“Children need powerful knowledge to understand and interpret the world. Without it they remain dependent upon those who have it or misuse it.” 

Plymstock School is a vibrant, diverse, inclusive and ambitious community where staff and students, in partnership with their parents and carers, work towards our vision of achieving excellence through our curriculum and culture. We believe that every young person deserves the best possible chance to thrive and succeed. 

The fact that we are ‘Inspired by Our Community’, reflects the belief that education is at its most powerful when it is shaped by the people around us. We are inspired every day by our students, staff, families, alumni and local partners, whose contributions help define who we are and who our young people become. Together, we create a culture of high expectations, strong relationships and shared ambition. 

We strive to provide an environment rich in integrity and knowledge, where students are dedicated to their work and proud of what they achieve and who they are. We want our young people to think carefully, act thoughtfully and do things well. Our school culture is underpinned by our core values: Be Kind, Work Hard and Aim High. 

Our ambition is to empower every student through education, equipping them with the knowledge, skills and character they need to be successful in life and to make a positive contribution to society. We believe that young people flourish when they are supported by a community that values learning, service, aspiration and excellence. 

At the heart of Plymstock School is a commitment to providing all students with access to powerful and shared knowledge. This knowledge is drawn from centuries of human achievement, as well as from the research and scholarship of universities, subject associations and experts in their fields. It is powerful because it enables young people to understand, interpret and influence the world around them. It is shared because every child should have access to it. We believe this is both fair and just. 

Through our broad, balanced and ambitious academic and behaviour curriculum, students develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours they need to pursue their personal and career ambitions. Our curriculum prepares young people for the opportunities and challenges of modern Britain and an increasingly interconnected world. This journey is underpinned by a sharp focus on reading. Students read daily and are supported to develop both competence and a lifelong love of reading through access to high-quality and challenging literature. Where students experience difficulty with reading, we provide the support they need to become confident and engaged readers. 

We set clear expectations because we believe that young people learn best within a culture of high standards, consistency and care. Through our CORE expectations (Conduct, Organisation, Respect and Effort), rooted in respectful and positive relationships, students learn the self-discipline, resilience and responsibility required to take full advantage of their education. Where students require additional support, our pastoral teams work closely with them and their families to ensure they are supported to succeed. 

Learning at Plymstock School extends far beyond the classroom. Our academic and behaviour curriculum is enriched by a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities, cultural experiences and leadership programmes. Through sport, performing arts, clubs, trips, work experience, student leadership and our annual Challenge Week, students broaden their horizons, develop new skills and strengthen their understanding of the world around them. 

As a school Inspired by Our Community, we are proud of the partnerships that exist between students, staff, parents, carers, alumni and local organisations. Together, we nurture powerful knowledge, an ethic of excellence and young people who are ready to make a positive difference to the communities they are a part of and will serve. 

Welcome to Plymstock School. 

Stuart Koehler-Lewis 
Headteacher