Two Princethorpe College Sixth Form students are thrilled to have received offers for places at Cambridge University.

Deputy Head of School, Anna Johnson, will be reading English at Lucy Cavendish College, Cambridge while Chaplaincy, Charity and Ethos Prefect, Jess Lane, will read Spanish (post A-level) and Italian (ab-initio) at Newnham College, Cambridge.

Their success has not been achieved without a great deal of hard work, as well as hours of dedicated support and encouragement from their teachers and parents who have provided individual guidance and support over the past few months.

Princethorpe College Head of Sixth Form, Ben Collie, commented, “Anna and Jess have earned this success. During their time at Princethorpe College they have not only applied themselves to their academic studies but also to developing themselves as confident and mature young people. Applying to Oxbridge is an extremely rigorous and character-testing experience that seems to get tougher every year. We were delighted to support them with their applications and are exceptionally proud of their achievement.”

We are very proud of both girls and of all our Upper Sixth students applying to study at university next year. Now the UCAS deadline is past, the offers are flooding in from universities across the country, with a number of students already holding offers from all of their university choices. Congratulations to all those who have already received offers. We look forward to supporting all our Sixth Formers in their next steps, whether university, an apprenticeship or employment, and as they make their final exam preparations.

Princethorpe College has been assessed by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) and judged to have fully met all the standards in every area following a visit in September 2025.

The report, which follows a new framework, examines standards in five key areas: 

• leadership and management and governance
• the quality of education, training and recreation
• pupils’ physical and mental health and emotional well being
• pupils’ social and economic education and contribution to society
• safeguarding 

Headmaster, Grove du Toit, commented “We are thrilled with this report, and with the inspectors’ feedback, it is a ringing endorsement for everything we do here at Princethorpe College and reflects a huge team effort.

He continued, “We are particularly proud that the inspectors recognised the strength of our school’s values and purpose, our school rules ‘Be kind and do your best’ and the powerful impact these have on pupils and their learning, ‘As a result, pupils are able to be themselves and to develop their own personalities’. Alongside pupils’ wellbeing, pupil achievement is always a key benchmark for any successful school, and I am very pleased that the inspectors commended the quality of our teaching and learning, commenting that pupils make ‘good progress over time, feel supported and challenged in their learning, and gain the confidence and competence needed to thrive’.”

During the inspection, the ISI inspectors also observed that, ‘Teaching is characterised by effective planning, responsive classroom practice and the use of varied strategies that promote engagement and skill development’, that ‘Teaching is closely monitored and consequently all pupils have the opportunity to make good progress’, and that ‘Pupils are offered a broad curriculum which prepares them for a wide range of opportunities in their next steps in education or employment’.

Referencing the College’s extensive co-curricular programme, the inspectors commented that, ‘The curriculum is complemented by a well-resourced co-curricular programme, which benefits pupils of all ages’, and that ‘The programme of recreational activities is broad, inclusive and purposefully designed to support the development of a wide range of pupil skills beyond the academic curriculum, including for pupils in the sixth form’.

The inspectors also recognised that ‘The school environment is calm and purposeful. Pupils benefit from a supportive learning environment where behaviour is well managed’, that ‘High expectations across the school are underpinned by the school’s aim’. The College’s vertical house tutoring system was also highlighted, ‘The arrangement of having tutor groups consisting of pupils of all ages promotes a family and community spirit in the school, which contributes positively to pupils’ personal development’.

Looking outwards to the wider world the inspectors found that pupils ‘take responsibility through initiatives they lead themselves, such as volunteering for environmental groups, sixth form mentoring and fundraising activities’, that ‘These encourage pupils to take responsibility for their actions and contribute to the school and wider society’, and that ‘The school fosters pupils’ understanding of human and social issues …informed by the Catholic values of the school which pupils link with positive behaviour and respect for others’.

The ISI Inspectors also noted that, ‘Leaders have a clear vision for school development based on effective monitoring and self-evaluation’, and that ‘Governors assure themselves that the standards are met by effective scrutiny’.

Mr du Toit concluded, “At Princethorpe nothing matters more to us than providing every single pupil with the very best opportunities to flourish and to enable them to move on to their next pathway of choice. We are a school 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.”

Foundation Principal, Ed Hester, added, “As a Foundation we are committed to making our schools' environments a place where every child can thrive, both academically and personally and it is affirming to have this recognised by the ISI. Within the last year, all three of the Foundation’s schools have been inspected by the ISI and all have been recognised for their commitment to the individual success of every pupil. It is a tremendous endorsement of the Foundation’s approach.”

A copy of the report is available to read here and will shortly be available on the ISI’s website.

The ISI is the Government-approved body responsible for the inspection of independent schools and they consider every aspect of the provision.

New Department for Education data shows that Sixth Form students at Princethorpe College are making amongst the best progress at A-level in the region. The school placed third out of 83 schools in Coventry and Warwickshire, including all state, grammar and other independent schools, in the latest release of performance data published in late February. The 16 to 18 measures show Princethorpe College achieving a progress score of +0.36, rated as Above Average.

In the summer of 2025, 107 students sat A-level and BTEC examinations and, continuing the strong performances of previous cohorts, 67% of all grades awarded were A*- B, with 36% being awarded A*- A.  

The strong ‘value added’ outcomes for our Sixth Form students are a fantastic indicator of the quality of the College’s curriculum and the teaching that delivers it. Value-added scores are designed to show the progress students make from their starting points, in this case their progression from GCSE to A-levels and BTEC. A positive score means students achieved higher grades than similar students nationally.

Headteacher Grove du Toit commented: “Together our A-level results and value added outcomes recognise the hard work and perseverance of students and of staff who work incredibly hard to stretch Sixth Formers in their courses. We are delighted that the latest Department for Education data highlights this and places us third in Coventry and Warwickshire for student progress. We look forward to building on this success moving forward.”

Head of Sixth Form, Ben Collie, added: “We are proud of our summer 2025 value added results, but they are just one part of the Sixth Form offering here at Princethorpe. Over the last few years, we have invested in subject choice and breadth, developed our extended curriculum, our sixth form enrichment programme, our careers and UCAS guidance and the many leadership development opportunities we provide. Princethorpe College has a successful Sixth Form, we welcome the majority of our own Year 11 as well as a good number of external applicants from other schools. Our focus is on helping students achieve and these results are evidence that our approach works.”
 

Pupils and staff at Princethorpe College are celebrating the news that the school’s all-weather pitch will be resurfaced along with other improvements to the facility, in readiness for the start of term in September.

Nottingham-based SIS Pitches have been appointed as the main contractor for the project and will move their team onto the College campus to start work in late June. The old surface will be removed and fully recycled before work begins to install the new FIH Category 3 sand-dressed surface along with new training areas and covered dug outs for players and officials.

Grove du Toit, Headmaster, comments, “This new project builds on our recent campus developments and is the first exciting step in our Vision for Sport at Princethorpe. A key investment in our sporting facilities, it has been kindly supported by the fundraising of our Parent Teacher Association and through generous donations to our Annual Fund by parents and former pupils.”

The state-of-the-art pitch, which will be suitable for local and national competitions, will primarily be used for hockey training and the College’s busy schedule of fixtures. It will also be available for multi-sport hire by external clubs and organisations outside of school hours.

Lee Cassell, Foundation Director of Sport, adds, “The new surface will dramatically enhance the playing experience for all our students, and I have no doubt that it will inspire and transform the development and performance of our teams over the years to come.”

Joe Shaw, Commercial Director of SIS Pitches, concludes, “We are looking forward to working in partnership with Princethorpe College to deliver what promises to be an exceptional addition to their sporting facilities.”

SIS Pitches are globally recognised industry leaders in pitch technology, having worked for organisations such as the International Hockey Federation (FIH), FIFA and World Rugby.

Our College’s Musical Theatre Group production of Our House was just superb. The show took place from Thursday 5 to Saturday 7 February and, to the evident delight of the audiences, the Clarkson theatre was filled with the evocative and crowd-pleasing music of popular British band Madness.

