Old Princethorpians

The 7th annual OPs vs College Sports Day (and 9th John Shinkwin Trophy Match) dawned clear, warm and sunny on Saturday 2 September. "If only we had had this weather for Princefest," was uttered countless times over the course of the action-packed day. 

Building on the success of the sport at Princefest, for this year we wanted to introduce some new elements, namely an OPs vs Staff Football Match to kick off the day and an OPs vs OPs Rugby Match to round off the proceedings!  Both these additions were deemed great successes, with OPs returning for the football who had not been involved previously and a wonderfully good humoured and entertaining OPs vs OPs match rounding off the day.

Music, a BBQ, the Travelling Pug Bar and an ice cream van added to the atmosphere.

As in previous years points were accumulated throughout the day, with the Alex Wallis Memorial Shield being awarded to the victors at the end of the day.  This year it was a much closer run competition, with the College teams fresh from the South Africa Tour and pre-season training.

The OPs vs Staff Football, without Mike Taylor on the staff side due to injury, was a decisive 7 - 0 victory to the OPs. A fantastic first run out for this event.

The OPs won the hockey fixtures but the College boys especially gave them a run for their money.

The Girls Hockey was a close affair with only a few hardy OP hockey players able to return. However expertly managed by Emily Wood the OPs came out victorious 3-1.

The netball sides organised 2 very strong teams, we called them OPs and OAPs! Jodie Fisher Sophie Nicholls, Lottie Jones and Zoe Hyland steered their teams to victories against out 2nd VII but fresh from South Africa success Princethorpe 1st V11 beat the OPs and OAPs in two excellent games. Lots of fun was had and it was great to see how many OPs are still playing the game and are not injured! 

Then on to the main event The John Shinkwin Trophy Match between the College's 1st XV and the OPs XV (leavers of 2017 and 2016) which saw the OPs put under huge pressure by the College post South Africa in the summer. A hugely enjoyable match for all who played and watched the experience and the OPs won 31 - 29

The younger OPs gamely entered into one last game against an enthusiastic OPs side who had been biding their time to play (with the odd pint to quench their thirsts).

At the After Match Awards, Neil McCollin congratulated all on their efforts and crowned the OPs victors of the day.

OPs Chairman, Peter Rollason commented, " The OPs Sports Day continues to be one of the most important events in the OP calendar and I am so pleased to see it going from strength to strength, particularly with  the addition of football.  The highlight for me was playing second row to my son Robert in the OPs vs OPs Rugby and the lowlight was the  realisation that I was oldest on the pitch(disregarding Mr McCollin the referee) by 30 years!  On behalf of the OPs Association I would like to thank the College and its staff for giving up their time and for their hospitality which is much appreciated."

With thanks to all the participants, supporters, organisers and caterers for making the day such a lovely relaxed affair.

More photographs of the day can be found on the school website by clicking here.

Over the years a good number of Old Princethorpians and Friends of the College have been involved in supporting the College in a variety of different ways. We would like to encourage more involvement from the wider Princethorpe community.

Specific areas where we would welcome help include:

• Careers-related activities: interviews, the Careers Fair (which will take place on Saturday 17 March 2018) and Work Experience
• Co-curricular activities
• Parent/OP and Friends of Princethorpe focus groups

If you currently do help us in any way, or would like to think about offering your help in the future, I would be very grateful if you could fill in the brief on-line questionnaire which can be accessed here by Friday 13 October please.

An enormous “thank you” to you all for your continued support of the College, it is hugely appreciated by both staff and the pupils.

E D Hester
Headmaster

Princethorpe is celebrating another year of excellent exam results. 

This summer 25% of all A-level grades were A* or A and 80% of grades were C or better; at GCSE over 25% of pupils received at least seven A* or A grades and an impressive two thirds of all grades were the coveted A*, A or B. 

Ed Hester, Headmaster, said, “Our students have worked so hard and we are incredibly proud of their achievements.” 

A-level summary results: 

• 92 candidates
• 25% A* & A
• 80% grade C or better
• 100% pass rate

Amongst the high fliers were Head Girl Alana Eckland who achieved all A*s and As and is studying medicine at university and Head Boy Lloyd Ellis who has gone abroad to study History at Utrecht University. Charlotte Morton, Alistair Robinson, Nick Bonsall, Josh Horswill, Marcio Zheng, James Ireland and Jack Dennis also achieved all A* and A  A–level grades.

At GCSE there were many distinguished performances, but the best individual results were from Mollie Dibb, who achieved ten A*s and one A grade, and Amy Field, who achieved nine A*s and two A grades.   

Princethorpe pupils performed well in all the core GCSE subjects but the College is particularly delighted with its best ever English results with 55% of pupils achieving A* or A grades.  Results were also strong in the creative subjects with 83% of Art entries graded A* or A. 

GCSE summary results:  

• 131 candidates
• two thirds of all grades A* to B
• over 25% achieved at least seven A* or A grades
• 55% of pupils achieved A* or A grades for English

Headmaster, Ed Hester, continued, “All credit goes to our pupils and staff for their commitment and hard work.  The College goes from strength to strength and our 2017 A-level and GCSE results are very strong indicators that the school’s academic achievements across the ability

In the making for a little over two years (or as Headmaster Ed Hester revealed on the night, actually eight!) the final instalment of Princethorpe College’s Golden Jubilee Year Celebrations, the much anticipated Golden Jubilee Ball, took place last Saturday 1 July.

Over 400 guests joined together to mark the College’s first 50 years which saw the whole of the Princethorpe community represented.  The College’s Trustees, current and former parents, staff and pupils from across the decades were in attendance including a VSOP (Very Senior Old Princethorpian) Mary Wheildon, an old girl of St Mary’s Priory, and Andrew Chan who left in the 1980s, and had travelled all the way from Canada to join in the festivities.  The College also welcomed back OPs Tom Pilling, who was videoing the night, and Nick Bond who entertained guests with his wonderful piano playing during the welcome drinks reception.

The College’s North Lawn was transformed for the occasion playing host to a sumptuous marquee by Pukkah Tents allowing guests to enjoy views of rolling Warwickshire hills and its very own recently-restored Switzerland. Fine-dining and drinks by the Chopping Block plus good company provided a great start to the evening. The celebrations continued into the early hours, supported by live music from band Astella.   

Headmaster Ed Hester commented, “The Jubilee Ball was a truly magical evening and epitomised Princethorpe’s ‘spirit of family’. It was fantastic to be joined by members of the Princethorpe community from both far and wide, and old and young and celebrate together.”

He continued, “My thanks go to all who made the evening possible and I’m delighted that we have contributed to Princethorpe’s rich history in such a memorable way.”

A video and a selection of images from the night are available on our school website please click here.  

Here’s to the next 50 years!

An intrepid band of Princethorpe College staff, parents and former pupils took on an epic challenge over the May half term holiday when they cycled between the French towns of Issoudun and Montargis in the Loire Valley, as part of the College’s Golden Jubilee celebrations.

The two French towns have historic connections with the College. Issoudun being the town linked most closely to the Catholic College’s founding fathers, the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, and Montargis being the former home of the Benedictine nuns who fled France in the French Revolution to build the priory in which the school is now housed.

The 18 cyclists, including OPs, Peter Rollason, Luke Hedderwick, Ossie Ostler, Nigel Denton and Paul Gallagher and their supporters travelled to France by coach and cycled the 120 miles over two days, with a rest day in between in the beautiful hilltop town of Sancerre. Over the course of the challenge the cyclists encountered extreme heat, monsoon like rain, plentiful punctures and their fair share of aches and pains.

