This year we have been able to celebrate something further: a bumper year of academic achievement by our Year 8s. In addition to the 15 Music Awards celebrated earlier in the year, these fantastic boys have also achieved 10 academic awards to senior schools. This total of 25 scholarships and exhibitions surpasses any previous year in Pilgrims’ history - what a remarkable achievement! However, here’s the thing: the Winchester Entrance boys also achieved the strongest results we have seen and this week we have received the results for those Year 8s who took Common Entrance, and these were excellent too. Indeed, in this latter group were results that all those teachers involved found incredibly moving and which represent the most remarkable journeys of individual progress over recent years. We celebrate these results equally and offer huge congratulations to all the boys.  

Yet, as I wrote in my article just before half-term, academic success is only part of the game. The talk by the consultant at the CSA conference (referred to in that article) was a clear indicator of what the future job market requires of our young people and which many end up lacking. Yesterday, I was talking with Dr Alex Peterken, Headmaster at Charterhouse. Our conversation echoed this point, and senior schools like Charterhouse are increasingly building Futures Departments that work closely with their Sixth Formers, and younger pupils, to develop, draw out and maximise those skills which must sit alongside academic achievement to enable the pupils to have the best prospects in the future. It was impressive stuff. Programmes like theirs are growing rapidly and are providing rich mentoring and experience, CV development, collaboration skills and interview preparation.  

It's absolutely right, and crucial, therefore, that we make the most of this time of year to put on a positive ‘bloom’ of residential and outdoor experiences for the boys. I’m delighted that this is an area of recent expansion and an enormous ‘thank you’ to the staff who have been driving this. We’ve had a Year 3 camp; a Year 4 residential to Tile Barn; the Year 8s have been away at Mount Kelly in Devon this week for outward bound adventures; the Year 5s head to Calshot shortly; and Years 6 & 7 have trips to Sandbanks for water sports. 

So what do the boys gain from these activities? This may be well-trodden ground, but it’s always important to remind ourselves… 

Firstly, let’s not shy away from the fact that fun and bonding around shared experience are incredibly important. But of course there’s more… 

• Facing challenges head-on is a hallmark of these sorts of trips: whether climbing difficult terrain, navigating a forest, or jumping into cold water, the boys learn that resilience and determination lead to achievement. These qualities translate directly to real-world scenarios. 

• The boys work in teams, often with peers they know less well. Clear communication becomes essential for effective problem-solving. Listening, expressing ideas, and understanding others are skills that serve them not only during these outdoor activities but also in their future workplaces and relationships. 

• As boys face physical and mental challenges, their self-belief grows. Such trips provide a space to fail, learn, and try again amongst friends. And new-found confidence extends beyond the outdoors - boys become more self-assured in academic settings, job interviews, and social interactions. 

• Nature can be fickle, much like life's twists and turns. These trips teach adaptability by exposing students to a degree of risk and to unpredictable situations. Whether adjusting to changing weather (as our Year 8s had to yesterday, down in Devon) or rethinking a route, the boys learn to embrace flexibility - a crucial skill in our changing world. 

• Aspects of leadership are encouraged at all levels. Boys have opportunities to take the lead, make decisions, and support one another.  

I take great pride in all that the staff and the boys do to put on and enjoy such a vital range of opportunities at this time of year. I hope all of them have, and have had, a fantastic time of it! 

Tim Butcher
Headmaster