Old Princethorpians

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

In The News

The latest issue of The Pinnacle, out in time for the end of term, showcases yet more of our pupils' excellent work.

In this issue there's a double page spread dedicated to the 'legendary' Legends Hockey Camps, orchestrated by our very own, Mr Hockey, Dex. As ever there are pages full of pupils undertaking tough academic challenges, amazing sporting feats and producing fantastic award-winning artwork and evocative creative writing.

A double-sized Minnacle is included this time round, with equally impressive work by Crackley Hall pupils from Reception to Junior 6 and new to the Foundation, Crescent pupils from Reception to Class VI. It's super to showcase their talents too!! Copies were distributed to all pupils via their Form Tutors at the end of term.

Click below if you would like to download a copy of The Pinnacle and here if you would like to see The Minnacle.

December 2016 Issue 21.pdf

Princethorpe College’s Annual Prize Giving Ceremony can feel a little like the Oscars. The swish of the well dressed, the chink of fizz and the rousing musical numbers definitively carving out an atmosphere of unity. In addition, there’s also the bubbling build up to the big one; the knee jiggling, dry mouthed front row of former Sixth Form students avidly speculating over who will win the much prized Princethorpe shield?

Well, this year’s ceremony was different but the same. And that neatly encapsulates what Headmaster, Mr Ed Hester’s, rousing address speech was all about. His nod to the past, in this our Golden Jubilee year, was like being wrapped in a warm Sunday afternoon blanket of tea time digestives and fire side tales as we learnt about Fr Clarkson’s 1967 overview of what then meant progress. Much giggling rippled around the Butterworth Hall in response to brow raising facts about new wash basins, enlarged tuck shops and only two, yes two, boys making it through to university way back then. Safely ensconced in the present Mr Hester ebulliently listing many of the wonderful landmark changes that the Foundation has experienced in the last decade alone. Yes, our tuck shop has also undergone extensive renovations but there has been so much more that has contributed to the school that we all know today; not least the slightly soggy but resplendent joy that was Princefest at the start of this term.

Such a partisan audience are bound to share in the delight of this celebration of hand shaking and trophy giving. And that’s what we were there to do. To reflect also on the alchemy behind the teaching profession, so neatly alluded to through Mr Hester’s quotation from Robert Bolt’s fabulous, ‘A Man for all Seasons.’ To applaud the graciousness, the dignity and the sheer hard work of all Princethorpe students; those greatest ambassadors of the College old and new. To listen to advice shared about effort and resilience – the rallying cry of Winston Churchill himself, (“continuous effort… is the key to unlocking potential”) and to thank, thank the dedication of parents, of the trustees and friends of the College community who every single day help to shape the school into far more than bricks and mortar.

This year’s annual Prize Giving Ceremony didn’t run like clockwork. But then why would we want it to? There was the moment of the ‘missing year 11s’ heart warmingly meeting with laughter and applause, the dropping of a trophy midway through Head of Sixth Form, Mrs Margaret Robinson’s, citation, there were the precarious cat walk heels worn by some of the prize recipients – and there were the unplanned tears of Mrs Robinson who was surprised by a flash mob of flowers in recognition of her twenty plus years of service. This year’s Princethorpe Shield, (the big one) winner Tilly Langford, wasn’t even at the ceremony. Committed already to a University of York orchestral performance she missed the standing ovation and smacks of applause, yet still we celebrated in her absence, because that’s what the spirit of Princethorpe is all about – uniting in recognition of the seen, the unseen, the past and the present.

And there was more.

Breaking from tradition we said it in dance. The finale of an evening of sitting and clapping culminated in the whirling feet of Old Princethorpian brothers Alasdair and Callum Spencer. Both now professional Irish dancers ‘living the dream’ (as Alasdair writes on his dance blog) they flew back home to lift our hearts and give us wings before we broke into the College hymn.

Past meets present. Present meets past. Oscars we may not be but this year’s ceremony articulated the College’s enduring ethos; that love, kindness and friendship now, more than ever are the lasting qualities shared amongst all whose time has been spent at the College.

Click here to view more photos from the evening.

