As part of our commitment to developing and delivering a top-tier programme for our sports scholars and members of our performance sports teams, Pangbourne College is delighted to announce its new partnership with Ascend Performance.  

The Ascend team comprises strength & conditioning coaches, physios and sports therapists with a background in professional sports. They will provide an elite level of service of athletic development to our pupil athletes and individuals of all levels. This will form a part of the ‘Sports Performance Programme’ at Pangbourne College, which is already recognised as one the leading programmes in the area.

Matt Dickens MSc ASCC, Performance & Rehab Director at Ascend Performance has worked with Olympic champions, international rugby players, world-class motorsport racers & alpine skiers. He is an accredited coach with the UK Strength and Conditioning Association, holds an MSc in Strength & Conditioning and brings a science-based approach to human performance. 

Rob Nitman BSc ASCC, Programme & Coaching Director, is an accredited Strength & Conditioning Coach (UKSCA). He has held high-profile roles in professional Rugby Union and Higher Education since 2014.

Matt and Rob expressed their enthusiasm: “We are excited to work with the impressive sporting talent at Pangbourne College. Focusing on athletic development , we look forward to devising professionally structured training programmes tailored to individual pupil needs.”

Sam Hewick, Pangbourne College’s Director of Sport, added, “It’s an exciting time for sport at Pangbourne College. Integrating the expertise of Ascend Performance elevates our programme and positions Pangbourne College at the forefront for the opportunity of sporting excellence. This adds a hugely impressive layer to an already strong programme. What is really exciting and something we will be launching in September will be our talent identification days, which Ascend will be supporting us with.

Pangbourne College is home to over 100 teams across 10 sports, with 85% of its students regularly participating in competitive team sports—15% above the independent school average. This new partnership with Ascend Performance underscores an ongoing commitment to excellence in performance sports and follows the recent appointment of a Director of Rugby and Director of Hockey.