Our House followed the story of London lad Joe Casey. On the night of his sixteenth birthday, Joe takes Sarah, the girl of his dreams, out in Camden Town. On a whim, he breaks into a development to show Sarah the view over north London. When the police come, Joe faces a tough decision: to run, or give himself up. It is at this point that the story split in two and we followed the fortunes, and misfortunes, of Good Joe and Bad Joe. 

Our House was full of classic songs and the cast rose to the challenge of the music, delivering a vibrant and exuberant performance full of enthusiasm. The songs were so infectious that we are all still humming along after what was a most entertaining and enjoyable show.

Congratulations to everyone involved, on stage and behind the scenes and especially to the Directors, Mr Cowlishaw and Ms Newborough. We are now all looking forward to the Trinity Term and the College’s summer musical for the Lower School.

As an addition to the Sixth Form subjects the College is planning to offer Level 3 Triple Sport BTEC from September 2026.

If you are passionate about sport and looking for a practical, career-focused qualification, this could be for you.

The Level 3 Extended Diploma:

• Is equivalent to 3 A-levels
• Recognised by universities and enables a pathway to further vocational courses
• Provides a highly specialist, work-related qualification focused around the learner

This course is perfect for students who want to combine academic study with real-world skills and open doors to university and careers in the sports industry. Interest is already strong from both internal and external candidates.

An online presentation with further information about this new qualification took place in January. If you would like to watch a recording of the presentation please email admissions@princethorpe.co.uk.

Recent leaver and former Art Scholar, OP Genevieve Slater-Tucker's stunning picture Metamorphosis was awarded second place in the Painting Over 16 class at the Independent Schools Association’s prestigious National Art Competition.

Her work had qualified for the competition after winning the local regional round and the judging for the nationals took place at the ISA's National Conference in November in Kenilworth.

Her painting was part of her coursework for her A-level Art examination. It featured how humans and nature mirror each other in their development and journey from childhood to adulthood. It was a striking, life-like image and a well-deserved winner.

Genevieve has always been a talented artist, back at GCSE she was one of the country's top scorers in her OCR GCSE Art and Design: Fine Art qualification. Her A-level work was equally impressive and Head of Art, Paul Hubball, was delighted that her painting has received recognition at the ISA national competition.

The latest edition of the College’s magazine, The Tower Review, is now available. Telling the story of the last school year, term by term, it celebrates the adventures, achievements and successes of pupils from Year 7 through to Upper Sixth. It includes highlights such as Prize Giving and the College's productions as well as reviews of sporting events and House competitions. 2024/25 was an incredible year filled full of wonderful and memorable moments. We hope our annual souvenir review will be treasured by pupils and parents alike. Keepsake copies of the magazine were shared with families who had pupils at school last academic year and mailed to the leavers of 2025. 

The Tower Review provides a wonderful insight into life at Princethorpe College. Why not have a read here.

Princethorpe College has unveiled exciting plans for its Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2026-27.

Planning for a programme of events is now well underway, with a wealth of opportunities for the wider school community to get involved in celebrating the school’s 60^th anniversary.

Some of the highlights will include:

• A special event marking the 125^th anniversary of the Consecration of Princethorpe’s beautiful Our Lady of the Angels Chapel on Friday 8 May 2026. Members of the parish and invited guests will attend a special Mass, led by the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, with music created and performed for the occasion, and a talk on the historic grade 2 star listed Chapel. 
• The popular OPs vs College Sports Day will get a revamp and feature as part of a special Jubilee Friday Night Lights on Friday 4 September 2026, with OP teams and College teams pitched against each other and local rivals in Football, Netball, Hockey and Rugby.  A BBQ and Bar will be available. This will also see the unveiling of our newly refurbished Astro. 
• On Saturday 5 September 2026 the College’s grounds will be transformed for a glittering black-tie Diamond Jubilee Ball. Some 300 plus guests will be able to partake in fine dining and dancing to live music in a beautiful marquee in the College’s stunning grounds before carriages at midnight. 
• During the Summer Half Term of 2027 we are considering a three-day 40-Mile Jubilee Walking Pilgrimage in either Somerset or Norfolk for parents, former parents, staff and former staff, taking in historic religious sites, beautiful countryside and fine local hostelries, all in aid of Mary’s Meals. 
• Bringing the anniversary year to a happy conclusion, Princefest II, the College’s big festival weekend, will return over Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 June 2027 with on-site camping, music, entertainment, stalls and food aplenty, plus our very own funfair in the playground and a fireworks finale on the Saturday, with a more relaxed day including Mass on the Sunday.

Comments Grove du Toit, Headmaster, “We are beyond excited and buzzing about our plans for the College’s Diamond Jubilee next year. It promises to be a wonderful celebration of the College and its ‘spirit of family’, filled with memory-making fun and friendship and we look forward to welcoming all those connected with the College and Foundation, past and present, to our events over the course of the year.

More detailed information and how to book or participate in the various events will be shared later in the year with the wider Princethorpe community.

In September, Princethorpe College was awarded Microsoft Showcase School status and was delighted to join an elite group of schools from across the world recognised for their digital expertise and innovative and effective approach to technology innovation in teaching and learning.

As a Showcase School, the College will work closely with Microsoft to lead innovation in education, by harnessing the power of technology to promote a technological education transformation vision and by mentoring and supporting other schools.

Princethorpe’s recognition follows an extensive application process that evaluated how technology is used in teaching and in the classroom and in how the school fosters creative and innovative digital developments across all areas of school life. It also reflects the College’s commitment to digital up-skilling with three resident ‘Microsoft Innovative Educator Experts’ amongst our staff body and a further 60 staff currently completing digital professional development.

Foundation Director of Digital Strategy, Andy Compton, comments, “Achieving Microsoft Showcase School status has been a key focus of our Digital Development Strategy which is focused on leveraging technology to ensure pupils develop the digital skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological world. As a Microsoft Showcase School, the College will continue to drive and develop tailored and personalised learning for pupils by embedding technology into the school’s teaching across the curriculum. This award helps us to continue to empower teachers and leaders to develop the teaching and learning in their subject areas, using digital tools in conjunction with our focus on challenge, creativity and curiosity in the classroom.” 

The latest issue of The Pinnacle has just been published, showcasing yet more of our pupils' excellent work. The Pinnacle has always celebrated our pupils at their best and this edition includes plenty more examples of their outstanding efforts; their dedication, hard work and commitment to their studies, inside and outside the classroom, clear to see.

This bumper edition is a testament to the talent that thrives within our community. Incredible and inspiring work in Humanities, Sciences, Languages, English, Art and Design is featured within the booklet. There is a double page spread on the first whole Foundation COP, as well as news of the achievements of pupils taking Project Qualifications.

In the middle of The Pinnacle you will find a copy of The MInnacle which features work from the Foundation's Prep Schools as well.

You can read a copy of here.

Work has started to create Princethorpe College’s new purpose-built smallholding that will enrich the educational experiences of all pupils by providing invaluable hands-on learning in the fields of horticulture, environmental science and sustainability for subjects across the curriculum. The project which has been completely funded through donations from the wider Princethorpe community has been in the planning for several years.

Located in the field adjacent to the Sixth Form Centre, this week the smallholding area has been fenced off, prior to the ground being prepared ready for the growing season. Around the 25mx30m boundary, wooden post and rail fencing has been installed along with wire rabbit netting and access gates running directly off the Sixth Form Lawn. Raised beds will shortly be installed as will water and there are plans for a composting area, polytunnel, seating and tool storage.

The new smallholding will serve as a further outdoor classroom, offering plenty of opportunities for study and practical learning in the natural environment. It will foster deeper connections to nature and the countryside, such an important part of the Princethorpe experience, and cultivate valuable life skills in all our pupils.

A dedicated 'Smallholding Working Group' is already working hard to integrate the project into the current curriculum, and co-curricular activities, mapping the links into subjects such as Geography, Science, Food Technology and Business Studies. 

The Smallholding Project is a staged project that will grow over time, as the site is established and embedded into curriculum use. This innovative initiative will provide an unparalleled learning experience, not traditionally available in schools, for pupils across the Foundation.

Headmaster, Grove du Toit, comments, “Our new smallholding will provide unique learning experiences that complement our academic curriculum. Through lessons and clubs, pupils will have the opportunity to engage and immerse themselves in the countryside and nature, learning invaluable skills and fostering a deeper appreciation for the environment.”

