Welcome to Princethorpe College's Admissions Update e-newsletter. Filled full of information and news, it gives you a feel for College life, tells you about forthcoming events which are open to prospective pupils and their families and has plenty of helpful advice about the admissions process, particularly for those who are looking at entry in September 2019.
This newsletter is issued twice a year to coincide with key admissions periods, the next edition will be published in Spring 2019.
We hope you find the newsletter of interest, if you have any feedback, comments or queries please feel free to email the team at admissions@princethorpe.co.uk.
That’s the question followers of the College on social media will be seeing over the course of the next week, starting today (Friday 7 September) at 4.00pm.
The cryptic message along with a teaser video and photographs will repeatedly pose the question in a countdown to the big reveal next Friday 14 September at 4.00pm.
Make sure you check out the posts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at 4.00pm every day.
With just nine weeks to go the countdown to the College's Entrance Exams for admission in September 2019 has begun. This year the exams for Year 7 to 10 entry will take place on Saturday 10 November from 9.30am to 3.30pm.
Our friendly Admissions Team has been kept busy over the summer accepting registrations from prospective parents. The deadline for registrations is ideally Friday 5 October, to enable the seeking of references from junior schools.
There are plenty of opportunities for prospective pupils and their parents to visit the College before the Entrance Exams, including Taster Days and our Open Morning on Thursday 27 September from 10.30am to 12.30pm, when pupil tour guides will be available to show visitors around the school.
Comments Melanie Butler, Assistant Head, Marketing, Admissions and Communications, "Parents and pupils still have plenty of time to prepare and opportunities to visit the College in the run up to the exams. The results will be out at the end of November, making for an exam-free Christmas holiday, which has got to be good news."
If you have any queries relating to admissions please feel free to email the Registrars at admissions@princethorpe.co.uk or call them on 01926 634201.
Princethorpe College is celebrating another year of excellent exam results.
This summer over a third (34%) of all A-level grades were A* or A and more than 80% of grades were C or better; at GCSE 43% of all entries were graded the coveted new 9, 8 or 7 grades (A* or A) and 39 pupils achieved eight or more 9, 8, 7 grades (A* or A).
Ed Hester, Headmaster, said, “Our students have worked so hard and we are incredibly proud of their achievements.”
A-level summary:
Amongst the seventeen high fliers who achieved three or more A* or A grades were Head Girl, Miriam Isaacs, Head Boy, Tim Duffy, Ed Williamson who received his results on his 18th birthday and the College’s highest achieving student James Fletcher who will now go on to read Law at Trinity College, Oxford.
Many Princethorpe pupils nailed the new 9 grade with the best individual results achieved by Caitlin McBride who achieved nine 9s, two A*s and an A grade and Sophie Mitchell who achieved nine 9s and two A* grades.
Princethorpe pupils performed well in all the core GCSE subjects but the College is particularly delighted with its best ever English results with 64% of pupils achieving 9, 8 or 7 grades. Given the rarity of the new 9 grade, and the new more demanding GCSE courses, Princethorpe’s pupils really excelled themselves: the College also had 11 pupils achieve a grade 9 in Art and its Scientists secured no less than 41 grade 9s.
GCSE summary:
Headmaster, Ed Hester, continued, “All credit goes to our pupils and staff for their commitment and hard work. Our 2018 A-level and GCSE results are very strong indicators that the school’s academic achievements across the ability range continue to go from strength to strength."
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Earlier this year Princethorpe College passed an Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) regulatory compliance inspection with flying colours.
The College was inspected in mid-February and judged to have met all of the eight standards required of it. Areas examined in terms of compliance include the quality of education provided, welfare, health and safety of pupils and the quality of leadership and management of the school.
Amongst its findings the report comments on ‘GCSE performance from 2014 to 2016 (the period covered by the inspection) being above the national average’, ‘that principles and values are actively promoted which facilitate the personal development of pupils’ and that ‘the leadership and management demonstrate good skills and knowledge and fulfil their responsibilities effectively’.
Regulatory compliance inspections report on a school’s compliance with the Independent School Standards Regulations. All schools are required to meet all standards applicable to them and the judgements are either met or not met.
Comments Headmaster, Ed Hester, “We are delighted to have met all the ISI’s regulatory standards, the report is testament to the hard work and dedication of the whole team at Princethorpe and my thanks go out to them.”
To access the full report please go to the ISI website or click here.
The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) is the body approved by the Department for Education for the purpose of inspecting schools belonging to Independent Schools Council (ISC) Associations and reporting on compliance with independent school regulations. ISI inspections are also carried out under arrangements of the ISC Associations for the maintenance and improvement of the quality of the membership.
