Old Princethorpians

At the end of term, a special milestone event took place at the College when we celebrated Alex Darkes’ 50 Golden Princethorpe Years.

Alex is our very own ‘Mr Princethorpe’ and this summer he celebrated his 50th Princethorpe anniversary, seven years as a pupil (Class of 1975) and 43 years as a member of staff, most recently as Foundation Assistant Head.

Family, trustees, former and current colleagues, former and fellow pupils and friends from his many and varied involvements with the College and wider Foundation gathered in the Quad for a drinks and canapes reception in Alex’s honour.

Headmaster, Ed Hester, thanked Alex for his extraordinary dedication and commitment to the College over the years and amused the gathered throng with excerpts from Alex’s long and distinguished personnel record. There really doesn’t seem to have been any aspect of College life that he has not been a key part of, from teaching and being a form tutor, to marketing, admissions, OPs and the buses. He has been at the very heart of activities such as photography club, equestrian events, the Arts Society and the popular annual Motoring Festival, played a key role in mergers and is the mastermind behind all the Foundation’s major building projects including the new Science Centre. He has even co-written a book about the history of the College.

A delighted Alex remembered fondly the day he first stepped over the threshold at Princethorpe, his school days and how Fr Bill Clarkson MSC came to offer him a job over afternoon tea all those years ago. He recalled his time at the chalkface and memorable moments over his teaching career including school trips with the languages department. He paid special mention to the work of the MSCs and their ethos that has been a cornerstone to Princethorpe life and remained such a constant over the years. He concluded by reminding a few guests that they still owed him Physics homework, thanked everyone for coming and said what a pleasure it had been to be part of the Princethorpe story for so long.

Ed then presented Alex with a specially commissioned commemorative picture depicting him and his experiences at the College.

We thank Alex for all he has done and continues to do for the College and Foundation and the instrumental part he has played in its success.

Earlier this year, the 10-episode first series of the Sister Boniface Mysteries premiered on BritBox, before being released in the UK on the UKTV Drama channel. It was such a success that that the show has been renewed for a second series.

Season 2 has been under production, and we were delighted to welcome the film crew back to Princethorpe College over the summer holidays.

The official synopsis for Season 2 reads: “Sister Boniface is back in the habit, returning as the Great Slaughter Constabulary’s crime-solving secret weapon. Countryside criminals should start saying their Hail Marys, as Boniface’s faith in forensics is only rivalled by her passion for investigation.

“This series, the sister will force a murderer into checkmate at a chess tournament, take a spin through a pirate radio station, and defend her reputation as the conviction of her greatest adversary, The Pear Tree Poisoner, comes into question.”

Season 2 will premiere in the US in 2023 once again exclusively on BritBox. As with the first season, it’s believed the new episodes will also air in the UK on the Drama channel.

We will keep you all posted!

Thanks to the hard work of the construction team and plenty of fine weather, work on Princethorpe’s new Science Centre continues to make great progress. The project has now reached week 30 of the build, so it is halfway through.

The College’s new £8 million Science Centre is situated at the top of The Lime Walk. Due to officially open in September 2023, the 10 teaching laboratories will provide state of the art science facilities for the next generation of pupils to come through our doors.

Work started back in mid-February, and by the end of the Trinity Term the steel framework was in place. Since then, Trendgrey Construction Limited’s dedication has helped the build make significant progress. A lot of the super structure brick work is now complete, particularly at the west end. Inside on the ground floor, the beam and block floor is laid and the partition walls are going up. The drainage works are finished, and the first fix of the electrical and mechanical works is underway. The rafters for the main roof have been installed, the roof trusses craned in and the focus now is getting the building watertight.

In the first few weeks of term, pupils were asked for their help in collating material for a time capsule. Last week the time capsule was buried in the entrance hall of the new building. It includes interesting artefacts, objects and articles that reflect modern day life, along with letters to the future from Year 7 pupils. The location of the capsule has been registered with The International Time Capsule Society to be opened in 50 years.

As you can see in this time lapse clip, it’s all very exciting for us all here at Princethorpe!

https://vimeo.com/745816313/91a081ff71

At the end of the Trinity Term it was lovely to have a short event after school to celebrate and thank our longstanding members of staff as well as those leaving the College for pastures new.

Long service awards were made to Peripatetic Organ and Piano Teacher Adrian Moore (30 years) and Paul Hubball, Head of Art and Carmel Hopkins, Headmaster’s PA and Office Manager, both with 20 years of service.

