Old Princethorpians

We have great pleasure in unveiling the OPs' events calendar for 2024 - 2025.

This year's calendar features all our regular favourites including the upcoming OPs Pre-Drinks aimed at the leavers of 2024 and their parents at Prize Giving on Friday 22 November.

Our OPs Local Meet returns to Leamington, this time at The Micro Pug, 66-68 Clemens Street, on Friday 7 March, and the annual Summer Supper Reunion takes place at the College on Friday 27 June, celebrating the leavers of 1975, 1985, 1995, 2005 and 2015, although leavers of other years are also most welcome.

Don't forget our Bluebells and Brunch on Saturday 10 May, the perfect opportunity to walk round the iconic Mile Walk with the family after enjoying a tasty spread.

Following discussions with the OPs Committee it has been agreed that from January 2025, for certain events where significant hospitality is provided, we will require a small donation in support of bursaries* upon booking. Please refer to the individual event listings on Princethorpe Connect for more details.

All OPs, past parents and staff are welcome to participate in any or all of the events. Visit Princethorpe Connect, our online alumni community, to register and book onto events.

We're looking forward to another fabulous year.

*Bursaries are vital in providing financial support to pupils who demonstrate both academic promise and financial need. By fostering an inclusive educational environment, these bursaries ensure that every pupil has the opportunity to thrive and succeed. Click here for more details.

Come and join the fun every Wednesday during term time from 10.30am to 11.45am for just £2.50 per family!

We know that many of our alumni now have little ones of their own. All are welcome at Stay 'n' Play, our friendly toddler group, aimed at families with children aged 0 to four years at Crackley Hall School and Little Crackers Nursery in Kenilworth. 

We have got some exciting activities and events lined up, so there is plenty to keep you and your little one busy and entertained.

Little Crackers Stay 'n' Play will return from Wednesday 11 September 2024 and will run until Wednesday 11 December 2024. Please note there will be no Stay 'n' Play on Wednesday 23 and 30 October 2024 as it is half-term.

Special Events in the Michaelmas Term:

• Forest Fun - Wednesday 9 October
  Jump in some puddles, play in our mud kitchen and hunt for some bugs in our Forest School session. 
  
  
• Look Inside Nursery - Wednesday 13 November
  For this session you'll be able to play with all the toys and explore all the facilities our nursery has to offer. 
  
  
• Christmas Party - Wednesday 11 December
  Join Father Christmas and his helpers in our annual Christmas party. Lots of games and treats to be had!

To find out more and to see all our upcoming visiting activities and special events click here

Wednesday 16 October 2024 - 6.30pm to 9.00pm

For those alumni with children considering their post 16 options, the College is holding a Sixth Form Open Evening on Wednesday 16 October 2024 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 and BTEC subject information with advice provided by the Heads of Departments and general information on the Sixth Form experience at Princethorpe.

It will include brief talks from Headmaster, Grove du Toit, Ben Collie, Head of Sixth Form, Michael Spencer, Deputy Head - Academic and some current members of the Sixth Form in the Clarkson Theatre.

External candidates are very welcome at the event, so please do help spread the word. External candidates should register here and if they have any questions should contact the Admissions Team via email at admissions@princethorpe.co.uk or call 01926 634201.

Friday 22 November 2024 - 6.00pm to 6.45pm (OP Pre-Drinks) and 7.00pm to 9.00pm Prize Giving Ceremony

This year's Prize Giving will be held on Friday 22 November in the Butterworth Hall at Warwick Arts Centre, beginning at 7.00pm.

Traditionally, the vast majority of last year’s Upper Sixth return to collect their A-level examination certificates. Most will have embarked on their first year at university, apprenticeship, employment or gap year and this is an opportunity for the Class of 2024 to catch up.

The OPs Committee hosts a special pre-ceremony Drinks Reception in the Helen Martin Studio, for the Upper Sixth leavers, their parents and other invited guests.

All of last year's Upper Sixth and their parents will shortly receive their invitations with instructions on how to book their tickets on Eventbrite.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Sunday 1 December 2024 - 2.00pm to 4.30pm

The College's annual PTA Christmas Fair will take place on Sunday 1 December from 2.00pm to 4.30pm.

