This paper describes a series of experiments set out to explore the strength of notched monolithic composite panels with different dimensions and notch size loaded in bending. Two laminate thicknesses and two widths are tested. When varying the width, also the notch diameter is varied to retain a constant W/D-ratio. Accompanying tests in compression are performed and reported to allow evaluation of the full effects of bending. A limited fractographic analysis is also performed to study damage distribution after failure initiation. It has been shown that a larger hole results in a lower failure strain although the W/D-ratio is the same. As expected it has also been demonstrated that the far field failure strain is higher in bending than in compression.