Princethorpe is putting Science at the forefront of its vision for the future, with the announcement of plans for a new state-of-the-art Science building. Planning will be submitted this September for the two-storey, £8 million building, which will see Biology, Chemistry and Physics sited together in one dedicated location. It is hoped that construction will start on the project within the next three years.
This is the latest in a programme of capital investment in the infrastructure of the College, including recent projects such as the refurbishment of the Clarkson Theatre and the Roundhouse for the Performing Arts, the Limes Building for Modern Foreign Languages, English and ICT and restoration of the wooded lake area known as Switzerland for outdoor education.
At just over 1,600 sq metres, the building will provide contemporary, spacious and well-equipped accommodation for the three Sciences including ten new laboratories, preparation areas, staff bases and toilets.
Comments, Headmaster, Ed Hester, “In a demanding world, where scientific progress is essential across the spheres of discovery, development and innovation, we need to provide the very best facilities for teaching and learning to stimulate the intellect, ambition and creativity of our pupils. This tremendous new building will enable us to do just that.”
The main entrance of the new block will face the Lime Walk and the side of the building will abut the existing Limes Building at the top of the North Lawn. The two buildings will be connected on both floors creating free flow for pupils and staff between them. The area in front of the new building will be attractively landscaped with a central square feature.
The project will also enable the College to redevelop and cluster other departments, providing permanent homes for Economics, Business Studies, Geography and Classics and dedicated laboratory areas for Academic PE. Plans are also afoot to provide additional catering and seated dining facilities. This last major phase of the upgrading of the school’s accommodation will benefit all of the College’s 900 plus pupils.
The project has been designed in collaboration with Leamington-based AT Architects.
The Princethorpe Foundation is delighted to announce that two new senior members of staff joined the Leadership Team this September.
Dr Liz Pyne, joined Princethorpe College from Finham Park School in Coventry, in the new role of Assistant Head (Teaching and Learning). Dr Pyne is an outstanding History teacher, who has had a wealth of strategic leadership and training experience in Teaching and Learning at her current school. An experienced practitioner, Liz is a Professional Mentor for Warwick University and has been rewarded with an Honorary Fellowship. She regularly shares best practice and the latest developments in pedagogy with colleagues from other schools.
Her role will be to inspire, support and develop pupils and staff to achieve the highest possible standards in teaching and learning.
Joining her is Andy Compton, who takes on the new role of Foundation Assistant Head (Director of Digital Strategy). Andy is an experienced Spanish and French teacher who has had responsibility for leading on new technologies and championing digital learning at his current school, Sidney Stringer Academy in Coventry. A passionate advocate of the power of digital technology on teaching and learning, he will draw on these experiences to develop strategies to use technology to its full potential, improving the ICT, learning and teaching across the whole Foundation, including the College and its two junior schools, Crackley Hall in Kenilworth and the Crescent School in Rugby.
Headmaster, Ed Hester, commented, “The Foundation is moving forward in very exciting ways and it is so important for us to have first class staff in leadership positions. We are therefore delighted to welcome Liz and Andy and wish them both well in their new roles.”
Princethorpe College moved to seven teaching groups in Year 7 for the first time this September when 143 new pupils joined the school.
Headmaster, Ed Hester, commented, “We had a high level of interest in Year 7 so each of these groups will start with around 20 pupils, enabling us to give the children the very best start to their senior school education, both inside and outside the classroom.”
He continues, “We are now oversubscribed in most year groups, this move enables us to maintain the school community at an optimum size of around 900 pupils. Competition for places was high and we are excited to have such a fine and talented group of children joining us this year.”
Princethorpe College Upper Sixth Former, Michael Gucluer, celebrated after receiving a Bright Sparks 2018 Award. Michael was presented with the award in May in the Maxwell Library at the Institution of Engineering and Technology, in London.
Run by Electronics Weekly in partnership with RS Components, with support from Harting and the IET, the Bright Sparks Awards are presented annually to the 30 brightest and most talented young electronics engineers in the UK. Judged by a respected panel of industry experts, the awards recognise outstanding performance in the field of electronics.
To qualify for the award students must be aged 30 and under, so at only eighteen-years-old Michael was this year’s youngest recipient, with the majority of the awards being presented for university projects.
The award recognises work undertaken by Michael for his GCSE Electronics and Control Project, which has subsequently been developed further with support from the UK Young Engineers Mentoring Programme.
