Pangbourne College has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting young people and strengthening local communities by awarding grants through its 2026 Community Grant Programme to eleven charities, schools and community organisations across Berkshire and the surrounding region.

The grants, awarded by the College's Community Grants Committee provide financial support for projects that enhance educational opportunities, promote wellbeing, develop life skills and create enriching experiences for children and young people.

Funded through the generosity and fundraising efforts of the Pangbournian Community, which includes College pupils, staff, parents and alumni, the Community Fund continues to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people both locally and internationally.

2026 Community Fund Grant Recipients

This year's eleven recipients represent a diverse range of initiatives designed to improve educational outcomes, mental health, social development and access to opportunities:

• Assisting Berkshire Children to Read – supporting struggling readers across Berkshire schools through dedicated literacy programmes and volunteer-led reading support.
• Andrew Simpson Foundation – delivering sustainability education programmes that inspire young people to develop environmental awareness and leadership skills. Directly supports children to understand their relationship with the ocean, inland waterways and climate.
• West Berkshire Foodbank – supporting the "Rolling Out Recipes" initiative, helping families and young people develop practical cooking and nutrition skills.
• Five A Day Garden – delivering the "Kids Go Green 2026" project, connecting young people with nature, sustainability and healthy living.
• Bridge for Young People – supporting the "BFYP Has Talent" programme, promoting confidence, creativity and personal development among young people.
• Daisy's Dream – providing vital emotional and social support services for children and young people affected by bereavement.
• The Waterside Youth & Community Centre – replacing paddling equipment to enable continued participation in outdoor learning and water-based activities.
• Step by Step – supporting young people experiencing homelessness by providing educational materials, equipment and opportunities to help them succeed in school and college.
• Friends of Downsway Primary School – funding "The Reading Shed", creating an engaging environment that encourages reading for pleasure and literacy development.
• Englefield CE Primary School PTA – establishing a beekeeping project that provides hands-on learning opportunities in science, biodiversity and environmental stewardship.
• Prior's Court Foundation – developing all-weather outdoor classrooms to enhance learning opportunities for young people with complex autism.

Supporting Young People Beyond the Classroom

The Community Fund reflects Pangbourne College's belief that education extends far beyond the classroom. By supporting innovative local projects, the College helps create opportunities for young people to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

Mr Oliver Knight, Head of Pangbourne College, said:

"Education is about far more than what happens in the classroom. Young people develop through the opportunities they are given to contribute, to serve others and to engage with the wider world around them. These organisations are providing exactly those opportunities, helping children and young people build confidence, develop new skills and broaden their horizons in ways that will have a lasting impact.

"Community is one of the four pillars of a Pangbourne education and our pupils understand that they have a responsibility to leave a positive mark on the world around them. The Community Fund is one way in which their fundraising efforts, together with the generosity of our wider Pangbournian community, can support outstanding local organisations that are making a real difference to the lives of young people."

Applications for 2027

Applications for the 2027 Pangbourne College Community Fund are now open. Local schools, charities and community organisations that support children and young people are encouraged to apply.

Further information about eligibility criteria, application deadlines and the online application process will be published at: https://community.pangbourne.com/pages/community-fund