Georgina Reid, Head Teacher at Marine Academy Primary, part of the Ted Wragg Trust, has been appointed as chair of the St Budeaux Pride in Place neighbourhood board - putting a highly trusted community figure in command of the historic programme.

Pride in Place is a flagship government initiative backing some of the country's most deprived communities, with £5 billion being invested nationally over ten years. Fred Thomas MP successfully advocated for St Budeaux’s inclusion in the scheme. As a result, the community will benefit from £2 million every year from 2027, directed towards priorities chosen by local people, not politicians or council officers.

On Monday, Georgina Reid travelled to Parliament for a key programme meeting with Pride in Place representatives and Ministers, accompanied by Fred Thomas MP, a significant milestone as the board moves closer to being fully operational.

Georgina is a well-known and highly respected figure in St Budeaux, whose dedication to the community stretches far beyond the school gates. Under her leadership, resident engagement will be central to the programme - with a commitment to keeping people informed and involved not just during consultation, but at every stage of delivery.

The full neighbourhood board is currently being finalised in communication with the government and will be announced shortly.

Marine Academy Primary is rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted and provides education for Pre-School to Year 6. Their mission, to provide an outstanding education that ensures all pupils reach their greatest potential and live by life’s highest values, is at the heart of everything they do.

They aim to help their children achieve the highest possible standards and provide a rich, broad and balanced curriculum. As a DfE Behaviour Hub, National Support School (NSS), and the Headteacher a National Leader in Education (NLE), they are committed to school improvement and what they can learn from others to ensure the best for all of their children.

At the heart of the Ted Wragg Trust is the belief that schools should be deeply rooted in their local culture and community and headteachers are supported to tailor education to their local neighbourhoods, while enjoying the benefits of collaborative working across a family of schools.

 Georgina Reid said:

“I am delighted to take on this important role, driving real development in a community I have been proud to advocate for over many years. To be in Parliament and discuss the next steps with Ministers has highlighted the prominence of the programme and the wide-spread support. The focus now is how best to involve the community in St Budeaux and Barne Barton in decision making.It is really important to me that we engage thoroughly with all members of our community at every stage of the process. Following an application process, the full Neighbourhood Board will be announced soon. I am extremely grateful to everyone who expressed interest in joining and look forward to keeping everyone involved as we progress.”

Commenting on the appointment of Georgina Reid, Fred Thomas, Labour MP for Plymouth Moor View, said:

"Georgina is exactly the kind of person this programme was designed for. She has dedicated herself to this community - she knows its strengths, she understands its challenges and above all she has the trust of the people who live here. There is nobody better placed to lead this board.

"Pride in Place puts £20 million into the hands of local people, and will be transformative for our city. With Georgina at the helm, I have every confidence that the people of St Budeaux will have a genuine say in the future of their community - and that the investment will go exactly where it is needed most.”