This recognition places the school at the forefront of music education in the UK, acknowledging its exceptional commitment to fostering musical talent and providing a world-class musical experience for its students.

Known for its outstanding music programme, The Pilgrims' School offers a rich and diverse musical curriculum, with 86 percent of pupils learning to play an instrument, many learning two. Students have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of ensembles, including choirs, orchestras, concert bands, and chamber groups. We have two professional choirs: Winchester Cathedral Choristers and Winchester College Quiristers, each performing near-daily. Both have recorded at Abbey Road. The Choristers recently won a Grammy for their work on a Star Wars video game. More than 100 boys volunteer for our other choirs, too. Their performances have included English National Ballet’s Nutcracker and even an impromptu concert atop Vesuvius!

“Music is a truly special part of Pilgrims' life. It's wonderful that this has been recognised, and we are thrilled to receive this award,"says Director of Music, Russell du Plessis. "Increasingly, music is something that happens when you press a button. Our boys make music for themselves. We could not be more proud of them, and hope that they will take this love of music with them."

Despite being a small school, Year 8s have been awarded as many as 16 music scholarships in a single year to some of the UK’s most prestigious senior schools, including Winchester College, Eton, Harrow and St Paul's. Even the more endangered instruments are well-represented (we have seven French horns and four bassoons at the moment). Our ensembles are capable of taking on genuinely advanced repertoire, performing concertos by Bach, Mozart and Grieg, and symphonies by Schubert and Beethoven in recent years. Beyond music, The Pilgrims' School’s well-rounded curriculum continues to produce high-achieving students, with many securing scholarships in academics, sport, and art.

We strive to ensure that there is music for everyone. Jazz Band is a big hit, and the School of Rock is incredibly popular. Even in the Covid lockdowns, we maintained 18 choirs and ensembles - at times entirely virtually!  Enthusiasm and engagement, and the sheer joy of live music making are central.

The Pilgrims' School’s win of the "Best of the Best Prep School Award for Music" is a proud moment in the school’s history and a testament to its dedication to providing a truly exceptional education. As it looks ahead, the school remains committed to inspiring and nurturing young musicians, ensuring they have the support and opportunities they need to thrive both musically and academically.