Millbay Academy has been through a period of transformation. Staff are aspirational for what pupils have the potential to achieve, whatever their needs or the wider challenges they may face. From when children join in the early years, staff ensure the curriculum provides no limits or barriers to their future success. The school’s motto of ‘think like a creative’ is understood and valued by staff and pupils. Together, they are proud to belong to this culturally-diverse community. Pupils exude kindness. They speak to staff and visitors with warmth and respect. They hold doors open and are extremely polite. Many pupils join at different points of the school year. Whenever they join, each new pupil gets the help they need to settle in swiftly. Pupils talk animatedly about their enjoyment of school. Parents echo this positive view. Staff and pupils enjoy caring, trusting relationships. Pupils talk to staff about any concerns or worries they have. This helps them to be safe. Pupils have a strong voice in changes that are made at the school. This starts at primary with the pupil parliament and continues as pupils move up through the school. The school provides a wide set of rich experiences which many pupils take part in. Many join clubs to learn new skills, such as Japanese, chess, basketball and breakdancing.