West Lakes Academy: A School in Transition

Set against the dramatic backdrop of West Cumbria's Lake District fells, West Lakes Academy serves approximately 1,200 students from across the Egremont area and surrounding villages. The school occupies a purpose-built campus completed in 2012 at a cost of £26 million, featuring specialist facilities including a £300,000 engineering suite and a dedicated performing arts centre. Formed in 2008 from the merger of Wyndham School and Ehenside School, the academy benefits from sponsorship by Sellafield Ltd, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, and the University of Central Lancashire. A June 2025 Ofsted inspection found considerable weaknesses in curriculum delivery and leadership, marking a significant decline from the Outstanding rating achieved in 2017. The school is now working with its trust to address these concerns.

The modern campus on Main Street in Egremont presents a stark contrast to the traditional Cumbrian landscape surrounding it. Glass-fronted teaching blocks, contemporary open-plan spaces, and well-equipped specialist areas create an environment designed for twenty-first century learning. Students and staff moved into these facilities in 2012, replacing the ageing 1960s buildings of the predecessor schools.

Mr Stephen Grant serves as Headteacher, leading the academy through what the trust acknowledges is a challenging period. The school operates as part of the Changing Lives Learning Trust, overseen by CEO Judith Schafer, with a stated mission of "Changing Lives Through Learning." Core values of Respect, Resilience, Achievement, Freedom, and Appreciation are prominently displayed throughout the building.

The June 2025 inspection noted that behaviour makes a positive contribution to the calm atmosphere that exists at the school. Students maintain respectful relationships with staff, and pupils report feeling safe. The inspection acknowledged that the school has made progress in addressing previous concerns about behaviour and student confidence in reporting issues.

The nuclear industry links provide genuine opportunities for students considering careers in STEM fields. Sellafield and the NDA offer more than financial sponsorship; they provide industry mentorship, work experience placements, and real-world context for technical education. For families in an area where these organisations represent major employment, this connection carries practical significance.

GCSE Performance

Results sit in line with the middle 35% of schools in England, reflecting solid performance within the 25th to 60th percentile band (FindMySchool ranking). The academy ranks 2,626th in England and 1st in Egremont for GCSE outcomes.

The average Attainment 8 score of 42 falls slightly below the England average. The Progress 8 score of -0.42 indicates that, on average, students make less progress than expected given their starting points. The recent inspection identified this as a significant concern, noting that curriculum delivery does not help pupils to build the knowledge that they need to achieve well, with particular impact on disadvantaged learners and those with SEND.

Just over 10% of pupils achieve grade 5 or above across the English Baccalaureate suite of subjects, and the EBacc average point score of 3.77 sits below the England average of 4.08. The inspection found that expectations of what pupils can achieve are too low, and there are considerable weaknesses in how teachers deliver the curriculum.

A-Level Performance

At A-level, results place the school in line with the middle band of sixth forms in England, ranking 1,369th (FindMySchool ranking) and 1st in the Egremont area. Just over 6% of grades achieved A*, while 17% reached A* or A combined. Nearly 46% of grades fell within the A* to B range, compared to the England average of 47.2%.

The sixth form provision was rated Requires Improvement in the June 2025 inspection, with the report noting that students have a limited range of wider opportunities available to them to develop their talents, interests, and leadership skills.

In the 2023/24 cohort, 34% of leavers progressed to university, with 40% entering apprenticeships and 15% moving directly into employment. The strong apprenticeship uptake reflects the local employment landscape, where technical and engineering roles with Sellafield and its supply chain offer well-paid career pathways without requiring university degrees.

Two students applied to Cambridge in the most recent measurement period, with one securing a place. While Oxbridge numbers are modest, they demonstrate that the most able students can compete successfully for places at the most selective institutions.

Past sixth form students have progressed to Durham, Manchester, Newcastle, Leeds, and Northumbria universities across disciplines including business, marketing, and engineering. The academy provides UCAS support, mock interviews, and university visits to help students manage their applications.

