Welcome to the Pilgrim Primary Academy Governor page. For Reach South Trustees, please click here.
Our Governing Body comprises of 7 Governors, all of whom bring different skills to our School. As an academy and part of Reach South Academy Trust our local governing board consists of 3 Trust Appointed Governors, 2 staff Governors, 1 Parent Governor and the Headteacher.
Governors are volunteers who give their time and commitment to what we hope, is a very rewarding role and experience. Governors are also subject to an OFSTED inspection at the same time and in the same way as the school would be inspected.
On this page you can find more information about the roles and responsibilities carried out by Governors.
Chair of Governors: Dr Andrew Miller
The Chair of Governors can be contacted via the school office or via the clerk: lindsey.johnson@reachsouth.org
Address:
Pilgrim Primary School,
Oxford Street,
Plymouth, Devon,
PL1 5BQ
To find out more about Reach South Academy Trust governance, click on the following link: www.reachsouth.org/governance
Headteacher
Term: 01.09.24 onwards
Responsibility : Whole School
Attendance 2024-25: 2/2
Registered Interests: None
Rachael Saim NPQH, NPQEL, AOEA is an experienced school leader.
I worked in London for twenty five years as a primary teacher, senior leader and Headteacher in many different West London Boroughs and also as a DFE Gifted & Talented primary advisor regionally and nationally between 2001 and 2005.
In September 2021, I relocated to Exeter and took on an Executive Head role for a two primary school Federation.
In 2023, I led both of these schools through to Good Ofsted outcomes during their individual inspections.
In September 2024, I joined Pilgrim as interim Headteacher and successfully too Pilgrim through its most recent Ofsted in January 2025.
Chair of Governors – Appointed by Trust Board
Term: 01.04.17 – 11.05.25 (2nd Term)
Responsibility: Leadership & Management, Engagement with Parents, Safeguarding and SEND and Statutory Grants
Attendance 2024-25: 2/2
Registered Interests: None
I have been a primary school governor since 2005 and became a governor at Pilgrim Primary School in 2009.
Although now retired, I was a secondary school Computing and Science teacher for over thirty years, mostly in Plymouth. I appreciate how absolutely crucial it is that children get the best possible start in primary education; this is why I volunteer as a school governor.
I am immensely proud of the unstinting hard work of all the staff, the amazing achievements of the children and the excellent opportunities and care that Pilgrim Primary Academy offers to each and every pupil.
Parent Governor
Term: 06.02.24 - 05.02.28
Responsibility: Behaviour and Attitudes
Attendance 2024-25: 2/2
Registered Interests: None
I have 15 years of experience working in a variety of roles within health & social care including the voluntary sector, hospitals, and supported living. My current role is focused on staff training and development but there is always a lot of variety in my responsibilities.
Prior to this I have volunteered supporting homeless young people and worked on media projects including short films, documentaries, and built websites.
The role of a parent governor had always interested me so I have taken the bold step of becoming one.
Local Governing Board meeting dates 2024-25
Previous Governors of the past 12 months
Lisa Meek - Headteacher 01.04.17 - 31.08.24
Debbie Gale - Staff Governor 09.02.21 - 09.02.25
Trust Governor - Appointed by the Trust Board
Term: 01.04.17 – 11.05.25 (2nd Term)
Responsibility: Vice-Chair, Quality of Education including Foundation and Finance
Attendance 2024-25: 2/2
Registered Interests: None
My background is in the Royal Navy. Highlights include exchange service in the Royal Australian and Dutch navies, action in the Falklands War and command of the destroyer HMS GLASGOW. I was then Devon Operations Manager of a charitable trust conducting youth training and getting people jobs.
It has been a great pleasure to make a small contribution to the business of this excellent school and hardworking staff!
Staff Governor
Term: 03.05.23 - 03.05.27
Responsibility: Personal Development
Attendance 2024-25: 2/2
Registered Interests: None
My child attends Pilgrim Primary, and I was really pleased to join the Governing Board in 2023. I am really passionate about supporting both Pilgrim Primary School in the Federation to be the best they can be, to ensure all our children get an excellent well-rounded education. I have over 12 years’ experience working in education, from starting as a teaching assistant, working my way up to a Higher Level Teaching Assistant to becoming an Unqualified teacher, most recently I have passed my Master in Psychology and have a Bachelors degree in Educational Studies. I have a lot to offer across the board to ensure I do my duty well as staff governor.
I have a strong passion for education and believe that children deserve the best education across the board. I also have a passion in safeguarding all children and wanting to ensure they feel safe in school.
Trust Governor - Appointed by the Trust
Term: 15.01.19 – 15.01.27 (2nd Term)
Responsibility: Early Years
Attendance 2024-25: 1/2
Registered Interests: None
I am 39 years old and I have a child who previously attended Pilgrim. I work at the Co-op Warehouse in Plympton where I head up the Finance department and have been working there for the last 17 years.
I put myself forward to join the schools team of governors to gain insight into the inner workings and to have an input into the future of the school. I believe Pilgrim is a great school where children can thrive and being a part of that is an honour.
Thoughtfulness
Ambition
Respect
Collaboration
Responsibility
Endeavour
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