Pangbourne College has announced that it will join the Mill Hill Education Group in a strategic charitable merger that will enhance opportunities for pupils and staff while safeguarding the distinctive character, values and traditions that have defined the College for almost 110 years.

The decision follows a thorough and carefully considered process undertaken by the Governors. As a thriving and successful school, Pangbourne was able to approach the process from a position of strength, seeking a partner that shared its educational philosophy, long-term ambitions and commitment to developing young people through Academic Rigour, Exploration, Leadership and Community.

For the wider Pangbournian community – Old Pangbournians, former and current parents, former staff and friends of the College – the announcement represents an important step in ensuring that Pangbourne continues to flourish in an increasingly complex educational landscape while remaining true to the values that have shaped generations of pupils.

Mill Hill Education Group is one of the UK's leading educational charities, educating around 4,200 pupils across a growing family of schools in the UK and internationally. Its approach is built on supporting individual schools to retain their own identity, culture and traditions while benefiting from shared expertise, collaboration and investment.

That commitment to preserving what makes each school unique was a key factor in Pangbourne's decision.

The College will continue to be led by Head Oliver Knight and the Senior Leadership Team, with decisions relating to curriculum, pastoral care, staffing and the wider educational experience remaining in the hands of those who know the school and its community best.

What the charitabke merger brings is the opportunity to build on existing strengths. Pupils will benefit from enhanced enrichment opportunities, leadership initiatives, competitions and collaborative programmes across the wider Group. Staff will gain access to broader professional development opportunities and shared expertise in areas including teaching innovation, wellbeing and curriculum development.

Just as importantly, Pangbourne will contribute its own considerable strengths to the partnership. The College's reputation for leadership development, adventure and character education has long distinguished it within independent education, and these areas are expected to play an important role within the wider Group.

Reflecting on the announcement, Head Oli Knight said:

"Joining Mill Hill Education Group is not about changing who we are; it is about building on our strengths and creating even more opportunities for our pupils and staff."

"Pangbourne will remain proudly Pangbourne – with the same values, traditions, adventurous spirit, leadership culture and close-knit community that make this such a special place."

Chair of Governors Patrick Roberts described the decision as one rooted in ambition for the College's future.

"Throughout the process, our focus remained firmly on finding an organisation that shared our values, respected our heritage and could help us realise our ambitions for the future."

As Pangbourne approaches its 110th anniversary, the partnership reflects the College's determination to continue evolving while remaining firmly anchored in the principles that have guided it since 1917.

For the Pangbournian community, the message is clear: the qualities that make Pangbourne distinctive are not changing. Rather, this partnership provides additional opportunities, resources and expertise that will help ensure the College continues to thrive for future generations of Pangbournians.

The heritage, spirit and identity of Pangbourne remain at the heart of the College. This partnership is about strengthening the foundations for the future and ensuring that Pangbourne continues to provide an exceptional education and life-changing opportunities for many years to come.

The attached information booklet provides more information about both the merger and the schools within the Mill Hill Education Group. You can also read some Frequently Asked Questions here.

A Pangbournian Community online meeting will be hosted by the College and the Mill Hill Education Group on Wednesday 17 June at 10:00am. This will provide an opportunity to learn more about how the move will further strengthen the College’s position, preserve Pangbourne's unique identity and enhance the educational experience for all our students, both now and in the future. Please complete the attached form to confirm your attendance.