Admissions Update

The admissions deadline for acceptance of places for September 2018 entry to the College is fast approaching and a good number of acceptances have been coming in over the last few weeks. Those parents wishing to accept a place need to send their signed confirmation and £300 deposit back to Mrs Vanessa Rooney, the Registrar, by Monday 5 March 2018 please, to secure the place. The College is only able to guarantee places which are accepted by the above deadline date.

A receipt will be issued to you after we have received your confirmation of acceptance and a detailed joining pack will follow in the Easter holidays.

Latest school performance tables issued this week by the government confirm the substantial level of academic progress Princethorpe students make in Sixth Form.

Princethorpe is the top performing school in the local area and the only school to score ‘Well above average’ for Progress in A-level performance in 2017. The tables place Princethorpe in the top 5% of all schools or colleges in England.

Comments Ed Hester, Headmaster, “These progress measures indicate the “value-added” by the school, looking at where the young people started and where they end up. Princethorpe is not, and never will be, an academic hothouse, but these results reflect the tremendous progress our students make. This, combined with the array of co-curricular, careers and enrichment opportunities puts them in the best possible position to realise their future plans."

For GCSE the data analysed by the Government includes the new-style GCSEs in Maths and English, which Princethorpe pupils did not take in 2017, so the College’s results for IGCSE are not published in the tables.

To see the results click on this link https://www.compare-school-performance.service.gov.uk/

It's wedding night in the palace of King Shahrayar. By morning, the new queen, Shahrazad, is to be put to death like a thousand young brides before her. She has the one gift that can save her: the gift of storytelling. With a mischievous imagination and silver tongue, Queen Shahrazad paints a dazzling array of stories and characters, summoned forth from strange and magical worlds populated by talking birds, singing trees and crafty thieves.

Can the power of storytelling save her life?

So begins Dominic Cooke’s adaption of Arabian Nights, directed by Head of Drama Aileen Cefaliello and performed with verve and passion by our wonderful troupe of players. Over three nights this February, captivated audiences were transported to a colourful world of larger than life characters, tall stories and Eastern promise, what better way to combat this long cold winter we have had.

As an added treat on Saturday 10 February, we welcomed Old Princethorpian and professional actor, Emilio Doorgasingh, back to the College to officially open the Clarkson Theatre at the beginning of the final sell-out performance.

Fr Bill Clarkson MSC was the much loved and respected Headmaster of Princethorpe College from 1969 to 1981.

Two Princethorpe College Sixth Formers have just received offers for Oxford University. Nick Bonsall who completed his studies at the College last July, and is currently on a gap year, has received an unconditional offer to read English at St Anne’s College. Whilst Upper Sixth Academic Prefect, James Fletcher, has a conditional offer to read Law at Trinity College. Both students were surprised and delighted with the news which they received last week.

Following a rigorous application process, English scholar Nick explained, “I knew that already having good A-level grades put me in a strong position but I also knew that Oxford University would want more. The interview itself was challenging, but the support of Mr Kerrigan, my English teacher, was invaluable in preparing me for it. I am very grateful to him for all the time he dedicated to me and the support he continues to give others.”

James Fletcher shared a similar story about his application to Trinity College, “In the interview I had to think on my feet. Every statement I made was argued against, it was clear they wanted to know my opinions. My practice interviews with Director of Studies, Dr Reddish, proved very helpful.” He continued, “A place at Oxford is now within my reach, I am thrilled to have been given such a prestigious opportunity.”

Princethorpe College Head of Sixth Form, Ben Collie commented, “Applying to Oxford is, in itself, an extremely rigorous and character-testing experience and it seems to get tougher every year. Over their time at Princethorpe, Nick and James have applied themselves both to academic studies and to developing themselves as confident and mature young people. They have earned this success and we are exceptionally proud of their achievement.”

Princethorpe Upper Sixth Former Autumn Wells has beaten off the competition to land a prestigious degree apprenticeship with Rolls Royce. Autumn is to be especially commended for her amazing achievement as competition for places on the apprenticeship scheme was hugely oversubscribed, with some 7,000 applicants for just four commercial roles.

Autumn, who is studying A-levels in Maths, Psychology and Law, is thoroughly looking forward to starting the programme later this year. She underwent a rigorous selection procedure; after completing an online application, eligibility and psychometric tests and a video interview she was one of just 30 applicants invited to an Assessment Centre. There she was put through her paces further with competency and technical interviews, group tasks and a presentation.

Asked to comment on the apprenticeship programme, Autumn said, “I am really looking forward to the mix of university and on the job study. Over the four years I will have eight placements in department such as Finance, Contracts, Sales and Marketing. I will have the chance to meet and work with a wide range of people and put many of my classroom skills into practice.”