Michael commented, “The electronic product I’ve been developing is a multi-purpose, modular control system which can be re-programmed for industrial applications. It includes a range of optoelectronic components (electronic devices and systems that source, detect and control light) so that data related to important processes can be displayed simultaneously in real-time and recorded for future use.” He continued, “The judging panel were particularly interested in the details of the design, they wanted to see innovation, creative problem solving and thorough technical electrical knowledge.”
A previous winner of the UK Young Engineers National Award for Engineering Excellence Michael successfully took A-Levels in Chemistry, Physics and Maths and will be going to Warwick University to study Electronic Engineering.
During the Trinity Term the College's Year 8 Netball Team were crowned U13s ISA National Netball Champions.
On Saturday 12 May the team took on 11 schools from across the country in the Independent Schools Association’s National Netball Finals. The championships took place at the excellent facilities of Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate in York.
The girls stormed though the Group Stage hitting the ground running with fast attacking play. They won all their first round matches dispatching Alderley Edge School for Girls 8-6, St Michael’s School 15-1, Hull Collegiate School 16-4 and Claires Court School 11-10.
Keeping the momentum up and their shooting sharp, the U13s had another easy win in the semi-final against St James Senior Girls’ School 12-4.
They were then pitted against Ballard School in the final and from the start it was a tight match. The girls had to fight for every ball and work tirelessly together, grabbing every opportunity to turn over, transition down the court and convert. Ballard fought back hard, testing the Princethorpe defence again and again. The teams were well matched and with goals aplenty from both sides at full time the score stood at 12-12. The game then went to sudden death and, Goal Attack, Rosie Pritchard-Jeffs kept her nerve and shot the golden goal to seal the national championship title for Princethorpe College.
Congratulations to all the girls involved, everyone played fantastically and the College is super proud of their achievement!
This year’s Summer Art, Photography and Design Show opened on Thursday 21 June with a special evening reception for the artists and their families, friends and guests. The displays remained on show until Sunday 24 June allowing visitors to the College’s Summer Fête to also enjoy the superb standard of work this year’s GCSE and A-level pupils produced.
Those who know the College will be familiar with its formidable reputation for quality Art and Design. The walls of the College are adorned with exceptional examples and the work at this year’s show was no exception with striking portraiture and photography sitting alongside technically complex product design.
The Sixth Form Centre and Lecture Theatre were transformed into an eclectic exhibition space, the light and airy atrium helping to showcase the work at its best. The exhibition was one of 138 venues across Coventry and Warwickshire taking part in Warwickshire Open Studios 2018.
On display was work from A-level and GCSE pupils exploring a diverse range of mediums and themes. In the main hall fascinating portraiture sat alongside superb studies, imaginative illustrations and phenomenal photography. In the Design and Technology studio, intricately stitched dresses and tutus showcased this year’s Textiles pieces, whilst Resistant Materials’ final products included fine oak chests, swooping seating and even games tables, and from our Electronics pupils there was a range of different sized and shaped amplifiers.
Visitors were audibly impressed with what they saw, stopping to stare in wonder, exclaiming over the ingenuity and talent and enjoying the fine collection of work.
Our congratulations to all our GCSE and A-level pupils for producing such a worthy display. Thanks go to the Art and Photography Department and the Design and Technology Department for all their support and inspiration to pupils this and every year and for putting together such an outstanding exhibition.
The College’s annual Sports Day took place on Friday 15 June. It was a fantastic afternoon of friendly, but fiercely competitive sport. Field and track events took place simultaneously so the playing fields were action-packed from the moment the starting gun fired. College staff were kept busy measuring, timing and recording all the running, jumping and throwing taking place.
House colours and flags were spread across the field and the Heads of House: Lisa Challinor, Kenny Owen, Chris McCullough and Simon Robertson cheered on every participant all hoping that this year their House would be victorious. In the end it was Benet that just snatched victory, followed very closely by More, then Austin and Fisher, but it was a close run competition where every performance, sprint, middle distance or field event counted and the result was only decided after the very final event – the nail-biting relay.
It was a lovely sunny day and after a week of internal examinations pupils were more than ready for an afternoon of competition and the chance to let off a bit of athletic steam. Yes, there were the winners, who are to be commended for their exhilarating performances, but there were also the moments of camaraderie where pupils pulled together and willed along those who were finding the going tough. And in the heat of the afternoon our Sixth Form Prefects helped to keep pupils cool selling over 700 popsicles that has helped fund a £250 donation to the Grangers Club.
Foundation Director of Sport, Neil McCollin, said, “This was another super Sports Day with plenty of excellent performances. The atmosphere was incredible, pupils were very supportive of each other, appreciating every individual effort and there was very little in it at the end.”
As always we give huge thanks to all involved in organising the event especially the House Activities Co-ordinators.