As always, you can look forward to exploring an array of stalls full of gift ideas, games and activities, with festive music and refreshments to entertain and replenish you. Plus, of course, Santa will be returning to receive visitors in his grotto!

In addition to all this, OPs are warmly invited to come and say hello to the Alumni and Development Team on our OP Stall. We would love to catch up with you, and as a little extra incentive we will be offering a free legendary Princethorpe Cookie to the first 50 OPs who visit us! Our merchandise will also be available to purchase, to help you fill your Christmas stockings!

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

This is a lovely opportunity for the whole family to visit the College at a weekend and we hope to see you there.

Tuesday 24 December 2024 - 5.00pm and 9.00pm

Fr Teddy O’Brien MSC would like to invite all Old Princethorpians to either of the celebrations of Mass on Christmas Eve, Tuesday 24 December 2024, in the College Chapel.

The Mass at 5.00pm - the Family Mass- is specifically for families with children.

The First Mass of Christmas will be celebrated at 9.00pm. Please note there is no midnight Mass.

These celebrations will offer Old Princethorpians the chance to get together in familiar surroundings; it is a great opportunity to return to the College.

Friday 7 March 2025 - The Micro Pug, Clemens Street, Leamington Spa - 6.00pm to 10.30pm

Our popular OPs Local Meet returns to Leamington on Friday 7 March at the quirky venue of The Micro Pug, 66-68 Clemens Street, CV31 2DN.

The evening will commence from 6.00pm, and upon arrival guests will be directed through the Smeg fridge door which leads down to the Cellar, our private function room for the evening. There will be a welcome Drink or two courtesy of the OPs Committee, and as guests settle into an evening of relaxed conversation and reminiscing, a delicious buffet will be provided along with dedicated bar service by the venue's friendly staff.

If you would like to attend, please click here to register. We will require a small donation in support of bursaries* upon booking, with a concession for students and Over 65s. Booking for this event closes on Friday 28 February.

Alumni of all our Foundation schools, along with partners and friends, are warmly invited to join us for this popular occasion. It is a relaxed evening, where past pupils, parents and staff can gather together and enjoy catching up and sharing memories.

We are hopeful for a really good turnout this year, of OPs from across the decades, plus a few former members of staff to aid in the reminiscence.

Please indicate any special dietary requirements when you sign up to help us cater accordingly.

We look forward to seeing you there!

*Bursaries are vital in providing financial support to pupils who demonstrate both academic promise and financial need. By fostering an inclusive educational environment, these bursaries ensure that every pupil has the opportunity to thrive and succeed. Click here for more details.

The Foundation's two prep schools are opening their doors in March 2025 for their Spring Open Mornings. If you are looking for a Reception place for September 2025 or beyond why not come and have a look around? 

Crackley Hall School Open Morning - Saturday 8 March 2025 - Click here to book

Crescent School Open Morning - Saturday 15 March 2025 - Click here to book

Can't wait that long? Both schools offer personal tours with the Headmaster where you can chat to the Heads one-to-one and see the school in action. Click the links below to arrange a personal tour at the relevant school. 

Crackley Hall School, Kenilworth - Personal Tour

Crescent School, Bilton Rugby - Personal Tour

The early bird deadline to apply for Reception 2025 is Friday 18 October 2024. 

Please note we have been considerably oversubscribed for Reception places over recent years and this year we have already seen good levels of interest in Reception at both schools for September 2025. Therefore, it is possible that all Reception places will be filled at the Early Bird deadline stage, though on occasion places become available later and are offered to the waiting group.

To find out more about either school please click the links below:

Crackley Hall School

Crescent School

Thursday 13 March 2025 - 10.30am - 12.30pm 

The College's Spring Open Morning will give prospective families a chance to visit the school on a normal working day, with Year 8 and 9 pupils acting as tour guides. This is the perfect opportunity for those looking to join the College in September 2026. Light refreshments will be available.

Please do put the date in your diary and spread the word amongst friends and family, all are very welcome!