She continued, “Rolls Royce is a very prestigious company with a strong global presence. I am hoping to take advantage of the international opportunities, as I very much enjoy travelling.”

Comments Jacqui Quinney, Princethorpe Head of Careers, “We are absolutely delighted for Autumn. Apprenticeships are an excellent career choice for many young people. A degree apprenticeship may take longer to complete than a traditional degree at university but Autumn will be paid a salary, incur no tuition fees and will not need a student loan. On completion of her apprenticeship she will not only be awarded her degree, she will also have years of relevant on the job experience.”

The next edition of the Foundation's magazine the Pinnacle, which showcases exceptional work by pupils from Princethorpe, Crackley Hall School and Crescent School, will be winging its way to you in the post over half term.

This edition features more outstanding GCSE and A-level Art, impressive language skills, success in the performing arts, sporting prowess and Science endeavours including a 'Rendezvous with a comet' at the National Space Centre.

We hope it makes for an interesting read, do look out for it coming through your door towards the end of next week!

On Saturday 27 January eighty young singers from local primary schools joined Princethorpe's Director of Music, Mr Gil Cowlishaw, Mrs Felicity Coulson and 15 of the Princethorpe College Choir for a Choral Fun Day.

The Year 5 and 6 pupils tackled a variety of choral pieces from traditional works such as ‘Amazing Grace’ and ‘When The Saints Go Marching In’ to popular favourites such as ‘Pure Imagination’ from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to ELO’s ‘Mr Blue Sky’ and the upbeat ‘Happy’ by Pharrell Williams.

As well as rehearsing furiously, the visiting children took part in a musical treasure hunt round the College and enjoyed lunch in the Sixth Form Centre.

The day culminated in an impressive gala performance of the pieces in front of an enthusiastic capacity audience of family and friends in the College's newly refurbished Clarkson Theatre.

Commenting on the day, Gil Cowlishaw said, "We were really impressed by the children. They achieved such a lot in just a few hours, learning five songs and then taking to the stage to perform is no mean feat, well done to them all!”

There was plenty of positive parental feedback too including comments such as, ‘Our son had an amazing day and loved every minute’, ‘She made friends, and clearly felt very welcomed and at ease’, and ‘Please could you pass on our gratitude and appreciation to everyone involved in organising such a fabulous day’.

A special thank you to all of the Princethorpe pupils and staff involved and to pupil technicians Daniel Hatfield and Ethan Smith for their help with the sound and lighting on the day.

Princethorpe College Art Scholar, Helena Lintott, has been awarded a first place in the Independent Schools’ Association’s prestigious National Art Competition. Her entry, Self Portrait, won the Key Stage 4 Drawing class. She is the latest in a long line of gifted College artists to have had their work recognised in this way.

Her lifelike piece, a stunning, photo-realistic, drawn self-portrait, was part of her coursework for her GCSE Art examination. Helena comes from an artistic family as her father trained as an illustrator and Helena has clearly inherited his skills. She is now in Lower Sixth and is studying Art at A-level.

Helena was not the only College prize-winner in this year’s competition. Also receiving national recognition were recent Upper Sixth leavers Tom Barnes - Runner-up, in the Key Stage 5 Sketchbook class and Oliver Mottershead - Runner-up, in the Key Stage 5 2D Art Individual class, with his piece Memory, Isolation, Decay. Former Year 11 Lauren Hill, also received Highly Commended, for her entry, A Day at the Beach, in the Key Stage 4 Textiles Individual class.

Former Crackley Hall pupil, Charlie Ferguson, who is now in Year 7 at the College, was also successful with his piece, Humming Birds, judged Runner-up, in the Key Stage 2 2D Art Individual class.

The National competition followed on from the Regional Midlands competition which took place back in September where the College received the following results:

KS5 Painting: 1st Oliver Mottershead, 2nd Tom Barnes, Highly Commended Nicola Sykes

KS5 Drawing: Highly Commended Tom Barnes

KS4 Painting: 2nd Alys McWilliams

KS4 Drawing: 1st Helena Lintott

KS4 Textiles (Art): 1st Lauren Hill

Princethorpe College Head of Art, Paul Hubball, applauded the winners, “These prizes are a reflection of the talent we have within our school. This is the first time that we have won the Key Stage 4 Drawing category and Helena’s work is exceptional, it reflects the hours of work she put into it. We are looking forward to seeing the work she produces this year.”

All of the artists are to be congratulated on their success.

On Monday 29 January Princethorpe College’s U16 Boys' Hockey team travelled to Cannock Hockey Club in Staffordshire to compete in the Independent Schools Association’s (ISA) Regional Boys' Hockey Championships.

