Workington Academy Review 2026: West Cumbrian Academy with Clear Progress

When Workington Academy opened in September 2015, it inherited the legacy of two struggling schools struggling in special measures. A decade later, the newly purpose-built campus, opened by the Duchess of Gloucester in 2017, stands as a symbol of transformation and second chances. The school serves approximately 1,270 students across its 11-18 age range, drawing from Workington and surrounding West Cumbrian communities. With a Good Ofsted rating (March 2022) and a clear commitment to raising aspirations, Workington Academy represents solid, purposeful education on the west coast, where traditional subjects meet innovative programmes like the student-run Workington Academy Radio.

Workington Academy occupies a modern, purposefully designed building that opened in March 2017 on the site of the former Stainburn School. The £20 million investment in new facilities marks a decisive break from the past. Teachers have strong subject knowledge, and the school emphasizes respect, resilience, and responsibility as core values. Students describe feeling supported and encouraged to take on responsibility; many serve as sports leaders, school councillors, and contributors to the academy radio station.

The pastoral structure is well-established. Year Group Managers oversee cohort progression, and a dedicated Safeguarding team ensures students feel safe. The academy operates as part of the Cumbria Education Trust, a multi-academy trust with schools across the region, which provides additional support and leadership development opportunities. The school is notably designated as a lead school for a national attendance and behaviour initiative, reflecting confidence in its systems.

Leadership under Mr Mark Bedford (Headteacher) focuses on academic ambition while maintaining inclusive values. Students are polite, courteous, and engaged during school visits. The atmosphere is notably professional and purposeful, without being pressured. Bullying incidents are handled swiftly and resolutely. The school's strong emphasis on safeguarding and wellbeing means pupils are genuinely accepted for who they are.

GCSE Performance

GCSE results place the school in the middle band nationally. The Attainment 8 score of 39.9 indicates pupils achieve solid grades across their subjects, though this sits below the England average of approximately 48. Approximately 41% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and Mathematics combined, a figure that reflects challenges in core literacy and numeracy.

The school ranks 2657th in England for GCSE performance (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the national typical band, in line with the middle 35% of schools in England. Locally, it ranks first among Workington secondary schools.

Progress 8 measures how much progress pupils make from their starting points in Key Stage 2. A score of -0.19 indicates that pupils make slightly below-average progress relative to similar pupils nationally. This suggests that while intake ability matters, there are areas where teaching can accelerate learning further. The school's English Baccalaureate (EBacc) entry rate stands at 15%, significantly below the England average of 41%, indicating fewer pupils are accessing the broad curriculum of sciences, languages, and humanities together.

A-Level and Sixth Form Performance

The West Coast Sixth Form, launched in partnership with Whitehaven Academy in September 2020, offers academic and vocational routes. Students can pursue A-Levels, Extended Certificates, National Diplomas, and Extended Diplomas across subjects including Business, Health and Social Care, Performing Arts, Applied Science, Sports Science, and Information Technology. Free transport operates between the Workington and Whitehaven campuses.

A-level results show that 34% of grades achieved A*-B, below the England average of 47%. Specifically, 3% of entries are at A*, 14% at A, and 16% at B. The school ranks 1877th in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the lower tier nationally (71st percentile).

Student destinations from the 2024 cohort show 44% progressed to university, 2% to further education, 19% to apprenticeships, and 10% to employment. This destination pattern reflects the mixed academic and vocational offer.

Teaching is structured and purposeful. Inspectors noted teachers have strong subject knowledge and select appropriate activities for learners. The curriculum balances traditional academic subjects with practical, engaging approaches.

Science benefits from dedicated technicians and well-resourced laboratories. The Design and Technology department operates across multiple specialisms including fashion, resistant materials, and food preparation, with dedicated technicians supporting hands-on learning. Mathematics teaching employs setting by ability from Year 4 onwards, allowing differentiated pace. English teaching emphasizes literacy across all subjects, with dedicated intervention support for struggling readers through the Accelerated Reader programme.

Modern languages are taught from Year 7, with options in French, German, and Spanish. The school teaches Personal Development and Religious Education as integrated subjects, preparing students to understand diverse perspectives. Geography, History, and RE staff are dedicated subject specialists rather than generalists.

The Personal Development curriculum goes beyond statutory requirements, with explicit teaching of career awareness, enterprise, and life skills. Students benefit from work experience placements during Year 10 and 11, with many vocational courses incorporating weekly workplace learning.

University destinations reflect the mixed-ability intake. In 2024, approximately 44% of sixth form leavers progressed to university, with others choosing apprenticeships (19%), employment (10%), or further education (2%). The school's careers team works closely with local employers and universities to broaden horizons, particularly for students whose families have no higher education experience.

Apprenticeships are a significant pathway, with strong links to local and regional employers. The school actively encourages the apprenticeship route for those seeking technical or skilled trades. Year 11 pupils typically progress to the West Coast Sixth Form, local colleges, or apprenticeships.

Workington Academy Radio: A Defining Strength

The student-run radio station is a standout feature and demonstrates the school's commitment to developing student voice, media literacy, and communication skills. Students produce, present, and manage live broadcasting programmes, developing real-world experience in journalism, content production, and technical operation. The station broadcasts 24/7 across multiple platforms (live streaming via the website, Amazon Alexa, and traditional radio frequencies). Shows cover music, news, interviews with school staff and invited guests, and discussions of topics that matter to students. Recent broadcasts highlighted the annual Remembrance Day observance and school achievements. This experience provides students with genuine responsibility and develops confidence in public communication.