They travelled along country roads and canal paths, through lush meadows and poppy fields, beside the beautiful Loire and up steep hills in order to complete the challenge.  The end of which was marked by a civic reception hosted by the Mayor of Montargis.

Comments, Headmaster, Ed Hester, “120 miles in two days is no mean feat and all the pilgrims deserve to be congratulated. There was a fantastic camaraderie on the trip, which really epitomised Princethorpe’s spirit of family. We were received most warmly by the French people, who were fascinated by the challenge and our links to the two towns.”

The cyclists raised over £3,000 in aid of their chosen charity, Mary’s Meals, which sets up school feeding programmes in communities where poverty and hunger prevent children from gaining an education.

To see more pictures from the trip click here to visit the College website.

If you would like to support them please go to their Just Giving page:

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/princethorpecollege-goldenjubileecyclingpilgrimage

Trustee Liz Griffin has taken over the role of Foundation Chair of Trustees from Mary O'Farrell who stepped down at the end of the summer, having completed her tenure as Chair.

Mary has been a valued member of the Governing Body since 2000 and Chair of Trustees since 2008. A former primary Headteacher with many years’ experience, Mary has played an integral part in the Foundation's growing success, overseeing the merger with Abbotsford in 2010 and with the Crescent in 2016.

Commented Eddie Tolcher, Foundation Bursar and Clerk to the Trustees, "Mary has been an exceptional Chair of Trustees, we are enormously grateful for her wise counsel, her collaborative approach and sense of humour, all of which she has brought to bear in her role over the past nine years. She has an implicit understanding of education, teaching and learning and this combined with her approach to fellow trustees, staff and children has proven immensely effective in taking the Foundation forward. We are fortunate that she will continue to be a member of the Governing Body.”

Liz Griffin has been a trustee for two years, and has unparalleled, longstanding connections with Princethorpe. A Princethorpe village resident of 29 years, she taught Geography and Economics on a part-time basis at the College for seven years, her two sons, James and Christopher, both attended the school and she is married to former Head of Business and Economics, Peter Griffin.

She taught at secondary school level for thirty years, latterly as Head of Inclusion and Assistant Head Teacher at Cardinal Wiseman School in Coventry before retiring in August 2014.

Continued Eddie, “Liz, like Mary, is an educationalist though and through and will have this at the heart of her ambitions for the Foundation. Her energy, drive and enthusiasm for the Princethorpe cause is second to none and will I’m sure make her a very worthy successor to Mary. We thank Mary for her years of service as Chair and wish Liz well for her new role which commenced in September.”

Other changes on the Governing Body include Colin Russell taking over the role of Deputy Chair of Trustees from Quintin Cornforth. who we are delighted will also remain on the Governing Body. We say goodbye and thank you to trustees who have stepped down over the last year including Sarah Kershaw, Catherine MacDonald and Peter Rush.

With just five weeks to go now, the countdown to the College's Entrance Exams for admission in September 2018 is well underway. This year the exams for Year 7 to 10 entry will take place on Saturday 11 November from 9.30am to 3.30pm.

Our friendly Admissions Team has been kept busy over the summer and this term accepting registrations for the examination from prospective parents. 

There is still time for prospective pupils and their parents to visit the College before the Entrance Exams as we have one final Open Morning on Thursday 2 November from 10.30am to 12.30pm, when pupil tour guides will be available to show visitors around the school.  

We now need registrations for the entrance examination as soon as possible to enable the seeking of references from junior schools.

Comments Melanie Butler, Assistant Head, Marketing, Admissions and Communications, "Interest is at an all time high. Parents and pupils do still have time to prepare and visit the College.  The results will then be out for the end of November, making for an exam-free Christmas holiday, which has got to be good news."

For more information on the admissions process click here to visit our Admissions Update newsletter.

If you have any queries relating to admissions please feel free to email the Registrars at admissions@princethorpe.co.uk or call them on 01926 634201.

On Thursday 8 June, former pupils Jide Olanrewaju and Finbarr Roche-Kelly, together with Jide’s wife Roseanne, met with the Headmaster and College staff at Beaufort House, Chelsea for a lovely evening of shared memories of the College.

Jide, and his brothers Tunde and Yemi, who attended Princethorpe College in the 1990s, generously donate the Biodun Olanrewaju Memorial Prize each year at Prize Giving, in memory of their father. The prize is awarded to a student who embodies the values and ethos of the College and is intended to allow the recipient to further their interests, studies and/or travel.

Finbarr, a pupil at the College in the 1980s and a regular donor to our 50 + 10 Bursary Fund, shared some funny stories about his time at Princethorpe, and Alex Darkes, former pupil and Assistant Head, was keen to reminisce too. The former pupils were thrilled to hear about developments at the College, particularly the redevelopment of Switzerland and the outdoor classroom, and of our plans for a more philanthropic future.

The evening ended with an open invitation to visit the College and see the developments first hand; an invitation that is open to all of the Princethorpe community, far and wide.

Stuck for Christmas present ideas for the OPs in your life? Look no further as items from the OP range of merchandise make the ideal gift for Christmas, birthdays or anniveraries!

Popular items include:

• NEW Socks with distinctive Tower design on dark blue background with thin diagonal stripe - priced £8.50 + postage
• A university style scarf (in 100% wool with navy blue, red and gold stripes) - priced  £30 + postage
• T-bar cufflinks with a gold Tower design - priced £25 + postage
• The Old Princethorpian tie. A classic 100% silk tie with a repetitive gold Tower design and thin red diagonal stripes on a dark blue background - priced £18 + postage and packing.
• Tower pin badge. The 2cm high badge in nickel with recessed metal detail is based on the Tower logo - priced £10 + postage

Stocks are available now, to order any item please click on the attached Old Princethorpians Merchandise Order Form or email Old Princethorpians.

Nick Baker our fantastic College Archivist for the past three years has moved on to pastures new. He has decided to pursue a calling and train for the priesthood.

We are enormously grateful to Nick for the huge amount of progress he has made with the archive and are delighted that he will be keeping his hand in the Princethorpe archive so to speak in the future, working occasionally with Janette Ratcliffe, the new Archivist. Good to know that it is definitely more 'au revoir' than 'adieu'. 

Nick has made many friends over his time at Princethorpe across both the staff and Old Princethorpians. He has been a fabulously knowledgeable addition to the Arts Society speaker rota and we must not forget his co-authoring of the wonderful Spirit of Family Book with Alex Darkes for our Golden Jubilee.

It was most fitting that Nick's was part of the Golden Jubilee Cycling Pilgrimage Group in May visiting France to put more pieces of the Princethorpe jigsaw into place by visiting Issoudun (home to the MSCs) and Montargis (home to the Benedictines).

We wish him all the very best with his chosen path and look forward to seeing him again soon!

I am thrilled to have joined the Princethorpe Foundation as Archivist and am looking forward to carrying on the fantastic work that Nick Baker began during his time here. It’s brilliant to be joining a Foundation that value their heritage as much as the College does and I’ve already been lucky enough to talk to some Old Princethorpians at the Heritage Open Day, who were kind enough to share some of their happy memories of coming here. People often think of archives as dry and dusty (I’ve already had the hoover out in the storeroom to make sure that’s not true) but the thing I love the most is capturing the stories of the people that shaped a place. This is particularly true of schools where it is the pupils and staff that make the place so special.

I have come to archives as a career ‘fairly late’ in life and graduated from the University of Liverpool with a Postgraduate Diploma in Archives and Records Management in July this year. Prior to retraining, I was a Primary School Teacher for 15 years and I hope that I’ll be able to use some of my old skills to get the archives into the classrooms across all of the Foundation schools.