Playing for the team were Toby Bower, Luke Brotherton, Oscar Bunting-Ralph, Tom Crowfoot (Captain), Will Crowfoot, Ross Curtis, Dominic Doyle, Allister Edmonds, Jesus Fuster, William Hoggarth, Angus Potter, Toby Rigg, George Saunders and Oli Thomas.

On the day it proved to be an easy win for our more than competent side. The boys controlled the final against Lucton expertly, playing a smooth and flowing game and easily taking the title.

Toby Bower, Ross Curtis and Oli Thomas together with Alex Whitelaw are seasoned hockey players.  They are all on Warwickshire Hockey’s Player Pathway and have been selected for the Regional Performance Centre. That means they are all now training and playing at above County level.

Then on Saturday 3 February the U13 Girls' Hockey Team travelled to Bablake School to play in the Warwickshire Schools’ County Championships.  Playing against Bablake, King Henry's, King’s High and Stratford Girls’ Grammar the girls were unbeaten in every game and were worthy winners of the title.

Head of Hockey, Kat Berns, commented, “This was a great win for the team, we had some superb hockey played and great leadership and determination from our Captain Evie Phillips.”

The team included Lucia Bell, Issy Bunting, Eve Farquharson, Molly Harper, Zara Hendy, Mia Johnson, Mia Lambeth, Jess Mackenzie, Evie Phillips (Captain), Jasmin Rose, Grace Thomas, Lara Tripp-Smith (Vice-Captain), Molly Wincott-Thomas and Zoe Wallis.

Eight Princethorpe runners have qualified for the National ISA Cross Country Championships following the Midlands Regional Finals which took place on Wednesday 31 January at Bedstone College in Shropshire. The ‘great eight’ were part of a 34-strong squad who took on the challenging course in tricky conditions.

Princethorpe College’s runners have a tradition of success at this competition, many have competed at Bedstone before, and after recent County cross country success hopes were high as the plucky runners battled for one of the coveted top ten National qualifying places.

Both the U14 Girls’ and Boys’ teams ran well and with so many College pupils finishing in the top 20, both Princethorpe teams bagged the top spot and the team trophy for their age group. Qualifying for the Nationals for the U14 Girls were Julia Loftus and Jess Evans who ran determinedly to finish 8th and 9th respectively. Grace Darcy came home 11th and will act as reserve. For the U14 Boys’ Mark Dunkley finished 6th, so also qualifies. Ed Mitchell just missed out despite a brilliant race where he finished 13th.

For the U16 Girls’ Molly Minshull had an outstanding race taking 2nd place and the silver medal, despite the hare (a pace-setter) taking the wrong turn and adding an extra mile to her route. She was followed over the line by a sea of Princethorpe red vests as Eve Howard finished in 5th, Erin Darcy 9th and Luisa Garcia-Stokes 10th. All these girls qualify for the Nationals too.

The U16 Boys’ team ran bravely with the Crowfoot twins in excellent form, Will finished 9th to qualify with brother Tom just missing out in 11th. The pair were closely followed by George Dunkley in 12th. Tom will act as reserve.

Head of Girls’ Games, Mrs Debs Brookes, was delighted with the results, “You never quite know what you’re going to get with cross country as the variables are so great. Despite the difficult conditions today we still had red vest after red vest crossing the line; our runners took on the arduous terrain and did very well.”

Our qualifying runners will have home advantage in the ISA National Cross Country championships which will place at Princethorpe College later in the Spring on Saturday 3 March 2018.

The College is having a successful cross country season with Year 7 girls Julia Loftus, Jess Evans and Grace Darcy having for a Year 7 English Schools’ race at Prestwold Hall in Leicestershire on Saturday 24 March 2018. Older runners Molly Minshull and George Dunkley have also qualified for the English School Nationals which will be held in Leeds on Saturday 17 March, with Tom and Will Crowfoot as reserves.

Princethorpe College wove its wonderful spell on the muggles and wannabe wizards who came to the school's Saturday Morning Cinema showing of Happy Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.  The special screening for Year 6 who have been offered places for entry to Year 7 in September took place on Saturday 13 January. The College was delighted to welcome around 80 children into school for an early introduction to the magic of Princethorpe or perhaps just for that morning, after the reported sightings of owls on the campus, we could say Princewarts.

Next year's new starters will come from many different primary schools, so the morning was one of a number of opportunities the College is organising this year where future pupils can start to become a little more familiar with the College site and potential new friends. 