The Princethorpe Foundation is delighted to announce the appointment of Joe Thackway as Crescent School Headmaster with effect from September 2017. Joe will also become a member of the Foundation Executive Committee and sit on the Princethorpe College Admissions Panel. He takes over the headship from Huw Marshall who retires at the end of this academic year after 15 years of outstanding service.

Joe is a vastly experienced teacher with a strong track record of success in school leadership and management. He has been Deputy Head at Hallfield School, an outstanding independent preparatory school, in Edgbaston, Birmingham since September 2007. Committed to providing the best possible education for the children in his care in all aspects of school life, along with developing a true sense of belonging, Joe will be responsible for the management and strategic direction of the Crescent following its merger with the Princethorpe Foundation.

A History graduate with 22 years’ experience in the profession, he has taught in both the state and independent sectors and also gained valuable experience in international schools in Vienna and Prague.

Married with three children, aged 10, 14 and 16 years, Joe is a keen sportsman who enjoys long distance cycling and marathon running in his spare time.

Commenting on the appointment Mrs Mary O’Farrell, Chair of Trustees for the Princethorpe Foundation said, “We had a very strong field of candidates for the post and Joe impressed us all with his knowledge and insight, his fine educational credentials and swift rapport with the children. We are confident that he is the right person to take the Crescent to new heights and we will also value his contribution to the overall Foundation.”

In accepting the position Joe commented, “It is an immense privilege to take on the headship of the Crescent at this exciting time. I look forward greatly to meeting and spending more time with the pupils, parents and staff over the coming months and building relationships which will inform our future plans and ambitions for the school.”

Crescent School will be holding a whole school Open Morning on Saturday 25 March from 9.30am to 12.00pm aimed at prospective parents looking for admission in September 2017 and beyond. We are delighted to confirm that Joe Thackway will be joining us for this event.

For more information visit www.crescentschool.co.uk

Old Princethorpian Ellie Garden and current Sixth Form Art Student Selin Hassan have accumulated a total of two first prizes and one second prize in the ISA National Art Competition 2016. Selin, following in her older sister Samira’s footsteps (who also won prizes for both her Drawing and Painting) and Ellie stole the show in the Regional leg of the competition which this year was held in the Chapel at Princethorpe.

Toe-curling images of family members portrayed in the most acute detail and unique background stories embellish both Selin and Ellie’s artwork.

Selin’s love of faces is developed in her acrylic painting ‘Generations’ which highlights the difference between mother and daughter, and is painted in photo realistic detail showing every wrinkle and line. Selin has tackled the subject matter sensitively and the work has an intriguing aesthetic. Her use of colour and light absorbs the eye as you move between the generations noting that each wears the thread of a silver necklace, belonging to Selin’s grandmother – iterating the female bond over the years. With the Key Stage 4 2D Art category being the most fiercely sought after it is a real tribute to Selin’s skill with the brush that she was awarded first place at national level.

Ellie’s artwork ‘Control’ tackles the prickly subject matter of eating disorders and the control this has over someone’s life. It is a positive piece showing someone who is winning the fight with their disorder. Painted on un-primed canvas, the work has a beautiful sensitive quality to it. The regional judges were blown away by Ellie’s not one but two canvases, proving going the extra mile can really benefit you in the long run. Ellie not only received 2nd place in the Key Stage 5 2D Art Category, but also 1st place for her Unit 3 Coursework sketchbook again in the Key Stage 5 Category.

Comments, Paul Hubball, Head of Art, “Both girls worked extensive long hours perfecting brush strokes and colours, they are extremely worthy winners of their national titles and should be justly proud of their achievement.”

Special mention also goes to Josh Tidd and Sebastien Shaw (Year 9) for making it through to the ISA National Art Competition with their computer animation ‘Cher Frere Blanc’ and receiving first in their category.

Click here to view Selin's winning piece

The Development Office has made considerable progress in the last nine months. It has been wonderful to meet so many of the Princethorpe community who have kindly shared their time, advice and ideas.

We are thrilled that we are now able to launch our new Development initiative: Making a Difference at Princethorpe and this will begin with a dinner on Friday 3 March. The dinner will give our guests, an opportunity to learn more of our plans, and also hear from past recipients of bursaries about their life-changing experiences. We are delighted that our inaugural donor to the Bursary campaign is able to attend, along with representatives from the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, our original benefactors.