For students considering alternatives to university, the school's industry partnerships provide pathways into nuclear engineering, technical apprenticeships, and local employment. Parents comparing local progression can use the Local Hub page to view these outcomes alongside other Cumbrian schools using the Comparison Tool.

The curriculum spans Key Stage 3 through to A-level, with a stated focus on developing competencies including communication, ICT skills, and interpersonal abilities alongside subject knowledge. A compressed two-year Key Stage 3 programme allows extended time for GCSE preparation.

The June 2025 inspection identified curriculum delivery as a primary weakness. The report found that the curriculum does not help pupils to build the knowledge they need to achieve well. Leaders have acknowledged these findings and stated that the school is moving at pace to apply the same approach to developing the curriculum that achieved improvements in behaviour management.

Specialist facilities support the science specialism, with the eco-science lab and engineering suite providing hands-on learning environments. The performing and expressive arts centre supports drama, music, and creative subjects. Students and staff benefit from IT resources including Apple Macs and iPads.

Class sizes and teaching approaches vary across departments. The school has indicated that staff are working to raise expectations and improve the quality of curriculum delivery following the inspection findings.

The sixth form offers an extensive range of academic and vocational qualifications. A-level subjects include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, English Literature, English Language, History, Geography, Psychology, Sociology, Drama and Theatre, Art and Fine Art, Music, Media Studies, Design and Technology, and French.

BTEC courses provide vocational pathways in Engineering, Health and Social Care, Applied Science, Business, Sport, Creative Digital Media and IT, and Forensic Science and Criminology. Students can combine A-levels with BTECs, though the school advises those following this blended route to take two of each qualification type.

Entry requirements specify at least five GCSEs at grades 9-5 including English and mathematics for most courses. Subject-specific requirements apply; Biology, for example, requires a grade 6 in GCSE Biology or 6-6 in Combined Science.

A dedicated sixth form centre provides study space, and students access state-of-the-art technology. Students who have not achieved grade 4 in English or mathematics are expected to work towards these qualifications through re-sit classes.

The inspection found that sixth form students, like those in the main school, have limited opportunities to develop talents, interests, and leadership skills beyond their academic studies. This has been identified as an area for development.

West Lakes Academy serves families across West Cumbria, drawing students from Egremont and surrounding villages. Admissions are coordinated through Cumberland Council for Year 7 entry.

The school received 284 applications for 154 Year 7 places in the most recent admissions round, making it oversubscribed with approximately 1.84 applications per place. All applicants who listed the academy as their first preference received offers.

Oversubscription criteria follow the standard framework: looked-after children and those with EHCPs naming the school receive priority, followed by siblings of current pupils, then distance from the school. The rural geography of West Cumbria creates particular challenges; some families in outlying villages find themselves too far from any secondary school to secure places during oversubscribed years. A 2017 petition highlighted concerns about rural children and access to catchment schools.

Sixth form applications open each December, with an open evening typically held in late January. The Sixth Form Open Evening for 2026 entry is scheduled for Thursday 29 January 2026. Tours are available for prospective students to observe sixth form life and speak with current students.

Parents considering the academy should contact Helen Wilson, Head of Year 7, to arrange a tour. The full admissions policy for 2025/26 and 2026/27 is available on the school website or from Cumberland Council.

Pupils feel safe at the school, a finding confirmed in the June 2025 inspection. Students describe respectful relationships with staff, and the inspection noted that behaviour has improved, making a positive contribution to the calm atmosphere.

The school previously faced challenges with student confidence in reporting concerns, but inspectors acknowledged that progress has been made in this area. Staff have achieved change in student behaviour, with the school spokesperson noting this was recognised in the Ofsted report.

The academy supports charities and the local community through various initiatives. Christmas gift donations to elderly residents are organised in partnership with Age UK West Cumbria, and a food bank collection supports local families in need. Students participate in national charitable events including Comic Relief, Sport Relief, Children in Need, and Christmas Jumper Day.

