Pupil numbers increase at Plympton Academy

More students than ever before have chosen Plympton Academy as their first choice of secondary school.

Last year the school saw a 30% increase for first choice places for September 2016 and this year all first choices for September have been granted.

“The school governors and myself are delighted that we can ensure the young people of Plympton have a good school they are able to walk to,” said Principal, Lisa Boorman. “We are still providing tours for parents who are wanting to change their minds at this late time.”

Last year the school was awarded a ‘Good’ by the Government education watchdog, Ofsted. Inspectors praised Ms Boorman for providing 'dynamic leadership'.

The Academy was also praised for its pupil outcomes, its ‘Transition’ programme – effectively supporting children from primary to secondary school, its clear culture of safety and effective lessons ‘ where no time is wasted.’

“I have a great team here, who are important to what we’re achieving,” said Lisa Boorman. “There is a real feeling of growth; the students and the staff here are constantly striving to improve in a supportive atmosphere. And, the results are speaking for themselves.”
Last year the school achieved its best GCSE results ever. Nearly all subjects saw a 100 per cent pass rate, which contributed to the School’s overall 61% 5A*-C pass rate including English and Maths.
The school also performed the best across Plymouth, including grammar schools, in the Government’s new performance measures.
Progress 8 compares the progress pupils make over eight key subjects, including English and Maths, in schools across the country.
The school achieved a score of 0.21 compared to the Local Education Authority score of -0.14.
“We are delighted that we are significantly above the national average in Progress 8 and that our students have achieved such outstanding progress across all subjects and across all ability ranges,” said Lisa Boorman. “Everyone has worked very hard to achieve this and my thanks goes out to all our pupils, teaching and support staff, as well as the wider community here in Plympton.”

New pupils starting in September will benefit from the state-of-the-art Performing Arts Centre that’s opening in the next couple of months. The new building will have music classrooms, practice rooms, recording studio, drama studios and a new theatre space.

A 3G Football Astro Turf Pitch including fencing, floodlights is also underway and due to be ready before the start of the new academic year. The pitch will be used by students and community football and rugby teams.

“Importantly; it’s not just about the environment, or the resources that we will have at our disposal; it’s about culture,” said Lisa Boorman. “At Plympton Academy we believe in inspiring a culture of success for all. Our ethos centres around developing a love of learning and a resilience and determination to tackle all the challenges that our students will meet. In this way our students become successful and fulfilled life-long learners.