Director of Development, Steve Kowal, added, “This project is a wonderful example of what can be achieved through the quiet generosity of our community. Thanks to donor support, we have been able to create something genuinely distinctive, an educational resource that will benefit pupils for many years to come and grow in impact over time.”

Two cup competitions in one school week saw the College’s U13 Girls team achieve double success and progress into the next round of both the English Schools and Independent Schools Football Association's Cup competitions, much to the delight of their proud coaches.

On Monday 12 January, the team faced Hinchingbrooke School in Round 5 of the ESFA Cup where a strong, determined performance delivered a well-earned 5-0 victory taking the team through to the last 16 of this national competition.

Then on Thursday 15 January, in truly dismal conditions, the team faced Brentwood School in the quarter-final of the ISFA Cup. Princethorpe’s girls showed incredible resilience and self-belief, attacking confidently and tackling consistently to finish the match with a 3-1 win, earning themselves a place in the semi-finals.

Team Manager, Dan White, was ecstatic and said, "These girls have been outstanding all season. Their attitude, resilience and talent have shone through in the face of every challenge, including this week's unrelenting rain and mud. They have achieved so much and have the potential for more. I'm proud of every single one of them."

Another fantastic effort from the girls. Keep it up Princethorpe!

On Monday 24 November, the Princethorpe Dance Team, made up of 27 dancers from Years 7 to  the Lower Sixth, presented a joyful performance of their dance routine Hercules at The Albany Theatre, Coventry, in the ‘Gotta Dance’ SSPA Showcase. First performed at the House Talent Show, this was only its second outing but the dancers did not disappoint. The complex routine which merged a range of dance styles, including Contemporary, Lyrical, Jazz and Commercial, was delivered with panache and style. Princethorpe's pupils put on an outstanding performance, demonstrating professionalism both on and off the stage. Teacher of Dance, Mrs Fox was incredibly proud of how they tackled their challenging choreography, exuded energy throughout and worked exceptionally as a team. 

Little Crackers Nursery’s new Ladybirds Room, for babies and toddlers, from 9 months to 2 years old, is now open and has begun to welcome new little ones starting their exciting Little Crackers learning journey.

The Nursery, which is based at the Foundation's Prep School, Crackley Hall, on the Coventry Road in Kenilworth, now caters for babies from 9-months-old up to pre-school children, providing flexible, dedicated year-round (51-week) care for busy and working families. Nursery sessions run from 7.45pm to 6.00pm, with mornings, afternoons, long days and full weeks available.

The new Ladybirds room is a small setting, taking up to nine babies only, with a team of three dedicated staff members delivering tailored, individual care and attention in the natural nursery setting. Situated at the heart of Crackley Hall School, the light, airy nursery rooms and outdoor spaces, including Windmill Wood, are designed to give children a blank canvas to experiment, create, explore and learn.

A recent survey of current parents rated the overall provision at Little Crackers as 4.7 out of 5, with parents particularly valuing the high standards of care, the learning and progress made by their children and the friendly and welcoming staff.

Parents can come and see the brand-new Ladybirds Room at Little Crackers Nursery's upcoming Open Morning from 10.30am to 12.30pm on Saturday 7 March. Families are invited to explore the nursery and meet the friendly team who will care for their little one.

To find out more and book your place visit: www.littlecrackers.co.uk

The latest issue of the Old Princethorpian, the Princethorpe Foundation’s termly alumni e-newsletter for past pupils, staff and parents, is out now. You can read it here.

Our newsletter aims to keep our alumni in touch with one another and news, developments and events across the Foundation.

The next event for our alumni is our local Pub Meet which takes place on Friday 6 March at the The Aviary, 25 High Street, Rugby. For more details of all our alumni events please visit Princethorpe Connect.

If you have any comments on the e-newsletter or news to share then please do get in touch, email oldprincethorpians@princethorpe.co.uk.

Open Morning - Thursday 23 April - 10.30am - 12.30pm

The College's 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. The Leadership and Admissions Teams will be available to answer any questions visitors might have. Light refreshments will be available.

Places are now limited. Please click here to book your place.

Open Evening - Wednesday 3 June - 6.30pm - 8.30pm

The College's annual Summer Open Evening will take place on Wednesday 3 June from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. This is an informal opportunity to look around the school, for children to take part in departmental and co-curricular activities, and to meet members of staff and pupils. The Headmaster will also address visitors during the evening. Light refreshments will be available.

Please click here to book your place. 

Year 5 Taster Days

Tuesday 12 May, Tuesday 9 June, Thursday 11 June, and Wednesday 17 June 2026.

Aimed at prospective Year 5 pupils, our Taster Days are a great way for your child to really experience Princethorpe during a normal school day.

Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Please click here to book your child's place at one of our Year 5 Taster Days.

For further information on admissions and entry to the College in 2027 visit our school website or speak to the Admissions Team, Mrs Catherine Rogers and Miss Georgia Newborough, on 01926 634201/297 or by email at admissions@princethorpe.co.uk.

Crackley Hall School and Little Crackers Nursery, are holding an Open Morning on Saturday 7 March. The Open Morning is a great opportunity for prospective families considering Crackley Hall School or Little Crackers Nursery to come and have a look around and get a feel for the school and nursery. There will also be opportunities to speak to pupils, key members of staff and to meet Mr Duigan, Headmaster.

To find out more and to book your visit to Crackley Hall and Little Crackers Nursery visit our website here.

Most of our pupils enter at Nursery and Reception, though pupils are welcome at any age, dependent on a place being available. We are still accepting registrations for entry to Reception in September 2026 and there are limited places available in current Reception, Junior 2 and Junior 5. 

Applications for places in the current Reception to Junior 6 are treated on an individual basis. Click here to find out more about mid-year and mid-term admissions. 

The Ladybirds Room in Little Crackers Nursery is now up and running, and we are delighted to be accepting babies from 9-months-old, right up to pre-school! If you are planning a return to work, do get in touch to book a show around our Nursery. You can also join us at our friendly Stay ’n’ Play Toddler Group, held on Wednesday mornings during term time. Click here to find out more.

Saturday 14 March - 10.00am to 12.00pm

Crescent School, Princethorpe's prep school in Bilton, Rugby, is holding an Open Morning on Saturday 14 March. It's a great opportunity for prospective families considering Crescent School to have a look around and get a feel for the school. Visitors will be able to see sport and music in action, speak to pupils and key members of staff, and meet the new Headmaster, Mr Aston, who will be joining Crescent School in September 2026.

The school is still accepting registrations for the last few places in Reception for September 2026 and there are limited places available in current Reception, Year 4 and Year 5.

To find out more and to book your visit to Crescent School visit the website here.

Applications for places in the current Reception to Year 6 are treated on an individual basis. Please get in touch with the Registrar, Mrs Becky Witcomb, at admissions@crescentschool.co.uk, regarding availability for September 2026. To find out more about mid-year and mid-term admissions click here. 

Friday 8 May 2026 4.15pm to 6.00pm

If you have a child who would love to give cricket a try or wants to improve their bowling, batting and fielding skills, why not sign them up to the Princethorpe College Year 4 and 5 'Connect with Cricket' taster event.

An after-school session of free cricket training, they'll learn new skills, make friends and have fun.  Aimed at girls and boys of all abilities, including those with no previous experience, the event will finish with some mini matches.

Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. To book your child's place please complete a booking and consent form, for a copy please click here.

Thursday 19 March 2026, 10.30am to 11.30am

Join us for our Easter-themed Reception Taster Morning, a wonderful opportunity for families who are considering our school.

This exciting event is for pre-school children who are interested in a place in Reception for September 2026 and do not attend Little Crackers Nursery.

Join us for a fun-packed morning filled with Easter activities and a chance to experience our nurturing Reception environment.

Click here to book your place.

Team Super Sports provide our Holiday Camps for children aged 5 to 16, during each school holiday and are back for this Easter and Summer holidays! 

This Easter they are here for three action-packed weeks for children aged 5 to 16 years. From Monday 30 March to Friday 17 April, excluding Easter Weekend, our Holiday Camps will run from 8.00am to 5.00pm.

