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Admissions

Transport

Getting to The Pilgrims' School

At The Pilgrims' School, we understand that seamless travel arrangements are essential for
our students and their families. Whether your child is a boarder or a day student, we offer a
range of travel options to ensure that getting to school is as easy and stress-free as
possible. Check the various services available - we provide convenience, safety, and
flexibility for all students.

Minibus Service

Our Minibus Service is designed to take the stress out of your school run. Whether you're a
day student or a boarder heading back to school, our reliable service ensures that your
child arrives safely, on time, and ready for the school day – whatever the weather.

Coverage Areas

Our service covers a wide range of areas, including:

  • Central Winchester
  • Kingsworthy
  • Headbourne Worthy
  • Badger Farm
  • Basingstoke
  • Micheldever
  • Stockbridge 
  • Chandlers Ford 
  • Southampton
  • Four Marks
  • Alresford

 

Flexible Booking System

The most convenient way to book your child's transport is through the Vectare app. It allows you to easily manage and track bookings from your phone, offering instant access and updates. However, if you prefer, you can also sign up with your email or log in through the School Portal, which connects directly to the app.

Book via Vectare App

Good-to-Know Information:

  • Daily bus registers ensure all students are accounted for, providing peace of mind each morning.
  • Our environmentally friendly minibuses help reduce congestion around the school gates, offering a more sustainable transport option.
  • Safety is our top priority. All buses undergo daily safety checks and formal testing each term. The buses are fitted with height-adjustable seat belts, removing the need for booster seats.
  • Our friendly, responsible drivers are all MIDAS accredited, ensuring a safe and professional service.

Book Your Spot Today

We encourage you to book your child's spot as soon as possible to guarantee a place. With
The Pilgrims' School situated in the tranquil Cathedral Close, the minibus service offers a
practical way to navigate busy mornings and ensure a smooth start to the day.

We’ve partnered with Vectare, a specialist school transport management company, to assist
with the home-to-school minibus service. Secure your child’s travel today by logging into
your School Portal or signing up with your email.


Boarding Travel

Coordinating Boarding Travel

For our boarders, we’re happy to assist with travel arrangements for weekends, exeats, half
terms, and end-of-term departures. From organising tickets and passports to arranging
escorted transport to airports or train stations, we ensure your child’s journey is as
seamless as their school experience.

Convenient Transport Links

The Pilgrims' School is ideally located, with excellent transport options, particularly for
London:

  • Winchester Railway Station: Just a short walk away, with a taxi rank outside and reliable taxi companies regularly used by the school. There are four direct trains each hour to London Waterloo, with a journey time of less than one hour.
  • Pilgrims' Express: Our escorted return train service to London Waterloo is available at the start and end of each exeat and half term. This gives your child a sense of independence while still being supervised. We can also arrange other escorted journeys if required.

Airports 

We also coordinate travel to and from nearby airports:

  • Southampton Airport: Just 15 minutes away by car.
  • Bournemouth Airport: Approximately 40 minutes by car.
  • Heathrow Airport: Around one hour by car. National Express coaches also serve this route from Winchester.
  • Birmingham International Airport: Direct trains from Winchester provide easy access to this major airport.

London Sunday Evening Bus Route

To ensure a convenient return to school, we plan to offer a dedicated Sunday evening bus
service for boarders departing from central and south-west London. This will seek to give a
service with two departure points: one accessible to families in Kensington, Chelsea,
Notting Hill, Knightsbridge, and Mayfair; and one to families in Fulham, Putney,
Wimbledon, Richmond-Upon-Thames, and nearby areas like Clapham.
This service will provide a smooth, reliable transition back to school in preparation for the
week ahead. Please contact Admissions for a chance to discuss this further.

At The Pilgrims' School, we aim to provide flexibility and peace of mind, ensuring that all
travel arrangements are well-managed, giving your child the independence they need while
ensuring their safety and comfort.

Our Location

We are blessed with a truly idyllic location. Just an hour south of London by direct train, with easy access to all the major travel hubs, and yet we are surrounded by the stunning countryside of the South Downs National Park. The school is tucked away between Winchester Cathedral and Winchester College, within the secure and secluded Cathedral Close. Moments from our front door is the heart of the historic city of Winchester, or step through our back gate to find water meadows, countryside, and the South Downs Way.