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173 Princethorpe pupils completed their Duke of Edinburgh Qualifying Expeditions in the last few weeks of the Trinty term. An amazing achievement by all especially in the baking hot sunshine.
Unaccompanied and self-sufficient they trekked and camped their way across Snowdonia (20 pupils for Gold), the Dark Peak (40 pupils for Silver) and the Cotswolds (113 for Bronze), working together in teams to achieve their expedition objectives.
The Duke of Edinburgh Awards are recognised as the world’s leading youth achievement award. They provide young people with the opportunity to get involved, explore new interests, discover talents and make new friends.
Will Bower, Head of Outdoor Education, commented, “Record numbers of Princethorpe pupils have embraced the challenge of the Duke of Edinburgh Award. They have taken the opportunity to develop skills and try new experiences, pushing themselves both mentally and physically to be the best they can be. We are delighted with their commitment and enthusiasm, and very proud that so many have completed their expeditions. Pupils coped very well with hot conditions and the challenges they faced along the way.”
Princethorpe College has excellent completion rates for the Duke of Edinburgh Award, and is currently ranked third in Warwickshire in terms of successful participants.
The latest issue of The Pinnacle, the College's school magazine, was published at the end of the Trinity term. It showcases yet more of our pupils' excellent work.
This edition includes updates on our da Vinci programme and celebrate pupils' work across many subjects and year groups including English, Music, History, Georgraphy and Computer Science. There’s also coverage of some of the wonderful GCSE and A-level Art and Photography, which appeared in our Summer Art, Photography and Design Show in June.
Editor and da Vinci Programme Co-ordinator, Helen Pascoe-Williams says, “There are pages and pages of excellent work in this issue from across our expanding Foundation. It’s always a pleasure and a privilege to bring everything together in one place.”
The Pinnacle includes a double-sized Minnacle showcasing the impressive work produced by pupils at the Foundation Junior Schools’ Crackley Hall and Crescent.
You can view the latest edition here The Pinnacle and The Minnacle.
Loserville the musical, think Grease meets The Big Bang Theory, had the audience laughing one moment, then cringing the next, in a non-stop, bouncy and energetic production.
It told the story of Michael Dork and his closest friends, a group of socially awkward teenage boys struggling through 'High School' in 1970s America. Michael is trying to invent email, Lucas is writing his first Sci-Fi novel (Galaxy Battles; Episode 4) and Marvin and Francis spend all their time building a space ship from a shopping trolley. They are constantly being thwarted by popular and privileged school quarterback, Eddie Arch and his cronies.
Then one day, a new girl arrives at the school. Holly is intelligent, funny and harbours a desire to become NASA’s first woman in space. Her sudden arrival throws everyone’s world into turmoil.
Loserville was filled with brilliant and energetic rock songs by James Bourne of Busted, who even gave the crew a good luck shout out on Twitter! The production was fabulously farcical but huge fun and the audiences really enjoyed seeing the heroes get their “Ticket Outta Loserville”.
Thanks to the performers and the technical team for putting together such a brilliant and energetic performance and to English Teacher, Mrs Jessica Newborough and, Director of Music, Mr Gil Cowlishaw who masterminded the production.
Year 6 Taster Days
During September and early October the College is holding taster days for children currently in Year 6 (children born between 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008), who are interested in admission to the College in September 2019.
These days involve a number of classroom sessions, a tour of the school, lunch and other activities such as a question and answer session with current pupils. The days run from 9.30am to 3.00pm.
Taster days are available on Tuesday 11 September, Thursday 13 September, Wednesday 19 September and Tuesday 2 October.
To book your child's place please complete a booking and consent form, for a copy please click here.
Year 7 and 8 Taster Day
The College is also holding a taster day for current Year 7 and 8 pupils (children born between 1 September 2006 and 31 August 2007 and 1 September 2005 and 31 August 2006 respectively), who are interested in admission to the College in September 2019.
The Year 7 and Year 8 taster day will be on Tuesday 2 October.
To book your child's place please complete a booking and consent form, for a copy please click here.
Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
For more information please contact Helen Morgan on 01926 634262 or email helenmorgan@princethorpe.co.uk
Sunday 9 September 2018 2.00pm - 4.00pm
Built in 1832, St Mary's Priory was one of the first Catholic buildings in England after the reformation.
On Sunday this weekend Princethorpe College is taking part in the Heritage Open Day festival. You are all invited to come for a tour of the magnificent building and learn all about its history, including the amazing women that made it the place it is today.
