Pilgrim Primary Academy Governors

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 

Our Governors
 
 

Mrs Rachael Saim

Term: 01.09.24 onwards
Responsibility : Whole School
Attendance 2024-25: 0/0
Registered Interests: tbc

Dr Andrew Miller

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: 0/0
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.

Mr Tom Holder

Parent Governor

Term: 06.02.24 - 05.02.28
Responsibility: tbc
Attendance 2024-25: 0/0
Registered Interests: tbc

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

  • Tuesday 22 October 2024
  • Tuesday 25 February 2025
  • Tuesday 17 June 2025
Meetings are held at 4pm-6pm
 
Minutes from these meetings can be requested from the clerk.

 Previous Governors of the past 12 months

Emma Manley - Parent Governor 18.04.23 - 26.09.23

Lisa Meek - Headteacher  01.04.17 - 31.08.24

Mrs Debbie Gale

Staff Governor – Elected by staff

Term: 09.02.21 – 08.02.25
Responsibility – Behaviour and Attitudes
Attendance 2024-25: 0/0
Registered Interests : None

I have been a qualified Primary School Teacher since 1997 and I have been working in both primary and secondary schools as a teacher within Plymouth and surrounding areas since 2005, before this I was teaching in Gloucester. I became the SENCO at Pilgrim Primary Academy in September 2019. I have a strong commitment to raising educational attainment for children and young people with SEN, including working with pupils directly and supporting other staff to do so.

Mr David Sayer

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: 0/0
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!

Ms Monique Farrell

Staff Governor

Term: 03.05.23 - 03.05.27
Responsibility: Personal Development
Attendance 2024-25: 0/0
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.

Mrs Victoria Whitehouse

Trust Governor - Appointed by the Trust

Term: 15.01.19 – 15.01.27 (2nd Term)
Responsibility: Early Years
Attendance 2024-25: 0/0
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