Children aged 7 to 16 can choose from a variety of sports to create their own personalised sports camp. For our younger campers (ages 5 to 7), along with sport we’ve got arts, crafts, and dance activities to keep them engaged and having a blast.

Why Team Super Sports? They’re experts in sport and multi-activity holiday camps, providing top-level coaching for all abilities.

Click here to visit the Team Super Sports website to secure your child’s spot.

£39 per day. 10% early bird discount ends Sunday 8 March. Sibling discounts and flexible booking options available!

Saturday 23 May – Sunday 24 May 2026

The National Schools’ and Riding Clubs' Two Day Event, will once again take place on the Princethorpe estate.

It includes classes at 70cm, 80cm, 90cm and 100cm for Riding Club and School team and individual competitors. There are also Independent Schools' Association Classes.

Show Jumping and Dressage take place on the Saturday with Roads and Tracks, Steeplechase and Cross Country on the Sunday. 

For more information and to enter please visit www.stoneleighridingclub.com

The only event of its kind in the UK, the two-day event regularly attracts up to 300 riders.

Spectators are most welcome to come along and enjoy a wonderful weekend of equestrian competition.

New Pupil Induction Day - Wednesday 24 June 2026 - 9.00am to 4.45pm

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

The Induction Day for new pupils starting at the College in September 2026 will take place on Wednesday 24 June 2026. The day will consist of two separate events. 

For pupils, the day will commence at 9.00am. They will spend the day getting to know Mrs Susan Harris, Head of Transition and Induction, their Head of House, meet their new Vertical Tutor Group and their teaching group. Refreshments at break and lunch will be provided.

For parents, there will be a welcome talk and information fair from 3.15pm. 

The Fair comprises of stands about academic and co-curricular aspects of school life, including the following;

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

Following the Fair you will be joined 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 4.45pm.

Year 7 Orientation Day - Tuesday 1 September 2026 - 9.30am to 4.00pm

The incoming Year 7 children will get a further opportunity to get to re-familiarise themselves with the College and each other  on their Orientation Day on Tuesday 1 September, just before term begins on Wednesday 2 September.

Thursday 18 June from 6.00pm to 8.30pm and Sunday 21 June from 2.00pm to 4.30pm

A celebration of our pupils GCSE and A-level Art, Photography and Design work will take place on Thursday 18 June from 6.00pm to 8.30pm and on Sunday 21 June from 2.00pm to 4.30pm.

The event, which is part of the Warwickshire Open Studios Summer Art Weeks 2026, includes a range of design technology projects, from resistant materials to textiles, alongside the stunning art and photography work which the College is renowned for.

Comments, Paul Hubball, Head of Art, "This is a great opportunity to share our pupils' 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 pupils 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 £5 per car including entry to the College's Summer Fest.

Princethorpe’s PTA are once again hosting their popular Summer Fest.

Building on the success of last year's inaugural event, Summer Fest will take place this year on Sunday 21 June from 12 noon to 5.00pm and will include live music, a vintage car display, art exhibition, fun zone, activities, games and crafts and lots more, as well as lots of food, drink and artisan products for all to purchase and enjoy.

Get the date in your diary now, as everyone is welcome to come along and enjoy lots of summer fun in the glorious grounds of Princethorpe College.

Tickets will be available to book soon. Watch out for more exciting details as we head towards the summer!

The deadline for the acceptance of places for September 2026 Year 7 entry to the College is fast approaching.

Parents wishing to accept their child's offered place are reminded that they need to send their signed Confirmation of Acceptance Form and £400 deposit back to Mrs Catherine Rogers, the Registrar, by Thursday 5 March 2026 please, to secure their child’s place. 

Completed acceptance forms can be sent by email as long as images of all four pages are included.

Please be aware that we can only guarantee places that are accepted by the above deadline date.

Do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any queries, Mrs Rogers and Miss Newborough, our friendly Admissions Team, can be contacted on 01926 634201 or 297 respectively or you can email admissions@princethorpe.co.uk.

Whilst our main entrance exams session for entry to the College in September 2026 took place in November 2025, we are holding a Spring Entrance Exams session on Monday 16 March for interested candidates still looking for a place in Years 7 to 10 for September 2026.

Scholarships and bursaries for 2026 entry have now been allocated and the number of places available is limited. Candidates need to be registered by Wednesday 11 March. After registration, a reference will be sought from the candidate’s current school. The Admissions Panel will meet the week after the Entrance Exams and families will be notified of the results at the end of March.

To register please click here.

Children who want to come to the Foundation's senior school, Princethorpe College, in Years 7 to 10, sit Entrance Examinations mainly in Year 6, but also in Year 7 - 9 as space allows.

A significant number also join us for Sixth Form at age 16 following their GCSE examinations.

We welcome children from a wide variety of state and independent schools in a radius of around thirty miles, including our Foundation prep schools, Crackley Hall and Crescent School. Whilst we are a Catholic foundation, we welcome children of all faiths and backgrounds.

Competition for places is healthy and standards are high, with the school also looking for young people who will engage with the wider life of the school.

Our Registrar, Mrs Catherine Rogers, and Assistant Registrar, Miss Georgia Newborough, will be pleased to talk you through the admissions process; contact them at admissions@princethorpe.co.uk or call 01926 634201/297.

Click here to view our digital prospectus which includes the 2027 Admissions and Entrance Examinations Booklet. 

Princethorpe College Admissions Guide

• Step 1: Visit
  There are a number of opportunities to visit Princethorpe during the course of the year, in order for prospective pupils and their parents to get a true flavour of the school before registering to take the entrance examinations in November.
  • Open Morning - Thursday 23 April
  • Year 5 Taster Days - 12 May and 9, 11, and 17 June 

  • Open Evening - Wednesday 3 June

    Click here for more information.

• Step 2: Register
  Register for entrance exams by Friday 25 September 2026.
• Step 3: Entrance Exams
  This year our exams are on Saturday 7 November 2026. Papers include English, Maths, and for Year 9/10, a language paper. Click here to read the article on Entrance Exam Day.
• Step 4: Offers
  Offers are sent out on Thursday 26 November 2026.

• Step 5: Accept

  Accept your Year 8 to 10 place by Thursday 3 December 2026.
  Accept your Year 7 place by Thursday 4 March 2027.

Entrance Examinations Day

Entrance Examinations for Year 7 - 10 places will take place on Saturday 7 November 2026. Timings will be made available closer to the time, but candidates are expected to be here for a full day.

All candidates must be registered before sitting the entrance examinations. Registrations, bursary and scholarship applications must be received by the deadline of Friday 25 September 2026 to allow us time to process the registration and contact current schools for references.

The scholarships available range from Academic, Art and Performing Arts (Choral, Drama, Music, Musical Theatre, Dance) to Sport. In addition, exceptional candidates who are both academically able and gifted and talented across a number of areas may be considered for an All-Rounder Scholarship, which would be awarded at the discretion of the Headmaster.

Additional Needs and Access Arrangements

Children with a special educational need or disability (SEND) will be considered for access arrangements in the Entrance Examinations. These are granted based on the child’s normal way of working in their current educational environment, for which evidence will be required.

Please ensure that the Registrars receive your registration and supporting documentation in good time, to enable it to be reviewed by the Learning Support team before the Entrance Examinations. We consider the child's ability to cope within the school environment, whilst accessing not only the curriculum but the co-curricular and social aspects of school life. 

In more complex cases, or if the panel has specific questions, a meeting with one of our Learning Support team will be arranged by the Registrars.

Parents will be notified prior to the Entrance Examinations Day of the nature of any access arrangements granted or if we consider that we are unable to make reasonable adjustments for the candidate based on their SEND needs.

Further information about SEND can be found in our Admissions and Entrance Examinations booklet.

Online Registrations

To register for the Entrance Exams please complete an online registration form and at the same time pay the registration fee. You can also upload completed scholarship applications should you so wish. To start your registration and to view and download all our scholarship forms please click here.

On The Day

We work hard to make the Entrance Examinations day as stress-free as possible for both children and parents. It is set up like a typical school day, albeit on a Saturday. There are four assessment sessions, interspersed with break and lunch, including outside play. Candidates are asked to wear their own casual, comfortable clothes.

