Pilgrim Primary School

Pilgrim Primary Academy is not just a primary school in Plymouth, but a place where children feel confident, at ease and happy. At this school, the focus is not only on learning, but also on how a child feels each day — in the classroom, during break times, and when interacting with teachers and classmates. The school has a warm and friendly atmosphere: children are supported, motivated and taught to believe in themselves. The motto of Pilgrim Primary is ‘We Can and We Will’. This phrase perfectly reflects the school’s approach: to support every child and help them realise their potential.

About the school

Pilgrim Primary School is located in the very centre of Plymouth, in the county of Devon. The school is known for its attentive approach to children and its commitment to creating an environment where every pupil feels valued and heard. The school staff do everything in their power to ensure that children are not afraid to make mistakes, learn to work as a team and gradually become more independent.

The school is attended by children from a wide variety of cultures and nationalities, which is why the teaching staff place great emphasis on respect, cooperation and mutual support. In addition to the academic curriculum, pupils are offered extra-curricular activities, creative workshops and development programmes.

History and mission

Pilgrim Primary School Plymouth has been operating since 2017. The school was established following the reorganisation of the former Pilgrim Primary School. Its main aim is to create a safe and inspiring environment in which every child can learn at their own pace, develop and feel supported. The approach is based on the idea that a child’s well-being is directly linked to their academic success. At Pilgrim Primary Academy Plymouth, academic results and the emotional wellbeing of children are equally important. Teachers help pupils to become more confident, to respect those around them and not to be afraid to set themselves high goals.

Important! In 2025, the school was recognised for its strong performance in the areas of educational quality, pupil behaviour and leadership, with the Personal Development category receiving an ‘Outstanding’ rating.

Part of the Reach South Academy Trust

Pilgrim Primary Academy is part of the Reach South Academy Trust – a network of schools in the south of England that helps educational institutions to develop, share experiences and receive additional support. For the school itself, this means access to modern teaching methods, professional development for teachers and additional resources. All of this makes the learning process more engaging and effective.

Pilgrim Primary School has not lost its individuality. Despite operating within a large network, the school retains the very same warm and family-like atmosphere for which it is valued by parents and pupils. The priority is an individual approach to each child, attention to their emotional well-being, and the creation of a safe environment where children feel comfortable learning and growing.

Reach South Academy Trust also supports the idea that every school is unique and should develop in line with the needs of its community. Therefore, Pilgrim Primary Academy continues to uphold its own traditions, values and character, remaining an important part of the Plymouth area.

Values and approach to education

At Pilgrim Primary Academy, we believe that a school should not only help children to learn well, but also instil confidence, kindness and responsibility. This school places great emphasis on the atmosphere, the relationships between children and adults, and the qualities that children take with them beyond the classroom. The school culture is underpinned by values that help pupils feel part of the community and teach them to respect those around them.

The school’s six core values

Life at Pilgrim Primary Academy revolves around six core values:

1. Collaboration helps children learn to work together, support one another and understand that good results are often achieved through teamwork.
2. Respect is at the heart of the school atmosphere. Children are taught to respect their classmates, teachers, the differences between people, and the opinions of those around them.
3. Ambition is linked to belief in one’s own potential. Pupils are encouraged to try new things, set goals for themselves, and not be afraid of challenges.
4. Endeavour reminds children that to achieve results, it is important not only to be talented but also to put in the effort. Teachers strive to show that perseverance and hard work often mean more than an instant result.
5. Responsibility helps children gradually become more independent — taking responsibility for their actions, their studies and their attitude towards others.
6. Thoughtfulness is linked to caring for others, the ability to notice other people’s feelings, and showing kindness in everyday little things.

At Pilgrim Primary Academy, these values do not exist in isolation from school life. They are evident in lessons, during play, at school events and even in ordinary conversations in the corridor. Teachers strive to nurture not only their pupils’ academic knowledge but also their character.

How values are reflected in everyday life

At Pilgrim Primary School, values do not appear as a formal list of rules on the wall. Instead, they are integrated into everyday life. For example, children are regularly rewarded for kind deeds, helping others, hard work and treating those around them with respect. Teachers recognise not only academic achievements but also how a child behaves within the group.

Communication between adults and children also plays a major role. At Pilgrim Primary Academy, they strive to build calm and trusting relationships where children are listened to and supported. Thanks to this, children feel more confident and learn to interact with one another.