The Making a Difference initiative will enable us to provide more bursaries to deserving pupils. Whilst our fee income is sufficient to cover core costs and some capital expenditure, it does not allow us to increase the number of places for deserving pupils from families who could otherwise not afford the fees. It is also insufficient to wholly fund major new initiatives. With this in mind, we have established the 50 + 10 Bursary Fund which aims to provide at least ten fully-funded bursary places for children who would not otherwise be able to attend the College.

We believe that every child with the potential and passion to benefit from a Princethorpe education should be given the opportunity to learn, grow and develop here. With support from the Princethorpe community, we can help more children to enjoy our unique education and we are committed to expanding this life-changing scheme.

If you would like to know more, or join us for dinner on Friday 3 March, please contact the Development Team at makingadifference@princethorpe.co.uk, telephone the Foundation Development Director, Rachel Hadley-Leonard on 01926 634265, or click here to visit our web pages. 

The wooded area in the College's grounds including the small lake set below the Mile Walk, known as Switzerland since the time of the Benedictine Nuns, has been undergoing a major renovation since October 2016. 

Over the last few months the project overseen by the College's enthusiastic Grounds Team, in consultation with the Tree and Woodland Company and Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, has seen the area transformed into a teaching area and wildlife habitat zone, which is due to be handed over to the school at Easter.  The area has been opened up, cleared of vegetation and a new boardwalk, jetty, log and bark path and a covered teaching area have been constructed.

Access to the area has been improved from both the bottom and the top, with the original steps revealed. 

Comments Edd Robertson, Foundation Grounds Manager, "We know from the Old Princethorpians that this area was enjoyed and well used by the boys in the olden days, who even canoed on the lake. Over the last 30 or so years the area had sadly become very overgrown and neglected.

He continues, "As part of an ancient woodland we have been mindful with the works to respect the plants and wildlife that exist here. Our team have really enjoyed bringing this area back to life and we hope it will be a haven for staff and pupils alike to enjoy."

Phase two of the project will involve the siting of bird and bat boxes, the building of bug hotels and the planting of reeds and lilies in the pond.

The land which is still owned by the MSCs is due to be handed over to the College in the coming months.

Click here to view old photos of Switzerland in use

Click on the link below to see the plan for Switzerland.

Plan for Switzerland.pdf

Just before Christmas Ed Hester, the Headmaster, sent his end of term letter to the parents which included an update on the staff at the College. We're sure the OPs would be interested to have this information too, so here's an excerpt from his letter.

At the end of term we have a few staff who will be leaving us. John Price has given sterling service as a teaching assistant over the past two years and has been a superb role model for the pupils; he leaves to pursue his academic studies. We say goodbye to Peter Marshall, a fellow member of the trombonist’s union, who has covered for Alison Wakeley’s maternity period in the Music department. Alison returns in the new year. Phil Duckworth retires after seven excellent years’ service in the Physics department. Emma Litterick leaves after fifteen years within the Foundation to pursue fresh career challenges. In addition to her English teaching, Emma has undertaken a number of senior roles within the College including, Press Officer, Teaching and Learning Coordinator and Staff Development Coordinator. We thank Emma for her huge contribution to the development of the College and her committed and resolute service and wish her well for the future. Brigitte Wood retires having been a stalwart of the French department over her 25 years’ service. Finally, as you will already be aware, Margaret Robinson retires after 26 wonderful years. Initially Head of Modern Foreign Languages, Margaret has spent 14 years as Head of Sixth Form. Under Margaret's leadership the Sixth Form has flourished and developed tremendously; her expertise and kindness will be missed by all. Dr Reddish, Margaret’s successor is, of course, already in situ having completed his first term with us. We wish all our leavers well for the future.

A really enjoyable evening was had by all who attended what we hope will be the first of many Old Princethorpians' get togethers down under.

The gathering was initiated by OPs committee member, Peter Griffin (recently retired after 37 years teaching) who with his wife, Liz (another former member of staff) were visiting their son, James (class of 2000) and his fiancée, Cleo who live on the Central Coast, an hour north of Sydney.

