The Pilgrim School

Overview

The Pilgrim School remains ‘good’, with evidence suggesting it could achieve ‘outstanding’ if a graded inspection were conducted. Pupils, who have complex medical needs and special educational needs, experience ‘exceptional care and kindness’ and ‘excellent’ behaviour. The school’s innovative ‘hope curriculum’ effectively re-engages learners, ensuring they make strong progress and are well prepared for their next educational steps.

Strengths

• The ‘highly innovative’ and ‘ambitious’ curriculum is coherently planned, helping pupils close learning gaps and access education irrespective of when they join.
• Staff demonstrate ‘strong subject knowledge’ and ‘swift adaptations’ in teaching, while building ‘warm, professional, and trusting relationships’ with pupils and families.
• Personal development is ‘exceptional’, with pupils engaging in clubs, trips, and leadership roles, fostering a strong sense of belonging and positive attitudes to learning.
• Reading is prioritised through phonics instruction and a ‘virtual school library’, with pupils developing a ‘love of reading’.
• Leadership and governance are ‘strong’, with staff valuing the care shown for their well-being and feeling ‘extremely proud’ to work at the school.

Areas to improve

• The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.

Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are ‘effective’.