After leaving Pangbourne in 2025, Old Pangbournian Tabby Slocombe (2020-2025) set herself an ambitious challenge for her gap year: to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak. She completed the expedition alongside fellow Old Pangbournian James Pullen (2020-2025), marking an unforgettable achievement before beginning the next chapter of her journey.

Tabby joined Pangbourne in Year 9 and quickly knew it was the right school for her. As she planned her gap year, she wanted to accomplish something that would truly challenge her—something she would never have imagined herself capable of just a few years earlier. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro became the perfect goal.

Reflecting on the expedition, Tabby describes summit night as the most demanding part of the climb. Waking at midnight, the team trekked for seven hours and ascended approximately 1,200 metres in freezing temperatures and at high altitude. The combination of exhaustion, cold and reduced oxygen levels tested her both physically and mentally. However, with the encouragement of those around her, she found the determination to keep going and reach the summit.

Tabby credits her time at Pangbourne with helping her overcome this challenge. The resilience, teamwork and confidence she developed during her years at the College gave her the mindset to persevere when the climb became difficult. She reflects that Pangbourne taught her that, with hard work and the right support, even the most ambitious goals can become achievable.

Keen to continue her education at Pangbourne, Tabby chose to stay for Sixth Form, where she was able to pursue the creative subjects she was passionate about. She studied Art & Design, Photography and Media, and appreciated the opportunity to follow a pathway that suited her strengths and aspirations.

During a recent visit to the College's new Sixth Form Centre, Tabby shared her thoughts on the development:

"I think it looks amazing—they've done a great job. I definitely think it will encourage more people to stay at Pangbourne for Sixth Form. The co-educational house system will make it feel much more integrated and sociable, bringing pupils and year groups together."

Since completing her Kilimanjaro expedition, Tabby has continued her gap year travelling through New Zealand, Australia and South East Asia. This September, she will begin studying Media and Communications at the University of Exeter, and we wish her every success as she embarks on this exciting new chapter.