The spellbinding entertainment began with a warm welcome from our very own ‘Albus Dumbledore’, Headmaster, Ed Hester.  He spoke to the children about starting a new school, a theme reflected in the film, and about the College's house system, he even had a Sorting Hat to hand to help out with that.  Also on hand was Deputy Head, Beth Sharpe, aka Professor McGonagall, dressed for the part and waving her wand over affairs to help with the morning's wizarding adventures.

Midway through the screening there was an interval when the children visited the College's dining room to stock up on popcorn, cookies and even a sip of polyjuice!

At the end of the morning after more refreshments everyone went home having thoroughly enjoyed themselves.  The College looks forward to welcoming some of them back as pupils later in the year – although we do hope they won't be too disappointed when they find out that their new timetables will be limited to more traditional subjects rather than lessons in Potions, Transfigurations and Defence Against The Dark Arts!

Visiting Roman Centurions invaded Princethorpe College armed with swords and scutums (shields) ready to do battle. It was Year 7 Roman Day, a day when every pupil in the year enjoys lessons full of tales of blood and gore, as they learn about the Roman invasion and settlement of Britain.

The Centurions’ passion and knowledge of the period was vividly dramatised as the two men, dressed in full legionnaire’s costume, brought to life the strategic tactics and organisation of the Roman fighting machine. With replica costumes and equipment based on real archaeological finds the sessions complimented the lessons Year 7 have been studying in History this half term.

Lucky class ‘volunteers’ dressed up in full body armour and attempted to carry a soldier’s kit, as Roman Tours expert, Centurion Ocratius Maximii, captivated the new recruits with graphic stories of life in the Roman Army and fascinating facts about all things Roman. Oliver Alford was just one of the lucky pupils who donned the Roman Tunica, Lorica (armour) and Galea (helmet) and then picked up his soldier’s kit and prepared to march. Oliver and his classmates were also treated to lessons in sword skills and battle tactics from the greatest army of the time.

Peter Bucknall, Head of History said, “The Year 7s have learnt all about the life of a soldier, his training and his clothing and armour, but they have also discovered lots of interesting background information about Roman times. The Centurions’ visit has left pupils buzzing with curiosity and keen to find out more, it was a fantastic day’s learning for all who took part.”

Many pupils at Princethorpe College take peripatetic lessons in the performing arts and for those who do, it is a labour of love. These committed individuals devote weekly additional time to the study of their chosen instrument or the dramatic arts. Their efforts are reflected in their progress through the grades and for twenty-four LAMDA (London Academy for Music and Dramatic Arts) pupils, there was great cause for celebration as they received the results of their most recent examinations this week.

In November pupils undertook examinations in a range of disciplines including: Mime, Reading for Performance, Acting, Verse and Prose and Public Speaking, the College candidates impressed the visiting examiner with the confidence they demonstrated from Grades 2 to 5. Twenty-two achieved a Distinction, seven with a score of 90 plus, and two, Anneliesa Douglas and Grace Isaacs, were judged as perfect, scoring 100.

LAMDA Co-ordinator, Mrs Mary MacDonald, was thoroughly delighted with the combined outcome of all the pupils’ efforts, “These results reflect the hard work that pupils put into learning and rehearsing their pieces. We had a tremendous twenty-two Distinctions (the highest mark awarded), a Merit and a Pass. In the process of preparing for these exams, learners have developed their understanding of both literature and drama and consequently I can see how much they have blossomed as individual, confident public performers.”

Head Girl, Miriam Isaacs, has also had LAMDA success having just been awarded the Grade 8 Gold Medal. Miriam, who began studying for her LAMDA examinations when she was in Year 8, has consistently achieved high marks as she progressed through the grades. Miriam explained, “I am planning to read English Literature at university and studying for the LAMDA examinations and the Gold Medal has given me a deeper understanding and appreciation of different texts, which has been really valuable preparation for my UCAS application."  Her achievement is impressive as Gold is the highest medal awarded by LAMDA.

The College offers its congratulations to all of the pupils involved.

A much anticipated, logistically difficult and long awaited Princethorpe trip to Russia finally took place over the Michaelmas half term. Some 38 pupils and six staff headed off to Moscow and St Petersburg for six days of spectacular enlightenment, grand culture and pure adventure.

The pupils involved included Sixth Form historians and Soviet enthusiasts, Year 10 and 11 adventurers, looking for a more unusual travel experience and an independent Year 9 on a quest for knowledge and enrichment. All were to be enthralled by the unsurpassed scale of the enigmatic nation that is Russia.

