At Pangbourne we have four performance sports: Boys' Rugby, Girls' Hockey, Boys' and Girls' Rowing, and Riding. Each of these sports have their own sporting Director, and the whole programme is overseen by the Director of Sport.
Introduction from Sam Hewick, Director of Sport.
Our aim is to be recognised as one of the best schools in the South East of England for these sports, and this will be within our two main pillars of participation and performance.
First team members of rugby, girls hockey, and rowing receive enhanced support for their performance and have testing days three times per year to track athletic development and support performance. They also receive athletic development programmes throughout the year and dedicated time in the gym with specialist coaches. This programme is designed and delivered by Ascend Athlete Performance who are our partners for this part of the programme. The pupils will also be given access to additional on pitch training and skill development to further develop their technical and tactical ability. Performance riders are given the opportunity to ride as their main sport, and also in additional sessions throughout the week. They also compete at the highest level of competition in the country.
As a school we offer the unique opportunity to be a member of two performance sports. Our ‘dual-athlete’ approach enables talented pupils in more than one sport to balance them and be able to achieve a high level of performance in both. However, if a pupil wishes to specialise in one, then they are also able to do so.
I am really proud of this programme, particularly the opportunity and support it provides our pupils to be the best they can be. Please feel free to get in contact if you have any questions.
Introduction from Director of Rugby - Max Clementson
Rugby is a performance sport at Pangbourne College played during the Michaelmas Term. We now boast a new exciting relationship with championship rugby club Ealing Trailfinders as a pathway to professional sport for the pupils. This has many different avenues from the “ETEP” academy pathway, through their university programme with senior academy players, to the top of the game with the championship side. Read more about the partnership here.
All pupils receive multiple training sessions a week with current and former international rugby players, and also expert coaches. These sessions focus on the pupils displaying values of resilience, leadership and competitive edge. Combined with these rugby sessions, we have a new relationship with ‘ascend performance’. This is designed to improve our athletic development which will enable us to compete at the top level in school boy rugby.
In the Lent term the pupils then have the opportunity to play Rugby 7s in multiple tournaments all building towards Rosslyn Park National 7s, at 14s, 16s and 1VII. Rugby 7s is a great opportunity for Pangbourne College to compete in a shortened format of the game, against schools with larger pupil numbers.
Introduction from Director of Hockey - Louise Tremlett
At Pangbourne College, hockey is a vibrant and integral part of our sports programme, offering students of all abilities the opportunity to develop their skills and passion for the game. Student benefit from expert coaching from 1st XI internationals from Reading Hockey Club alongside our own teaching staff and external coaches. Our high-quality facilities and strong emphasis on teamwork and sportsmanship create an environment where players can excel.
Our hockey teams compete in a comprehensive fixture list, facing both local and national opponents. We offer a range of competitive opportunities, including both indoor and outdoor hockey competitions. Students regularly participate in fixtures against other schools, as well as county and regional tournaments, providing a challenging yet rewarding experience. We currently have pupils playing for England Hockey age group sides, Reading Hockey Club 1st Team and representing Oxfordshire or Berkshire in the England Hockey Talent Pathway. We have consistently achieved success at every level of the club, where the culture certainly balances participation and performance. Whether students are new to the sport or seasoned players, our inclusive hockey culture encourages participation, commitment, and a love for the game, ensuring every player thrives both on and off the field.
Introduction from Director of Rowing - Tom Wilkinson
Rowing is a leading sport at Pangbourne, with the College being one of the most successful rowing schools in Great Britain. We are one of only four schools to have won the Princess Elizabeth Challenge Cup in Henley on four occasions.
The Pangbourne College racing squad starts in Year 9 and students are offered the opportunity to pick rowing as a sport in the Michaelmas Term using Pangbourne College Boat Club facilities on a six kilometre stretch of the River Thames. A framework is provided for elite rowers to help them achieve national selection, and many Pangbournians have represented Great Britain over the years.
The most competitive terms are the Lent and Summer terms, and pupils are able to balance their rugby/hockey commitments in the Michaelmas term alongside rowing training. They are then able to switch their focus to rowing after Christmas to fully prepare for the racing and regatta season.
Pangbourne crews attend local and national events throughout the year including the Schools Head of the River and National Schools Regatta. Each year the Boat Club holds a Rowing Club Dinner for over 120 guests. Recent speakers at the event have included Olympic gold medal-winning rowers, including Katherine Grainger CBE.
Introduction from Director of Riding - Stacey Donnison
Riding is offered as a performance sport as well as allowing development for Grassroots Riders. The sport takes place all year around, with a focus towards each National Championships, generally held at the end of each term. Pangbourne Equestrian team members have the opportunity to compete at showcase events such as The Royal Windsor Horse Show and The All England Jumping Course, Hickstead - both prestigious venues where riders are competing amongst national and international competitors.
The equestrian team consistently achieves success across all disciplines at County and National level, with past riders representing Great Britain. In-house competitions and additional training sessions are offered to competitive and performance riders at a wide range of world class facilities. The most serious and talented riders are able to train year round, either in combination with other sports or as a standalone option.
Team membership is £75 for the academic year, inclusive of Nationals Schools Equestrian Association (NSEA) membership.
There is an annual Riding Dinner for the Equestrian Team to share their many success stories. Pangbourne Equestrian have worked with the NSEA to host the Berkshire County Qualifiers, a competition that the whole team can participate in running. There are multiple training days and camps across the year including an Easter camp, providing more focused training towards The Royal Windsor Horse Show and Hickstead Arena Eventing Championships. Pre Season towards the end of the summer holidays aids team building, team selection for future competitions, and potential pathway consideration.
