The Pilgrim School
Warwick Crescent, Rochester, ME1 3LF
Ofsted inspection
Rated across 5 areas
Inspected 07/01/2025 · Ofsted no longer gives a single grade
See the Ofsted ratingsPupils
219
Ages
3 to 11
Gender
Mixed
Age range
3 to 11
Gender
Mixed
Pupils
219
Headteacher
Mrs Rebecca Parry
Type
Primary
Ofsted
Rated across 5 areas
Faith
Church of England
Local authority
Medway
Academy
Yes
About The Pilgrim School
The Pilgrim School is a mixed primary school based in Rochester for children aged 3 to 11. It has roughly 219 pupils on roll. It has a Church of England religious character. It is an academy rather than a council-run school, though Medway still coordinates the application process. Mrs Rebecca Parry leads the school.
Inspection at a glance
At its most recent Ofsted inspection on 7 January 2025, The Pilgrim School was judged Outstanding. The full inspection report is linked from this page so you can read the inspectors' own words.
How the school is performing
The latest published key stage 2 figures show 83% met expected standard in reading, writing and maths (2024/25). Overall absence stands at 4.8%, which is attendance of about 95.2% (2024/25). Around 17.9% of pupils are eligible for free school meals. Figures come from the Department for Education's published school performance data and are shown in full further down this page.
Getting a place at The Pilgrim School
You apply for a place at The Pilgrim School on the primary common application form through Medway, with the national deadline of 15 January. Where there are more applications than places, the school's published oversubscription criteria decide who is offered a place, typically starting with looked-after children and siblings. There is no separate entrance assessment. Always check the current admissions policy on the school's own website before you apply, because criteria can change year to year.
SEND at a glance
The Pilgrim School is a mainstream school, supporting pupils with SEND alongside their classmates through the graduated approach of assess, plan, do, review. The school's SEN information report is the authoritative source and is linked in the SEND section below.
Before and after school
For working families the school runs an on-site nursery. Session times, costs and availability are set by the school, so confirm them before you rely on a place.
The Pilgrim School contact details and location
You will find The Pilgrim School at Warwick Crescent, Rochester, Kent, ME1 3LF. The school office can be reached on 01634 335959. A map, directions and the school's own website link are on this page.
Ofsted inspection
Ofsted did not give a single overall grade at this inspection (its policy from September 2024).
Quality of Education
How well pupils are taught and what they learn
Behaviour and Attitudes
How pupils behave and their attitude to learning
Personal Development
Support for pupils' wider growth and wellbeing
Leadership and Management
How well the school is run
Early Years
Quality of nursery and Reception
Based on the Ofsted inspection of 07/01/2025.
The Pilgrim School admissions and catchment area
No entrance test - you apply on the common application form
The Pilgrim School does not run its own entrance test. As an academy, its governing trust is the admissions authority and sets the arrangements within the national Admissions Code, while Medway Council coordinates applications and offers. Oversubscription criteria usually cover looked-after children, siblings, distance from the school, and (for faith schools) faith criteria. As a Church of England school, faith-based criteria may apply in oversubscription - a supplementary information form is usually required.
Dates and criteria change each year - always confirm with the school and Medway Council. Medway school admissions →
How to apply
1. Apply on the common application form (autumn term before Reception)
Complete the Primary Common Application Form on the Medway Council website by mid-January - for September 2026 entry the window ran from Friday 7 November 2025 to Thursday 15 January 2026, and offers were emailed on Thursday 16 April 2026.
2. National Offer Day (mid-April)
You'll be told your allocated school by email - for 2026 entry KCC emailed offers on Thursday 16 April 2026 after 4pm, with offers visible online from 5pm.
3. Accept and, if needed, appeal
Accept your place by the given date. If you didn't get your preferred school, you have the right to appeal.
4. In-year admissions
Moving mid-year? In-year applications for an academy are usually made direct to the school - check its website for the in-year form, or contact Medway Council if you need help finding a place.
Didn't get a place? You can appeal
If The Pilgrim School is not offered on National Offer Day, you can appeal the decision. The appeal is heard by an independent panel and is free to submit.
How to appeal a school offerThe Pilgrim School results and attendance
KS2 results
A-Level results
N/A
Attendance
Free school meals
SEND support at The Pilgrim School
SEND setting
Mainstream school
For full details, visit the school's SEND information page.
Wraparound care and nursery at The Pilgrim School
Nursery
Yes
Breakfast club
Please check with the school
After-school club
Please check with the school
The Pilgrim School term dates: Medway standard term dates for 2026/27
These are Medway Council's standard term dates. Your school may use different dates and INSET days, so check the school's website before making plans.
Autumn 1 · 2026
1 Sep-23 Oct
Autumn 2 · 2026
2 Nov-18 Dec
Spring 1 · 2027
4 Jan-12 Feb
Spring 2 · 2027
22 Feb-25 Mar
Summer 1 · 2027
12 Apr-28 May
Summer 2 · 2027
7 Jun-21 Jul
The Pilgrim School: frequently asked questions
How do I apply for a place at The Pilgrim School?
Apply through Medway on the primary common application form by 15 January, naming The Pilgrim School as one of your preferences. Offers are made in April.
What is The Pilgrim School's Ofsted rating?
Ofsted rated The Pilgrim School Outstanding at its inspection on 7 January 2025. You can open the full report from the inspection section of this page.
How big is The Pilgrim School and what ages does it take?
The Pilgrim School has around 219 pupils on roll and covers ages 3 to 11. It is a mixed school taking boys and girls.
What SEND support does The Pilgrim School offer?
The Pilgrim School is recorded as a mainstream school. The school's SEN information report has the current detail and is linked in the SEND section of this page.
Does The Pilgrim School have a nursery or wraparound care?
The Pilgrim School offers a nursery. Times, costs and availability are set by the school, so check directly before booking.
What are The Pilgrim School's term dates and INSET days?
The Pilgrim School follows the standard Medway pattern for 2026/27, set out term by term on this page. INSET days are set by the school itself, so confirm them on the school's own calendar.
Where is The Pilgrim School and how do I contact the school?
The Pilgrim School is at Warwick Crescent, Rochester, Kent, ME1 3LF. The office number is 01634 335959. A map and directions are on this page.
About this information. Compiled from published sources including the Department for Education, Ofsted and the school's own website. Last reviewed Summer 2026.
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Get my profile builtSchools near The Pilgrim School
The closest schools to ME1 3LF, measured from each school's own location.
Rochester · Primary · 0.7 miles
St William of Perth RC Primary School
Rochester · Primary · 1.0 miles
St Peter's Infant School
Rochester · Primary · 1.1 miles
Delce Academy
Rochester · Primary · 1.1 miles
Cedar Children's Academy
Rochester · Independent · 1.1 miles
St Andrew's School
Rochester · Primary · 1.1 miles
Crest Infant and Nursery School
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