James' old classmates from 2000, Michael Kerrigan and Alex Sedgfield also work in Sydney and were delighted to renew old friendships and reminisce. It seems the boys from 2000 have all been smitten by Aussie girls. As well as Cleo, Alex's lovely wife, Katy, also attended the gathering, with the happy couple enjoying an evening out leaving their beautiful baby, Siena, in good hands. Michael is engaged to be married to Nicky this September in Wappenbury, with our own Fr Teddy O'Brien officiating.

Three other OPs in attendance were all former boarders and shared hilarious memories of their time at the college. Although none were at the college at the same time they all have very fond memories of their time at Princethorpe. Peter Wang (aka 'Fat Jack') left in '76, Richard Attrill left in '83 and Thomas Raftery left in '88. All have large families down under and would be delighted to renew links to former classmates and teachers.

We know there are a number of other OPs down under who were unable to make it to this get together but we hope another opportunity will arise in the first week of November to coincide with visits to Australia by another retired long serving member of staff as well as another OPs committee member. More details to follow in due course.

Pictured from left to right are: Michael Kerrigan (class of 2000), Cleo Westermann (James Griffin's fiancé), Katy Sedgfield (wife of Alex), back row Peter Wang (aka Fat Jack) (class of 76), Liz Griffin, Alex Sedgfield (class of 2000) back row, James Griffin (class of 2000), Thomas Raftery  - back row (class of 88 left after GCSEs), Peter Griffin and Richard Attrill (class of 83).

The OPs Golden Jubilee Reception on Friday 10 February in the Clarence Pub's Bulldog Bar on London's Whitehall was a celebration of Princethorpe and its wealth of family connections and generations of Princethorpians.

The super turnout of OPs from across the decades included brothers, twins, mothers and sons and husbands and wives, all linked to the College as past pupils and/or members of staff.

The Princethorpe contingent who travelled down by train included Headmaster, Ed Hester, OPs Chairman, Peter Rollason, Assistant Head, Alex Darkes and Bursar, Eddie Tolcher.

There were familiar faces and new faces in the mix, brought together through a love of Princethorpe and an interest in how the school was doing now. Those in attendance with family connections were brothers Sean and Kevin Kerrigan, brothers Jeremy and Gary Peacock, twins Carmen and James Simpson, mother and son, Margaret-Louise and Malachy O'Keeffe, mother and son Vanessa and Alex Rooney, husband and wife OPs Luke and Ingrid Farrell.

Alongside organiser OPs Secretary Melanie Butler and Princethorpe Development Team members, Rachel Hadley-Leonard and Loretta Curtis, were London meet stalwarts, Michael Nagaur, Rory Aitkenhead, Aaron Jaffer, Chris Santamarina, Joe Holmes and Joel Gleghorn and newcomers Richard Bunt, Daniel Bevan and Chris O'Neill. 

Conversation flowed easily between the guests, as drinks and a delicious buffet were served.

Comments OPs Chairman, Peter Rollason, "We couldn't have hoped for a better venue, our own private room, centrally located in the heart of London with great service and delicious food and drinks.  We were delighted with the evening and look forward to the next OPs meet in Leamington at the Real Tennis Club on Friday 12 May. Partners and friends are most welcome to come along too!"

Image shows from left to right, Ed Hester, Headmaster with brothers Kevin and Sean Kerrigan, 

Click here to view more photos from the evening.

The range of Old Princethorpians merchandise has grown with the addition of 'Old Boys' style socks.

The knee-length socks, mirror the pattern of the popular Old Princethorpian tie, and are made of quality ring spun cotton yarn (80%), along with nylon (17%) and Lycra (3).

The socks have been produced by Princethorpe parent David Winterton's company Magicfit, which is based in Leicester, and supplies schools all over the world with quality socks.

Available in shoe size 7-11, they will retail at £10 a pair including postage and packing.  To request your pair please email oldprincethorpians@princethorpe.co.uk.

Significant numbers of Old Princethorpians are now entering their children for the College's entrance exams. For September 2017 entry we had around 20 candidates with close OP connections, almost ten per cent of the 250 children sitting the exams.

