The Pilgrim School

The Pilgrim School continues to maintain its overall good rating following an ungraded inspection, with strong evidence that it could achieve an outstanding grade in a future graded inspection. The school provides exceptional care, particularly for pupils facing significant medical challenges, through a unique and empathetic approach. This commitment to high-quality education, along with a well-structured curriculum, ensures that pupils make strong progress from their starting points and develop positive attitudes towards learning.

Strengths

• Exceptional care and kindness shown to pupils
• High-quality education tailored to individual needs
• Strong progress and re-engagement with learning for pupils
• Innovative ‘hope curriculum’ driving positive attitudes
• Excellent behavior management with rare need for support
• Effective collaboration with families and healthcare professionals
• Strong personal development opportunities
• High prioritization of reading and literacy
• Effective leadership and staff well-being support

In 2024–25 pupils at The Pilgrim School attended 30.5% of sessions (the national figure for special schools was 87.2%). 100.0% of pupils were persistently absent, missing at least one session in ten (nationally 35.3%).

Sessions missed

Pupils persistently absent

Source: Department for Education, Pupil absence in schools in England. Each year is the one the school year ends in (2025 is 2024/25). Persistent absence means missing 10% or more of sessions; severe absence means 50% or more. No figures were published for 2019/20.

In 2020–21, 0.0% of pupils at The Pilgrim School were suspended at least once (nationally 3.7%). No pupils were permanently excluded.

Pupils suspended at least once

Source: Department for Education, Suspensions and permanent exclusions in England. Each year is the one the school year ends in (2025 is 2024/25). A pupil can be suspended more than once, so suspensions per 100 pupils can be higher than the share of pupils suspended. Very small numbers are hidden by the DfE. Exclusion figures dropped in 2020 and 2021 because of school closures.

In 2020–21 The Pilgrim School had 1.8 pupils for each teacher (the national figure for special schools was 6.2). Of its teachers in 2020–21, 11.8% were no longer at the school a year later (nationally 15.2%).

Pupils per teacher

Teachers who left the school within a year

Source: Department for Education, School workforce in England. Each year is the one the school year ends in (2025 is 2024/25). Pupils per teacher counts full-time-equivalent pupils and teachers. Turnover is the share of a year's teachers (full-time equivalent) who were not at the school the following year, whether they moved to another school or left state-funded teaching. Turnover and sickness figures run one year behind the ratios. Sick leave is the share of teachers who took at least one day in the year, so it swings widely at small schools, where a few teachers can make it 0% or 100%. The national figures are for all state schools of the same type.

In 2025–26 The Pilgrim School received £29,682 and spent £30,252 for each of its 102 pupils. It ended the year with reserves of £131,000 (£1,286 per pupil).

Income per pupil

Spending per pupil

Source: Department for Education, Financial Benchmarking and Insights Tool. Each year is the one the financial year ends in (2024 is 2023–24).

• Primary Schools
• Secondary Schools

All schools in Boston · Lincolnshire local authority: places and applications

What is The Pilgrim School's Ofsted rating?

The latest Ofsted rating for The Pilgrim School is Good, from an inspection in July 2024.

When was The Pilgrim School last inspected by Ofsted?

The Pilgrim School was last inspected in July 2024.

How many pupils does The Pilgrim School have?

The Pilgrim School has 7 pupils on roll.

What age range does The Pilgrim School cover?

The Pilgrim School for pupils aged 4 to 16.

Where is The Pilgrim School?

The Pilgrim School is at Sutterton Drove, Boston, PE20 3RQ.