Moving on this year were Teaching Assistants, Imo Butler, James Walker, Elyse Hyland and Jess Frogley, Rob Rollason, Trainee Teacher, Lewis Clarke, PE and Games Teacher, Becky Forde, English Teacher, Caroline Houghton, Pastoral Secretary, Christina Baxter, Mathematics Teacher, Kat Brittain, Learning Support Assistant, Becky Underhill, Assistant to the Director of Studies, Louise Harrison, Head of Academic PE and Gill Price, Buses and Special Projects Officer who was retiring after 21 years.

Thank you and best wishes to them all.

Princethorpe College is celebrating another year of excellent exam results.

Out of a cohort of 127 students who completed their A-levels, BTEC and Extended Project Qualification this year, 45% of all A-level grades achieved were A* or A with overall 95% of grades at A* to C. Impressively, 34 high-flyers achieved three or more A*or A grades; special mention to Freya Caine, Sebastian Dibb, Caitlin Mason, Ben Scares and Ciaran Smith who all achieved four A*s.

At GCSE Princethorpe pupils also performed well, from a cohort of 127 pupils over half (54%) of all entries received the coveted 9, 8 or 7 grades and 39 Year 11 pupils achieved eight or more 9, 8 or 7 grades. There were many exceptional personal achievements, with stand-out performances from Oliver Llewellyn, Dina Parmenter, Amy Hogg, Joe Newborough, Harry Kelly and Daisy Southgate, who all achieved an outstanding seven or more grade 9s.

Ed Hester, Headmaster, commented, "We are delighted with the excellent results our Sixth Form students and Year 11 pupils have achieved against a backdrop of unprecedented challenges over the past two years. Their results reflect their hard work and perseverance, all credit goes to our pupils and staff for their commitment, collaboration and hard work."

He continued, "We are proud of their academic achievements, but all these pupils have many other fine qualities: kindness, respect and a strong sense of right and wrong, which will be tremendously important for them as they move on to the next phase of their lives. We congratulate them all on their well-deserved success."

Princethorpe College received the highest possible ratings across all criteria from the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) following an inspection in April 2022. The report, which was published in June, consists of two elements, a focused compliance inspection, encompassing statutory standards, and an educational quality inspection evaluating the achievements of pupils, including academic performance and their personal development.

Headmaster, Ed Hester, comments “We are delighted with the report, it is a ringing endorsement for everything we do here at Princethorpe and reflects a huge team effort.

He continues, “Pupil achievement and personal development are the two key benchmarks for any successful school and being graded as excellent in both of these broad areas demonstrates the incredible talent, dedication and professionalism of our staff, the outstanding attitude and approach of our pupils and the support of our parents.”

During the inspection, the ISI inspectors observed that, ‘Pupils have very positive attitudes towards their work and are highly focused in lessons’, that they ‘achieve a high level of results, exceeding predictions at every level’ and they ‘benefit significantly from an atmosphere in school which is positive and one where learning and trying one’s best are celebrated’.

Referencing the extensive co-curricular programme, the inspectors commented that ‘pupils embrace wholeheartedly the many opportunities to participate in a myriad of activities and many enjoy substantial success’ and are able to ‘find their own unique passions and relish taking part in them, broadening their perspective on life’.

Pupils’ personal development was also judged as ‘excellent’ with inspectors recognising that ‘pupils have a strong sense of moral responsibility, encouraged by an environment in which there are the key rules of Be Kind and Do Your Best’. The vertical tutoring system was mentioned with older pupils described as ‘excellent ambassadors and role models serving as examples that younger pupils aspire to’. Looking outwards to the wider world the inspectors found that pupils were ‘active in promoting an environmental awareness, reflected in their Planet Princethorpe project’ and that ‘the extensive range of charity work provides a social compass which guides all pupils in their thinking’.

The ISI Inspectors also noted feedback from parents that, ‘commented positively on the strength of the children’s learning and how this reflected the commitment of the teaching and the direction provided by the school’s leaders and trustees’.

Mr Hester concludes, “At Princethorpe our aim is to create a caring and supportive environment where pupils can develop to become well-educated, articulate young people, ready to take their place in society with a true sense of values and purpose. I am delighted that the ISI Inspectors have so comprehensively recognised this in their report.”

The ISI is the Government-approved body responsible for the inspection of independent schools and they consider every aspect of the provision. A copy of the full report is available from the ISI or the Princethorpe College website here.

After delays due to COVID and subsequent aborted attempts, last week we finally managed to take a photograph of the whole school. The Princethorpe family was recorded for posterity, a moment in time, that will always remembered. The photograph will, once produced, be hung in the corridor adjacent to the Chapel, alongside the others from over the years.

Of course, the organisation of such a mass event requires military precision, exemplary behaviour and a prayer for fair weather. Sadly Wednesday 5 October dawned windy and wet but the gathering of nearly 1000 souls, as pupils, teachers and support staff assembled, was going ahead whatever the weather and all went smoothly and sensibly.