When I’m not busy preserving records in the hope that one day I might have a guest spot on ‘Who Do You Think You Are’, I keep myself busy with family life and my very demanding cocker spaniel called Meg. 

So far I have been busy with Heritage Open Day, exploring the archives and showcasing the College history at Open Afternoon.   

Heritage Open Day

If there is one thing that is guaranteed to make you learn about the history of a school quickly, it’s the knowledge that in your first week you’ll be leading tours as part of the Heritage Open Day.  This year's took place on Sunday 10 September. Having never taken part in one before, I had no idea of how many people would come and when I woke to see a miserable, grey day, I did wonder if I’d have the opportunity to show off all my newly-gained knowledge. I needn’t have worried! The event was a great success with around 80 people coming during the two hours we were open. Between Alex Darkes, Nick Baker (who had kindly come back to help) and myself, we led three large tours and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with lots of comments about how beautiful the building is and also what a fascinating history the school and site have. What was particularly lovely was that there were a real mix of visitors, from people who had driven past many times and wondered what the buildings were like, to friends and families of current pupils. It was also great to have the opportunity to talk to some Old Princethorpians about their memories of the school and how much it had changed (or in some cases hadn’t) since their days here.

Archive Exploration 

Not one to then sit back and take it easy, I spent my second week in the storeroom surveying the collections and trying to get a feel for what kinds of materials we have here at the Foundation. I say surveying, but what that really means is that I had a great time taking the boxes off the shelves and opening them to have a look at what was inside. I discovered that there’s still lots of uncatalogued material so I plan to make cataloguing one of the key areas of my role – that way it’ll be easier to increase the use of the documents and photos we have. I’ll admit perhaps the biggest surprise was opening a box and discovering a large toy frog in the Crackley Hall collection!

Open Afternoon 

On Sunday 24 September there was an Open Afternoon for prospective parents and pupils and we showcased the archives in a display in the Library. It was a real chance to promote the rich and varied education pupils get at the school by including material showing the sporting, dramatic and creative traditions that are important here at Princethorpe. Librarian Karen O’Connor kindly lent me her dressmaking mannequin too so that we were also able to show some of the uniform pieces that have been donated.

Do please get in touch if you have any stories or information to share.  I can be contacted at janetteratcliffe@princethorpe.co.uk. 

The newly formed Development Focus Group was recently kindly hosted by Princethorpe parent Robert Lee at the stunning offices of Wright Hassall, solicitors in Leamington Spa. The group, consisting of five current and former parents, including OP Nigel Bromley, generously give their time, guidance and advice to the Development team, giving valued feedback on latest projects such as the bursary campaign’s ‘Cut the Coffee’ regular giving initiative.

The group meets termly and is a very convivial, informal, and creative forum for discussion. The Development team values such donations of time and expertise greatly, and it is wonderful to have such a mix of skills around the table. The group, which represents a cross section of parents at the College, gives invaluable feedback and direction to all our fundraising work.

The Bursary campaign, launched in March, aims to transform the lives of children who would otherwise be unable to attend Princethorpe College. The Fund provides opportunities to those families whose circumstances prevent them from accessing the fantastic education, care and support that a Princethorpe education offers. The regular giving campaign, invites Princethorpe supporters, to sacrifice just three cups of coffee a month and join the growing number of families who give small, regular donations to benefit other children and transform lives.

The cost to wholly fund one child for a year at Princethorpe is approximately £12,000, however through regular giving, small gifts from many supporters, soon add up to make a real difference. For every 84 families who make a regular gift of £12 a month, we can offer one full bursary place to a child and change their life for the better. Further details can be found on our school website.

A big thank you to those who are part of the focus group. If any other Old Princethorpians would like to join us, or know more about the group, please contact Rachel Hadley-Leonard, Director of Development, at rachelhadleyleonard@princethorpe.co.uk or by telephoning 01926 634265.

Princethorpe English Teacher, Jess Newborough and OP and Deputy ICT Manager, Becky Thornton will be taking to the stage in late November in the Sudden Impulse Theatre Company's production of The Accrington Pals at Nuneaton's Abbey Theatre.

The production, by Peter Whelan, is set in Accrington during 1914-16 and contrasts the experiences of the ‘Pals’, the local volunteer battalion, in the trenches, with the women they have left behind. It is an at times funny, at times sad, portrayal of the challenges of the war years, of the womenfolk who held the fort, who flourished despite their anxiety and their troubles when terrible news inevitably comes home.

Jess will be playing Annie, wife to the very religious Arthur Boggis, mother to the rascal Reggie, a bit of a harridan, and often the butt of humour, but with glimpses of the warmer person she might have become. Whilst Becky plays May, a strong willed, independent woman whose second-cousin (and secret love) Tom, takes up the call for volunteers. Left at home to build up the business, she is torn between her new found opportunity and her desire to keep her cousin safe.

Becky says, “I am really excited to be back on stage; my days of treading the boards at Princethorpe seem a lifetime ago. It feels very apropos that my return to College life also marks my return to theatre!”

Jess comments, “The Accrington Pals is the fourth in the series of World War One centenary tribute plays Sudden Impulse Theatre Company has performed.  Last November I played Mrs Peaceful, in the Michael Morpurgo story Private Peaceful, performing in front of some 100 of our Year 7 pupils. I am delighted that this year we have an Old Princethorpian joining us on stage.”

Old Princethorprians may also have enjoyed her performance of Hippolyta, the Amazon queen in the company’s outdoor summer performance of A Midsummer’s Night Dream which played here at Princethorpe College on the Sixth Form lawn back in June.  The College is hoping the company will stage further outdoor performances at Princethorpe next summer.

Formed in 2014 the theatre company has won awards, most recently at the 2017 Buxton Festival, and is renowned for the high quality, professional drama it produces.

The Accrington Pals will run from Wednesday 22 to Saturday 25 November.  Tickets are priced: £12 Adult / £10 Concessions, and are available from 07899 406843 or online at www.suddenimpulse.co.uk.

This year’s Art, Photography and Design Summer Exhibition opened on Thursday 22 June with a special evening reception for the artists and their families, friends and guests.  The displays remained on show until Sunday 25 June allowing visitors to the College’s Summer Fête to also enjoy the superb standard of work this year’s GCSE and A-level pupils have produced.

Those who know the College will be familiar with its formidable reputation for quality art and design work. The walls of the College are adorned by exceptional examples and the work at this year’s show was always going to delight.  It included a bonus, an added extra this Golden Jubilee year, a special display of work by Old Princethorpians, allowing visitors to enjoy the work of College artists and designers both past and present.  OPs who exhibited included, Paul Hubball, Lauren Whitfield, Kate Whitfield, Bob Cheshire, Owein  Mason, Matt Farr, Sam Evetts, Ed Creyton, Boszena Piniescka and Jordan Griffiths.

The Sixth Form Centre and Lecture Theatre was transformed into an eclectic exhibition space, the light and airy atrium helping to showcase the work at its best.  Visitors were audibly impressed with what they saw, stopping to stare in wonder, exclaiming over the ingenuity and talent and enjoying the fine collection of work.

In the main hall fascinating portraiture sat alongside superb studies, imaginative illustrations and phenomenal photography.  In the Design and Technology studio, intricately stitched dresses and swooping skirts showcased this year’s Textiles pieces, whilst fine furniture fit to grace any home was on offer from our Resistant Materials pupils.

