

service

CCF (Combined Cadet Force)Duke Of Edinburgh's Award

other

Activities ProgrammeCreative CurriculumDuke of Edinburgh's AwardExpeditions, Tours and DiscoveriesExploration at PangbournePangbourne Arts Events

Facilities

sports

All-weather PitchOutdoor Sports FieldsBoathouseSports Hall3G PitchFitness SuiteTennis Courts

arts

Theatre and Drama StudioMusic SchoolDrama StudioArt Studios

boarding

Dining HallBoarding Houses

academic

Science LaboratoriesLibrary

wellbeing

Dining HallChapelHealth Centre

Latest exam results

Outcomes2025 A-LEVELS
45
of A-Level grades were A*-A
92
of students securing their first choice university place
38
of grades were 9-7
84
were 9-5

In 2025, with . At GCSE, and , the best ever results

60%
A-level A*–A
20%
GCSE 9–7
2%
Oxbridge offer rate
10%
Russell Group rate

Data from 2025 results

Where leavers go

2%
to Oxbridge (2025)
10%
to Russell Group
2025
Cohort51
Oxbridge1
Russell Group5
US Ivy0
Medicine0
Top universities (2025)
University of Bath
University of Manchester
University of Exeter
Durham University
Kings College London
Newcastle University
Loughborough University
Brunel University

Recent coverage

In 2024, Pangbourne College announced the appointment of a new Headmaster, Mr. James Bowden, set to begin his tenure in September 2025, succeeding Mr. Jonathon Knight. The college also reported strong 2024 exam results, with 85% of A-level entries graded A* to B. Additionally, Pangbourne completed the opening of a state-of-the-art Performing Arts Centre in early 2024, enhancing its facilities for drama and music. The recent ISI inspection in 2023 rated the school as "excellent" in all assessed categories.

Notable alumni

Sir Ben Ainslie (Olympic sailor)Sir Robin Knox-Johnston (sailor)Sir Timothy Laurence (Royal Navy officer)Sir Peter Harding (Chief of the Air Staff)Sir Michael Marshall (politician)Sir John Parker (businessman)Sir Charles Wheeler (sculptor)
Recommended next step

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Fit for your child

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Application timeline

No admissions stage dates confirmed yet. Save this school to be notified when dates are published.

Open dayNot published
Not published
Registration opensPassed
1 May 2024
Registration closesPassed
15 Oct 2025
Bursary deadlineNot published
Not published
AssessmentNot published
Not published
InterviewNot published
Not published
OffersNot published
Not published
Acceptance deadlineNot published
Not published
Registration windows
YearOpensClosesReply byStatus
2026-271 May 202415 Oct 2025TBCClosed

Open events

Open Morning
Sat, 26 Sept 2026
11:00 am – 2:00 pm|Pangbourne College campus
Whole School Open Morning
Dates to be confirmed
Event2026-05-14
Dates TBC

Private tours and additional visits available by arrangement — contact admissions to arrange.

Talks & tasters

Sat, 26 Sept 2026Whole School Open MorningOpen Morning

Fees

£25,524 – £33,282per year · Day · 2026-27

Bursaries & Scholarships

House system

Divisions

Wellbeing

Pangbourne College provides pastoral care through a house system, offering wellbeing support including counselling, spiritual life activities, and a health centre to ensure pupil welfare and mental health.

Inspection

Isi 23 Jan 2024

2 inspection reports on file.

  • Isi15 Jan 2024Compliant
Read full ISI report →

Term dates 2025-26

summer15 Apr 20264 Jul 2026Half-term 22 May 2026–31 May 2026
autumn3 Sept 202611 Dec 2026Half-term 16 Oct 2026–1 Nov 2026
spring5 Jan 202725 Mar 2027Half-term 12 Feb 2027–21 Feb 2027
summer14 Apr 20273 Jul 2027Half-term 28 May 2027–6 Jun 2027

Schools like Pangbourne College

Ranked by semantic similarity across curriculum, ethos, intake and admissions style. Most parents shortlist 4–6 schools before applying.

78%

Bradfield College

West Berkshire · Senior · Ages 13–18
£37,200
75%

Eastbourne College

Eastbourne · Senior · Ages 13–18
£31,560 – £36,680
72%

Berkhamsted School

Hertfordshire · All Through · Ages 0–18
£19,824 – £25,503
71%

Abingdon House School Purley

Croydon · All Through · Ages 11–17
£51,633
70%

Kew College

Richmond upon Thames · Prep · Ages 3–11
£2,628 – £21,594
70%

Babington House School

Bromley · All Through · Ages 2–16
£2,097 – £26,115

Questions parents ask

Common questions about Pangbourne College, answered from this school’s structured profile data. Always confirm specifics with admissions before applying.

What kind of child is Pangbourne College best for?+

Independent co-ed senior school in Berkshire for ages 11–18, day or boarding. Selective entry, top-tier London fees.

How does admissions work?+

Admissions are selective — expect an entrance assessment at the relevant entry point. Plan tutoring or familiarisation early. See the admissions timeline above for confirmed dates.

Are fees published?+

Yes — see the Fees table further down the page. Add extras (uniform, trips, lunches, music tuition, registration fees) on top of the base figure before budgeting.

Does the school support SEND?+

Some SEND provision is documented in our profile, but specific conditions supported aren't itemised. Contact admissions for details before applying.

Are there open days?+

2 upcoming open days or tours — see the admissions timeline. Booking is usually required.

How do I contact admissions?+

phone on 01189842101 or the registrars listed in the contact card. Reference your child's age and intended entry year in the first message.

What similar schools should I compare?+

We've ranked 6 schools by semantic similarity to Pangbourne College — see the "Schools like Pangbourne College" grid below. Most parents shortlist 4–6 schools before applying.

Enrichment last updated 11 May 2026. Sources include the school’s official site, Wikipedia, Good Schools Guide, Tatler, and Sunday Times Parent Power.

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