We are blessed with a truly idyllic location whilst also being just an hour from London by train, with easy access to Heathrow, Gatwick and Southampton airports.
The school sits between Winchester College and Winchester Cathedral in the secure and secluded Cathedral Close with grounds extending into the flint walled Wolvesley Castle. Being in the heart of a vibrant city like Winchester means we’ve got cafes, shops, theatres and a cinema on our doorstep but step out of our back gate and you’ll find the water meadows, wildlife and the South Downs Way.
The ancient city wall runs around the boundary of our extensive games pitches, which are right next to the school. Adjacent to the Bishop’s Palace and the ruins of Wolvesey Castle, they offer a glorious view of the Cathedral. Few school pitches anywhere offer such a stunning setting. We also make full use of Winchester College’s beautiful grounds, effectively extending our campus over the road and giving our boys unrivalled access to state-of-the-art facilities.
A tributary of the River Itchen flows through our grounds. Further downstream the boys can fish and the nearby water meadows are protected nature reserves with an abundance of wildflowers and birds. An Iron Age fort with a maze at the top of St Catherine’s Hill is within easy walking distance of the school. These are wonderful resources for supervised explorations and activities with the boys – and the hill is perfect for toboggans when it snows!
The beautiful and venerable buildings that surround us are a constant source of inspiration, and an ever-present reminder of history and tradition.
The Pilgrims’ School and its predecessor establishments have played an important part in the educational history of Winchester Cathedral since Saxon times.
A forward-thinking prep school, we’re also proud of our heritage. As Pilgrims’ we’ll soon be celebrating our centenary, but there’s been a school educating the Cathedral Choir for centuries that can be traced to the Alta Schola, established around 676AD, a tradition we continue today.
The school moved to its current site in 1931 and became a prep for choristers and non-choristers alike, the idea being, each would benefit from the talents of the other. One of our main buildings was redesigned in the 17th century and sits on previous Roman and medieval constructions. The Pilgrims’ Hall which we use daily for assemblies, music practices and performances is one of the oldest buildings in Winchester and so well preserved, visitors come from all over the world to see its magnificent hammer-beam roof, most likely constructed in the first half of the 14th century.
In 1966, the Quiristers of Winchester College Chapel Choir joined Pilgrims’ and they remain of course today. Our Pre-Prep opened in 2007.
We’re a forward-thinking school in the ancient capital of England with state of the art sports facilities and choirs of choristers who are part of an ancient tradition going back centuries. We offer academic excellence whilst fostering a sense of fun, so boys from Pilgrims’ leave ready for the world beyond the school gates.
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.
On 1st September 2025, the School merged with Winchester College marking a significant point in its history, having previously been owned by Winchester Cathedral.
“I love everything about teaching at The Pilgrims’ School. It is a very special place. I feel very lucky to be working with such wonderful boys and staff, with the added bonus of a beautiful setting.”
Headmaster / DDSL (Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead)
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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.
Winner: ‘Best of the best Prep School for Music’
‘The Pilgrims’ School offers a rich and diverse musical curriculum, with 86% of pupils learning to play an instrument, many learning two.’
“We were struck by how happy, secure and focused all the boys at this lovely prep seemed. There’s a strong sense of discipline and respect, alongside a zest for learning, fun and, of course, music.”
“Bright, curious boys will thrive. The brotherly culture and impeccable manners gently instilled in the pupils will be especially reassuring for parents of boarders.”
“Pilgrims’ combines stunning musical experience with strong academic results, comprehensive and diverse sporting provision and a close community.”
Set in the heart of Winchester’s Cathedral Close, the school enjoys a unique and peaceful setting between Winchester Cathedral and Winchester College, with the city on its doorstep and the South Downs countryside just beyond.