Our congratulations go to all our GCSE and A-level pupils for producing such a worthy display.  Thanks go to Art Department and to the Design and Technology Department for all their support and inspiration to pupils this and every year and for putting together such an outstanding show.  Finally thanks also go to all the Old Princethorpians who submitted work for the Golden Jubilee Display, it was a real bonus to be able to see and share some of your recent work.

It was lovely to see some familiar faces at our annual Team Building and Sports Day for local primary schools.  With over 120 local little ones descending on the College, Marketing Intern, Lauren Whitfield, rallied the troops roping in some of last year’s leavers just back from university to help facilitate the organisation of this always lively and exciting day. The line up of able helpers were from left to right, Lauren Whitfield, Kiana Kitching, Nick Bond, Charlotte Plant, Zoe Hyland, Mia Mead (current Teaching Assistant from MSC School in Australia), Josh Popham, Sophie Nicholls, Peter Hitchman and last but by no means least, Flora Courtney 

There was certainly a lot to organise with a mix of team building challenges, such as riddle solving and plank walking, and track and field athletics and of course the distribution of the legendary Princethorpe cookies!  So their help was very much appreciated.  Their excitement at their reunion with each other, as well as with their former teachers, only added to the carnival atmosphere of the event, which is a firm favourite on the Princethorpe calendar.

The lovely Lauren has gone off to University herself now but we were most grateful for her and her compatriots fantastic help on that fun filled, fabulous summer day.  

Issue 22 of The Pinnacle, our school magazine that celebrates exceptional work from across the Foundation, was published in the Summer Term. Full to bursting with fabulous examples of pupils who are determined to go that extra mile in their everyday school life.

Editor and da Vinci Programme Co-ordinator, Helen Pascoe-Williams said, “There are pages and pages of excellent work from across our expanding Foundation. It’s always a pleasure and a privilege to bring everything together in one place.”

The Pinnacle includes a double-sized Minnacle showcasing the impressive work produced by pupils at the Foundation Junior Schools’ Crackley Hall and Crescent.

You can view the latest edition here The Pinnacle and The Minnacle.

Our 2017-18 calendar of OP Events has been published.  It includes details of OP and College Events that all Old Princethorpians, past parents and staff are welcome to attend.

The next event is the Prize Giving Drinks Reception at the Warwick Arts Centre aimed at the Upper Sixth Leavers and their families.  At the beginning of December we have the popular PTA Christmas Fayre.  Then in March our Leamington meet at the Star and Garter and our bi-annual Careers Fair, for which we will be looking for lots of help from OPs willing to talk on their career areas.  Our London meet takes place in May and our Summer Supper returns after missing a year for the Golden Jubilee Ball.  The year finishes with the Summer Fête and Motoring Festival.

Building on our celebratory Golden Jubilee year we are keen to reconnect with as many OPs and Friends of the College as possible. Do encourage those you know to register on the Old Princethorpians section of the website to keep in touch with and receive information on the latest news and events.

Click here to download the calendar or visit the Old Prinethorpians section of the College website.

Wednesday 11 October - 6.30pm to 9.00pm

Year 11 pupils and their parents are warmly invited to the Sixth Form Open Evening on Wednesday 11 October 2017 from 6.30pm to 9.00pm.

The evening will focus on the key events and dates in the Sixth Form application process, specific A-level subject information and advice provided by the Heads of Departments and general information on the Sixth Form experience at Princethorpe.

It will include brief talks from Ed Hester, Ben Collie, Head of Sixth Form, the Assistant Heads, Rod Isaacs and Louise Harrison, and some current members of the Sixth Form. These sessions will run twice during the evening at 7.00pm and 8.00pm in our newly refurbished Theatre. In addition, there will be short presentations in each of the departments during the evening. 

External candidates are very welcome at the event, so please do help spread the word.

Thursday 2 November 2017 - 10.30am - 12.30pm

The College Open Morning will take place on Thursday 2 November from 10.30am - 12.30pm.  This is a chance to look around the school on a normal working day, just prior to Entrance Examinations Day on Saturday 11 November 2017.  Our Year 8 pupils will be acting as tour guides. 

Please help spread the word, everyone is most welcome.

Those wishing to register for Entrance Examinations should now do so as soon as possible to facilitate the gathering of references from junior schools. Registration forms are available from the Registrar, Mrs Vanessa Rooney on 01926 634201 or email admissions@princethorpe.co.uk.

Entrance Examinations for 11+, 12+, 13+ and 14+ will take place on Saturday 11 November 2017 from 9.00am to 3.00pm. More information is available on our website, click here.

Friday 3 November 2016 - 7.30pm

This year's Prize Giving will be held on Friday 3 November in the Butterworth Hall at Warwick Arts Centre beginning at 7.30pm.

Traditionally, the vast majority of last year’s Upper Sixth returns to collect their A-level examination certificates.  Most will have embarked on their first year at university, apprenticeship or employment and this is an opportunity to catch up with the class of 2017.

The OPs Committee hosts a special Drinks Reception before the ceremony for the U6 leavers, their parents and other invited guests. This is a very popular occasion and we have a limited number of seats available for any OPs who would like to join us for the Pre-Drinks at 6.30pm in the Helen Martin Studio and later for the ceremony itself.

To secure your seat please RSVP with the number in your party, stating that you are an Old Princethorpian, to carmelhopkins@princethorpe.co.uk by Friday 13 October please.

Crescent School Reception Open Evening

Tuesday 21 November 2017 - 7.00pm to 8.00pm

Crescent School, Princethorpe's junior school and nursery in Bilton, Rugby, is having a specific Reception Open Evening on Tuesday 21 November from 7.00pm to 8.00pm. Parents are being encouraged to apply now for places in Reception in 2018.

This is an opportunity to look around the Reception class and to meet and talk informally to staff.  There will be a short presentation at the beginning of the evening and light refresments will be available.

Crescent School Open Day

Friday 19 January 2018 - 10.00am - 3.00pm

This is a great chance to look around the school during a normal working day and to chat to staff and pupils. Light refreshments will be available.

If you can't make the Open Evening or Open Day but would like to look around, please call our Registrar, Mrs Helen Morley on 01788 523851 and come on a day to suit you, we welcome visitors on most days.

For more information please see our Admissions Update.

Crackley Hall Nursery And Reception Open Evening

Wednesday 22 November 2017 - 7.00pm to 8.00pm

Crackley Hall, Princethorpe's junior school and nursery in Kenilworth, is having a specific Nursery and Reception Open Evening on Wednesday 22 November from 7.00pm to 8.00pm. Parents are being encouraged to apply now for places in Reception in 2018.

This is an opportunity to look around the Nursery and Reception class and to meet and talk informally to staff.  There will be a short presentation at the beginning of the evening and light refresments will be available.

Crackley Hall School Open Day

Tuesday 16 January 2018 - 10.00am - 3.00pm

This is a great chance to look around the school and nursery during a normal working day and to chat to staff and pupils. Light refreshments will be available.

If you can't make the Open Evening or Open Day but would like to look around, please call our Admissions Secretary, Mrs Angela Barnard on 01926 514444 and come on a day to suit you, we welcome visitors on most days.

For more information please see our latest Admissions Update.

Sunday 3 December 2017 - 2.00pm to 4.30pm

The College's annual PTA Christmas Fayre will take place on Sunday 3 December from 2.00pm to 4.30pm.

As well as the 'must visit' Old Princethorpians stand, there will be an array of stalls full of present ideas, games and activities, festive music and refreshments plus, of course, Santa in his grotto!

We can't promise snow but there will be lots of Christmas bargains.

This is a lovely opportunity to visit the College at a weekend and all the family are very welcome to come along.