After hours of pain-staking reference checking, exam results analysis and individual letter production offer letters went out on Thursday 9 February, to successful candidates.

Comments, Melanie Butler Assistant Head, Marketing, Admissions and Communications, "The number and standard of candidates taking the entrance exams this year was once again very high, with a big demand for Year 7 places. It's lovely to see high levels of interest from the Old Princethorpians, with generations of families coming through the school.

"Members of the admissions panel had a very hard job deciding who might be joining us and we're looking forward to welcoming what promises to be a fantastic year group to the College in September."

Those parents wishing to accept a place need to send their signed confirmation and £300 deposit back to Mrs Vanessa Rooney, the Registrar, by Monday 6 March 2017 please, to secure the place.

As we finish one year's admissions cycle, another one begins and for September 2018 entry the cycle is shorter because the Entrance Exams are moving two months earlier to Saturday 11 November 2017.  We are now accepting registrations for 2018. There are plenty of opportunities for prospective pupils and their parents to visit the College before then, including our summer Open Evening on Wednesday 7 June from 6.30pm to 8.30pm and taster days for Year 5 children in May and June.

If you have any questions about the admissions process please contact the Registrar, Vanessa Rooney, on 01926 634201 or email admissions@princethorpe.co.uk.

Princethorpe's Director of Music, Gil Cowlishaw, is extending an open invitation to any musical OPs to get involved in the College's popular annual Spring Concert on Friday 24 March.  The concert, the fifth of its kind, will take place at Coventry's Central Methodist Hall from 7.00pm, and as previously will involve all of Princethorpe's musical ensembles from Orchestra, to Choir and School of Rock.

Comments Gil, "In this the College's Jubilee Year, it would be super to involve as many OPs as possible in the concert, and what we have in mind is a finale piece, ELO's fantastic Mr Blue Sky. We can accommodate both musicians and singers in the line up, we just need to know how many OPs would like to perform and what instrument they play! "

There would be a rehearsal at 6.00pm on the day of the concert. If you are interested in getting involved please click on this link to answer a few simple questions and we will send more information, including music for your part, out to you shortly.

OPs and Friends of Princethorpe are also most welcome to be part of the audience. Tickets are free of charge and available from gilcowlishaw@princethorpe.co.uk

The Coventry Central Hall is located on Warwick Lane, Coventry, CV1 2HA.

As the College's Golden Jubilee year draws to a close Old Princethorpians with artistic talents are invited to contribute a piece of artwork or photography for inclusion in the College's popular Summer Art, Photography and Design Show 2017.

Comments Paul Hubball, Head of Art and Photography, "Over the years we have had some talented and distinguished artists and photographers and we would love to extend this year's Show to include work from past pupils as part of the Jubilee celebrations."

The Summer Art, Photography and Design Show takes place at the end of the Trinity Term, with a preview on the evening of Thursday 22 June and a second opportunity to view on the afternoon of Sunday 25 June, coinciding with the Summer Fete and Motoring Festival.

Those interested in contributing to the show should email paulhubball@princethorpe.co.uk in the first instance, with their name, years at Princethorpe and a jpg picture of the piece for inclusion along with its title and dimensions.

Artwork can be framed or unframed, but would need to be mounted.  Framed pieces should have picture or mirror wire rather than mirror plates. Work would need to be delivered to the College, for the attention of Melanie Butler, OPs Secretary, during wc Monday 12 June and can be collected from close of show on Sunday 25 June until Friday 5 July.

There's still time to join Headmaster, Ed Hester, OPs Chairman, Peter Rollason and former Head of Economics and Business Studies, Peter Griffin and their merry band of cyclists and non-cyclists on the French Golden Jubilee Cycling Pilgrimage next May Half Term.

Following a well-attended Information Evening before Christmas, plans for the Golden Jubilee Cycling Pilgrimage for May Half Term 2017 are firming up. Headmaster, Ed Hester, outlined the trip, the challenge, sights and fun to be had, to an eager audience of parents, former parents, OPs and staff, over some fine French wine and cheese.

