The boarding family 

Our Head of Boarding, Matt Sutherland lives on-site with his wife Krissie, their three children and labrador, Evie.

Matt puts his heart and soul into making our modern boarding experience the icing on the cake at Pilgrims’.

Each of our two boarding houses have live-in house parents, supported by matrons and highly qualified nurses who provide an extra listening ear for boarders. If  boys feel poorly, a quiet dorm is always available. Our matrons keep everything running smoothly, doing everything from laundry and repairs to helping keep dorms and belongings ship shape.
 
Tutors and teaching staff also play a key role in our boarding community and every year we welcome four gap-year students who act like older brothers and sisters to the boys. They are chosen for being great role models and are always hugely popular, bringing a lot of fun day to day as well as helping with games and sport.
 
All our boarders have access to the school’s sports and recreational facilities in the evenings and at weekends – ‘the Puddle‘ (outdoor swimming pool), cricket nets, adventure playground, IT room, Priory games room, Briggs Library, the art studio and ‘Numnums’, the tuck shop.
 
If you’re thinking of boarding you couldn’t have found a more welcoming place.

 

MEET THE JENNINGS

Paul and Kimberley Jennings are the live-in house parents at Main School, located within the main building at Pilgrims’. They’re keen sailors and need no persuading to take boarders on weekend trips to the beach. Paul also teaches games and Kimberley is a fully qualified swimming coach who you might also meet in the front office. 

Main School is home to the Choristers, the junior Quiristers and a large number of boys from all year groups. We’ve got the superhero dorm, surf shack, Beano room, and the sports den.  They’re light and airy with plenty of space for home clothes, books, and the all-important teddy bears. Boys are welcome to bring their own duvet covers, posters and family photos.  

 

 

 ‘We love what we do and see the fun boarders have, especially with such easy access to the school’s facilities in the evenings and at weekends, under our watchful eye of course! And as a qualified swimming teacher, having the pool in summer is an added bonus’ – Kimberley, House Parent.

MEET THE LESLIES

Steve and Rachel Leslie are the live-in house parents at Q School, located a stone’s throw from Pilgrims’ and next to Winchester College in a beautiful red brick house which has a long history as a home for busy boys. Steve is also a Geography teacher and Rachel is the school librarian. They have two children and again, are big fans of the great outdoors. Our fabulous Matron, Maria also lives at Q School.

Q boarders are in the older year groups. They’re walked over to school in time for breakfast, returning after supper and prep, when it’s time for bed.  

With  its own secluded garden, games room and common room for film nights, reading or playing games, Q school is another perfect home from home.

Charity

Charitable work is of significance because it brings help to people who need it; but also because it reminds us of our humanity and responsibility for our neighbour.  

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