Friday 2 March 2018 from 6.30pm

The OPs annual Leamington Pub Meet takes place next year at the Star and Garter pub on Warwick Street (just along from the Fire Station).

We will be occupying the upstairs private Function Room, with easy access to the bar downstairs and its own outside balcony area for those who would like a breath of fresh air. 

The OPs Commitee will be laying on a delicious hot and cold buffet, do let us know by emailing oldprincethorpians@princethorpe.co.uk if you are able to attend so we can cater for you.

Partners and friends are most welcome!

The Arts Society will be meeting on the following dates next year.  More details on the topics will follow when confirmed.

Wednesday 21 March 2018 7.30pm 6FLT Art History lecture with Margaret-Louise O’Keeffe

Wednesday 16 May 2018 7.30pm 6FLT Art History lecture with Margaret-Louise O’Keeffe

Tuesday 3 July 2018 7.30pm Chapel The 24th Annual Hugh Page Memorial Organ Recital

We are hoping to add two further events to the schedule: one for the Spring Term and one for the Trinity Term.  

Background:

I'm currently combining my time between SW London and Royal Leamington Spa. I'm now owner of a sports management agency called Green Room Sports. We are lucky enough to represent many of the best current English Rugby union stars. 

While at university I combined my studies with becoming a professional rugby player with Leicester Tigers. I continued playing professionally for over 11 years playing for Northampton & England 7's, retiring from the sport at 31. Once I retired from playing sport I joined forces with my then agent to start Green Room Sports Management, which we run together to this day. To add to that I have a hair transplant company based in central London which is becoming rather popular. 

Age:

I'm 34....no no I'm 38, a constant battle of mine to tell the truth on that one. ;-)

When were you at Princethorpe?

I attended Princethorpe between the years 1990-1995.

What was the school like in your day?

The school initially seemed a rather daunting place, however within no time it was clear what a friendly school it was. The teachers and senior pupils were always on hand to encourage us to learn and express ourselves. 

How did Princethorpe affect the person you are today?

Princethorpe in many ways opened up my eyes to the wider world. Coming from a small village school, I didn't know too many people from outside of Warwickshire before arriving at senior school. Attending Princethorpe allowed me to meet and experience many different cultures from all over the world. 

What advice would you give your teenage self?

I'd encourage my teenage self to listen, ask questions, get involved, understand, listen again and ask even more questions.

Who or what has been the biggest influence in your life?

Without a doubt my Mother and Father. They've the best work ethic I know, even to this day. 

What keeps you awake at night?

I'm not sure anything does? I've never struggled to sleep at night. Staying fit and never napping in the day probably helps. 

What has been your proudest moment/greatest achievement so far?        

It would be the birth of my son Oscar, I'd have loved him to have watched me play Rugby. In Rugby, I'd say playing some big games at Twickenham.
 
What’s your biggest indulgence?

It would be holidays....work hard, play hard. 

If you had to have one last meal, what would it be?

I love all food, but Lebanese or Turkish food is my fave at the minute....that or ice cold milk and a Coco Pops/Frosties mix! 

What is your favourite TV Show and why?

I genuinely don't watch TV other than live rugby games on my phone. That said, talking of box sets, the only one I've managed to watch all the way through would be Entourage.

If you could be anywhere right now, where would you go and who would be with you?

I think it would be skiing with my son Oscar and my mother, somewhere high up in the Alps with the sun shining. 

Lasting memories of Princethorpe:

There are so many memories, but it would have to be the sports teams and the fun we all had under the tutorage of Mr Price. 

Are you in touch with any other Old Princethorpians, if so whom?

Not as many as I'd like, moving around and being busy we drifted apart. I'm very good friends with two ex pupils who happened to meet at Princethorpe in the Sixth Form and are now married with two children, Edward & Melanie Simkiss. I also still catch up with my close friend at school Adam Watts who also happens to be my solicitor. 

Is there anyone you would like to track down?

No one in particular, although I'd very much love to see all the guys from my year again at an alumni get together if one could be planned? 
 

Belated congratulations to Lucy Coulson who married Jonathan Williams on 18 February 2017. Lucy and Jonathan met seven years ago whilst working in summer jobs at Princethorpe.

Lucy, daughter of longstanding Princethorpe music teacher, Felicity Coulson, was accompanied down the aisle by her sister, Rosie Coulson, Amy Thorne and Becci Morris: all OPs and still best friends.

We wish the lovely couple every happiness together!

Our congratulations go to OPs Tom and Vicky Ellis (née Smith) who tied the knot earlier this year. Vicky continues their story;

“Tom and I met at Princethorpe and have been together for 8 years. We left Princethorpe in 2009, Tom went on to study Automotive Design at Coventry University and then went on to complete a Master’s Degree at the Royal College of Art. After which he landed his dream job working as a Designer at Rolls Royce Motor Cars.

I went to University of Essex to study Psychology and then completed a Master’s in Applied Psychology at Coventry University. After moving to Chichester, I started up my own business in pet care.

Our wedding was on 26 May 2017, at St Nicholas Church in Radford Semele, followed by the reception at Ardencote Manor in Warwick. It was attended by OPs Sarah Todd and Amy Guntrip with Tom’s sister Lauren Ellis (also an OP) as a bridesmaid, and my brother Andy Smith (also OP) as a groomsman. We are planning a tour of New Zealand next year for our honeymoon.”

We wish them every happiness and look forward to hearing about their tour of New Zealand!

Ellie Eaton and Jake Powell met whilst they were both studying at Chester University.

Ellie takes up the story: In 2015 Jake and I both ran the Chester Half marathon and met through mutual friends as we trained before and socialised afterward the event. We attended the same church and on campus CU and continued to get to know each other, starting to date by the next academic year. We got engaged in October last year and married on the 13th May this year in our shared church in Chester. It was a lovely day with family and friends joining us from around the UK.

We moved down to Gloucestershire in the summer as we started our new jobs at the start of the academic year, Jake in school's work and myself as a Trainee Sports Minister. We're greatly looking forward to starting this next chapter in both of our lives.

It was with much sadness that we reported the death of Richard Bunt OP, who died in a tragic accident whilst on holiday in Poland in June.  Aged just 33, Richard will be remembered warmly by all Princethorpians who knew him for his friendliness, kindness and fairness. 

Richard was born on 7 September 1983 in Leamington Spa and he grew up at the family home in Kenilworth.  He went to St Augustine’s RC Primary School before attending Princethorpe College.  He later graduated with a BA in International Business Studies from Sheffield Hallam University in 2006.  Richard was married to Lucy, here at Princethorpe, in the Chapel, in 2015.

Richard was very keen on sport and contributed much to the life of the school.  Alex Darkes, now Assistant Head Development, remembers him well, saying “It’s probably fair to say that Richard had very keen powers of persuasion, particularly if he was preparing the ground diplomatically for the late delivery of his Physics homework! He was unfailingly cheerful, fair and fun with a loyal following of friends, who probably all had sport as their common interest. He had a generous glint in his eye (often preceding the next joke!) and the power of charm, knowing that it triumphed above all else in the face of adversity. I have very good memories of teaching Richard, which is testimony to the fact that he was one of life’s best and is so sadly missed. Happy memories, too, of a fantastic evening with him earlier in February at the OP’s meet at The Bulldog Bar in Whitehall, SW1; the conversation just carried on from where it had left off all those years ago.”

