BoysIndependentBoarding

The Pilgrims' School

Winchester, Hampshire, South East · SO23 9LT

Set in Winchester, The Pilgrims' School is a small Church of England prep school for boys aged 4 to 13, with day and boarding places and around 229 pupils on roll. Its musical heart is unmistakable, with both choral and music scholarships among the routes in. The Independent Schools Inspectorate rated the school excellent for both education and pupils' personal development, and found it fully compliant with regulatory standards. With fewer than 230 boys, families can expect a close-knit community where each child is well known.

229

Pupils

excellent

ISI

£29,376

Day fees / yr

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Overview & data

Gender
Boys
Type
independent (fee-paying) school
Age range
4-13
Pupils
229
Location
Winchester, Hampshire, South East
Website
https://www.thepilgrims-school.co.uk/
Telephone
01962 854189

Headteacher

Headmaster Tim Butcher

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Teaching & academics

The ISI awarded the school its top grade of excellent for the quality of pupils' academic and other achievements, a strong endorsement of teaching across the prep age range. A notably high proportion of pupils, around a quarter, receive some form of SEN support, suggesting a school accustomed to identifying and meeting individual learning needs. The same excellent judgement applied to personal development, pointing to careful attention to character alongside results.

Learning support & SEN

SEN support
25.76%
EHC plans
0%

Arts & extracurricular

Scholarships

Choral scholarshipsMusic scholarships

Sport

Main sports

CricketFootballRugbyTennisAthleticsCross country

Beyond the classroom

Music runs deep here, reflected in the choral and music scholarships on offer. On the games field boys play cricket, football, rugby, tennis, athletics and cross country, giving a broad sporting programme across the seasons.

Ethos & heritage

Religious character
C of E
Boarding
Yes

Mobile phone policy

No mobile phones in school policy. Boarders only may bring a mobile to contact family at designated times. All other phones kept securely by staff.

Money matters

Day fees (per year)
£15,465 - £29,376
Boarding fees (per year)
£37,365

Means-tested bursaries sometimes available

Inspection reports

ISI rating
excellent
ISI personal development
excellent
Last inspected
21 February 2023
Read the full inspection report ↗

The last word

A small, musical Winchester prep with an excellent ISI verdict and genuine boarding life. Likely to appeal most to families drawn to choral and instrumental opportunity in a tight-knit setting.

The Passmate verdict

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The Pilgrims' School 11+: frequently asked questions

Where is The Pilgrims' School located?

The Pilgrims' School is located at The Close, Winchester, Winchester, SO23 9LT.

What type of school is The Pilgrims' School?

The Pilgrims' School is an independent (fee-paying) school in South East.

How many pupils attend The Pilgrims' School?

The Pilgrims' School has approximately 229 pupils on roll.

What is The Pilgrims' School's inspection rating?

The Pilgrims' School is inspected by the ISI and was judged "excellent" at its inspection on 21 February 2023.

Compiled from public data. Last checked June 2026.