Then just before the heavens opened there was time for - smiles please – and click, and we were done. Another chapter in Princethorpe’s long history successfully recorded.

Enjoy a time lapse of the whole school photo on our Facebook page here.

There is nothing like a landscape shot to engage our alumni community. We know you can never get enough and whatever the weather, we like to get outside with a camera to capture the seasons as they pass.

After a long hot and dry summer, autumn is slowly coming upon us. The air is colder in the mornings, the leaves are starting to turn and fall, and the first storms have send pupils inside for wet break.

This week we have made the most of the Indian summer to capture some early autumn images. We will be sure to share more when the leaves really reach their best.

Take a look at the gallery, we hope it brings back memories of your time here at Princethorpe.

Planning has commenced for the College's biennial Careers Fair 2023 which will provide a ‘one stop careers shop’ for pupils in Year 10 through to Upper Sixth. The event will return to its in person format and will take place next year on the morning of Saturday 18 March.  

Comments Head of Careers, Jacqui Quinney, "We are always on the look out for Old Princethorpians, who have recently embarked on a new career or those who are more established and would be willing to share their experiences with our pupils.

Headmaster, Ed Hester adds, "We are really indebted to all the OPs who have volunteered their time and energy over the years to make our Careers Fairs a success for our Year 10 to Sixth Form pupils and their parents."

If you would be interesting in helping, please email jacquiquinney@princethorpe.co.uk.

Thinking of becoming a teacher? Then why not consider training with the Princethorpe Foundation.

Whether you are a new graduate or contemplating a career change, we have a wide range of opportunities available across the subjects including: Art & Design, Business Studies, Latin, English, Geography, History, Maths, MFL - French & Spanish, PE, Psychology, RE and at Primary.

Though our association with the Lion Alliance, we offer a year’s training as part of the School Direct scheme, leading to Qualified Teacher Status. Placements would be at Princethorpe or Crackley Hall and also at other schools within the Lion Alliance. Our training is supported by Warwick University, Birmingham City University, Coventry University and by our experienced mentors here at the Princethorpe Foundation.

You can preview the courses on offer here: https://www.gov.uk/find-postgraduate-teacher-training-courses by searching the database using the details: 1K1 – The Lion Alliance

Our Assistant Head for Teaching and Learning, Dr Liz Pyne is happy to offer advice about the different routes into teaching and what Princethorpe can offer you. Please email Dr Pyne at lizpyne@princethorpe.co.uk.

Further information about the Lion Alliance can be found at www.thelionalliance.co.uk.

Applications are through the DfE portal here: Apply for teacher training - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Courses available to preview from Tuesday 4 October and applications open Tuesday 11 October 2022.

Along with the rest of the nation, the whole Princethorpe Foundation community was saddened by the news of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II passing. The College community gathered together on the Friday after the news broke, out on the playground, to remember her and give thanks for her unstinting dedication and service to the country and her subjects over her remarkable 70-year reign.

John Barnstable from our Estates team took these striking photos of the Union flag at half mast in the mist. It was a poignant reflection of how we were all feeling.

On Wednesday 29 June, Princethorpe College said farewell to much loved peripatetic percussion teacher, Alan Wickett. Alan first joined the College some 17 years ago as our ‘second drum teacher’ when lessons on the drum kit really took off. He was soon called upon to take the lead teaching over three very full days – willingly driving across from the Welsh Borders to stay locally, just to foster Princethorpe pupils’ love of drumming. Alan chooses not to teach anywhere else; he is a gigging performer by trade.

Mrs Coulson remembers well the day Alan brought along his talented son for a whole day Drumming Workshop titled Don’t Stop The Beat, when Alan ‘filled’ the Clarkson Theatre (on the flat) with more drum kits than one could imagine would ever fit into two VW Touring Vans! Before proceeding to introduce the history of drumming to all years in school, taking it in turn to explain the journey of Drums and how they developed so very gradually to suit the mood and habit of the music of each period – one explaining with the other performing music from each genre on the ‘appropriate’ kit! For an amazing, and much appreciated finale, Alan encouraged those who took drum lessons, to try out the Vintage sets for themselves. Seeing pupils (and staff) learn so much, through such sensitive and knowledgeable practical teaching skills, was a joy to encounter and it was no surprise at all when his Teaching List grew rapidly over the next term.

Alan has decided to retreat from teaching Drums this summer; but will remain very much a forefront leader of swing and jazz drumming; he will continue to perform ‘live’ with his own Swing Band; recently recording extensively with Van Morrison and currently specialising in online Vintage Drum Tuition for connoisseur Drummers globally.