The trip is open to all over 18s associated with the College who are prepared to take on the challenge of a 110 mile cycle ride between the two French towns. The route of the 110 mile cycle ride wends its way between two French towns, Issoudun and Montargis, which are close to Princethorpe's heart, via the famed hilltop wine town of Sancerre. Issoudon is home to the MSCs, Princethorpe's founders, and Montargis is where the Benedictine Nuns of the earlier St Mary's Priory, originated from.

A coach with the happy band of cyclists, semi-cyclists and non-cyclists will leave Princethorpe on Tuesday 30 May and return on Saturday 3 June. Along the way there will be plenty of cycling (55 miles on Day 1 (Wednesday) and 55 miles on Day 3 (Friday), with a rest day in between for some wine tasting and sightseeing, plus stop offs en route. The pilgrimage will take in a stay at the MSC's Chevalier Centre in Issoudun and culminate in a Champagne civic reception in Montargis.

Click here to download more information on the trip and our planned itinerary.  If you would like to register your interest please click on this link and send £100 deposit per person as follows:

BACS Transfer:

HSBC Bank

Sort code: 40-18-17

Account: 82689111

Ref: ‘PIL3053’ plus your surname

Cheque made payable to:

The Princethorpe Foundation with the Ref: ‘PIL3053’ plus your surname on the back to be sent to Miss Liz Brown, The Bursary, Princethorpe College, Princethorpe, CV23 9PX.

For further information or if you have any questions please email goldenjubilee@princethorpe.co.uk.

As we are now firmly in the second half of the Golden Jubilee Year, we are now focussing our efforts on our final event – the Golden Jubilee Ball!

Billed as a magical evening, the Golden Jubilee Ball will take place on Saturday 1 July from 7.30pm to 1.00am in a beautiful marquee in the College grounds. This will be an over 18s black tie event, with a drinks reception and delicious three course meal, followed by music and dancing. 

Comments, Headmaster, Ed Hester, "We would urge all parents, Old Princethorpians and friends of the College to keep this date free as much like Princefest, it will be a fantastic opportunity for the Princethorpe Community to join together and celebrate the end of the College’s Golden Jubilee year in style!”

More detailed information, including ticket prices, will be unveiled in the coming weeks. As well as individual tickets, it will also be possible to book tables of ten. If you would like to register your interest now, please contact goldenjubilee@princethorpe.co.uk.

The College's new Feast Day, celebrated this year on Thursday 8 December, was rounded off with a very special event. The occasion, part of the College's Golden Jubilee celebrations, saw the return of a number of MSC priests with very close connections to the College.

After the excitement of the College festivities, invited guests, mostly long-standing and former members of staff, joined the priests, Fr Joe McGee, Fr Carl Tranter, Fr Charles Sweeney, Fr Tony Horgan, and well known to the College Fr Alan Whelan and Fr Teddy O'Brien, for a tour of the College, a Feast Day Mass in the Chapel and a delicious meal with old friends and colleagues in the Sixth Form Centre.

The special Mass was celebrated by Fr Joe McGee, Provincial of the MSCs based in Ireland, with support from Frs Whelan, O'Brien and Sweeney. The homily was given by Old Princethorpian, Fr Carl Tranter, who now resides in Rome.

Comments Ed Hester, "With the Feast Day coinciding with the MSC Founder's Day, it was completely fitting to have so many of the MSCs back to bring the day to a wonderful conclusion. Fr Carl spoke eloquently and in such a heartfelt way about the very early days of the MSCs, their mission to promote a 'God of love' and the relevance of that today, both at Princethorpe and in the wider world. He also brought a smile to the faces of the congregation by retelling the story of the nativity with all the wonder of a child's perspective."

He continued, "From the very outset we wanted this Jubilee Year to recognise the debt the College owes the MSCs and celebrate our ongoing close rapport. All the MSCs who joined us have very close connections with the College, indeed two were former Headmasters and two others former pupils. In true MSC spirit, the evening was sociable, hospitable and filled with good humour. It was particularly lovely to see the warmth and high regard the priests are held in amongst their friends and former colleagues."

It is hoped that the MSCs will play a part in the further celebrations planned as we enter the second half of the Golden Jubilee Year.

Please click here to view more photos from the evening.