Photo from left to right: Theo, Lauren, Lilla, Cam, Luke

GAP co-ordinator, Matt Shroff says; "This term's wonderful GAPS are doing a great job. The boys love them and the staff think they're good too! Please do speak to them and say hello if you seem them around, especially at matches."

Read about our GAP students below: 

Lilla Hardman

“I have just left St Swithun’s school this summer after 11 years and I am now on my gap year before I head to Exeter University next September. I applied to work as a GAP student because I think it’s such a great opportunity to learn so many important skills for life and both my older brother Will Hardman who left in 2012 and my younger brother Ben Hardman who left just this summer went to Pilgrims’ and both absolutely loved their time here. Also, I don’t think my parents were ready to say goodbye to being a Pilgrims’ parent! I’m already loving my time here as Pilgrims’ is such a happy environment and I can’t wait for the term ahead.”

Lauren Owen

“I am from South Africa and I have been working at the school since April this year. I applied to work at Pilgrims’ as a ‘Sports GAP’ because I love my sport, having competed in Modern Pentathlon on a National level in South Africa for most of my time in high school. I also love working with children and I thought it would be the best opportunity for me, as I would like to study Occupational Therapy (OT), and possibly specialise in paediatric OT.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here at Pilgrims’ so far. Since I arrived at the school, I immediately felt welcomed and accepted by both the staff and boys. This will make saying goodbye even harder. I’m pleased that I chose to spend my gap year here rather than going straight to university as I feel that I’ve gained skills and knowledge that will help me going forward in life.”

Theo Peters

“This year, I left Eton and I am going to university next year to study Music. So far at Pilgrims’ I have particularly enjoyed helping with football and playing the hymns in assembly and generally helping out all around the school. I wanted to work somewhere where I could gain experience across a number of areas of school life and the Pilgrims’ school has been the perfect place for this, with so much going on. It is brilliant to be in an environment where the boys are always busy doing what they love in such a supportive and friendly environment. I can’t wait for the rest of the term!”

Cam Hogsden

“As I move on from fulltime education into my gap year I couldn’t imagine a better place to start. Sport has always been a big part of my life having done any sport I can from paddle boarding to rugby and plenty in between. I have joined at the perfect time for the football season which gives me a chance to use my passion for the sport to each the boys and also have fun along the way. I have already worked a half term which I thoroughly enjoyed thanks to the staff and boys’ hospitality. I look forward to seeing what rest of the term has in store and where my experience will lead me next.”

Luke Elkington

“I have just finished my A levels at Winchester College and I’m now on a gap year before going to Exeter University in September 2022. I was at Pilgrims’ from 2011-2016 and had a fantastic time, I was a Quirister and a keen sportsman. During this period, I saw how much the ‘Gappies’ enjoyed themselves as well as how vital they were to the boys, staff, and general success of the school. Therefore, returning to be a ‘Gappy’ was an easy choice and a great opportunity. So far, I have loved working here: one of the most interesting changes is seeing my ex-teachers as colleagues – I didn’t realise how hard they worked! In my term at Pilgrims’ I want to make the return to normal school, after 18 months of disruption, as enjoyable as possible ensuring the full Pilgrims’ experience is available to every boy.”