His family released this statement following his death: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the loss of our wonderful son, Richard, who died on Tuesday June 13 after a tragic accident in Poland.  He bought so much happiness to our lives and was a loving husband, caring son and brother, friend and colleague. Richard affected so many lives with his love, his brilliant humour and everyday acts of kindness.  We take great strength from knowing that his final gift was his greatest of all – donating his organs to save six people – giving other families so much joy and hope. He will always be treasured by us and everyone who knew him and we are immensely proud of the man he was.  We would like to thank all the kind people who helped and prayed for Richard and also thank our family and friends around the world.”

There will be a mass in memory of Richard in the College Chapel on Sunday 19 November at 10.15am, all are welcome.

Former teacher, Sarah Stewart, who lost her long battle against serious illness on Sunday 25 June, was fondly remembered at a funeral service at the College on Saturday 8 July. The very personal service, which was attended by some 100 family, friends, former colleagues and pupils, was celebrated by Rev Fr Alan Whelan MSC and Rev Fr Teddy O'Brien MSC, both former colleagues of Sarah's.  The funeral service was followed by a commital service at Oakley Wood Crematorium on Wednesday 12 July.

Originally from Cardiff, Sarah joined the College as a newly qualified French teacher in September 1985, rising later to Head of Modern Foreign Languages, a role which she retained until the onset of her illness in recent years. A naturally hard worker, with a true international dimension, she loved European travel and was keen not only to teach youngsters an additional language, but also to give them a practical appreciation of other cultures. She led a number of successful overseas excursions which were always relaxed, purposeful and impeccably organised, enabling a broad variety of memorable experiences and fun. Sarah greatly valued teamwork and collaboration and was surrounded by a loyal following of colleagues who not only greatly respected her, but were inspired and motivated by her gentle persuasive style.

Princethorpe was central to Sarah’s life and one of her great cornerstones. When she became too unwell to teach, she continued to assist in the languages department and also in the development office where her long service, razor-sharp memory and attention to detail made her an absolute asset. Her extensive network of friends was immensely important and many of them were connected with the school. Meetings for coffee, lunch or just an exchange of messages were a popular feature.

We extend our deepest sympathy to her family and hold dearly in our memories her zest for life, loyalty, professionalism, kindness and sense of fun, which were with her right until the end, despite failing health.

We were delighted to hear that OP Cressida Woodcock-Sweales, who left Princethorpe back in 2004, recently tied the knot with her fiancé, Joshua Sweales, in a ceremony in Chipping Norton in July. 

Two of Cressida’s bridesmaids were also OPs, Holly Whitehead and Sarah Trussler, and the couple had a very special day that included a spectacular firework display.

Cressida and Josh are still living locally in Rugby, although Josh is originally from Chalfont St Giles, in Buckinghamshire.  Josh works an Internal Resourcing Partner at Severn Trent Water, whilst Cressida now works for Colas Rail.

We wish them every future happiness together.

Sarah Witts and Nathan Williams started at Princethorpe College in 2003 and studied right through to the Sixth Form.

They started going out together in Year 11 and left the school in 2010 with many happy memories.  They both went to Sheffield Hallam University, Sarah to study Early Childhood Studies and Nathan to study Psychology.  Sarah is now a primiary school teacher with Year 1 children at a school near Rotherham and Nathan is an Assistant Manager for a Boots Optician store.

They got engaged in Dublin in March 2016 and were married on Friday 4 August 2017 at Stoneleigh Church followed by a reception at Wethele Manor, near Leamington.

A few friends from Princethorpe joined them at the wedding with Rachael Eaton Price being one of Sarah’s bridesmaid’s.

We wish them both every happiness in their new life together!

Huge congratulations to Bof (Porfiris) and Sonia Kefalas who were married at the Registry Office in Coventry on Sunday 13 August, the wedding was followed by a reception at the Village Hotel.

Bof comments, "We were really fortunate that the weather was great, as the week prior was classic British summertime, as was the week after the wedding.

"We had a brilliant day and were very fortunate to share it with so many friends and family from far and wide. There was a lovely atmosphere capped off by my side splitting and tear jerking speech! Lots of fun was had by all and the mix of cultures with Sonia’s Pakistani background and my Cypriot heritage made it a unique day.

"The wedding was well-attended by OPs with Andy Lawn, Malachy O’Keeffe, Angus Rose, Jack Hunter and Tom Redman all being groomsmen. Various others attended the day too including: George Phedon, Jack van Spall, Harvey Broadbent, Tom Warner, James O’Hanlon, Alice Wetton, Megan Price, Sanj Jaspal, Jeandre Labuschange, James Ashley, Charlie Warner, Bethan Redman and Sam Rose. We are grateful to everyone who came and also to all of the many well-wishers."

Many congratulations to St John White who married Emma (nee Jeffries) on Saturday 30 September at St Paul’s Church in Banbury with a Reception afterwards at the nearby, stunningly located, Castle Inn at Edgehill.

They were delighted to welcome Old Princethorpians, Caspar Davies and Tom Hilditch to the day. Also in attendance, of course, was St John's brother OP Adam, who attended the College from 1976-1979. 

St John commented, "We had a perfect day with friends and family. Music has always been a big part of my life so it was extra special to see my sons' Tom and Seamus singing at the wedding party. I even grabbed an old bass guitar for a rusty rendition of a few Beatles numbers!"

The couple honeymooned on the beautiful eastern Riviera – Norfolk.

We wish them every future happiness together.

We were delighted to hear that OP Charlie Preston, a pupil at Princethorpe from 2004 – 2011, is engaged to be married to Rhea West.  Charlie popped the question in Central Park, New York, earlier this year and the couple are now busy planning their wedding for next August 2018.

Charlie went to the University of Winchester to study Business Management with Marketing and now works as an account manager at a Marketing Agency in Winchester.  His experience has predominately been in the sports marketing industry, starting out at a local firm in Southam, Perform Better, before relocating down to Winchester to take on his current role.

He was always a keen sportsman and continues to play sports competitively including Rugby, Football and Cricket.

Charlie met his intended wife, Rhea, at the University of Winchester.  She clearly also has the ‘Princethorpe’ passion for sport as he told us she currently works for the Hampshire FA.

We offer congratulations to them both and wish them every future happiness together.

On the back of coverage in the Leamington Courier in June of the College's Golden Jubilee celebrations a number of past pupils and those connected with the College were prompted to make contact once again. One such person was Patrick Garrett who sent this evocative message to the OPs.

Way back in 1955 when the Benedictine nuns were in residence I was nine and living in Lanarkshire with my family, six of us children and my Mum and Dad. The future did not look bright for us as we grew up with little chance of jobs as we left school so my parents decided to move to that seemingly magic place called England.

Dad who was a farmer and my mother went to England and that even more magical place called Princethorpe to see the Reverend Mother who ran a girls school to get a job on the Priory Farm.

So it came to pass late on 5th November 1955 after an eight hour train ride we stepped onto Rugby Station and was met by a very small bus. We loaded our few belongings one collie and a pet rabbit and were delivered to a small two bedroom cottage on the Oxford Road. A warm welcoming little house withe a fire burning in the hearth and lovely neighbours who had food prepared and who called us not "Wains" but Ducks!

Us younger ones went to school in the village where the head was a nun from a different order (Sisters of Mercy I think) called Sister Clare. I learned basic Latin and served as an altar boy in the Priory Church designed by Pugin that served as our parish church in the Wappenbury parish.

I can never remember a happier time of my life than the few years I spent in Princethorpe, even though the toilet was at the bottom of the garden and all the cottages used the same communal tap down the gardens. To be fair that was luxury compared to some of the places we lived in in Scotland. As we grew up four boys and two girls the house proved too small so we moved to another farm in Dunchurch.

