THE ISI REPORT 2023

The Pilgrims’ School is proud to have been rated an ‘Excellent’ school in a recent Independent Schools Inspectorate’s (ISI) Compliance and Educational Quality Inspection. 

The inspection was completed in February 2023 and Pilgrims’ achieved the highest possible rating across all areas of our provision for pupil achievement and personal development. In the Focused Compliance Inspection, Pilgrims’ met every statutory standard. 

The key findings of the inspection are as follows: 

  • Pupils consistently achieve a very high level of success in their work with excellent outcomes for senior school entry.  
  • Pupils are highly articulate and communicate with clarity and confidence with each other and with their teachers.  
  • Pupils are curious with a thirst for knowledge and understanding, which they demonstrate and develop through their intelligent and perceptive questioning.  
  • Pupils demonstrate excellent levels of self-confidence, resilience and perseverance, so that they become confident young people inspired and prepared for the next stage of their education. 

READ THE FULL REPORT HERE

What is an ISI inspection? 

The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) is appointed by the Department for Education to inspect association independent schools in England. The inspectors observe lessons, have discussions with pupils and examine samples of pupils’ work. They hold discussions with members of staff and with governors, observe co-curricular activities and attend form meetings and assemblies. Inspectors consider the responses of parents, staff and pupils to a pre-inspection questionnaire and examine curriculum and other documents. 

If you would like to find out more about The Pilgrims’ School please contact our Registrar, Emma, to arrange a personal visit or ask any questions you may have. She can be reached via email at admissions@pilgrims-school.co.uk or call on 01962 854189.  

The ISI inspection report is split into a regulatory compliance inspection and educational quality inspection. Pilgrims’ is rated Excellent – the highest level – in all categories.  

Teaching and learning 

  • Levels of attainment are well above average in standardised tests in English and mathematics compared to those taking the same tests nationally.
  • Junior school pupils make excellent progress across all subjects and are well-prepared for entry to the senior section of the school. 
  • With unstinted support from teachers and leaders, almost all are successful in gaining places at the school of their choice. 
  • Pupils explore far and above the subject curriculum to develop their talents and interests and not least for those who are highly accomplished singers and performers as choristers and quiristers.  

Pastoral care 

  • Pupils spontaneously say that their high levels of self-confidence and self-esteem are developed through the secure support provided by their teachers and pastoral leaders.
  • They are confident and assured that they can be themselves, nurtured by teachers who praise and encourage them and celebrate their achievements.  
    Older pupils particularly enjoy ‘group’, a fortnightly discussion in small groups with the school nurse where they discuss anything they wish.  

Parent feedback 

  • The vast majority of parents said the school encourages children to adopt a healthy lifestyle, with a suitable balance of free time and activities during boarding time. 
  • Most parents said that boarding supports their children’s personal development and academic progress. 
  • The majority of parents said the school is governed, led and managed effectively.  
  • Almost all parents agreed that the school provides a suitable range of extra-curricular clubs activities. 
     

Early Years Foundation Stage 

  • Pre-prep children demonstrate increasing fluency in their reading and writing and in numeracy, developing a secure understanding of addition, subtraction and multiplication.
  • Pupils in the Early Years Foundation setting (EYFS) achieve extremely well in meeting the expected learning goals well in advance of their entry to Year 1.”
  • In the pre-prep, pupils use a range of computer programmes to record their progress so that they know how to improve in their work and participate in a computer club to begin to understand coding. 
     

Boarding 

  • The vast majority of parents said that the school encourages children to adopt a healthy lifestyle, with a suitable balance of free time and activities during boarding time.
  • Boarders’ views are actively encouraged, and their opinions and concerns are appropriately considered by staff.   

Previous reports 

Copies of previous inspection reports can be read here

Safeguarding

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility. Everyone who comes into contact with children and their families has a role to play.

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility. Everyone who comes into contact with children and their families has a role to play. In order to fulfil this responsibility effectively, everyone should make sure their approach is child-centred. This means that they should consider, at all times, what is in the best interests of the child. 

What are Pilgrims’ safeguarding aims? 

  • To provide staff with the framework to promote and safeguard the well-being of children and, in so doing, ensure they meet their statutory responsibilities. 
  • To ensure consistent good practice across the school. 
  • To demonstrate our commitment to protecting children. 

READ OUR SAFEGUARDING POLICY

 

Key contacts – If you have a safeguarding concern, please contact the school’s Safeguarding Team

POLICIES

All our Policies are also available in hard copy, on request.

Accessibility (SENDA) Plan – 2024-2027 (inc EYFS) 
Admissions Policy (incl EYFS) 
Attendance Policy 
Boarding Principles – Statement of boarding Principles and Practice 
Careers Policy Sept 
Complaints Policy and Procedure (inc EYFS) 
Counter Bullying Policy & Strategy (inc EYFS) 
Curriculum Policy June 
EAL Policy 
Educational Visits Management Policy (inc EYFS) 
Equal Opportunities for Pupils 
Equal Opportunities for Staff 
Fire Risk (prevention) Policy 
First Aid Policy 
Health and Safety Policy Parts 1 and 2 
Positive Behaviour and Exclusions Policy (inc EYFS) 
Privacy Policy 
PSHEE, RSHE and SMSC Policy 
Recruitment Policy 
Reporting Policy 
Risk Assessment Policy for pupil welfare 
Safeguarding and Child protection Policy 
SEND Policy 
Severe Allergies (incl Nut and Sesame) Policy 
Supervision Policy (inc EYFS) 
Whistle Blowing Policy 

Aims, Missions and Values

We suit boys who’ll make the most of the opportunities we offer, whilst also contributing to the school community. While founded on a Christian ethos, we welcome boys of all faiths and none and we aim to foster the character of every single Pilgrim.

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Senior School Destinations

Pilgrims’ boys regularly progress to many of the UK’s leading senior schools. In the past five years alone, 119 have gone on to Winchester, 41 to Eton and 23 to Sherborne, with others joining Marlborough, Radley, Charterhouse and Harrow — many with full scholarships.

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