From 1833 until 1966, St Mary's Priory was home to a congregation of Benedictine nuns who ran a boarding school for girls. This community sold the priory in 1966 and a new school was established by the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, who had previously run a boys' school in Leamington Spa. Princethorpe College is now a fully co-educational Catholic independent day school.
The archive team will be conducting free tours of the College on Sunday 9 September from 2.00pm - 4.00pm. Areas open include Pugin’s magnificent chapel, the cloisters, nuns’ cells, library (former church) and roundhouse.
No booking is required; just turn up and join the next available tour. Entrance is via the glazed link off the North Car Park.
Admission is free and there is complimentary tea and coffee available. They would be delighted to see you!
Thursday 27 September 2018 - 10.30am - 12.30pm
Princethorpe College, is holding an Open Morning on Thursday 27 September from 10.30am to 12.30pm. This is a normal school working day and an excellent opportunity for Year 6 children and their parents to visit the College prior to Entrance Examinations Day on Saturday 10 November. Pupil tour guides will be available to show visitors around the school.
Please do spread the word amongst friends and family, all are very welcome.
Thursday 22 November - 7.00pm to 8.00pm
Crackley will also be holding a Nursery and Reception Open Evening on Thursday 22 November between 7.00pm and 8.00pm, which will give parents an insight into the Early Years at Crackley Hall and Little Crackers. Mrs Susan Glen-Roots, the Assistant Head for Early Years, will be on hand, as well as the rest of the Reception and Little Crackers Team.
This is an opportunity to look around the school see examples of activities and chidlren's work and to meet the Headmaster, Rob Duigan.
All are welcome, no need to book.
If you can't make these open events but would like to look around the school, please call our Admissions Secretary, Mrs jenny Vaughan on 01926 514410 or email admissions@crackleyhall.co.uk and come on a day to suit you, we welcome visitors on most days.
For more information visit http://www.crackleyhall.co.uk/
Friday 5 October 2018 - 10.00am to 3.00pm
The Crescent School, the Foundation's junior school for 4 to 11 year olds in Bilton, Rugby, is opening its doors for an Open Day on Friday 5 October from 10.00am - 3.00pm.
This is an opportunity to look around the school on a normal working day, to meet the school's Headmaster, Joe Thackway and see the improvements that have been made to the facilities over the summer. All are welcome, no need to book.
The Crescent is also holding a Reception Open Evening on Tuesday 20 November between 7.00pm and 8.00pm, which will give parents an insight into the Early Years at Crescent and the firm foundation the school gives children for their future learning. Pathfinders, the on-site partner nursery, which has been rated ‘outstanding’ by OFSTED, will also be open on the evening should parents wish to visit.
If you can't make the open events but would like to visit the school, please call the Registrar, Mrs Helen Morley on 01788 523851 and come on a day to suit you, we welcome visitors on most days.
For more information visit http://www.crescentschool.co.uk/
Wednesday 17 October 2018 - 6.30pm to 9.00pm
Year 11 pupils (Princethorpe and external) and their parents are warmly invited to the Sixth Form Open Evening on Wednesday 17 October from 6.30pm - 9.00pm.
The evening will focus on the key events and dates in the Sixth Form application process, specific A-level subject information and advice provided by the Heads of Departments and more general information on the Sixth Form experience at Princethorpe.
The evening will include brief talks from Ed Hester, Headmaster, our Head of Sixth Form, Ben Collie, and current members of the Sixth Form. These sessions will run twice during the evening in the Theatre at 7.00pm and 8.00pm. In addition, there will be short presentations in each of the departments and the chance to talk to staff and current Sixth Formers throughout the evening.
Please do spread the word amongst friends and family, all are very welcome.
For further information please visit www.princethorpe.co.uk
Entrance Examinations for Year 7 to 10 entry to Princethorpe College in September 2019 will take place on Saturday 10 November 2018 from 9.30am to 3.30pm.
For more information on Entrance Examinations click here.
Those wishing to register for Entrance Examinations should do so as soon as possible to facilitate the gathering of references from primary schools.
Registrations forms are available in our prospectus packs or you can download a registration form here.
Sunday 2 December 2018 2.00pm-4.30pm
The Princethorpe College annual Christmas Fayre takes place on Sunday 2 December 2.00pm – 4.30pm. It is a great opportunity to come and experience the magic of Princethorpe as well as stocking up on the perfect gift for that special someone.
Organised by the College's fantastic Parent Teacher Association the Fayre offers Christmas carols, mulled wine and a dazzling array of Christmas craft stalls. Whether visiting Santa, touring the tower or simply stocking up on that all important reindeer food, the Fayre has something for all of the family.
All are most welcome!