Those applying for a Year 7 or 8 place take papers in English comprehension, English free writing, Mathematics, and an online verbal and non-verbal reasoning assessment.

Those applying for a Year 9 place take papers in English comprehension, Mathematics, a modern foreign language (French or Spanish, and an online verbal and non-verbal reasoning assessment.

Those applying for a Year 10 place take papers in English comprehension, Mathematics, a modern foreign language (French or Spanish), and a verbal reasoning paper.

More information is available under the relevant age group information in the Admissions and Entrance Examinations booklet.

The online verbal and non-verbal reasoning assessment is provided by the Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring (CEM). The test is designed to enable all children to demonstrate their academic potential without the need for excessive preparation.

For an example of this assessment, please follow the link here. (If you experience difficulties opening this link please try another browser.)

CEM advises parents that children can best prepare for their online assessment by learning to work quietly on their own, completing homework set by their school, and by reading and making sure they understand all the words in any books they read. Children should also, wherever possible, be encouraged to try to solve problems by looking things up for themselves. Children should be familiar with using a keyboard and a mouse including the ability to click, drag and slide with a mouse.

A sample English comprehension paper is available to download from our website here.

Further information about all the Entrance Examinations can be found in the Admissions and Entrance Examination booklet here.

A range of resources are also available online from www.bond11plus.co.uk.

The following may prove helpful:

• Bond How to do 11+ Verbal Reasoning published by Oxford University Press (ISBN 978-1382054218)
• Bond How to do 11+ Non-Verbal Reasoning published by Oxford University Press (ISBN 978-1382054195)
• Bond How to do 11+ Maths published by Oxford University Press (ISBN 978-1382054171)

They can be ordered online.

For more information visit the Entrance Examinations Day section on our website.

Please contact the Registrars if you have any queries or concerns.

After the Entrance Examinations are marked, the Admissions Panel sits to discuss applications. The Panel will take into consideration the Entrance Examinations results, confidential references from current schools and any other additional information provided by parents. For those with additional learning needs, feedback from the specialist panel will also be considered. 

As part of the admissions process for those candidates already at Senior school, they will be invited to attend a taster day at Princethorpe. During this, they will shadow a current Princethorpe pupil to lessons, tutor time, break, and lunch. Part of the taster day will also include a short informal interview with one of the senior pastoral team.

Offers Made

Exam results will be posted, first class, on Thursday 26 November 2026. No information will be available beforehand.

For those offered a place, a signed confirmation of acceptance form with £400 deposit is then required to secure the place by Monday 7 December 2026 (for those entering Years 8, 9 and 10) and Thursday 4 March 2027 for Year 7. This deposit is refunded after the end of the final term which the pupil spends at Princethorpe.

As per our Terms and Conditions; on receipt of your deposit and the signed Confirmation of Acceptance you enter into a legally binding agreement with the School. You are therefore advised to read the Terms and Conditions before signing the Confirmation of Acceptance.

Once you have confirmed your acceptance of a place and sent your £400 deposit you will receive an acknowledgement and a receipt.  Joining details will then be sent to you during the Easter holidays. These include details of Term Dates, Induction, the School Day, Medical Questionnaire, Uniform, Buses, Catering, Locker Keys, Stationery, Parents’ Evenings and the Parent Teacher Association.

Prospective families can discover all the ins and outs of applying to Princethorpe College in a our informative podcast series, Pathway to Princethorpe.

From choosing the right school to preparing for the entrance exams, the podcast is designed to help parents navigate the admissions process step by step. This is perfect for parents whose children are looking to join Princethorpe in Year 7 to Year 10. Join Registrar, Catherine Rogers, and new Assistant Registrar, Georgia Newborough, plus special guests, as they explore many aspects of Princethorpe life, share expert tips, and demystify the journey into independent secondary school.

The episodes can be found on Spotify, YouTube and Amazon Music. 

Click here to access the Pathway to Princethorpe podcast series. 

The Princethorpe Foundation has recently launched a scheme aimed at
prioritising applications to Princethorpe College from Year 5 pupils currently
at one of our Foundation prep schools, Crackley Hall School in Kenilworth
or Crescent School in Bilton, Rugby.

This optional scheme does not guarantee entry, however it does allow
for the sharing of academic assessment data between the Foundation’s
schools in the summer term. This, plus a reference, an online assessment
and a piece of free writing, will provide the College with sufficient information
for an offer of a Year 7 place to be made before the end of Year 5.

This means that pupils with an agreed early offer do not then need to sit
the entrance exams in the November of Year 6, unless they wish to apply
for an Academic Scholarship. They can also additionally apply for other
Scholarships (Art, Performing Arts – Choral, Drama, Dance, Music, Musical
Theatre and Sport) in the normal assessment timetable.

Of course there are still plenty of places available for children looking to join us from outside of the Foundation, as Year 7 typically numbers between 120 and 140 pupils.

If you have a child currently in Year 4 and a place within the Foundation and the Early Offer Scheme are of interest, please contact the Registrar at either Crackley Hall School or Crescent School to discuss availability and possible next steps.

Crackley Hall School - Jenny Vaughan - 01926 514410 or email
admissions@crackleyhall.co.uk

Crescent School - Becky Witcomb - 01788 533851 or email
admissions@crescentschool.co.uk

We have had a very high level of interest in Sixth Form Admissions for September 2026 entry, and the deadline for registrations and scholarship and bursary applications has now passed. If you are still interested in a Sixth Form place for this September, please call the Admissions Team as soon as possible to discuss potential availability.

Admission to the Sixth Form is based on satisfactory GCSE results, with the addition of an informal interview for external candidates.

The minimum academic requirement for entry to Princethorpe Sixth Form is six GCSEs of grades 9-5, including at least three grade 6s. We also accept equivalent qualifications.

Candidates are normally expected to have at least a grade 6 in the subjects to be studied to A-level. However certain subjects have higher entry requirements, as detailed in our Sixth Form Admissions 2026 Information Booklet.

Click here to download our Sixth Form Admissions 2026 Information Booklet.

In order to be considered, candidates should submit a formal registration. The link to the Sixth Form registration form can be found here. While every effort will be made to accommodate a candidate's preferred option choices, subject combinations will need to fit the agreed timetable.

An informal interview with the Head of Sixth Form, Mr Ben Collie, will then be arranged.

Following a satisfactory confidential reference from the student’s current school, the Admission Panel will meet and, if appropriate, a conditional offer will be made at the end of March subject to actual GCSE grades.

Confirmation of acceptance from a parent with a £400 deposit is then required in April to secure the place. This deposit is refunded after the end of the final term which the student spends at Princethorpe.

Once actual GCSE grades have been advised to the Registrar by telephone in August, a confirmed offer will be made.

Sixth Form Induction Day will take place on Tuesday 1 September 2026.

The Sixth Form at Princethorpe offers great choice, quality teaching in small classes, a vast array of sporting, co-curricular, leadership and service opportunities coupled with excellent pastoral care and guidance, tailored to the needs of today's young adults.

Sixth Formers at Princethorpe are fortunate to have a dedicated Sixth Form Centre, featuring a Dining Room, Coffee Bar, Lecture Theatre, Common Room and a Sixth Form Resource Area and Library for their use.

The Sixth Form admissions process for 2027 will follow the same timings as in previous years. Admissions for Sixth Form are focused in the spring term following GCSE mocks, though we would encourage all prospective Sixth Formers and their parents to attend our Sixth Form Open Evening on Wednesday 14 October 2026. Bookings will open at the start of the next academic year.

This is an ideal opportunity to get a feel for the breadth of Sixth Form life at Princethorpe and to meet and talk with members of staff and current Sixth Formers about A-level and BTEC subject choices.

Following the Sixth Form Open Evening external Year 11 candidates can attend a Sixth Form Taster Day, which are normally offered in mid December and January. These are informal opportunities for small groups of prospective Sixth Formers to visit the College for a selection of A-level/BTEC subject taster lessons, a Q&A session with current Sixth Formers, lunch, a tour of school and a chance to meet the Head of Sixth Form. Bookings will open in the Michaelmas Term.

Admission to the Sixth Form is based on satisfactory GCSE results, with the addition of an informal interview for external candidates. The minimum academic requirements for entry to Princethorpe College Sixth Form is six GCSEs of grades 9-5, including at least three grade 6s or equivalent.