The visit started in Moscow with a full city tour where amongst the many highlights the party took in the iconic Red Square, St Basil’s Cathedral, a tour around the Kremlin and the very impressive Armoury Chamber. The next day included a morning visit to the Red Army Museum, before a fascinating exploration of the history of the Russian space programme at the Cosmonaut Museum, where Belka and Strelka the first dogs to be launched into space and safely return, are preserved. And then there was the Moscow Metro at rush hour, where it was not just about getting from A to B safely, but also a visual testament to Stalin’s idea of ‘Palaces for the people’, with its ornate carvings, chandeliers and huge paintings on the walls.

The group travelled onto St Petersburg to explore the grandeur and opulence of the Tsars’ palaces, including the Grand Palace and gardens (often referred to as the Russian Versailles) and the Yusupov Palace, an elegant baroque building full of rooms of amber and gold and famously the site of the assassination of Grigory Rasputin.

The group also got to explore the State Hermitage, a complex of six buildings including the Winter Palace, the largest museum in the world and the War Museum, also known as ‘Heroic defenders of Leningrad’ museum, a melancholic and sombre place where the horrors of the siege of the city in World War II were explored. There 900 candle style lights, lit the room, one for each day the citizens were trapped.

The final night saw a feast of traditional Russian food, including a hearty bowl of borsch at local tavern Masha and the Bear. Theatrical entertainment including traditional song and dance topped off the evening with lots of participation from pupils and notable performances from Mr Hester and Mr McCollin.

The pupils returned to the UK with amazing memories and an incredible array of Russian memorabilia purchased in the cities’ flea markets, with everything from traditional Russian dolls to soviet army hats, belts and even a pair of pilot goggles!

Ed Hester, Headmaster, commented “Russia was a fascinating country to visit, one which has been shaped by tragedy and idealism and tyranny, and which itself has had such a profound effect on 20th-century history.”

Saturday 10 March - 10.30am to 12.30pm

Crackley Hall and Little Crackers, Princethorpe's junior school and nursery in Kenilworth, is opening its doors for a Spring Open Morning on Saturday 10 March from 10.30am to 12.30pm. 

This is a great chance to look around the school and nursery at the weekend and to chat to staff and pupils. Junior 5 and 6 pupils will act as tour guides and there will be music and sport activities on display. Light refreshments will be available.

Registrations are now being taken for Nursery, Reception and Year 3 for September 2018 admissions, limited places are available in other Years. The nursery is open 51 weeks a year and is carefully structured for two-year olds, three-year olds and pre-school.

All are welcome to look round the school, and to meet staff and pupils. There is no need to book.

Please email Mrs Jenny Vaughan, Admissions and Marketing Secretary at jennyvaughan@crackleyhall.co.uk or call her on 01926 514410 for more information on the Open Morning and admissions process.

For more information visit www.crackleyhall.co.uk.

Open Morning

Tuesday 20 March 2018 - 10.30am to 12.30pm

The College has added a new date to the events calendar.  The new Spring Open Morning on Tuesday 20 March will give prospective families a chance to visit the school on a normal working day, with Year 7 and 8 pupils acting as tour guides. Light refreshments will be available.

For further information please call the Registrars on 01926 634201 or 01926 634262 or email admissions@princethorpe.co.uk.

Open Evening

Wednesday 7 June - 6.00pm to 8.30pm

The College's annual Summer Open Evening will take place on Wednesday 7 June from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.

This is an informal opportunity to look around the school and to meet members of staff and pupils. There will be activities in each department for children to participate in, and the Headmaster will also address visitors in the Chapel during the evening. Please do spread the word amongst friends and family, all are very welcome!

Light refreshments will be available.

Saturday 24 March 2018 - 9.30am - 12.00pm

The Crescent School, Princethorpe's junior school in Rugby, is opening its doors to prospective and current parents and children for a Spring Open Morning on Saturday 24 March 2018 from 9.30am to 12.00pm. 

As part of the Open Morning there will be a very special performance by Reception to Year 2 pupils, along with children from Nature Trails Nursery, of The Bee Musical.  With a fabulous script and nine terrific songs to get you buzzing and bee-bopping, you just won’t bee-lieve how good this delightful and educational musical is!

This promises to be fantastic entertainment for visitors of all ages, and will really showcase the talents, confidence and stage presence of the school's youngest pupils. The show commences at 10.00am and we would urge visitors to arrive early to get a good seat!

After the half-hour performance there will be a short presentation about the Crescent and our ambitions for the school as part of the Princethorpe Foundation, and the chance to meet new Headmaster, Joe Thackway. There will also be short Q&A sessions with Alan Webb, Assistant Head -Head of Pre-Prep and Headmaster Joe Thackway about entry to Reception and Year 3. 

