Governor Information

Headteacher

Term: 01.09.24 onwards
Responsibility : Whole School
Attendance 2025-26: 1/1
Registered Interests: None

Rachael Saim NPQH, NPQEL, AOEA is an experienced school leader.
I worked in London for twenty five years as a primary teacher, senior leader and Headteacher in many different West London Boroughs and also as a DFE Gifted & Talented primary advisor regionally and nationally between 2001 and 2005.

In September 2021, I relocated to Exeter and took on an Executive Head role for a two primary school Federation.

In 2023, I led both of these schools through to Good Ofsted outcomes during their individual inspections.

In September 2024, I joined Pilgrim as interim Headteacher and successfully too Pilgrim through its most recent Ofsted in January 2025.

Chair of Governors – Appointed by Trust Board

Term: 01.04.17 – 11.05.29 (3rd Term)
Responsibility: Responsibilities: Leadership & Governance, Engagement with Parents, Safeguarding , Single Central Record, Statutory Grants and Health & Safety Governor
Attendance 2025-26: 1/1
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.

Trust Governor - Appointed by the Trust Board

Term: 01.04.17 – 11.05.29 (3rd Term)
Responsibility: Vice-Chair, Leadership & Governance and Finance
Attendance 2025-26: 1/1
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!

Staff Governor

Term: 30.06.25 - 30.06.29
Responsibility: Wellbeing 
Attendance 2025-26: 1/1
Registered Interests: None

I have been teaching in primary schools across Plymouth for the last six years and joined Pilgrim last year. I specialise in English and Reading and I am enjoying being a class teacher. Prior to that, I had a career in local government working alongside Children's Services. I have become a school governor, as I am keen to have a say in the direction of the school and to ensure that staff and pupils have a voice.

Parent Governor

Term: 06.02.24 - 06.02.28
Responsibility: Behaviour & Attitudes and Attendance
Attendance 2025-26: 1/1
Registered Interests: None

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.

Trust Governor - Appointed by the Trust

Term: 15.01.19 – 15.01.27 (2nd Term)
Responsibility: Early Years
Attendance 2025-26: 1/1
Registered Interests: None

I am 41 years old and I have one child who used to attend Pilgrim and has now moved on to Secondary School and one child still at Pilgrim in Year 5. I work at the Coop Depot in Plympton where I am the Planning and Admin Manager and have worked there in various roles for nearly 19 years.

I started on the governing body as a parent governor and after my four year term moved on to be a trust governor. I thoroughly enjoy being a part of the team, getting insight into how the school is performing and how passionate the school team is about providing the best education and experience for all of their pupils.