In September 2025, The Pilgrims’ School merged with Winchester College, strengthening a partnership that has existed for nearly a century.
Pilgrims’ is a leading independent prep and pre-prep for boys aged 4 – 13, situated just across the road from the College, and shares many of the same facilities.
Pilgrims’ is renowned for academic excellence, musical distinction, and an all-round education.
1
Sign up for a Winchester College Open Event. Tick the 11+ box and the team will arrange a tour of Pilgrims’ for the same day.
2
Register by 1st October in Year 6 for entry to The Pilgrims’ School in Year 7 with onward progression to Winchester College in Year 9.
3
Assessment takes places in October in Year 6 at Winchester College. Good assessment should be accessible, challenging and aligned with curriculum. It shouldn’t be stressful or require additional tutoring. That’s why we use a combination of school references, General Ability Testing (GAT), a writing assessment and interview to understand whether your child will thrive at Pilgrims’ and Winchester College.
4
Interviews take place by appointment in November – December in Year 6. At interview we look for personal qualities as much as academic potential; curiosity, kindness, integrity, resilience and a willingness to contribute to the life of the school. Families will meet the Headmaster of The Pilgrims’ School and will also have an interview with a Winchester College Housemaster.
5
Decisions, including bursary provision will be made in December in Year 6 and must be accepted by March in Year 6.
6
Induction is by appointment and involves a taster day at The Pilgrims’ School so boys can experience daily life and get to meet their future friends.
The new Winchester College Sports Centre includes a 6-lane 25-metre swimming pool, squash courts, fives courts, a studio & martial arts Dojo. The Sports Hall can accommodate futsal, basketball, badminton, volleyball, tennis and cricket nets.
Winchester College’s state-of-the-art concert hall and theatre space provides Pilgrims’ pupils with an outstanding performance and assembly venue throughout the academic year.
An outdoor classroom in Winchester College’s grounds, situated near a private section of the River Itchen allows for hands-on geography and wildlife exploration.
The College’s purpose built Music School features 55 teaching rooms, 4 Steinway grand pianos and the impressive Music Hall performance venue.