The Pilgrims' School

Focus

Heart, joy, excellence, integrity, respect

Day fees 2025/2026

$20,700-$39,300

Boarding fees 2025/2026

$50,000

Term dates

• Term 1: 3 September to 10 December 2025
• Term 2: 8 January to 21 March 2026
• Term 3: 20 April to 9 July 2026
  

Ages

4-13

Pupil count

230

Spear's Review

Between the medieval streets and water meadows of Winchester, The Pilgrims’ School is unusual even by the standards of English prep schools. Founded in 1931 and led by Old Pilgrim Tim Butcher, it combines a small-school atmosphere with access to the wider cultural world of sister school Winchester College.

Music is central at Pilgrims' School. It uniquely educates choristers for two professional choirs: those of Winchester Cathedral and Winchester College Chapel Choir, whose members travel and perform internationally. The system brings scholarships and bursaries that draw boys from varied backgrounds, creating a notably diverse community for a prep school.

Elsewhere, the timetable is equally varied beyond academics. Boys row on the River Itchen and even learn the basics of piloting small planes – experiences designed to cultivate curiosity and responsibility.

Head teacher

Tim Butcher was a pupil at Pilgrims' School and assumed the role of headmaster in 2023. The school describes Butcher as having ‘a passion for setting the foundation for building the young men the world needs’. 

Senior school destinations

In 2025, boys went on to schools including Winchester College, Eton, Harrow, St Paul’s and King Edward’s School in Southampton.

Admissions

The admissions process begins with a taster day, which includes tests and time to get to know the school. Offers are made in writing soon after and the place is confirmed upon receipt of a completed contract, acceptance deposit and sometimes a confidential report from the current school.

Notable alumni

• Hugh Mitchell (actor best known for Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets)
• Johnny Flynn (actor, musician)
• Jon Snow (Channel 4 broadcast journalist)

Accessibility 

Heathrow Airport: 1 hour

Location

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