The Pilgrims' School, Winchester

[Decaux]

Hello,

Does anyone have any recent experience of The Pilgrims' School, Winchester? Specifically, getting DS in at pre-prep; the culture; what were the staff like etc. We are seriously considering the school for our son but would like to hear some practical advice from other parents who have sons there or are also considering sending their sons.

Many thanks.

Do you have a specific reason for considering it? Is your son likely to be a chorister? Are you thinking of Winchester itself after CE? Do you want your son to board eventually?

I'm afraid I know nothing about the pre-prep. The prep was on a list of possibles. We visited but it wouldn't really have suited. What is your son like?

Hi Somethingyesterday. Thank you for your response.

He would be a day 'commoner' not a Quirster or a Chorister. Yes we would strongly consider him boarding from 13+ and to go onto one of the schools that The Pilgrims' feeds into. As to his personality, although he is quite sensitive (as most boys of his age seem to be - he's nearly three) he can be strong willed and independent. His mother is Finnish and the Finns instill independence into their kids early on. As to whether he is academic, I guess it's too early to tell.

I guess a visit to the school would be the next move!

Ah! Well as he's only three you have plenty of time to make up your mind about the prep. And of course it will inevitably have changed a little by then. My impression was - despite protestations to the contrary from staff and parents - that non- choristers drew a slightly short straw. But also that it would be a hard life being a chorister there unless it was the most important thing in the world to you. We've visited other schools that felt perhaps more relaxed, nurturing and 21st century. But people there seemed happy.

Yes, do visit. And visit at least three or four others for comparison.

Sorry I can't help you with the pre-prep.

Pilgrims' is a brilliant school. The pre prep has a fantastic reputation and is such a happy and positive place.Yes your children will need to be bright and going to the Pre Prep dosen't mean automatic entry to Pilgrims' Prep School, but it is a really great start and most children do carry on to the Prep. I have had 3 sons through Pilgrims' they all went to Winchester College and have all done extremely well. It has been hard but we have never regretted one penny. A lot of boys do go on to Winchester College but plenty go on to other top schools.
If you are concerned about the cost of private education. The primary years are cheaper and in my opinion money well spent as your children only get one chance and even if you are not considering Public school Pilgrims' provides good all round education that will get your child into any good school .
I would just like to add that non of my children were particularly musical or sporty. They all joined in both.If your child is musically gifted then Pilgrims' is a supurb place to be and if they are sporty there is plenty to choose from.
I would certainly do it again !

Hi powderbluewinchester,

Thank you ever so much for your considered reply. My son is only two and a half years old but we think we will register him and I'll probably go and take a look myself to get a feel for it. Money is obviously a concern and whilst we can afford pre-prep and prep if he was fortunate to be offered a place at the College then that would be a whole new ball game!

Regards

Hello
I know this is an old thread but wondered if anyone had an opinion on Pilgrims? We are looking for our 4 year old DS and have visited Pilgrims (as well as Twyford and Prince’s Mead). Pilgrims would be walking distance for us which is very appealing (as well as lots of other positives obviously) but we weren’t completely sure about it.
Any up to date info?
Thank you.

Aware again that this is an old thread, however I wanted to offer some precautionary advice regarding the school. Although Pilgrims does have some undeniable strengths, for example the music department is particularly strong, the school seems to be missing vital and instrumental qualities such as compassion and any level of kindness towards all children. Having experienced Pilgrim's for the past 4 years, I can firmly say that you must seriously consider the other school options before sending your boy to this institution. The school is outdated, understaffed and frankly unimpressive.

Regards

Really interested in this @timeswerve88 - what you say is concerning. Are you able to elaborate further? Pilgrim’s had appealed to me so I’d like to know if there were safeguarding/pastoral concerns. Many thanks.