Many of you will have had cause to walk along the Music Corridor and be ‘deafened’ (we jest) by the pupils in their lessons. Alan has been a sensitive and amazing mentor to 100s of Princethorpe pupils since joining us in 2005!

We wish him all the very best. He will be much missed by us all. Long may he continue drumming and enjoying his music.

With thanks to Mrs Coulson for writing this tribute to Alan ‘Sticky’ Wickett (Sticky Wicket is genuinely his stage name).

Princethorpe College was once again delighted to host the 2022 National Schools and Riding Clubs Two-Day Event. Run in conjunction with Stoneleigh Riding Club, nearly 200 competitors took part in the two-day competition, over the weekend 28 to 29 May, the only ‘long format’ event open to schools and riding clubs in the UK. It included dressage and show-jumping on the Saturday and roads and tracks, steeplechase and cross-country on the Sunday.

This was the eighth year the College has hosted the event on the Princethorpe estate and the course looked magnificent against the backdrop of the Princethorpe Tower. Returning once again and causing much excitement was the challenging permanent cross-country water jump generously built by one of the event’s main sponsors, The Wigley Group. As well as being a fantastic enhancement to the course, the deep pools within the water jump are also used by pupils year-round supporting environmental and wildlife curriculum studies.

The competition takes a huge amount of organisation, so our thanks go to the school staff and Stoneleigh Riding Club who, together with an army of volunteers, ensured the event was such a success.

Representing the College in the 80cm class were Rosie Moreton on Mountain who finished 4th overall and was awarded the ISA Gold medal, Grace Paybody on Extravagant Edition, who took the ISA Silver medal, Jess Hedgecock on Ballylee Tower and Daisymay McMurdo on Rise Up. Jess also had a second ride in the class on Miss Lucy and it was great to see Crackley Hall’s Jasmine Staveley competing on her pony Honey B. The 80cm team took the title in the ISA team competition and finished in third place overall in the National Schools event.

In the 90cm class Rosie Moreton rode Ballyrush Harry, Sammie Borland competed on Condor Goaviar, Lottie Paybody on Laragh Cracker and Claudia Newman on Annaghbay Storm. A super effort from them all saw the team finish in first place overall in both the National Schools and ISA competitions.

Riding in the 100cm class was Robyn Field on Two Tone Tilly, Robyn finished in 4th place overall and claimed the ISA Silver medal.

Foundation Assistant Head, Alex Darkes, Princethorpe’s equestrian event organiser, said, “The College was delighted to welcome school and riding club competitors to the Princethorpe estate for this year’s two-day event. It was great to see such a strong presence of school participants, many of whom had travelled long distances to take part in the competition. Our congratulations go to Tarporley School who took The Wigley Cup. The water jump was an exciting attraction in the cross-country course, and we enjoyed seeing competitors tackle it enthusiastically. Our thanks go to members of Stoneleigh Riding Club, the events key sponsors The Wigley Group and Newton LDP, and our Grounds and Estates Teams and all the volunteers, without whom we would have been unable to stage such a busy event.”

Princethorpe’s Upper Sixth celebrated the end of the examination season and their time at Princethorpe with a beautiful Thanksgiving Eucharist and a fabulous farewell Ball. It was one last chance for them to gather together to reminisce over their time at the College, the friends they have made and the many adventures they have had along the way.

Parents and students enjoyed a moving Eucharist service on Tuesday 28 June with the Upper Sixth Ball following one day later at the beautiful and historical Coombe Abbey. The students smartly attired in black tie and ball gowns enjoyed a sparkling reception, followed by a delicious sit-down dinner, much anticipated speeches and then dancing until dark.

It was a joyous occasion with lots of laughter, shared memories and plans for the future. Head of Sixth Form, Ben Collie said, “We wish all the Upper Sixth the very best as they move on from Princethorpe. We very much hope that they all keep in touch and come back to tell their teachers and future pupils all about their fascinating endeavours and achievements. They have been a delightful year group, have worked hard and we are confident they will be rewarded with success when the A-level results are published in August.”

Photos from the Sixth Form Leavers' Ball are now available on Princethorpe Connect.

With just four weeks to go now, the countdown to the College's Entrance Exams for admission in September 2023 is well underway. This year the exams for Year 7 to 10 entry will take place on Saturday 5 November from 9.30am to 3.30pm.

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

Comments Melanie Butler, Assistant Head, Marketing, Admissions and Communications, "Interest is at an all time high, we had a very busy Open Morning and since then registrations have just not stopped coming in. Once again we have had lots of interest from Old Princethorpians who are keen for their children to follow in their footsteps. The results of the examinations will 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 for 2024 and beyond click here to visit our Admissions Update newsletter or call the Registrars on 01926 634201/262/297 or email admissions@princethorpe.co.uk.