Elsewhere on site there will be plenty to see and do, including guided tours by the older pupils, sporting displays, instrumental performances, plus the opportunity to visit classrooms and chat informally to current parents and staff from Nature Trails, the Crescent and Princethorpe College. Light refreshments will be available. There is no need to book.

For more information about the Open Morning please call Registrar, Mrs Helen Morley on 01788 523851 or email admissions@crescentschool.co.uk.

Alternatively please visit our website www.crescentschool.co.uk for more information.

Princethorpe College’s Arts Society meets regularly with lectures and performances on interesting and diverse topics.  The Society will be meeting on the following dates and parents and children are welcome to attend.   

Wednesday 21 March 2018 - 7.30pm
Sixth Form Lecture Theatre

Art History lecture on Women In Van Gogh’s Life And Art presented by Margaret-Louise O'Keeffe.

Wednesday 16 May 2018 -  7.30pm
Sixth Form Lecture Theatre

Art History lecture on The Woman In Picasso’s Life And Art:1932  presented by Margaret-Louise O’Keeffe. 

Tuesday 3 July 2018 -  7.30pm
The Chapel

The 24th Annual Hugh Page Memorial Organ Recital where Tim Campain, Director of Music at Warwick Road United Reformed Church, Coventry, will play a wide variety of pieces from various genres on the renowned Princethorpe Binns’ organ of 1901.

Tickets

Tickets may be purchased at the door, (adults £5.00, children free) but advance notice helps catering, please. Princethorpe, Crackley Hall and Crescent School pupils are free of charge.

More information on these events is available at: www.princethorpe.co.uk/news/events/arts-society-events-1 

The College is looking forward to welcoming back the Sudden Impulse Theatre Company in June for two outdoor performances of William Shakespeare's play, The Comedy of Errors.

The Comedy of Errors is believed to be one of Shakespeare's earlier written plays; a true farce ahead of its time. The story involves two sets of twins, separated at birth, being thrown together in a tale of mistaken identity.

The performances are open to the public and will take place on the Sixth Form Lawn as follows:

Friday 8 June - 6.30pm to 10.00pm

Saturday 9 June - 3.30pm to 7.00pm

The PTA will operate a bar, bring a picnic, settle down in your camping chair and enjoy some perfect summer entertainment.

Tickets will be available soon from www.suddenimpulse.co.uk and will be priced at £12 or £10 for concessions. 

Saturday 9 June 2018

Both Princethorpe College and Crackley Hall School will be out in force at the Kenilworth Show on Saturday 9 June 2018.

A great day out for all the family, there is so much to see and do. Returning for 2018 will be the infamous Bolddog Lings, The Sheep Show, Grand Parade of Livestock plus the Countryside Arena and displays of farm machinery to name just a few of the exciting activities that visitors can enjoy.

There will also be over 100 trade stands from arts and crafts, jewellery, homewares, through to artisan breads and pies in the indoor trade marquee (where you can also find us!), with clothing stalls, garden furniture, plants and local club stands outside.

Visitors to the show can come and find out about our upcoming open events, admissions for September 2019 and beyond, and we would love to say hello to any former St Joseph School pupils and Old Princethorpians!

Tickets are just £10 and under 16s go free! For more information about the event and to buy tickets, please visit: www.kenilworthshow.co.uk

We hope to see you there.

Thursday 21 June 2018 6.00pm - 8.00pm and Sunday 24 June 2.00pm - 4.30pm

A celebration of our pupils' GCSE, AS and A2 Art, Photography and Design work will take place in the College's Sixth Form Centre on Thursday 21 June from 6.00pm to 8.30pm and on Sunday 24 June from 2.00pm to 4.30pm.

A range of design technology projects, from resistant materials through to textiles, will be showcased alongside stunning art and photography work that the College is renowned for.

Comments, Paul Hubball, Head of Art, "This is a great opportunity to share our students' fantastic creativity with a wider audience and to welcome more art and design lovers to Princethorpe."
Added Head of Design Technology, Paul Scopes, "We look forward to welcoming all the exam students and their families from across Design, Art and Photography to enjoy the fruit of their labours."

All are welcome. On Thursday evening admission is free, on the Sunday admission will be £2 per car including entry to the College's Summer Fete and Motoring Festival.

The Princethorpe PTA Summer Fete 
Sunday 24 June from 2.00pm to 4.30pm

The event is held in the Orchard with lots of entertainment for both children and adults. There will be many and varied attractions including a ‘real-ale’ tent, a Dog Show and plenty of summjer fete stalls, activities and competitions.

Please keep an eye on the PTA section of the Princethorpe Website for updates and for more details of what’s on offer, including the chance to register your interest in helping on the day. 

