The Pilgrim School (A Church of England Primary With Nursery) Review 2026: Elite Performance in Rochester

Perched in the village of Borstal near the historic city of Rochester, The Pilgrim School serves as a beacon of academic excellence within the Medway local authority. This Church of England primary school has cultivated a reputation that extends far beyond its village boundaries; in 2024, its Key Stage 2 results placed it among the highest-performing schools in England, specifically within the top 2% nationally.

As a one-form entry school with a capacity for 210 pupils, it offers an intimate environment where every child is known by name. Following the retirement of long-serving head Alison Mepsted, the school is currently led by co-headteachers Ms Alison Louden and Mrs Rebecca Parry, who took office in September 2025. The school's 2025 Ofsted inspection confirmed its elite status, awarding the highest possible judgements across all categories including quality of education and personal development.

The atmosphere at The Pilgrim School is defined by its motto, I am the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6). This religious character is not merely a label but the pulse of the school. Collective worship and a focus on "Pilgrim Values" such as compassion, wisdom, and endurance create a calm, purposeful environment.

The school functions as a close-knit family. Because there is only one class per year group, pupils form exceptionally strong bonds that last throughout their primary years. The surrounding area of Borstal provides a sense of village identity, and the school makes the most of its Kent location, often incorporating local history and the nearby River Medway into its broader educational context.

The academic performance at The Pilgrim School is nothing short of elite. In 2024, 87% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined. This is significantly higher than both the local and England averages of 61%, placing the school in the highest tier of primary education.

The FindMySchool proprietary ranking places The Pilgrim School 1st in Rochester and 196th in all of England for primary outcomes. This puts the school in the top 2% of all primary providers in the country. At the higher standard, 20% of pupils achieved this level in all three core subjects, compared to the England average of 8%. Scaled scores further reinforce this dominance, with reading at 111 and mathematics at 110, both well above the national benchmarks.

Teaching at The Pilgrim School is characterised by high expectations and a curriculum that is both ambitious and inclusive. The school follows a "Creative Curriculum" approach, which links subjects together through engaging themes, ensuring that pupils understand the practical application of their knowledge. For instance, a history topic on the Victorians might be paired with scientific exploration of industrial inventions and English lessons focused on period literature.

Mathematics and English are taught with precision, but there is also a clear commitment to the arts and humanities. As a Church of England school, Religious Education is a core pillar, but it is approached through enquiry and reflection, encouraging pupils to think deeply about their own beliefs and those of others.

Nursery Provision

The Pilgrim School includes an integrated nursery provision, allowing children to begin their "Pilgrim journey" from the age of three. The nursery environment is designed to mirror the school's focus on curiosity and kindness, with a strong emphasis on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) goals.

Practitioners in the nursery work closely with the Reception teachers to ensure a seamless transition into the main school. While many children from the nursery naturally progress into the school's Reception class, parents should note that a place in the nursery does not automatically guarantee a place in the main school due to strict oversubscription criteria. For nursery fee details, visit the school website. Government-funded hours are available for eligible families; see our guide to nursery funding for more information.

The school provides a diverse range of extracurricular activities that complement the academic day. STEM excellence is a particular focus, with coding clubs and science challenges frequently appearing in the schedule. The school also participates in various Medway-wide sporting fixtures, including football, netball, and athletics.

Music is another strength; the school choir is a regular feature at church services and community events in Rochester. Annual highlights include the Year 6 residential trip, which focuses on outdoor adventuring and team building, and various theatrical productions. These activities are designed to build the "endurance" and "wisdom" central to the school's values.

Pastoral care is a standout feature, underpinned by the school's Christian character. There is a strong sense of mutual respect between staff and pupils. The small school size allows for a highly personalised approach to wellbeing; staff are quick to identify when a child may need extra support, whether academic or emotional.

The school operates a house system that encourages vertical integration, with older students mentoring younger ones. This fosters a sense of responsibility and community. For children with Special Educational Needs (SEN), the school provides tailored support plans, ensuring they can access the full curriculum alongside their peers.

Securing a place at The Pilgrim School is a significant challenge. Applications are coordinated by Medway Council. In 2024, the school was heavily oversubscribed, receiving 116 applications for just 30 available Reception places. This means there were nearly four applications for every seat.

The school's admission policy includes a high priority for children from families who are "at the heart of the church," though places are also allocated to those in the local community. Parents interested in this school should use the FindMySchool Map Search to gauge their proximity to the school gates, though the subscription proportion suggests that meeting the faith criteria or having a sibling already at the school is often necessary to secure a place.

Upon leaving Year 6, a significant number of pupils move on to The Thomas Aveling School (52%) or progress to Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School (18%). Given the school's exceptional KS2 results, many students successfully sit the Medway Test (11-plus) and progress to prestigious grammar schools.

The school provides comprehensive transition support, including "taster days" at local secondaries and emotional resilience workshops to prepare pupils for the move to a much larger environment.

The school day typically runs from 8:45am to 3:15pm. The school provides a breakfast club starting at 7:45am and an after-school club that runs until 6:00pm, providing vital wraparound care for working families. Rochester station is the nearest major rail link, though the school is primarily accessed via local roads in the Borstal area. Parking near the school during drop-off and pick-up can be constrained.

Fees & Financial Aid

As a state-funded academy, The Pilgrim School does not charge tuition fees for its primary phase. Parents should be aware that costs associated with the nursery, before-school care, and after-school clubs are the responsibility of the family. The school receives Pupil Premium funding to support eligible students, ensuring that all pupils, regardless of financial background, can participate in trips and enrichment activities.

• Fierce Competition for Places: With nearly four families applying for every available desk in 2024, entry is exceptionally competitive. Proximity is key, but faith criteria often play a decisive role.
• Single-Form Entry: While the small size creates a lovely community feel, it also means there is only one peer group for your child for seven years.
• Faith Commitment: The Church of England character is genuine and pervasive. Families uncomfortable with daily prayer, regular worship, and explicit religious teaching should look elsewhere.
• Grammar School Culture: With strong results, many families pursue grammar school entry. This creates a culture where 11-plus preparation is common, which may feel pressured for some children.

The Pilgrim School is an academic powerhouse that manages to maintain the warmth and character of a village primary. Its 2024 results place it among the elite schools in England (top 2%), and its status as the 1st ranked school in Rochester is well-deserved. It is best suited to families who value a strong Christian ethos and a rigorous academic environment. The main challenge is undoubtedly admission; for those who secure a place, the educational journey is likely to be exceptional.