Plympton Academy earns national recognition as a Thinking School

Plympton Academy has achieved national recognition for its innovative approach to education, earning Thinking School accreditation from the University of Exeter.

Located on Moorland Road, the academy has been commended for embedding critical thinking and metacognition into its teaching practices, ensuring students develop lifelong learning skills. Plympton Academy is now one of 18 schools within the Thinking Schools Academy Trust (TSAT) to receive this prestigious accolade.

The University of Exeter’s Thinking Schools accreditation recognises schools that excel in fostering cognitive development, creativity and dialogue in education. The Academy joined the Thinking Schools Academy Trust in 2022 and soon after began its journey towards a Thinking School status.

As part of the TSAT, which leads 26 primary and secondary schools across Medway, Essex, Kent, Portsmouth, Plymouth and Torbay, Plympton Academy takes pride in delivering a transformative approach to education that makes a lasting impact. The academy equips students with ‘Thinking Tools’ that promote diverse ways of reasoning, enabling them to adapt, solve problems, and navigate modern complexities confidently.

Through a consistent, school-wide focus on metacognition, Plympton Academy has integrated the Thinking Schools framework into its daily operations. This dedication was praised during the accreditation process.

In its evaluation, the University of Exeter commended the academy’s efforts, noting: “Thinking, Teaching and Learning are firmly embedded in Plympton Academy’s vision of ‘Inspiring Success’ and a commitment to supporting all students to become lifelong learners.

“The Principal and his senior team are fully versed in terms of Thinking School developments and champion a whole academy approach to the leadership and teaching of thinking.”

The report further emphasised the significant impact of this approach: “The academy is clear that the focus on cognitive development through a whole academy consistent approach to learning has improved children’s attitudes, improved their enjoyment, developed their independence, contributed to high quality teaching and led to better student progress”.

Polly Turner, Assistant Headteacher at Plympton Academy who led on the accreditation, commented: “The Thinking School journey has transformed how we teach and how our students learn. It is inspiring to see how this approach equips our students with the tools they need to become confident, independent thinkers.

“It is a privilege to lead an initiative that has such a meaningful impact on our students' futures.”

Shaun Willis, Headteacher at Plympton Academy said: "Achieving the Thinking School Accreditation reflects our collective effort at Plympton Academy to provide an education that inspires lifelong learning. Through a commitment to community, courage, compassion, and curiosity - we empower our students to think critically and act thoughtfully.

"I have seen firsthand how our dedication to nurturing these values is shaping Plympton Academy into a thriving, inclusive learning community. As Headteacher, I am committed in continuing to uphold these principles, ensuring that our students are equipped with the skills, mindset, and compassion they need to excel in their future and contribute meaningfully to the world around them.”