22nd Annual Motoring Festival
Sunday 24 June from 2.00pm to 4.30pm 

The 22nd Annual Motoring Festival is open to anyone keen to bring any sort of classic, vintage, veteran or interesting vehicle along for the afternoon. There will be rally plaques for all pre-booked vehicles and awards for self-judged competitions.

The Festival is preceded by an informal morning road run of about 30 miles through the Warwickshire countryside. Vehicles taking part in the run need to arrive at Princethorpe for 11.00am. There is no charge for classic vehicles entering the festival or taking part in the road run.
Barbecued food is available for a nominal charge on return to Princethorpe at lunchtime, or feel free to bring a picnic.

On-line registration for the 2018 event will open shortly and will be available from the Events section of the Princethorpe Website.

Legends Hockey Camps will again be returning to Princethorpe this summer.  There will be two camps running on:

Camp 1 - Tuesday 24 July 2018 - Friday 27 July 2018

Camp 2 - Tuesday 31 July 2018 - Friday 3 August 2018

Please see https://www.legendshockeycamps.co.uk for information or email dex@legendshockeycamps.co.uk with any questions.

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

The next event will be the Leamington Pub Meet at the Star and Garter in March followed shortly by our bi-annual Careers Fair.  The 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 here to visit the Old Prinethorpians section of the College website.

Wednesday 27 June 2018 9.00am to 4.45pm

(Presentation to Parents and Information Fair from 3.30pm to 4.30pm)

The Induction Day for new Year 7 pupils will take place on Wednesday 27 June 2018. The day will consist of two separate events. The new pupils should arrive at school for 9.00am but no earlier than 8.45am and can be dropped off at the Sports Hall where they will be met. 

They will spend the day getting to know Mrs Susan Harris, Head of Transition and Induction, their Head of House and their teaching group. Refreshments at break and lunch will be provided.

Parents should return to the Sports Hall at 3.15pm for a prompt start at 3.30pm for their own talks and an Information Fair. After an introductory address by the Headmaster and Senior Staff parents will have the opportunity to visit the Information Fair.

The Fair comprises the following;

• Bus services
• Music lessons
• Medical matters
• Catering
• Parent Teacher Association
• Uniform - book your appointment for the shop

Following the Fair you will be rejoined by your son or daughter for refreshments outside when there will be a further opportunity to chat with Mrs Harris, the Heads of House and other members of staff.  The day will finish around 4.30pm.

Tuesday 3 July 2018 between 4.30pm and 6.00pm

Those entering Years 8, 9 and 10 will have their own Twilight Induction Session and Information Fair on Tuesday 3 July 2018 between 4.30pm and 6.00pm in the Sixth Form Centre. Please do not arrive on site before 4.15pm to allow the end of school day traffic to clear the site. Parking will be available in the school playground and signage to direct you to the Sixth Form Centre. Children should wear their current school uniform, please.

After a brief introductory address by the Headmaster and Senior Staff  to all participants the children will have a short programme of their own with their Head of House and parents will have the opportunity to visit the Information Fair and meet Mrs Susan Harris, Head of Induction and Transition.

The Fair comprises the following:

• Bus services
• Music lessons
• Medical matters
• Catering
• Parent Teacher Association
• Uniform - book your appointment for the shop

Emails with final details of these events will be sent out nearer the date. 

Friday 31 August 2018 - 9.30am - 15.30pm

The new Year 7 pupils participate in an Activity Day which takes place at the end of the summer holidays just before the start of the Michaelmas Term. This is a fun day for all, with the children taking part in games, treasure hunts and activities in and out of the classroom.  It is good opportunity for the Year 7s to find their way around the College campus, to meet more school staff and to get to know the children in their House, just before they finally begin the new school year.

Further information on the day will be sent with the joining pack.

For those who like to plan ahead the Foundation Term Dates for 2018-2019 are:

Michaelmas Term 2018

Monday 3 September to Tuesday 18 December

Half Term

Saturday 20 October to Sunday 4 November

Lent Term 2019 

Monday 7 January to Wednesday 10 April

Half Term

Saturday 16 February to Sunday 24 February

Trinity Term 2019

Monday 29 April to Wednesday 3 July 

Half Term

Saturday 25 May to Sunday 2 June

As we come towards the end of one year's admissions cycle at Princethorpe, another one begins and we are now accepting registrations for September 2019 entry.

The Entrance Exams for 2019 will take place on Saturday 10 November 2018.  There will be plenty of opportunities for prospective pupils and their parents to visit the College before then, including our new spring Open Morning on Tuesday 20 March from 10.30am to 12.30pm, our summer Open Evening on Wednesday 7 June from 6.00pm to 8.30pm and taster days for Year 5 children in May and June.

