A home from home

‘We go all out to make boarders feel at home,  providing a secure, relaxed and happy place to be. In an ever-changing world, modern boarding at Pilgrims’ represents an opportunity for boys to become forward-thinking members of society who value diversity and naturally contribute to a community. They develop independence, self-discipline, self-esteem and a lifelong predisposition to look out for our friends and neighbours’.

Matt Sutherland, Head of Boarding.

We have 100 boarding places for boys from Year 4 upwards, across two boarding houses: one on the main school site, the other over the road next to Winchester College. Both have dorms decorated with individual themes, as well as common rooms for relaxation and down time. Each has highly experienced matrons and live-in house-parents, so care is on hand round the clock.  Showers and bathrooms adjoin the dorms, and we provide a full laundry service. 

When school ends after Saturday matches, boarders can stay or go home until Monday morning.  Those who stay enjoy varied trips, activities and excellent meals prepared by our chefs.

 

Boarding Community

 

 

Our aims for each boarder: 

  • he learns to acknowledge his own needs and feelings, and those of others, and to be sensitive towards both 
  • he earns to be adaptable and flexible in his relationships 
  • he learns the importance of playing his part in the functioning of a community 
  • he learns to develop a sense of responsibility for himself and others 
  • he will enjoy strong connections with his peers and find a sense of belonging 
  • he will develop a sense of organisation and self-discipline 
  • he will learn to value friendship, trust and loyalty  
  • he will learn to be responsible for his own health and hygiene

 

 

SUPERVISED PREP

A distinct advantage of boarding is that prep, or homework as you might know it, is closely supervised. Staff are on hand to help, and younger boys are always influenced by industrious senior boys setting a good example.  Boarders learn to organise prep to work efficiently, completing the task within the allocated time so they can then enjoy the down time with friends. These are crucial skills which will stand him in good stead throughout his life in education.   

From Year 8 boarders have individual study cubicles in a communal study room, known as ‘Toys’. Here they can further develop an independent and proactive approach to their learning and preparation for exams and assessments. 

PREPARATION FOR SENIOR SCHOOL 

If your son is likely to board at senior school, the secure, nurturing environment of boarding at Pilgrims’ is a great way to help him prepare and to acquire the skills he’ll find invaluable to being a happy, thriving member of a senior boarding community.  

We are frequently told by the housemasters of senior schools that the boys who have previously boarded find it much easier to settle in and adjust to the new routines, freedoms and independence.   

Taster boarding sessions are offered to boys currently at the school, when possible, to see if they might like to board one day. Even if your son is not intending to board at senior school, he may decide that he would like to enjoy the experience and independence of boarding with us here at Pilgrims’.  

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SUPPORTED MUSIC PRACTICE

Boarders are given time and space for music practice. It’s supervised to help guide the boys and they can always  practise at other times too.

We find boys like practising at the same time as their friends – plus it means there’s always an experienced musician on hand to help.

If your son is joining as a Chorister or Quirister, find out more here.  

 

Choir School