The College will hold specific Sixth Form Taster Days in December 2018 and January 2019 for external Year 11 pupils who might be interested in joining us for Sixth Form in September 2019.
Prospective Sixth Formers will get the chance to attend four lessons over the course of the day (sitting in on current Lower Sixth lessons), plus have time for an informal Question and Answer session with current students, a tour of the College, a short interview with Ben Collie, our Head of Sixth Form, along with time in the Sixth Form Centre for lunch and breaks.
There will be approximately 12-16 prospective Sixth Formers from a range of schools attending the day and they will be placed in a group with 3 to 4 other current Year 11s.
If you would be interested in joining us for one of these days, please email admissions@princethorpe.co.uk.
We have great pleasure in unveiling the OPs' events calendar for the forthcoming academic year. By popular demand this year the programme of events has expanded to include more former parents events and the reintroduction of the Princethorpe Open at Stoneleigh Deer Park Golf Club, which will be open to OPs, current and former parents, staff and friends of the College.
The popular London and Leamington meets return with a spring pub meet in Leamington at the Royal Pug on Friday 1 March and an early summer gathering in London at the Bull Dog Bar, The Clarence, Whitehall on Friday 17 May.
The OPs' Summer Supper, a favourite event in the calendar, will take place on Friday 28 June 2019, this time celebrating the leavers of 1969, 1979, 1989, 1999 and 2009, although leavers of other years are also most welcome.
All OPs, past parents, staff and Friends of the College are welcome to participate in any or all of the events. Click here to download the calendar or visit the Old Princethorpians section at www.princethorpe.co.uk for more information on Old Princethorpians.
Children who want to come to Princethorpe College, the Foundation's senior school, sit an entrance examination in the November prior to the year of entry, mainly at 11, and at other ages as space allows. A significant number also join us for Sixth Form at age 16.
We welcome children of all faiths and backgrounds, from our junior schools, Crackley Hall and Crescent School, and many other maintained and independent primary schools from around a radius of about thirty miles.
Competition for places is high, as are standards, but the school also looks for young people who will contribute to the wider life of the school.
Our Registrar, Mrs Vanessa Rooney and her assistants, Miss Helen Morgan and Mrs Catherine Rogers, will be pleased to talk you through the admissions process; contact them on 01926 634201/634262.
Click here to download our 2019 Admissions and Entrance Examinations Booklet (Years 7 to 10).
Click here to download our new Princethorpe College Information Booklet for 2018-19.
Entrance Examinations Day
Entrance Examinations for all age groups (except Sixth Form) will take place on Saturday 10 November 2018 from 9.30am to 3.30pm.
All candidates must be registered before sitting the entrance examinations. Registrations, bursary and scholarship applications must be received by the deadline of Friday 5 October 2018 to allow us to process the registration and contact schools for references.
Click here to download a Registration Form, Art Scholarship Application Form and a Music Scholarship Application Form.
Following receipt of the registration form any candidate with a learning need will have an assessment with a Special Educational Needs professional.
On The Day
Candidates are requested to report to the college for 9.30am and entry to the building will be from no earlier than 9.00am. Candidates should wear their current school uniform and should bring a pen, two pencils, eraser and ruler. Candidates for Years 9 and 10 (13+ and 14+) should bring a calculator and protractor and the relevant language dictionary.
Candidates sit papers in English and Maths and for those looking at Year 9 and 10 a language paper. The papers vary in length from 45 minutes to 1 hour. All candidates also sit a 50 minute online assessment which includes Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning and Numerical Reasoning, appropriate to their age and year of entry. More information is available under the relevant age group information.
The online assessment is provided by Durham University’s 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 more information on the online assessment please visit the CEM website at https://www.intuproject.org/CEMSelect/CSFamiliarisation.swf.
(If you experience difficulties opening this link please try Internet Explorer.)
There are no practice papers available for the online assessment. 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.
The following practice papers may prove helpful:
Bond How to do 11+ Verbal Reasoning published by Nelson Thornes (ISBN 9 780192 742292)
Bond How to do 11+ Non-Verbal Reasoning published by Nelson Thornes (ISBN 9 780192 742285)
Bond How to do 11+ Maths published by Nelson Thornes (ISBN 9 780192 742278)
They can be ordered from Waterstones, 1 Priorsgate, Warwick Street, Leamington Spa, CV32 4QG, Tel 01926 883804.
A copy of a past English paper is included in the prospectus pack
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, references from feeder schools and, for those with learning support needs, the assessment by the Special Educational Needs professional, prior to the Entrance Examinations.
Those entering Years 8, 9 and 10 will also have their personal interviews considered.