In what seemed like many years later in 1965 when I worked at a removal firm called Sam Robbins I was involved in moving the Nuns out of the Priory. I remember that it seemed ghostly and haunted so I was glad when the MSCs took over and breathed new life into the school.

50 years where has that all gone!

Patrick is now a retired HGV driver and lives in Bilton, Rugby with Patricia, his wife of 47 years.

A huge congratulations to all our OPs who have recently completed university courses and degrees. It’s been great hearing of your achievements and here’s a snapshot of just some of this summer’s success from Princethorpe’s 2010 – 2013 leavers:

Anthony Watters
Left Princethorpe 2010

Anthony headed to Northumbria University to study for a BSc in IT Management for Business. He graduated this summer with a 2:1 and is currently working as a Graduate SAP Consultant at Capgemini, an IT Consultancy Firm.

Holly Gollop
Left Princethorpe 2012

Holly completed her degree this summer and will graduate with a First in Law from the University of Bournemouth in November. You may remember we featured Holly’s success in securing a £10,000 Scholarship to continue her Law studies at the University of Law in our last OP’s update. She’s already started and although challenging, she’s sure it will be worth it!

Lizzie Hester
Left Princethorpe 2012

Lizzie studied English at Queen Mary University of London graduating with a First this summer. She is currently working as a Teaching Assistant here at Princethorpe and is planning to travel and volunteer in Australia and Sri Lanka in the New Year. Following in her family’s footsteps, Lizzie is hoping to become an English Teacher and will start her PGCE next September! 

Hannah Little
Left Princethorpe 2012

Since leaving Princethorpe, Hannah has gained a 2:1 degree in Law from the University of Hertfordshire, graduating this summer. She is currently working as a Client Service Administrator for the FA92 Group supporting Financial and Mortgage Advisors.

Chris Bond
Left Princethorpe 2013

Chris graduated this summer from the University of Exeter securing a first MMath Mathematics degree (not a typo - a maths degree with inclusive masters). In November, Chris starts as a Graduate Engineer with Roke, who are based in Hampshire.

Fergus Preston
Left Princethorpe 2013

Fergus studied Medicinal Chemistry at Nottingham Trent University, graduating with a 2:1 and this summer was awarded an MSc with Merit in Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Discovery from the University of Birmingham. Fergus is now applying for PhD studentships in organic/medicinal chemistry to commence next year.

Good luck to all with your next steps and congratulations to any we haven’t mentioned! Please click the image gallery to check out our recent graduates.

A huge congratulations to all our OPs who have recently completed university courses and degrees. It’s been great hearing of your achievements and here’s a snapshot of just some of this summer’s success from Princethorpe’s 2014 leavers:

Hannah Gallagher
Left Princethorpe 2014

Hannah studied Psychology with Criminology at Nottingham Trent University (NTU), graduating with a 2:1 this summer and now moves on to a Master’s in Criminology at NTU.

Charlotte Moulding
Left Princethorpe 2014

Charlotte went to Northampton University to study Children's Nursing and finished her degree this summer. Awarded a 2:1, she will graduate in February 2018 and has just started her first job as a Registered Paediatric Nurse at Walsgrave Hospital.

Nico Parfitt
Left Princethorpe 2014

After Princethorpe, Nico studied English Literature at Kings College London, graduating with a First this summer. He is currently taking some time out in Germany, doing a language course and weighing up whether to continue his studies, either in England or Germany, or find a job, preferably in publishing.

Lucy Stanton
Left Princethorpe 2014

Lucy studied at the University of Warwick and this summer graduated with a 2:1 in Sociology. As of 21 September, she has just started a full time job as a Marketing Assistant for Listers Group.  

Good luck to all with your next steps and congratulations to any we haven’t mentioned! Please click the image gallery to check out or recent graduates.

Helen Fitchett has reached the three month mark in her year working at Downlands College, Toowoomba, Queensland as a Teaching Assistant. Downlands is a fellow MSC school and past students from the College are now working at Princethorpe, in a form of exchange.

She comments, "So far it has been a term of experiences. I’ve learnt a huge amount about Australian culture; I now know what a ‘ranga’ is and I have been repeatedly warned about the notorious deadly snakes they have here."

Working as a boarding assistant she has created a great rapport with the Grade 5-9 girls whom she assists looking after. "The girls come from various backgrounds and different situations" she continues, "it has been a pleasure to work with them although the differences can sometimes be difficult to deal with. It has made me appreciate just how big Australia is."

At Downlands College Helen has been lucky enough to grab the role of Stage Manager of their upcoming musical ‘Crazy For You’ (May 2018), having studied Theatre Practice at University she is excited to get stuck into it.

Helen says, "The staff here are absolutely lovely and are supportive no matter how you’re feeling. It was pretty difficult to adjust at first as I went straight from finishing university to a completely new experience, but I’ve been supported by the staff here and the staff at Princethorpe."

Outside Downlands, Helen has just finished a two week East Coast Trip from Cairns back to Toowoomba. She visited Green Island, the Daintree Rainforest, the Whitsundays, Airlie Beach, Fraser Island, Mount Tambourine and Rainbow Beach.  It was an amazing two week backpacker trip that she really enjoyed.

It seems Australia, that Helen is also Crazy For You as she says, "I’m already planning my adventures for the eight week summer holidays. I’d recommend anyone visiting Australia not to miss Whitehaven Beach and Fraser Island. Australia is huge, you need the whole year just to get through it, it can be difficult to travel at times but it’s so worth it.

We can't wait to hear more about her adventures over her year down under.

Bethany Smith was at Princethorpe from Year 7 all the way through to Upper Sixth, leaving in 2013. After her time at Princethorpe she headed to Brighton University to study Biological Sciences and graduated this summer with First Class Honours.

Following her degree success, Bethany was awarded the Royal Society of Biology Award for Best Performing Graduate and has subsequently been elected as an Associate Member of the Royal Society of Biology.

She is currently a Research Assistant Intern with the Seawatch Foundation in New Quay, Wales, and will be moving to Australia in January 2018 to study for a Master’s in Marine Biology and Ecology at James Cook University. After her Master’s, she is hoping to progress onto a PhD.

Good luck Bethany, we can’t wait to hear about your time in Australia!

Thanks to Daniel Lane for getting in touch.  Daniel was a pupil at Princethorpe from 2006 – 2013 and then ‘swapped sides’ staying on at the College to gain valuable work experience as Teaching Assistant for a year. 

Since then he has been at the University of Exeter reading Economics and Finance and we were delighted to hear that he graduated with a 2:1 this July.

Over the summer he worked as a summer intern at a firm of accountants - a placement he secured thanks to Peter Rollason and the ever reliable OPs network!

Three years as a student wasn’t quite enough for Daniel so he is now back down at Exeter again this time studying for an MSc in Financial Economics.

Daniel comments “I’m only two weeks into my new course but so far it’s enjoyable and a good challenge.  I’m already applying for graduate roles at professional services firms as I would like to secure an ACA training contract to start next autumn.”

OP Murray Wells spent his university summer break helping out on one of the most exciting projects in British engineering - the Bloodhound land speed record team.

The Bloodhound SSC project is building a supersonic car at its Avonmouth workshop in a bid to break the land speed record and reach 1,000mph. The project aims to inspire the next generation to enjoy, explore and get involved in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The 21-year-old from Long Itchington, Warwickshire, is now back at the University of Hertfordshire while the car is in Newquay, Cornwall, for a month of testing.

To watch Murray's experiences which were covered by the BBC click on this link to the BBC Website.

News has reached us that recent OP Bethan Ellis clinched a gold medal at the 2017 School Games Finals this summer.

