Reach South Primary Pupils in Plymouth Outshine National Averages in Latest Results

Staff and families at schools across Plymouth, including Goosewell Primary Academy, Stuart Road Primary Academy and Pilgrim Primary Academy, all part of the Reach South Academy Trust, are celebrating as recent results show that pupils in the city are achieving academically beyond national standards. 

Across Reach South’s Year 1 classes an amazing 83% of pupils passed their phonics screening check, surpassing the national average of 80%. The phonics screening check assesses pupils on 40 words, including real and made up ones, to check their decoding skills. Research has consistently shown that a firm foundation in phonics supports long-term literacy and academic achievement.

62% of Reach South pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics in their Year 6 Standard Assessment Tests (SATs), though the results are awaiting final ratification. SATs assess English grammar, punctuation, and spelling, reading, and maths. They are used to track pupils’ progress, highlight where extra support may be needed, judge how well schools are performing, and supply data that informs national education policy. 

In the SATs reading test, 76.4% of pupils reached the expected standard which was the highest average since the trust was formed and above than the national average (75%). In the writing assessment, 74% of Year 6 pupils reached the expected standard which again was higher than the national average (72%).  

A number of Plymouth schools performed exceptionally well with 86% of children at Goosewell Primary Academy meeting the expected standard in reading. Stuart Road Primary Academy saw 83% of pupils achieve the expected standard in reading and writing, with 85% of children at Pilgrim Primary Academy meeting it for their writing. 

In the trust’s Year 4 classes, pupils scored an average of 22/25 in the Multiplication Tables Check which exceeded the national average in 2024 of 20.6, the average for 2025 is yet to be published. Furthermore, in the Year 6 SATs mathematics test, a brilliant 74% of pupils reached the expected standard, which is the highest performance since Reach South Academy Trust was formed. 

Lastly, in Reach South’s Reception classes, 76% of pupils reached the Good Level of Development (GLD) standard which was significantly higher than the national average at 68%. A GLD is achieved when a child reaches the expected level in specific areas of learning by the end of the reception year, typically age 5.

Tom Leverage, CEO of Reach South Academy Trust said:

“These results are a testament to the hard work and determination of our pupils, the commitment of our staff, and the support of families across Plymouth. At Reach South, we believe every child has the potential to thrive, and it is wonderful to see that belief reflected in outcomes that exceed national standards. 

“Our focus is always on inclusion, raising aspirations, and serving our communities. These achievements show that when we work together, we not only open doors of opportunity for our young people but also help Plymouth continue to grow as a city of rising educational standards.”

Rachael Saim, Headteacher at Pilgrim Primary Academy said:

“We are all very proud of the Year 6 Pilgrim children,  who all really excelled in their Key Stage 2 SATS outcomes in July 2025. Pilgrim results were 6% above the national combined expectations for Reading, Writing and Maths. This was the first time the school had results like this since pre-lockdown in 2018.

“I would like to congratulate my excellent school staff and all the wonderful Year 6 children who worked tirelessly across the school year to achieve such high academic successes. This was a superb ending to a very good year, as Pilgrim also received excellent Ofsted outcomes in January 2025 with Outstanding for Personal Development and Good outcomes in all other areas.”

Laura Warren, Headteacher at Goosewell Primary Academy said:

“I’m incredibly proud of our students and all they’ve achieved. These results are a reflection of their hard work and determination supported by a strong network around them. The success also highlights the dedication of our staff whose commitment and care make a positive difference every day. I’d also like to thank our parents for the vital role they play in supporting both their children and our school. It’s wonderful to see Goosewell recognised as part of this achievement."