As soon as we heard the news that Old Pilgrim and Chorister, Rafferty Coope had made it to the semi-final of one of the biggest talent shows in the world, well, we knew we had to get cracking to show our support. Rafferty's just recently turned 17 and is now at Peter Symonds College (here in Winchester), but there are Pilgrims' and Pilgrims' boarders who remember him well and even more who've watched...(more times than we can count) his golden buzzer moment with KSI that got him to where he is now.

Rafferty joined us as a surprise guest during assembly, having been quietly led through the school corridors out of sight while Mr Butcher held everyone's attention. For the uninitiated, Rafferty's act combines music and magic, and the assembly was pure magic, with boys inspired to see how far his character, dedication to his craft, and love of music have taken him.

Our assembly was filmed and featured on BBC South Today, and Joy Bailey and her history class were live on BBC Radio Solent, all designed to back our Old Pilgrim (OP). 

Saturday came, and we made Rafferty masks for the boys, gathered everyone together and swapped the dining room for takeaway pizzas and a watch party to remember, as our very own Rafferty Coope made it through to the LIVE final of Britain's Got Talent.

It just remains for me to say – watch this space and on Saturday 30^th May, wherever you are, remember, 
VOTE RAFFERTY!

Paul Jennings
Housemaster (Main School)