Held at Loughborough University over four days from 31 August – 3 September, the School Games sees each of the home nations come face-to-face across twelve team and individual sports for young people aged 15-18. The sports range from Athletics to Hockey and Swimming to Wheelchair Basketball.

Bethan represented England at Cricket and takes up the story;

“The England and Wales Cricket Board selected 39 students and split us across three teams with us all playing against each other once. Players were selected from performance throughout the season and the work we’ve done all year in our Regional Development Centres (RDC) – mine is based at Loughborough. Our team went straight through to the final as we won both our initial matches and we won the final meaning we won the whole thing!”

Going for gold isn’t an unusual occurrence for Bethan as last year, she also scooped a gold medal at the School Games representing England at Hockey. She continues;

“The School Games was a really good experience. To take part in a multi-sport event and to live on the site on campus for the event was great. We were able to watch and speak to athletes from different sports which was really nice and different to normal competitions. I had a good idea of what to expect from competing last year but it was great to get to experience it all again.”

Having left Princethorpe this summer, Bethan is now studying Sports Science at the University of Birmingham. She continues to train and play at Warwickshire CCC with the senior squad and with the Loughborough RDC.

Pictured is Bethan (left) with fellow School Games Cricket and Hockey teammate Sarah Glenn. 

Many congratulations to OP Caroline Hay, a pupil at Princethorpe from 2007 – 2014, who graduated this summer with a 2.1 in Geography from Portsmouth University.

On finishing university Caroline completed a six-week placement with local firm Dennis Eagle in their Sales and Marketing department before her geography wanderlust took her off around the world.

She went on a fundraising walk to Machu Picchu in Peru with University friends in aid of the charity ‘Action against Hunger’ and stayed on in South America to explore Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. She is currently travelling in Australia and will shortly go on to New Zealand before returning to the UK in early December.

Comments Caroline, “The Iguaza Falls that border Brazil and Argentina were absolutely amazing” she continues, “When I return to the UK I will be looking for a job, hopefully one that uses my geography skills, like an environmental or coastal town planning role.”

Thanks to Melvin Glynn for forwarding us news of the annual Upper Sixth of 1975 Get Together.  This year's event took place at the Feng Shang Chinese Restaurant near London's Regent's Park.

The gang pictured had a great meal, caught up on old times at Princethorpe and had a lot of laughs!

From left to right standing Mark Neal and Dominic Flynn, sitting down Peter Hurst, Phil Clements, Melvin Glynn, P.J. McCormack, Martin Holland and Andrew Kirwin.

I left Princethorpe in 2014. I took a gap year as I was unsure what to do with my life, I volunteered at Bilton Grange as a teaching assistant for the Michaelmas Term, I then spent time travelling in Nepal.

I started studying a Disaster Management BSc at Coventry University in 2015. I have completed my first two years of study and for my placement year I undertook an internship in Operations and Development at Team Rubicon UK.

Team Rubicon unites the skills and experiences of military veterans with first responders and “kickass civilians” to rapidly deploy emergency response teams in the UK and around the world.

On Wednesday 6 September, TR decided to respond to the devastation that Hurricane Irma left. TR volunteers were on the ground in the Caribbean within 48 hours of Hurricane Irma making landfall. TR sent light liaison and assessment teams to the British Virgin Islands, Antigua and Barbuda, Turks and Caicos and Barbados. TR are now assisting communities to recover and rebuild in the aftermath of the Hurricanes Irma and Maria that have devastated the region.

I deployed to the British Virgin Islands on Tuesday 19 September on a two-week deployment to do as much work as possible to help the local population. We cleared out the debris and rubbish at three different schools, an old people’s home and a fire station, we were lucky enough to be allowed to stay at one of the schools we were helping at. It was a priority to the local population we encountered to get their kids back into education. We undertook a lot of mucking out and construction work. The level of destruction that we encountered was unlike anything I have ever seen no building escaped without damage. There were no trees that had leaves, it was shocking to witness. However, the most incredible thing that I witnessed was the resilience of the local population and their optimism that they showed about their future. They were incredibly kind to us and very grateful we were there and we were privileged to have been able to help in any way that we could.

If you would like to donate to support Team Rubicon's work it would be very much appreciated and it will enable us to continue to be able to do work to help as many people as possible.

Click here to donate to the appeal.

We were delighted to recently hear from former RS Teacher Ed Smith who had some ‘small world’ news to share with us earlier this month.

Ed, who left Princethorpe in 2012, is now living and working in Beijing at Harrow International School as a Housemaster, teaching IGCSE and A-level History. After his time here in Warwickshire, he headed to the English School of Kyrenia where he taught IB for three years before moving to Beijing in 2015. Ed comments;

“I regularly think back to my time at Princethorpe which was a wonderful place to teach. Last year I was happy to show former students Andrew Cooper and Lottie Brown around Beijing and this year, very surprised to meet former student Nadine Le Cornu in Shanghai where she is now teaching!”

Former Princethorpe student Nadine, who left in 2008, gained a BSc from the University of Reading in Human and Physical Geography and completed her PGCE at the University of Southampton. She continues her story;

“After completing my PGCE, I remained in Southampton for four years working at Redbridge Community School and in 2016, I made the move to the Far East joining The British International School Shanghai Puxi. Initially taking up the post of Geography Teacher in August 2016, this year, I became Head of Geography. It’s all busy busy but I’m loving living abroad and being able to travel.”

It’s great to be able to find out what everyone is up to so if you have an update to share or even a ‘small world’ story like Ed and Nadine, please do let us know!

OP Matt Parsons' alternative rock band Jacklines are set to headline Birmingham's o2 Institute a week today, Friday 13 October!

The band formed back in 2013 when Matt teamed up with James Cooper (friend of OP Paul Fuller – they actually met on Paul’s stag-do). The pair started jamming and then met drummer Rudolph Gucci Suc, who then introduced them to bassist Laszlo Gacsi.

Comments, Matt, "We are headlining Birmingham o2 Institute on Friday 13th October which will mark the release of our second EP which is called ‘A World Divided’. The cover of which was designed by talented OP Tom Barnes. After the gig we are heading out to do a mini tour of Slovakia (Rudolph’s home) for a week."

Tickets for the show are available on Ticketmaster (search for Jacklines) and are only £7. There will be several support bands. Doors open at 18:30 but Jacklines will be on stage at approx. 21:00.

Jacklines performed on the main stage at Princefest last year and we knew they were set for great things!

https://www.jacklines.com/

When it comes to having fun and finding new things to do former parents and best friends Loretta Curtis and Di Downes certainly know how.

Last year, just for a lark, they filled in a form for the television programme Bargain Hunt never expecting much to come of the application. Well, several months later Loretta received a phone call from a researcher at the BBC offering Di and herself a telephone interview. Not only did they pass that first round but they were also then invited to an audition at a hotel in Warwick.

A few days later Loretta and Di received emails to say that the producer of the programme would be delighted to offer them the opportunity to come and film the ‘buying’ stage of Bargain Hunt in Hungerford. Well, never being a pair to turn down a chance of some entertainment off they went to the town for the filming. Antiques expert, Richard Madley, was on hand to offer advice and a valuation of the items that Di and Loretta were considering. What a time they had meeting lots of the crew and not forgetting their opponents, Clint and Matthew, a great day was had by all the teams. A few weeks later it was the auction at Bigwoods Auction House in Stratford upon Avon. Another brilliant day – food and refreshments provided and lots of conversation between all the teams that were in action for the programme.

Di and Loretta are not letting on whether they won or not, made any money or not, and they are yet to find out when their programme will be televised but safe to say these two never miss a chance for some fun!