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

Registrar, Mrs Vanessa Rooney, Assistant Registrar, Miss Helen Morgan, and Admissions Administrator, Mrs Catherine Rogers, deal with many enquiries from prospective parents, here are a few of the most frequently asked questions about the admissions process, with their responses.

If you have a query that isn't covered here, please feel free to contact Vanessa, Helen or Catherine on 01926 634201/634262.

How are the children put in the new form groups?

At Princethorpe new pupils to the school will join an existing house tutor group comprising pupils from Years 7 to 11. They will stay with this 'family' and form tutor up until Year 11. The Sixth Form have form tutor groups which consist of both Lower and Upper Sixth students.

The Y7 to Y11 house tutor groups have approximately the same number of children from every year group, a mix of girls and boys and ability.

What sizes are the classes at Princethorpe?

The maximun class size is 24 but we anticipate next year's Year 7 classes mostly being around 20. Design and Technology groups tend to be smaller, normally around 14. Maths and English sets vary according to need – pupils in lower sets will be in slightly smaller groups – usually around 16 or 17.  Students in top sets work very well in slightly larger groups, up to 23/24. 

How are the children allocated to a House?

Houses are allocated by the Deputy Head - Pastoral. Where there is an existing connection with the school pupils usually go into the same house as a sibling or the same house if the parent is an Old Princethorpian. Otherwise the houses are allocated to ensure that the boys and girls are evenly distributed across all four houses.

Will my child get lost when they come to Princethorpe?

There are a number of opportunities for the children to visit Princethorpe and start to find their way around before the start of term in September.  During their first days they are shown where to go and we find they quickly become familiar with the school.

What sort of induction activities do you organise?

Princethorpe has an excellent induction programme.  There is an Induction Day in June for all the new Year 7s when they spend a day in class, experience a few lessons and get to meet their Head of House and other members of the Princethorpe community.

We also have a Year 7 Activity Day which takes place at the end of the summer holidays. This is a fun day with all the new Year 7 children taking part in games, treasure hunts and activities in and out of the classroom. This is another opportunity to find their way around and meet more staff and children in their House just before they begin finally begin school, in September.

Years 8, 9 and 10 have there own Twilight Induction Session on the first Tuesday in July.

How do we find out what is happening at school?

The College has a bi-weekly electronic newsletter, The Flagpole, that includes news articles, events, important information and advice.  We start sending it to new parents towards the end of the summer term and it is the best place to find out what is happening in school.    

Do you offer before and after school care?

The school is open from 7.30am each day with breakfast available in the Sixth Form Centre for early birds.  Period 1 and registration is at 8.40am.  School finishes at 3.45pm with buses departing at 3.55pm.  Extended day is available for pupils until 6.00pm. 

What extra charges, apart from the school fees are there likely to be?

When your child first joins Princethorpe there will be the cost of the school uniform and the initial pack of exercise books. All text books are loaned to the child and there is no charge unless one is lost or badly damaged. There are school trips, usually for each year group and these are always connected to the curriculum. Children will need to buy food from the Refectory or bring a packed lunch.  We use a fingerprint system so money does not need to be brought into school. Princethorpe takes great care to ensure that costs are kept to a minimum and are always good value.

A comprehensive private bus service brings pupils into the College from a wide area, extending as far afield as Nuneaton and Coventry to the north, Lutterworth and Daventry to the east, Stratford-upon-Avon and Banbury to the south and Solihull to the west.

The two coach operators are Catterall's of Southam and Ridley's of Leamington Spa.

All buses leave from the front of school at 3.55pm at the end of the school day. Arrangements need to be made for the collection of those children staying on for extra-curricular activities until 5.15pm or extended day until 6.00pm. We are also looking into facilitating lift shares after activities for families living close to each other.

The current bus timetable is available on the school website http://www.princethorpe.co.uk.

Uniform is compulsory for College pupils and helps to create a sense of shared identity, community spirit and a pride in oneself and in the College.

Uniform can be purchased from the School Shop.

The School Shop is open from 3.30pm to 4.30pm Monday to Friday during term time. Additionally during the summer holidays the shop is open on selected dates on an appointment only basis.

To make an appointment please call Miss Nicola Browne on 01926 634272 or email uniform@princethorpe.co.uk.

Uniform lists will be sent to parents with their joining pack.

Sixth Form Dress Code

Although College uniform is not required we expect Sixth Formers to set an example by smartness of dress and appearance. Smart clothes suitable for a work environment, including a jacket are compulsory.

High standards of personal appearance and presentation are expected of pupils at all times.