Overview

In the awe-inspiring setting of ancient listed buildings nestled between Winchester Cathedral and Winchester College, you won’t find a ‘typical’ Pilgrims’ boy. It all happens here: from day to boarding, physics to music, drama to rugby, knitting to ecology, fives to chess and so much more. As a boys' prep school, we don’t need to worry about gender stereotypes. There are so many opportunities; there really is no script. 

In small classes with teachers who are subject specialists, Pilgrims’ is a place of outstanding personalised learning and teaching. We maximise the progress of every boy across our broad curriculum, co-curriculum, and extra-curriculum. Lessons feel more like conversations between boys and teachers, providing personalised learning, enqiry led, and intellectual curiosity abounds.

We are certainly punching above our weight when it comes to scholarships! Boys leave Pilgrims' for the country's top senior boarding schools, including Winchester College, Eton College, Charterhouse, Radley, Marlborough, Sherborne, and leading senior day schools. On average, over a third of our of boys gain a scholarship or other award to their senior school, including many academic and music scholarships and exhibitions. As a prep school, our job is to ensure that boys are well-prepared so that they may thrive and be happy when they transition to their chosen senior school. 

Senior schools are looking for three things:
Academics, Character, and Contribution (music, sport, debating, chess; will they make a splash on the playing field, concert hall, stage, or debating chamber? Will they be busy?

ALL boys move onto their senior schools with confidence having made excellent progress academically, pastorally, and emotionally.

We do music exceptionally well and throughout the school. Uniquely, we are a double choir school with two professional choirs: Winchester Cathedral Choristers and Winchester College Quiristers. However, music goes far beyond the 40 choristers. Singing, instrumental and orchestral music emanates from every open window, it seems, and is of an extraordinary standard.