Candidates are normally expected to have at least a level 6 in the subjects to be studied to A-level, however certain subjects have higher entry requirements, as detailed in our Sixth Form Admissions Information Booklet.  

External candidates are required to complete a registration form along with provisional options for A-levels/BTECs. The deadline for Sixth Form registrations and Sixth Form Scholarships will be Monday 25 January 2026.

Following satisfactory references from the student’s current school, the Admission Panel will meet and, if appropriate, a conditional offer will be made subject to actual GCSE grades. Confirmation of acceptance from a parent with £400 deposit is then required to secure the place. This deposit is refunded after the end of the final term which the pupil spends at Princethorpe.

Sixth Form offers and Scholarship offers, along with confirmation of subject choices will be sent out week commencing Monday 22 March 2027 with an acceptance deadline of Wednesday 21 April 2027.

A range of Sixth Form scholarships are available, including Academic, Art, Drama, Dance, Music (including Organ), and Sports Scholarships. Please click here to visit the relevant page on our website.

Once actual GCSE grades have been advised to the Registrar by telephone in August, a confirmed offer will be made.

Click here to download our current Sixth Form Admissions 2026 Information Booklet. The Sixth Form Admissions 2027 Information Booklet will be published at the beginning of the next academic year.

Every year there is a high level of interest in Scholarships and for 2027 we have a variety of scholarships that children can be awarded.

The scholarships available range from Art, to the Performing Arts (Choral, Dance, Drama, Music and Musical Theatre) to Sport. All children who sit the entrance exams are automatically considered for an Academic Scholarship, and no further application forms are required. In addition, exceptional candidates who are both academically able and gifted and talented across a number of areas may be considered for an All-Rounder Scholarship, which would be awarded at the discretion of the Headmaster.

The number of awards is limited. Scholarships can be to a maximum reduction of 50% of tuition fees, however the majority are between 5% and 20%, and are awarded at point of entry. More than one scholarship can be applied for.

Registration can now be completed online, and you are able to pay the registration fee at the same time. You can apply for scholarships at the point of registration and you will be asked to attach your completed scholarship forms.

To start your registration and to view and download all our scholarship forms please click here.

Academic Scholarships

Candidates applying for entry to Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 will be automatically considered for an academic scholarship when taking the Entrance Examination.

During their time at Princethorpe academic scholars are invited to attend guest lectures and will be offered a variety of opportunities for stretch and challenge, such as undertaking a Project Qualification.

Scholarship Interviews

Prospective Year 7, 8, 9 and 10 pupils who are being considered for an Academic Scholarship will be invited to an interview with the Headmaster, Mr du Toit, following the entrance examinations. The parents/guardians of these candidates will be contacted by telephone from Thursday 12 November 2026. Only those being considered for these awards will be contacted.

The interviews will take place on Saturday 14 November 2026 and during the week commencing Monday 16 November 2026.

Bursaries

Bursaries are available up to 100% of tuition fees and additional educational expenses. Bursary and Thomas More Scholarship applications are made via an online system and supporting evidence will be required.

Applications for bursaries are means-tested and may also be reviewed by external consultants. The deadline for bursary applications is Friday 25 September 2026, these can only be made following the completion of a registration form and payment of the registration fee. Those applications which do not meet the necessary criteria will be notified before the Entrance Examinations.

Click here for more information on Bursaries and the means-tested Thomas More Scholarship which is aimed at Catholic children who attend a Catholic state primary school.

Sixth Form Academic Scholarships 

External Candidates

Sixth Form Academic Scholarships are available to external candidates who are expected to achieve all 7, 8 and 9 grades at GCSE. 

Those who wish to be considered should make an application by the deadline date of Monday 25 January 2027, and if appropriate will be invited to attend the Sixth Form Academic Scholarship Day on Tuesday 9 February 2027. The Academic Scholarship Day will comprise a verbal reasoning examination, an interview with the Headmaster and Head of Sixth Form, taster lessons in two A-level option subjects, lunch and a tour of school.

Internal Candidates

Internal candidates are also able to apply for the Sixth Form Academic Scholarship, along with the other scholarships on offer.

To do so they must complete a Sixth Form Scholarship Application Form and write a ‘personal statement’ outlining their achievements to date and why they feel they would make an excellent candidate for the scholarship (maximum 500 words).

Those pupils who currently have a scholarship will normally retain their award for Sixth Form, but must also complete a Sixth Form Scholarship Application Form to re-apply for the scholarship.

The deadline for this application is Monday 25 January 2027. Applications should be marked for the attention of the Registrar.

Prospective award holders may be interviewed in early March. Details of any awards will be confirmed when the Sixth Form offer letters are sent out in writing during week commencing Monday 22 March 2027. Some awards may be dependent on final GCSE grades.

Sixth Form Sport Scholarships
Sport Scholarships may be awarded to internal or external candidates entering the Sixth Form. The candidates should submit a portfolio and detailed account of their reasons for the application supported by references from their coach/activity leaders, plus a video of their sporting highlights in their main sport.

The final document should be forwarded to our Registrar by Monday 25 January 2027. Following a review of the portfolios, as appropriate, candidates will be invited to the Sports Scholarship Assessment Day on Wednesday 10 February 2027.

Sixth Form Art Scholarships
A Sixth Form Art Scholarship is available to internal or external candidates entering the Sixth Form. The deadline to apply is Monday 25 January 2027 and the Art Scholarship Assessment Day will take place on Thursday 11 February 2027.

Successful candidates will be expected to pursue the A-level Art Course.

Requirements:

• Candidates should have achieved high standards in their GCSE courses (predicted 7, 8 or 9).
• Portfolio work would also be expected to contain evidence of creative endeavours outside the confines of school GCSE coursework and be supported by a reference from their Head of Art.
• The candidates will be expected to have excellent observational drawing skills and be able to draw from a still life during the interview day.
• A WeTransfer of up to 20 images of artwork, in JPEG format, must be included with the application and emailed to admissions@princethorpe.co.uk by the application deadline.
• Candidates will also be expected to bring a portfolio showing work from their previous two years. 3D work should not be brought, photographic evidence of 3D work being sufficient, or as images on a CD.

Art Scholarship Assessment Day:

• Candidates will undertake some drawing and design exercises in the art studios and will also be interviewed by the Head of Art with their portfolios of artwork (portfolios should include recent GCSE coursework and evidence of work created outside school).

Internal Candidates for Art Scholarships

Internal candidates are not required to submit a portfolio, however they will be required to attend the Art Scholarship Assessment Day. They will be considered by the Headmaster based on their performance in the GCSE examinations and feedback from the Head of Art.

Sixth Form Music Scholarships
A Sixth Form Music Scholarship is available to external candidates entering the Sixth Form. The deadline for applications is Monday 25 January 2027 and Scholarship Auditions will take place the week commencing Monday 8 February 2027. Successful candidates will be expected to pursue the A-level Music course.

Requirements

• A standard of Grade 7 ABRSM or equivalent in any instrument.
• A second instrument, which will probably be at a lower standard than the first. In certain cases it may be possible to begin a second instrument on entry.

The Audition

All candidates must attend a practical examination. At the audition they will be required to:

• Perform 2 pieces on the instrument of their first choice.
• Perform 1 piece on the instrument of their second choice.
• Sing a song of their own choice.
• Play the panel’s selection of scales and arpeggios from the ABRSM grade that best reflects their current standard and undertake an aural test of the same standard.
• Participate in a viva voce, where they will be asked about their music-making, hobbies, etc.

Piano accompaniments should be brought to the audition. An accompanist will be provided unless a candidate prefers to be accompanied by an external accompanist they elect to bring with them. Candidates are advised to perform music with which they are comfortable with, rather than playing music which is technically beyond them.

Names and addresses of two referees must be supplied, one of which should be the school music teacher or conductor of a choir or orchestra in which the candidate regularly performs.

Sixth Form Organ Scholarship

A Sixth Form Organ Scholarship of up to 50% of tuition fees is available to candidates who have a high level of ability and are committed and enthusiastic performers; the successful candidate will be expected to play in the College Chapel on Sunday at 10.15am, Mass during term time, and other functions. Applications addressed to the Registrar should be received by the deadline of Monday 25 January 2027 and Scholarship Auditions will take place the week commencing Monday 8 February 2027.