Offers Made
Exam results will be posted, first class, on Thursday 29 November 2018. No information will be available before hand.
For those offered a place confirmation of acceptance with £300 deposit is then required to secure the place by Monday 4 March 2019. This deposit is refunded after the end of the final term which the pupil spends at Princethorpe.
Once you have confirmed your acceptance of a place and sent your £300 deposit you will receive an acknowledgement and a reciept. A Joining Pack 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.
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, Lecture Theatre, Common Room and a Sixth Form Resource Area and Library for their use.
Admissions for Sixth Form continue to be focused in the spring term following GCSE mocks, though we would encourage all prospective Sixth Formers and their parents to visit our Sixth Form Open Evening on Wednesday 17 October 2018 from 6.30pm to 9.00pm.
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 subject choices.
Following the Sixth Form Open Evening external Year 11 candidates can attend a Sixth Form Taster Day, which are offered in December and January. These are informal opportunities for small groups of prospective Sixth Formers to visit the College for a selection of A-level 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. Click here to register your interest in attending a Sixth Form Taster Day.
The minimum academic requirement for entry to Princethorpe Sixth Form is six GCSE grades at A*-C (9-5), including at least three grade Bs or equivalent. Under the new numerical grading system, that will equate to a minimum of three ‘5’s and three ‘6’s. Candidates are normally expected to have at least grade B/6 in the subjects to be studied to A-level, however for Mathematics, Modern Foreign Languages, Latin and the Sciences a grade A/7 at GCSE is required.
If you wish to begin Economics or Law in Sixth Form, you will be expected to have achieved at least B/6 grades in both Mathematics and English Language. If you wish to study Computer Science at A-level, you must have taken it at GCSE. If you wish to study Psychology at A-level you will need a minimum of a 5 grade in English and Mathematics, plus a B/6 grade is highly recommended in a Science subject (ideally Biology).
External candidates are required to complete a registration form along with provisional options for A-levels. The deadline for Sixth Form registrations and Sixth Form Scholarships is Friday 15 February 2019.
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 £300 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 made the week commencing Monday 1 April 2019, with an acceptance deadline of Wednesday 1 May 2019.
A range of Sixth Form scholarships are available, from Academic to Art, Music (including Organ) and Sports Scholarships, 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 Sixth Form Admissions 2019 Information Booklet and here for a Registration Form.
There is a variety of Scholarships available for particularly able or talented candidates including Academic, Art, Music and All-Rounder. Additionally for the Sixth Form there are Academic, Art, Music (including Organ) and Sport Scholarships available, see the Sixth Form Scholarships article.
Scholarships to a maximum reduction of 50% of tuition fees are available and are awarded at point of entry.
Click here to download our Registration Form, Art Scholarship Form and Music Scholarship Form.
Academic Scholarships
Candidates applying for entry in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 will be considered automatically for an academic scholarship when taking the Entrance Examination.
All Rounder Scholarships
Sometimes there are pupils who are both academically able and gifted in a variety of areas and the most outstanding of these can be awarded an All Rounder Scholarship. Supportive evidence is required, such as references from team coaches or activity leaders. This information should be collated and submitted to the Registrars before the close of registrations for the Entrance Examinations on Friday 5 October 2018.
Click here for more information on Art Scholarships.
Click here for more information on Music Scholarships.
Scholarship Interviews
Prospective Year 7, 8, 9 and 10 pupils who are being considered for either major Academic or major All Rounder Scholarships will be invited to an interview with the Headmaster or the Assistant Head - Co-Curricular following the entrance examinations. The parents/guardians of these candidates will be contacted by telephone from Wednesday 14 November 2018. Only those being considered for these awards will be contacted.
The interviews will take place on Saturday 17 November 2018 and during week commencing Monday 19 November 2018.
Bursaries
Bursaries are available up to 100% of tuition fees. Application forms are available from the Foundation Bursar's office and from our website. Completed applications should be forwarded to the Foundation Bursar with supporting documentary evidence. Applications for bursaries are means-tested and reviewed by external consultants. The deadline for bursary applications is Friday 5 October 2018.
Click here for more information on Bursaries and the means-tested Thomas More Scholarship aimed at Catholic children who attend a Catholic school.
Sixth Form Academic Scholarships
External Candidates
Sixth Form Academic Scholarships are available to external candidates who are expected to achieve A* and A grades at GCSE.
Those who wish to be considered should make an application by the deadline date of Friday 15 February 2019 and if appropriate will be invited to attend the Sixth Form Acadamic Scholarship Day on Tuesday 12 March 2019. 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 do not have to apply for Sixth Form Academic Scholarships. They are automatically awarded to a small number of the highest achieving internal candidates in August by the Headmaster based on their performance in GCSE examinations.