Sixth form students receive dedicated pastoral support, with tutors and heads of sixth form holding regular sessions. UCAS guidance, mock interviews, and careers support help students manage post-18 transitions.

The academy offers a programme of music, performing arts, and sports activities at lunchtimes and after school. The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme provides challenging activities completed outside academy hours. Students and parents can view and sign up for clubs online through SIMS Activities.

The £26 million campus provides excellent facilities for extracurricular activities. The performing and expressive arts suite supports drama productions and music performances. Sports facilities enable participation in team games and athletics.

However, the June 2025 inspection found that pupils have a limited range of wider opportunities to develop their talents, interests, and leadership skills. Some students engage in sports, arts, and music clubs, but these activities do not routinely ensure that pupils become confident and independent young people. This has been identified as an area requiring development.

The academy's industry partnerships offer enrichment beyond typical school activities. Links with Sellafield, the NDA, and UCLan provide industry-based activities, engineering challenges, and exposure to careers in the nuclear sector. For students considering STEM careers, these connections offer genuine insight into professional working environments.

STEM

The science specialism, supported by the University of Central Lancashire, Sellafield, and the NDA, gives practical grounding to technical education. The £300,000 engineering suite provides equipment and resources matching industry standards. Students gain opportunities for work experience and industry mentorship with major employers.

Applied science and engineering BTECs complement A-level sciences, providing vocational pathways into the nuclear industry and its supply chain. The forensic science and criminology course extends STEM provision into broader applications.

West Lakes Academy is located on Main Street, Egremont, Cumbria CA22 2DQ. The school can be contacted at 01946 820356 or via email at contactus.wla@changinglives.education.

Specific details about school hours are published on the academy website. Term dates follow the Cumberland Council academic calendar.

Transport arrangements vary depending on home location. The rural geography of West Cumbria means many students travel significant distances; families should contact Cumberland Council for information about school transport eligibility and routes.

Inspection concerns are significant. The June 2025 Ofsted inspection rated Quality of Education and Leadership as Inadequate. While the school has stated it is working at pace to address these issues, parents should understand that curriculum delivery and expectations require substantial improvement. The school's response has been to accept the recommendations and implement changes.

Industrial relations are strained. Teachers have voted for strike action in September and October 2025 over concerns about abuse from students. While the school maintains that behaviour has improved, this ongoing dispute may affect the learning environment and continuity of teaching.

Progress measures are negative. The Progress 8 score of -0.42 indicates that, on average, students make less progress than expected. Families of high-attaining students should consider whether the curriculum and teaching will stretch and challenge their children appropriately.

Rural location creates transport challenges. Families in outlying villages may face long journeys to school. Some rural communities have expressed concern about access when the school is oversubscribed.

West Lakes Academy is a school facing genuine challenges. The decline from Outstanding to Inadequate across key inspection categories represents a significant concern that families must weigh carefully. The June 2025 inspection identified weaknesses in curriculum delivery, leadership, and opportunities for personal development that will take time to address.

Yet context matters. This remains the only secondary school in Egremont, serving a community where alternatives require substantial travel. The £26 million facilities are impressive, the industry partnerships offer real value for students considering STEM careers, and the school has demonstrated it can improve. Behaviour, previously a concern, has been addressed. The trust has committed to applying the same focus to curriculum and personal development.

Best suited to families in West Cumbria who value the industry connections and modern facilities, and who are prepared to engage actively with the school as it works through its improvement journey. Parents of children with SEND or those who are disadvantaged should seek specific assurances about curriculum accessibility and support, given the inspection's findings about unequal impact. Families should use the FindMySchool Map Search to explore whether alternatives such as The Whitehaven Academy might meet their needs.

The main question is not whether West Lakes Academy can improve, but how quickly, and whether the current cohort of students will benefit from changes that are still being implemented.