Candidates will be required to perform a short piece and be interviewed by the Director of Music and Headmaster as part of the selection process.

Internal Candidates for Music and Organ Scholarships

Internal candidates do not have to apply for Sixth Form Music and Organ Scholarships. They will be considered by the Headmaster based on their performance in the GCSE examinations and feedback from the Director of Music.

Sixth Form Drama Scholarships

A Sixth Form Drama Scholarship is available to internal and external candidates entering the Sixth Form. Successful candidates will be expected to pursue the A-level Theatre Studies course. The deadline for applications is Monday 25 January 2027 and Scholarship Auditions will take place week commencing Monday 8 February 2027.

Requirements

• Candidates should have achieved high standards in their GCSE drama course (predicted 7-9).
• A proven track record of dedication to school co-curricular drama productions and a commitment for this to continue in the Sixth Form.
• Candidates to have demonstrated leadership qualities in drama related activities, such as directing or mentoring.

The Audition

All candidates must attend an audition. At the audition they will be required to:

• Perform two 2 minute contrasting monologues, one contemporary and one from pre 1950.
• Submit a theatre review of a recent production seen by the candidate.
• Present other supporting evidence for their application.
• Participate in a viva voce on a play they have studied and a company/theatre practitioner/theatrical style that has particularly inspired them.

Names and addresses of two referees must be supplied, one of which should be the school drama teacher or the leader of a drama company in which the candidate regularly performs.

Sixth Form Dance Scholarships

A Sixth Form Dance Scholarship is available to internal and external candidates entering the Sixth Form.  The deadline for applications is Monday 25 January 2027 and Scholarship Auditions will take place week commencing Monday 8 February 2027.

Requirements

• Candidates should have achieved high standards in their GCSE or BTEC Performing Arts course (predicted 7-9 or equivalent).
• A proven track record of dedication to school co-curricular performing arts productions and a commitment for this to continue in the Sixth Form.
• Candidates to have demonstrated leadership qualities in dance related activities, such as choreographing or teaching.

The Audition

All candidates must attend an audition. At the audition they will be required to:

• Partake in a technical class with a short performance extract
• Perform a pre-prepared individual dance piece of minimum duration 1 minute 30 seconds
• Create movement in a choreography session
• Discuss previous dance experience, motivation for the subject and any performances they have been inspired by.
• Present other supporting evidence for their application.

References from two referees, one of which must be their dance teacher or the leader of a dance school in which the candidate regularly performs, should be supplied. This should include the referees name and email address.

Sixth Form and Scholarship offers

Sixth Form offers and Scholarship offers, along with confirmation of option subject choices, will be made the week commencing Monday 22 March 2027.

The deadline for acceptances of Sixth Form places and Scholarship offers is Wednesday 21 April 2027.

Registrar, Mrs Catherine Rogers, and Assistant Registrar, Miss Georgia Newborough, deal with many enquiries from prospective parents. Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions about the admissions process, along with their responses.

If you have a query that isn't covered here, please feel free to contact Catherine or Georgia on 01926 634201/297. 

What makes Princethorpe College the right choice for our family? 

Princethorpe College combines strong academic outcomes, exceptional pastoral care, and a distinctive ethos of kindness and community. The College aims to give its pupils a foundation for life by developing confident, caring and independent young people who are well prepared for life beyond school. 

What curriculum does the school follow? 

Princethorpe offers a knowledge‑rich, broad curriculum that draws on and goes well beyond the National Curriculum. Pupils study a wide range of subjects in Years 7–9, with increasing choice and specialisation at GCSE and Sixth Form. Click here to see an overview of the curriculum.

What is life like for pupils at the College? 

Princethorpe is an incredibly busy and dynamic school environment with a wide variety of experiences on offer. To get a full flavour of life at the College click here to view our Termly Calendar and here to read our Tower Review magazine, which takes a look back at the preceding school year. 

What co‑curricular opportunities are available, including sport, music, drama and the arts, and how do these enrich pupils’ experience beyond the classroom?

Princethorpe College offers a broad and vibrant co‑curricular programme that includes sport, music, drama, the arts and a wide range of clubs and activities. These opportunities are an integral part of school life and are designed to help pupils discover new interests, build confidence, develop teamwork and leadership skills, and enjoy a well‑rounded education beyond the classroom. The co-curricular timetable changes on a termly basis, click here to see the latest version.

How are decisions made to offer places?

Places are considered based on the results from the entrance examinations, the confidential reference which the College requests from the candidate's current school and any other information which is contained on the registration form, such extracurricular interests. The Admissions Panel looks at each individual application at length before a decision is made regarding the offer of a place. The decision making process runs over three days.

How many places are offered each year?

The cohort each year is different in number and ability, so it depends upon the examination results and the references from the current school. We usually offer slightly more places than we have space for because we recognise that some children may take entrance examinations for more than one school and some live in areas which still operate the 11+ examination. We are looking for an intake of approximately 120-140 into Year 7.

What is assessed during the entrance examinations?

Pupils currently in Years 6 or 7 will take papers in Mathematics and English Comprehension (1 hour each) and a 50 minute online assessment (CEM test) which will cover verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning and numerical reasoning. There will also be a 45 minute Free Writing paper which will ask them to write something about themselves. Pupils in current Years 8 or 9 will take a modern foreign language paper (French or Spanish) instead of the free writing.

How can I prepare my child for the exams?

There is no one way to best prepare your child, but we recommend they read widely, look up words they do not understand, use their imagination in their writing, practice their number skills (including times tables) and play word and number games.

As a general rule on the paper tests, advise your son/daughter to answer the easy questions first on the paper and then go back and work on the trickier ones. Practice at timing themselves while they are working is important too, as they often run out of time. None of the questions on any of the papers need to be answered in order. If the child thinks a question is difficult, they should leave it and go onto the next one and then go back and try again if there is enough time. Please encourage your child to just try their best and to show any working out, as some marks might be awarded even if the final answer is incorrect.

A copy of a past English paper is available to download from our website here. We do not provide Mathematics practice papers but a list of possible maths topics that might be covered is detailed in our Admissions Booklet and on our website.  

There is a sample CEM test available here. Note – for the best experience please use Microsoft Edge or Chrome on a computer or laptop, rather than a tablet or mobile phone. The software works better on these platforms and also the children need to be confident to use a mouse to navigate and select their answers.

A range of resources are available online from www.bond11plus.co.uk

The following may also prove helpful:

• Bond How to do 11+ Verbal Reasoning published by Oxford University Press (ISBN 978-1382054218)
• Bond How to do 11+ Non-Verbal Reasoning published by Oxford University Press (ISBN 978-1382054195)
• Bond How to do 11+ Maths published by Oxford University Press (ISBN 978-1382054171)

They can be ordered online.

How many scholarships are offered each year?

Every year there is a high level of interest in scholarships and we have recently expanded the number of categories available for particularly able or talented candidates.

The scholarships available are Academic, Art, Performing Arts (Choral, Drama, Music, Musical Theatre, and Dance) and Sport.

In addition, exceptional candidates who are both academically able and gifted and talented across a number of areas may be considered for an All-Rounder Scholarship, which would be awarded at the discretion of the Headmaster.

The number of scholarships offered each year depends on the funds allocated by the trustees and is limited. Academic scholarships can be to a maximum reduction of 50% of tuition fees, however the majority are between 5% and 20%, and are awarded at point of entry. More than one scholarship can be applied for.

Do you take children with a Special Educational Need or Disability and are they entitled to access arrangements in the exams?

Children with a special educational need or disability (SEND) will be considered for access arrangements in the Entrance Examinations. These are granted based on the child’s normal way of working in their current educational environment, for which evidence will be required.

Please ensure that the Registrars receive your registration and supporting documentation in good time, to enable it to be reviewed by the Learning Support team before the Entrance Examinations. We consider the child's ability to cope within the school environment, whilst accessing not only the curriculum but the co-curricular and social aspects of school life. 

In more complex cases, or if the panel has specific questions, a meeting with one of our Learning Support team will be arranged by the Registrars.

