Boarding

Boarding is seen as a happy experience and is regularly oversubscribed.

Full boarding is offered, although there is much flexibility as regards weekend arrangements, if required. The weekend activities are thus tailored to suit the number and preferences of the boarders remaining at school.

The school has around 80 boarders, from Year 4 upwards. The boys are lodged in two boarding houses:- one upstairs at Pilgrims', known as ‘Main School', and the other just a couple of minutes walk away, known as ‘Q School', where the senior Quiristers - and other Pilgrims - have their dormitories (meals and prep take place at the school). In each house the boys are cared for diligently by houseparents and their families (and dogs), with an extended family of junior housestaff, matron, and teaching staff who help run evening activities. We are also fortunate each year to host four overseas ‘Gap' students who become like older brothers and sisters to the boys.

For those intending to board at senior school, the secure, happy environment of weekly boarding at The Pilgrims' in the top two years is often the best way to make a gentle transition. Prep is closely supervised, duty staff are on hand and the influence of industrious senior boys certainly helps to make the learning experience easier and more clearly defined.

Boarding is a very happy experience for our boys. The school's facilities are all available; a family of friends is teeming about, always ready to kick a football, play a game of pool or share a session on the Playstation in the Common Room. The array of after-school clubs and activities changes each term and is enjoyed by boarders and day-boys together. Trips and events are organised each Sunday for full boarders whose numbers – and volume! – are augmented of course by our Choristers and Quiristers. The boarding programme constantly adapts to suit demand - in the summer, the boys want to jump in the pool, and in the winter they like nothing better than hot chocolate and ghost stories in front of a roaring fire. Annual highlights include our exclusive Christmas black tie dinner and cabaret, with boys and staff performing hilarious songs and sketches, and a summer BBQ which is followed by games such as a fun ‘Crystal Maze' team challenge.

All boys are invited to a week's trial boarding in the summer term. If space permits, overnight and short-term boarding may be possible, which parents and particularly helpful on occasion. We are also very happy to arrange escorted transport to and from airports, Bournemouth and Southampton being the nearest, with London approximately one hour away.