From their very first day at school, boys are ready to explore the world, and The Pilgrims’ School is the perfect place to start that big adventure.
The Pilgrims' School in Winchester is in the heart of the ancient capital of England, rooted in history but forward thinking in its approach. One of the world's rare chalk streams runs through the grounds, a tributary of River Itchen; it's a magical setting for boys and parents who enter Pre-Prep through a beautifully aged wooden gate, cross a small bridge and enter the world of Early Years education for the very first time.
The Pilgrims’ School offers day places for boys aged four-13, with boarding an option from Year 4. Recently fees from Reception to Year 6 have been reduced considerably. Sibling, Forces and Chorister discounts for boys who sing in Winchester Cathedral and Winchester College’s Chapel are also available, as well as means tested bursaries. A year on from the merger with Winchester College, there’s also an 11+ route for boys wishing to go there. But before all this, the foundations for everything, are laid in those first early years.
Sarah Hall is head of Pre-Prep, guiding a department which nurtures boys from when they join in Reception until they move up the school into Year 3 and above.
"Our curiosity-led approach gives boys the freedom to follow their interests while building strong foundations across all areas of learning. From the very beginning in Reception, they experience a rich and varied curriculum including English, Maths and PE, with Music at the heart of school life, alongside French, Forest School and even days out on the coast with our Beach School. In Early Years, learning is rooted in hands-on experiences, meaningful play and real-life exploration, bringing it to life both indoors and in our beautiful natural environments."
The school's setting is part of what makes Pilgrims' unique, a mix of town and country, Reception class is just as likely to be found in wellies and raincoats as learning to read in a cosy corner with Bear, the Therapy dog.
Headmaster Tim Butcher is all too aware that these are the most formative of years and that schools need to work with parents to provide an antidote to the attention-hacking culture that young children risk being increasingly immersed in.
"We are an attention-championing school and promote a deep reading culture, whilst recognising that vitalised learning for boys requires their particular needs to be met. Boys' minds - particularly those of very young boys - are typically wired for shorter attention periods and a need to be quite dynamic.
"We adapt our teaching and calm our classroom spaces accordingly. We focus on establishing the bedrock that will help build their futures; a sense of curiosity and wonder, the confidence to express themselves and the ability to connect with others. It is a joy to see our boys flourish and develop an independence that stays with them throughout their school journey."
Forest School teacher Fiona Walker is part of the Early Years team, leading lessons outside come rain or shine: "Boys love being outside by the river, in the Dean's Garden and in the Bishop of Winchester's arboretum, all settings you'd expect to find at a National Trust property rather than forming the outdoor classrooms in a school, making this a fully accredited Forest School like no other. We guide boys to nurture relationships, to learn through play, and through learning a respect for the world."
Boys grow up grounded and thinking about the environment at this crucial age.
Sarah said: "We all feel privileged to be playing a part in families' lives, as we build these all-important foundations for a happy healthy start to school life."
Open Morning: Saturday, May 16, 2026, and visits can be arranged any Tuesday.
The Pilgrims' School, The Close, Winchester, SO23 9LT
Boys age 4-13, day and boarding
To find out more please contact: admissions@pilgrims-school.co.uk
Or call us on: 01962 854 189
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