Parents will be notified prior to the Entrance Examinations Day of the nature of any access arrangements granted or or if we consider that we are unable to make reasonable adjustments for the candidate based on their SEND needs.

Further information about SEND can be found in the Admissions and Entrance Examination booklet.

How does the school support pupils of different academic abilities?

Princethorpe College supports pupils across the full range of academic ability, from those who require additional guidance to those who benefit from extra challenge. Teaching is carefully differentiated, with small class sizes enabling teachers to adapt lessons to individual needs and learning styles.

Pupils who need additional support may follow a slightly adjusted curriculum, developed in consultation with the Learning Support department, ensuring they can access learning with confidence and make strong progress. 
For pupils who thrive on challenge, the College offers a Challenge Curriculum and Da Vinci Programme which are designed to stretch and inspire high‑achieving learners through deeper thinking, problem‑solving and intellectual curiosity.

How does the school support pupils transitioning from primary school or another secondary school?

After offers are made there are plenty of events for families to visit the College and get to know Princethorpe better. Our Induction Day at the end of June, for all new Year 7-10 pupils, offers the opportunity to spend the day as a Princethorpe pupil, meet their Head of House, Form Tutor, new classmates and other members of the Princethorpe community. In addition, we also have a Year 7 Orientation Day which takes place just before the new term starts in September. This is another opportunity to refamiliarise themselves with the College campus and meet their new teachers and classmates again just before they begin school. For older pupils, we will have Class Buddies and Transition and Induction Prefects on hand to help them find their new routine. Once term starts, our strong pastoral care, tutor support and the House system help pupils settle in very quickly.

How are the children put in the new form groups?

At Princethorpe new pupils to the school will be put onto a teaching group with children across the year group. They will be in the same group for most lessons e.g. Geography, Art, History etc but will have a different group for maths lessons which are streamed by ability and for the practical subjects like DT. Teaching groups are allocated to ensure a balance of ability, age, boys and girls and houses.

What sizes are the classes at Princethorpe?

The maximum class size is 24 but are often fewer, at around 20-22 pupils. Design and Technology groups tend to be even smaller, normally around 14-16. 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 or 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 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?

Princethorpe has an excellent induction programme that is offered on two separate occasions. We have an Induction Day in June for all new pupils when they spend a day in class and get to meet their Head of House, their form tutor and other members of the Princethorpe community. We also have a Year 7 Orientation 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 school.

Do you offer before and after school care?

The school is open from 7.30am each day with breakfast available in the Bourse for early birds. Period 1 and registration is at 8.40am. School finishes at 3.45pm with co-curricular clubs taking place until 5.30pm. Princethorpe Prep, our supervised Homework Club, is available for pupils until 6.00pm. 

What uniform and equipment will my child need?

Uniform is compulsory for our pupils and helps to create a sense of shared identity, community spirit and a pride in oneself and in the College. Click here to see more about our uniform.

The College operates a 1-1 device scheme, whereby pupils are also expected to use a laptop to support blended learning. Details of our digital device scheme for 2026 will be published shortly.

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. 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.

The cost of external public examination fees are also chargeable and are applicable in Year 11 and Upper Sixth and occasionally in other years. Individual subject costs vary and the total cost is also influenced by the number of examinations entered. 

For our full FAQs please click here

Alternatively, we delve deeper into some of these topics on our Admissions Podcast, Pathway to Princethorpe. You can listen and catch up on all our episodes on Spotify, YouTube or Amazon Music. Click here for details.

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.

Buses arrive in school for 8.30am in time for the start of the school day.

The majority of our buses leave at 3.55pm, just after the end of the school day.

For those children staying for co-curricular activities, this year we introduced an express late bus service, with three routes, Leamington/Stratford, Rugby/Coventry Rugby and Southam/Houlton stopping at a limited number of hub stops. These currently operate Monday to Thursday in the Michaelmas and Lent Terms and leave at 5.45pm to coincide with the end of co-curricular activities or Prep. Alternatively, children can be collected from site.

We are carefully monitoring the uptake of these late services and all services are reviewed in time for the next academic year. 

The current bus routes, prices, and timetables are available on our dedicated bus service website here. Use the map and postcode search to choose your service and then click on the bus number at the top of the screen for details of the timetable and stops. 

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. Once you have accepted a place, you will be asked to make an appointment with the School Shop. 

Shop opening hours during term time are as follows:

- Mondays and Wednesdays 3.30pm – 4.30pm for parents

- Break and lunchtime everyday for pupils

During the school holidays the shop is open by appointment only. This is particularly useful for new parents who need to buy the complete range of uniform as they will be the sole customer at the time and waiting will be avoided.

Uniform 1

Blazer with College crest, plain white shirt, House tie, black College V-neck jumper, black school trousers (not jeans or canvas material), plain black socks, plain black shoes (not trainer-type shoes).

Uniform 2

Blazer with College crest, plain white revere collar blouse, a green College V-neck jumper, a pleated school skirt, worn to the knee, and/or black school trousers (not jeans or canvas material). Black opaque tights, short plain black ankle socks, plain black low-heeled shoes. In warm weather, transparent tights may be worn.

Additional Information

Underwear, including T-shirts must not be visible under shirts or blouses. Canvas pumps, ankle boots or black trainers are not permitted. Outdoor coats must be plain in colour with no obvious logos, no leather, fur or denim. In severe winter weather pupils are allowed to wear boots or wellingtons to school but must change into shoes once inside the school building. Hats, scarves and gloves, if worn, must be plain or school branded;  

Non-school uniform items are prohibited in school.

Sixth Form Dress Code

Although College uniform is not required we expect Sixth Formers to set an example by smartness of dress and appearance.

A smart business suit with a jacket, which is to be worn at all times. Patterned fabrics are acceptable as long as they are made from a suit fabric i.e. check, tartan etc.

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

Sixth Form dress code option 1

Skirt suit with blouse or dress suit - blouse and dress must have a sleeve. Skirt or dress must be worn at the knee.

Sixth Form dress code option 2

Trouser suit with blouse – blouse must have a sleeve. 

Sixth Form dress code option 3

Trouser suit with shirt and tie – shirt must have a collar

Sixth Form shoes and accessories

• Jumpers, tank-tops and cardigans are permitted – round or v neck only. No zips or adornments on any knitwear worn.
• If a student chooses to wear an item of knitwear, then they must wear this on top of a shirt or blouse not instead of.
• Any cardigan worn must be worn underneath a suit jacket not instead of a jacket.
• Formal shoes, no trainers or boots (see images in the Prospectus Information Booklet). Shoes may be a slip-on loafer style, laced or other formal shoe with a sensible heel.

Please click here to view the full Uniform Guide and Sixth Form Dress Code.

At Princethorpe College, we aim to provide a caring, stimulating environment in which children’s individual needs can be met and their talents, confidence and self-esteem developed.

Fundamental to this is allowing children to be independent, organised, collaborative and inquisitive learners, who are ready to flourish both at the College and beyond it. Effective use of digital tools is key to this in the modern world, and as a school, we adopt a blended learning approach which allows children to develop their literacy in both the digital and analogue realms.

The College is currently finalising details for the next academic year's digital device provision for incoming pupils. The aim is to make device provision seamless and consistent, and to provide devices that are managed, filtered, safe and insured both in and out of the College site. When details are finalised we will communicate the new device provision details to parents.

For those who like to plan ahead the Foundation Term Dates are:

2026-27

Michaelmas Term 2026
Wednesday 2 September 2026 to Wednesday 16 December 2026 

Half Term
Saturday 17 October 2026 to Sunday 1 November 2026

Lent Term 2026  
Tuesday 5 January 2027 to Thursday 25 March 2027

Half Term
Saturday 13 February 2027 to Sunday 21 February 2027

Trinity Term 2026
Monday 19 April 2027 to Wednesday 7 July 2027

Half Term
Saturday 29 May 2027 to Sunday 6 June 2027

Our catering services are operated by Holroyd Howe, who provide a variety of tasty food offerings including full hot meals, grab and go food and snacks before, during and after school in the main Refectory, the Bourse (Café) and the Sixth Form Dining Room.

Click here to see the current menus.