Ofsted July 2025
Nine words from an inspector delighted our staff team: "Pupils are happy and safe in this caring school."
The ungraded Ofsted report confirms the academy's previous 'good’ rating and is glowing in its praise of our children, team and leaders.
Principal Janine King, in post since January 2025, was "delighted" with the outcome.
"It is wonderful to read the glowing comments about the children and our hardworking staff team," she said. "The report also reflects our aspirational aims for every child."
The report, which follows a two-day inspection in June, says: "Relationships across the school are warm and respectful, reflecting the school’s values of courage, kindness and respect.
"As one pupil said, 'Everyone and every emotion is welcome in our school.’
"The school is aspirational for what it wants pupils to learn, including for those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND)."
Pupils, the inspector found, developed secure knowledge and skills in reading, writing and mathematics and achieve well by the end of Year 6.
"Pupils enjoy their learning, for instance, about other religions and cultures in the world. They understand and respect how people are different."
Popular and well attended clubs include choir and gymnastics.
Reading is a priority and pupils achieve well.
"This is because the school has thought carefully about the knowledge to teach pupils and when."
Children in the early years make a positive start to their education.
The report goes on: "Pupils have positive attitudes to learning and are proud of the work they produce. The school has set high expectations for how work is presented.
"The school ensures that staff provide the effective individual support that pupils need.
"Consequently, pupils with SEND make good progress through the school’s curriculum. They achieve well.
"The school has set high expectations of pupils’ behaviour and how pupils treat others.
"Pupils’ personal development is well thought out and is woven into the life of the school. Pupils are taught to value difference and understand the importance of treating others equally.
"Pupils build the understanding they need to lead happy and healthy lives. They talk enthusiastically about trips and visitors to the school who help with their learning."
Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust had provided "strong support" to the school.
"It has an accurate view of the school’s strengths and the areas on which to improve.
"Staff are committed and want the best for all pupils.
"Teachers at all stages of their careers are well supported. They value the support the school and Trust give them around managing their workload and well-being."
LGAT’s Executive Principal (Primary) Andrew Clark said: "We feel the Ofsted report reflects the school’s strengths and are delighted with the recognition given to our children and dedicated staff team."
Chair of the Governing Body Jane Aukett said: "I’d like to thank everyone associated with making Pilgrim a successful school.
"The children are a delight and we are fortunate to have a well led staff team, determined to ensure the children receive the best possible education."
Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust’s Andrew Clark (right) celebrates the report with children and Pilgrim Academy’s senior leader team (left to right) Assistant Principals Julia Somerscales and Jordan Gibbon, Principal Janine King, Vice Principal Kayleigh Morley and Assistant Principal Carolyn France.
