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The Pilgrim School (A Church of England Primary With Nursery)

Rochester, ME1 3LF · Medway · primary school

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Mixed Primary Church of England
8.2/10 Well above average

3rd of 56 primary schools in Medway we can score, 76 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.

Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 8.8/10 against 3,831 of them, against 8.2/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.

How this is worked out
MeasurePercentileWeightAdds
Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 83.0 · 92 62% 5.65
Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 10.0 · 66 38% 2.54

Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.

The Pilgrim School (A Church of England Primary With Nursery) overview

How it's doing

In 2024/25, 83.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 10.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 8.2 out of 10 against all schools).

Beyond the classroom

Pupils participate in a School Council and a wide range of sports including table tennis, basketball, skipping, badminton, athletics, tennis, cricket and rugby. The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club.

Getting in

The published school roll is 237 pupils against a stated capacity of 210. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.

Worth asking on a visit

What specific support is available for pupils aiming for the higher standard? How are the breakfast and after-school clubs structured to support daily routines?

AI-assisted overview based on this school's published results, inspection record and official website. Sources and dates are shown throughout this page. Verify information that could change directly with the school.

What Ofsted said about The Pilgrim School (A Church of England Primary With Nursery)

Inspection report dated 5 February 2025

Overview

The Pilgrim School is described as having a "meaningful, lasting impact" on pupils, who develop a strong sense of belonging and strive to live by positive character attributes. The inspection found that pupils achieve "extremely well" within an "ambitious, highly inclusive curriculum" that is carefully designed to meet the needs of all learners, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities.

Strengths

  • The curriculum is "broad" and "bespoke," with teaching of character attributes "skilfully woven throughout" to foster resilience and integrity.
  • Reading is central to provision; phonics teaching is of "high quality," and pupils who fall behind receive "tailored support" to catch up quickly.
  • Teachers are "very knowledgeable and highly skilled," explaining concepts "clearly and precisely" while using "highly effective adaptations" for pupils with additional needs.
  • Positive relationships are "deeply embedded," with older pupils acting as buddies and a dedicated space, ‘The sanctuary’, supporting those feeling worried or upset.
  • Staff benefit from "high-quality training" and leaders actively support their workload and well-being, resulting in overwhelmingly positive staff morale.

Areas to improve

  • The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

This is an AI-assisted summary of the official Ofsted report, not a statement written by Ofsted. Check the full official report before making a decision.
Expected standard
83%
2024/25
Higher standard
10%
2024/25
Demand
×1.77
1st prefs per place, 2026/27
Free school meals
18%
vs 25% across England

Results over time

Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.

83% 2022/23
87% 2023/24
83% 2024/25
64% England
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) for The Pilgrim School (A Church of England Primary With Nursery)
YearExpected standard (reading, writing, maths)
2022/2383%
2023/2487%
2024/2583%
England64%

Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 14,326 state schools in England we hold a 2024/25 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.

Your offer chance

Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.

Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.

Next dates

  • Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2027
  • Primary National Offer Day16 Apr 2027
  • Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2028
  • Primary National Offer Day17 Apr 2028
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