Since our own announcement regarding the merger with Winchester College, no fewer than nine other prep schools have followed with similar news - each forging new alignments with senior schools. In the midst of this wider shift, I’ve found two aspects of our own position here at Pilgrims’ particularly heartening. 

First, there is the deeply natural and collaborative nature of our merger. Ours is not simply a strategic arrangement, but a reaffirmation of something long-felt: a shared ethos, a shared history, and a common sense of educational purpose. The fit is authentic - much like the best partnerships in life. 

Second, in the short time since our announcement, we’ve already seen clear signs that the future is indeed a ‘win-win’ - not just in rhetoric but in practice. Our excellent staff continue to prepare those boys for whom it is the right next step brilliantly for Winchester. We bring equally strong support to our boys in moving on to a wide range of other senior schools, wherever their talents and aspirations may be directing them. 

We have, in recent days, seen this dual strength shine through. The outstanding success of a record number of boys elected to Roll at Winchester and the excellent performance of those sitting the College’s Entrance exams speak volumes about the quality of preparation the staff team provides. Yet alongside these, we’ve also celebrated Nathan Z’s wonderful achievement in winning a King’s Scholarship to Eton, and applauded Tommy Q’s brave and committed efforts in the St Paul’s scholarship process (results pending!). We’ve welcomed Mr Chris Wheeler, the incoming Head of Canford, to our school; and we look forward to hosting representatives from Charterhouse, Churcher’s, Canford and Radley at tomorrow’s Pilgrims’ Parley. 

I would represent that these are not just milestones in a calendar - they are signs of flourishing relationships, of mutual respect and fruitful dialogue with the wider senior school community. In short, Pilgrims’ is in good company, and in robust health when it comes to our boys moving on. 

One comment I received this week particularly stayed with me. Dr Latter (Master in College) shared his appreciation for how well our boys interviewed during the Winchester Election process - the part where they must think on their feet, respond to the unfamiliar, and bring a little of their authentic selves into the room. Less than a day later, I had the pleasure of watching our Senior Speech Competition. The boys were magnificent: a wonderfully eclectic group of personalities and topics, expressing themselves with clarity, poise and often humour. 

These performances were about presence - about having the courage to stand up, find one’s voice, and share something meaningful. Such moments are not merely academic exercises; they are rehearsals for life. 

Add to this the news we received just after the start of this term that every single one of our LAMDA candidates in last term’s exams received a Distinction, and a fuller picture begins to emerge. These boys are growing - not just in knowledge, but in their ability to communicate, to persuade, to listen, and to connect. 

I very much hope to see many of you at the PPA Breakfast in the Yard tomorrow. And can I warmly encourage those of you who can, to join us at the Parley - this time focusing on the risks and opportunities of current digital evolution. Among the many risks of our ever-more-connected world, perhaps one that used to be overlooked but is now increasingly recognised is the quiet erosion of oracy: the ability to speak with clarity, to read a room, to build rapport in real time. At Pilgrims’, we place these skills at the very heart of our boys’ development. 

It is through such things - not just exams and outcomes, but voice, thoughtfulness, and human connection - that character is formed, and futures start to take shape. 

Tim Butcher
Headmaster