School projects, team tasks, creative activities and extracurricular activities also help children develop responsibility and cooperation. Pupils gradually come to realise that it is important to be able to reach agreements, respect others’ opinions and be part of a team. Thanks to this approach, values are not seen as abstract words — they become part of the children’s daily experience and shape the culture of which Pilgrim Primary Academy is proud.

Curriculum

At Pilgrim Primary Academy, they strive to make learning not only useful but also genuinely interesting for children. A great deal of attention is paid to core academic skills, yet there is an understanding that a modern school is about more than just marks and tests. Children are taught to ask questions, think for themselves, interact with their peers and gradually discover the world for themselves. The Pilgrim Primary School curriculum combines a classical education, a creative approach and a focus on children’s personal development.

English and Maths

English and Maths are among the top priorities at Pilgrim Primary Academy. The school is convinced that confident reading, competent writing and strong maths skills form the foundation for all further learning.

Learning is structured in stages and adapted to the children’s age. In the lower years, great emphasis is placed on speech development, phonics and a love of reading. Children are taught to understand texts, express their thoughts and gradually feel more confident in using the language.

In maths lessons, the focus is not only on correct answers but also on understanding logic. Pupils are helped to understand exactly how mathematical processes work, so that their knowledge does not remain a mechanical set of rules.

Teachers strive to support children at every stage of their learning, so the curriculum is designed to allow each child to progress at their own pace and gradually build a solid foundation of knowledge.

Foundation Subjects

In addition to the core subjects, children at Pilgrim Primary Academy study a wide range of subjects: natural sciences, history, geography, technology and design, art, and music. This approach helps pupils see the world more broadly and delve deeper into what truly interests them.

The curriculum is designed to spark curiosity and a desire to explore new things. In lessons, children do not simply memorise facts, but learn to ask questions, seek answers and discuss their ideas. For example, history helps them understand the past and different cultures, geography helps them learn more about the world and the environment, and creative subjects develop their imagination and self-confidence.

The school’s teachers strive to make learning more engaging and practical. Children undertake research tasks and projects, and take part in creative activities and teamwork. As a result, learning is seen not as a routine, but as a process of discovering something new.

Personal Development and PSHE

At Pilgrim Primary Academy, we believe that a child’s emotional well-being is just as important as their academic results. That is why the school places great emphasis on children’s personal development and the subject of PSHE — Personal, Social, Health and Economic education.

In these lessons, children learn to better understand themselves, their emotions and their relationships with those around them. They discuss friendship, respect, safety, health, self-confidence and responsibility for their own decisions.

PSHE helps children gradually develop social skills and emotional resilience. The school creates an environment in which every child can speak openly about their experiences, learn to interact with others and feel supported by adults.

Important! This approach helps to shape not only successful pupils, but also more confident, independent and emotionally healthy individuals who find it easier to adapt to life outside school.

Support for every pupil

The school believes that every child should feel confident and at ease, and receive help when they really need it. Teachers are attentive to pupils’ needs, creating an environment where children can develop their strengths and progress at their own pace.

Inclusive Education (SEND & Inclusion)

Pilgrim Primary Academy welcomes children with a range of educational needs. An individual support plan is developed for every child with SEND, taking into account their specific needs, current level of attainment and goals.

Inclusion here is not just a formality. Children learn together, participate in school life and feel part of a wider community. Teachers and specialists work closely with families to ensure that children receive support not only with their studies but also in their day-to-day school life.

Pupil Premium

The school receives funding through the Pupil Premium scheme to support children from families who require additional help. These funds are used for one-to-one tuition, learning materials, participation in school programmes and enhanced academic support. The main aim is to ensure that every child has equal opportunities for development and success, regardless of their circumstances.

Child Safety and Wellbeing

The safety of children is the school’s absolute priority. All staff undergo regular specialist training to ensure the safety and wellbeing of pupils.

Pilgrim Primary Academy takes both the physical and emotional safety of pupils very seriously. Parents can be confident that their child is in a caring and safe environment.

Extracurricular activities

At Pilgrim Primary Academy, we ensure that school doesn’t end with the final bell. There are plenty of activities here that allow children to be active, try new things and simply spend time in a comfortable, lively atmosphere.

