The kids absolutely loved it, and the Pangbourne students were really good with them.
Explore Further
We offer a wealth of activities outside of the classroom, to add depth to each pupil’s personal and academic development. We are proud to provide a vast range of opportunities to our community in all kinds of areas.
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme
The Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) award scheme provides our community with opportunities to develop practical skills and character. The combination of volunteering, physical activities, skill-based challenges and expeditions give an all-round experience which is fun, rewarding and recognises a young person’s successful journey of self-discovery and development.
We are licensed to offer three levels of the DofE award: Bronze, Silver and Gold. Pupils are free to start at any level once they reach the required age, however, most prefer to start at Bronze and work up.
Our campus includes 230 acres of countryside, which offers ample space for pupils to carry out their training, before heading off to do expeditions in locations such as the New Forest, Lake District, Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons.
For more information, contact our Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Manager at [email protected] or visit the Duke of Edinburgh's Award website.
Combined Cadet Force (CCF)
The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) is an integral part of the College’s Adventure Curriculum and is divided into two sections: Army and Royal Marines. Each section offers pupils a unique and challenging experience designed to develop self-discipline, leadership, resilience and teamwork. Alongside these personal qualities, cadets have the opportunity to work towards nationally recognised qualifications within their chosen specialism. The programme reflects and reinforces the College’s proud traditions and heritage.
CCF participation is voluntary in Year 9 and compulsory for all pupils in Year 10. Many pupils choose to continue in subsequent years, progressing through the ranks as they develop their skills and leadership. Training takes place once a week on Thursday afternoons. Cadets in the Royal Marines section, closely linked to our nautical history and enduring connections through the Falkland Islands Memorial Chapel, take part in activities such as fieldcraft and marksmanship. Those in the Army section focus on field exercises and core soldiering skills.
Through progressive training and the awarding of rank, pupils are encouraged to develop responsibility, self-discipline and moral courage, preparing them for leadership both within the CCF and beyond.
Community Involvement
Pangbourne College promotes service. Pupils are expected to demonstrate their commitment through charitable initiatives and involvement at events such as Open Morning and outreach events where they act as College ambassadors.
Our charitable partnership with Nabugabo Community Learning Centre (NCLC) in Uganda is just one of the service initiatives pupils get involved with. They raise funds and organise visits to the Centre to share good teaching practices and aid them in becoming a self-sufficient, sustainable school.
We are also partnered with Whitley Excellence Cluster (WEC) with the aim of bringing activities and sports to over 4000 primary school pupils. As an example of the type of event we run, in 2025 we organised a race to complete a set of tasks within the College grounds.
Staff and pupils alike are encouraged to get involved with other charity endeavours, including classic non-uniform days and cake sales, as well as wacky ideas such as leg waxing to raise money! We collect items for ReadiFood, do a charity head shave for Oddballs and raise money for a range of causes through our annual Classic Car Show.