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.
The final document should be forwarded to our Registrar by Friday 15 February 2019. Following a review of the portfolios, as appropriate, candidates will be invited to the Sports Scholarship Assessment Day on Friday 8 March 2019.
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 Friday 15 February 2019 and the Art Scholarship Assessment Day takes place on Wednesday 13 March 2019.
Successful candidates will be expected to pursue the A-level Art Course.
Requirements:
Art Scholarship Assessment Day:
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 Friday 15 February 2019 and Scholarship Auditions will take place the week commencing Monday 11 March 2019. Successful candidates will be expected to pursue the A-level Music course.
Requirements
The Audition
All candidates must attend a practical examination. At the audition they will be required to:
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 Friday 15 February 2019.
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 and Scholarship offers
Sixth Form offers and Scholarship offers, along with confirmation of option subject choices, will be made the week commencing Monday 1 April 2019.
The deadline for acceptances of Sixth Form places and Scholarship offers is Wednesday 1 May 2019.
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 places offered?
Places are considered based on the results from the Entrance Examinations, the reference which the College requests from the current school and any other information which is contained on the registration form. The Admissions Panel looks at each individual 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 use the 11+ examination.
How can I prepare my child for the exams?
For more information on the online assessment please visit the CEM website at
https://www.intuproject.org/CEMSelect/CSFamiliarisation.swf
(If you experience difficulties opening this link, please try Internet Explorer. NB - swf file formats may not function properly on Apple devices.)
There are no practice papers available for the online assessment. 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.
The following practice papers may prove helpful:
They can be ordered from Waterstones, 1 Priorsgate, Warwick Street, Leamington Spa, CV32 4QG, Tel 01926 883804.
You can also work with your child on a copy of a past English paper which is included in the prospectus pack.
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 more tricky 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 leave it and go onto the next one and then go back and try again if there is enough time.
Do you take children with a Special Educational Need or Disability?
If your child has a special educational need or disability (SEND), please indicate this on the registration form. He/she will then be invited in for an assessment with a member of our Learning Support department before the entrance examination takes place. The findings from this assessment then go forward to the Admissions Panel together with the entrance exam results, current school reference and, where appropriate, an up to date specialist report from, for example, an Educational Psychologist or Occupational Therapist.
Are children with a SEND entitled to access arrangements in the exam?
Children with a special educational need or disability may be considered for access arrangements in the entrance examinations. Any access arrangements will usually be based on the child's normal way of working in their current educational environment, for which evidence will be required. We would ask that any Educational Psychologist reports or other supporting information, are forwarded to the Registrars at the earliest opportunity.
All children with a SEND should see a member of our Learning Support department, prior to the entrance exams taking place, who will be happy to discuss their needs. Please ensure that you register in good time, to enable us to arrange this meeting.
How many scholarships are offered each year?
The number of scholarships offered each year depends on the funds allocated by the trustees. Academic scholarships awarded vary between 10% and 50%. Art and Music can be from 10% to 25%. All-Rounder scholarships are generally from 10% to 25%. All awards are at the discretion of the Headmaster.
What does an All-Rounder Scholarship mean?
The All-Rounder scholarship is for a child with a good academic ability who is involved with activities outside of school. This can be a sport, music, drama, art, cubs, brownies etc. If you wish to apply for this scholarship we ask you to collect evidence and references from coaches and activity leaders outlining the child’s enthusiasm, commitment and ability. This information should be collated and submitted by the registration deadline. The Admissions Panel frequently sees applications for All-Rounder scholarships which have minimal supporting paperwork. Please make sure that we have sufficient evidence to consider.
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 maximum class size is 24 but this year's Year 7 classes are at around 20 pupils. 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?
Princethorpe has an excellent induction programme that is offered in two separate ways. We have an Induction Day in June for all the new pupils when they spend a day in class 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 school, in September.
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.
Buses arrive in school for 8.30am in time for the start of the school day.
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 looking into facilitating lift shares after activities for families living close to each other.
The current bus timetable is available on the school website here
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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.
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.
For those who like to plan ahead the Foundation Term Dates for 2019-2020 are:
Michaelmas Term 2019
Monday 2 September to Wednesday 18 December
Half Term
Saturday 19 October to Sunday 3 November
Lent Term 2020
Monday 6 January to Friday 27 March
Half Term
Saturday 15 February to Sunday 23 February
Trinity Term 2020
Monday 20 April to Wednesday 1 July
Half Term
Saturday 23 May to Sunday 31 May