Sport and Physical Education (PE Premium)

The school actively invests in children’s physical development through the PE Premium programme. These funds are used for sports equipment, expanding activities and teacher training.

Children are given the opportunity to try different sports, develop coordination and stamina, and learn to work as a team. A healthy lifestyle is part of the school’s everyday culture — achieved through games, competitions and regular activity.

Extended Day

For parents who need a more flexible timetable, the school offers morning and after-school clubs. This is not simply ‘supervision’, but a fully-fledged school environment with games, activities and socialising under the supervision of school staff. Children remain in a familiar setting, feel at ease and continue their day in their usual educational rhythm.

For parents

At Pilgrim Primary Academy, they understand how important it is for parents to feel connected to the school and to be confident that their child is in a safe and supportive environment. That is why they strive to make pupils’ lives here as organised and transparent as possible. Parents receive regular updates on school events, changes to the timetable and their children’s progress, whilst the school itself emphasises a calm, predictable atmosphere in which it is easier for children to learn and develop.

How the school day is structured

The school day at Pilgrim Primary Academy follows a clear and straightforward timetable. Lessons usually begin in the morning and finish in the afternoon, with the day comprising lessons, breaks, lunch time and extra-curricular activities.

Consistency is particularly important for younger pupils, which is why the school adheres to a consistent routine. A predictable timetable helps children feel more confident, adapt more quickly to the learning process and cope with the demands of school more calmly.

If there are changes to the timetable or important events are planned, parents are notified in advance via the school’s communication channels. At Pilgrim Primary School, we strive to maintain clear and transparent communication so that families are always kept up to date with what is happening.

Meals and Uniforms

The school provides children with hot meals and adheres to standards for a healthy and balanced diet. We strive to ensure that the menu takes into account the needs of children of different ages, as well as issues relating to the quality and nutritional value of the food. For many parents, this is an important part of school life, as their child spends most of the day at the school.

The school uniform at Pilgrim Primary Academy helps to create a sense of unity and belonging to the wider community. As well as its practical benefits, it helps to reduce differences between children and maintain a calmer atmosphere in the classroom. Parents can find the current uniform requirements, clothing options and detailed information about school meals on the school’s official website.

School-Family Communication

At Pilgrim Primary Academy, relationships with parents are built on the principle of genuine partnership. The school fully understands that a child’s success depends largely on how well the family and teachers work together.

Parents regularly receive school news, information about events, pupils’ achievements and important changes. The school organises meetings, themed events and activities during which families can gain a closer insight into the school’s inner workings.

Parents are provided with an opportunity for feedback — they can discuss issues relating to their child’s learning, behaviour or well-being with teachers and the school administration. This open approach helps build trusting relationships and makes parents full participants in the educational process, rather than mere bystanders.

How to enrol at Pilgrim Primary Academy

You can enrol at Pilgrim Primary Academy through your local education authority or by contacting the school directly. Parents usually submit an application via the local council, after which they are allocated a place.

The school admits children in accordance with established criteria — priority is given to proximity to the school, the presence of siblings already attending the Primary Academy, and other official admission rules. All of this operates within the standard system for state schools in Great Britain.

Reviews of Pilgrim Primary Academy

The school generally receives mixed but mostly positive feedback. Here are some real opinions and the official assessment.

What parents say

The teachers are very supportive; my child feels safe and happy here. Communication with parents is good.

The school has greatly improved its work. The staff care for the children and help them to develop.

My child enjoys going to school every day and has made good friends.

Ofsted rating

According to the latest Ofsted inspection (2025), the school received the following ratings:

1. Quality of education — good.
2. Behaviour and attitudes — good.
3. Personal development — excellent.
4. Leadership and management — good.
5. Early years provision — good.

Particular mention is made of the work done to foster the children’s personal development and the good organisation of school life. Overall, this is a consistently ‘Good’ school with particular strengths in certain areas.

Pupils’ views

Pupils’ reviews mention the school atmosphere, clubs and teachers who provide help and support. Children note that they feel comfortable at school and find it very easy to make friends.

I’ve been at Pilgrim since nursery and know this school like the back of my hand. Since leaving, I miss it and the memories I have of it. It will always be the school I associate myself with.

Contact details and social media

Address: Oxford Street, Plymouth, Devon, PL1 5BQ

Telephone: 01752 225319

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