Sports Provision

Physical Education is a core strength, with dedicated staff across football, hockey, rugby, netball, badminton, basketball, and athletics. The academy partners with Workington RITC (Reds in the Community), the community arm of local football club Workington AFC, to provide coaching and elite pathways for aspiring footballers. PE staff include Miss A Horsburgh (Director of Learning), Mrs L Walker-Taylor (Curriculum Leader), Mr D Sewell (Director of Learning), Mrs E Marshall, Mr B Wilkinson, and Mr M Holliday (Assistant Headteacher). Recent school-wide events included Remembrance Day athletics and the Allerdale Schools Cross-Country Competition, where Workington Academy fielded competitive squads.

The academy has access to on-site courts and fields, with additional partnerships for specialist facilities. Swimming, gymnastics, and climbing are available through links with Workington Leisure Centre, which operates just outside the school.

Expressive Arts: Music and Drama

Music is taught as part of the broader Expressive Arts curriculum led by Miss A Murphy (Curriculum Leader and teacher of Art) and supported by Miss S Bennett (Teacher of Music). While specific ensemble names are not detailed on the publicly available website, the school offers instrumental tuition and ensemble participation. Drama is integrated within the Expressive Arts provision, with performances staged throughout the year.

Design and Technology

The Design and Technology department is substantial, reflecting the school's predecessor heritage (Southfield Technology College). The department encompasses Fashion, Food Preparation, and Resistant Materials, led by Miss H Smith (Director of Learning and teacher). The team includes Mrs E Bromley (Curriculum Leader), Mrs T Clarke, Mrs C Carrick, Mr P Carrick (Technician), Mr R Murray, Miss J Kirkwood, and Miss H Westgarth (Technician). Students can follow vocational routes in Health and Social Care (led by Mrs J Murphy) and Hospitality and Catering, with some qualifications offering pathway-to-work credentials.

STEM and Computing

Computing and Media is led by Miss L Dandy (ICT Curriculum Leader), with additional staff including Mr I Donnan and Mr A Williamson (responsibility for school website and digital communications). The school teaches computing from Key Stage 3 through to potential A-level, with emphasis on practical skills and digital citizenship. Science is led by Mr J Savage (Curriculum Leader) with a substantial team of 13 teachers and two science technicians, ensuring well-supported practical learning across Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

Clubs and Enrichment

Beyond the prominent radio station, the school offers a rotating range of extracurricular clubs and enrichment opportunities. The website notes "a wide range of extra-curricular clubs" though specific club names and schedules vary termly. Common offerings likely include sports teams, debate, creative writing, and subject-specific clubs. Summer school programmes support transition, with dedicated Year 6 induction activities and academic catch-up sessions during the summer holidays. All Year 7 students participate in a summer school programme combining academic lessons, creative workshops, and sports activities.

Student Leadership and Wellbeing

Students assume significant responsibilities as sports leaders, school councillors, and members of the Student Provision team. The Student Support Curriculum is explicit and structured, addressing mental health, resilience, and personal development. Wellbeing is integrated into form time, assembly, and dedicated PSHE lessons. A trained counsellor supports individual students where needed, and the school runs mental health awareness campaigns throughout the year.

Workington Academy admits students on a non-selective basis, with places allocated according to the school's admissions policy published by Cumberland Local Authority. The Published Admissions Number (PAN) is 208 for Year 7 entry, meaning approximately 208 places are available annually. Admissions are coordinated through the Cumberland admissions portal; families do not apply directly to the school.

Primary transition (Year 6 to Year 7) is well-supported, with open evening events typically held in September, individual tours available throughout the year, and a dedicated summer transition programme. Year 6 Open Evening was scheduled for 23 September 2025 from 5-7 PM.

For sixth form entry (West Coast Sixth Form), students can progress from within the school or apply from other schools or colleges. Entry requirements vary by course; academic A-level pathways typically require grade 4-5 at GCSE in relevant subjects, whilst vocational routes are accessible to a broader range of ability. The sixth form operates on a different site partnership model with Whitehaven Academy, requiring some travel between campuses.

The school day runs from 8:50 AM to 3:20 PM. The academy is located on Stainburn Road, Workington, on the west coast of Cumbria, approximately 84 miles from Lancaster and 90 miles from Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Public transport links are available via local buses. Parking is available on the school site for staff and authorized visitors.

School meals are provided by an on-site catering service. Uniform is required and detailed information is available on the school website. Transport assistance may be available for students living outside the immediate catchment; families should contact the school directly for details.

The school is part of the Cumbria Education Trust, a multi-academy trust comprising 14 schools across the region. This membership provides additional resources, staff development opportunities, and shared best practice.

Pastoral care is organized around Year Group Managers and dedicated tutors, ensuring every student has a known adult. The Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads (Deputy DSLs) are distributed across year groups, meaning safeguarding oversight is embedded rather than distant. Mrs K Kinrade serves as Assistant Headteacher, Designated Safeguarding Lead, and SEND Coordinator.

The school operates a clear behavior policy with consistent consequences and restorative approaches. Bullying, including online bullying, is taken seriously, with staff trained to respond swiftly and resolutely. Safeguarding briefings for staff are regular and thorough. Student mental health is supported through a counsellor (visiting weekly), peer support schemes, and explicit mental health teaching.

The school has been designated a lead school for a national attendance and behaviour initiative (announced November 2025), indicating recognized excellence in these areas and a commitment to supporting broader sector improvement.

Below-average progress measures. The Progress 8 score of -0.19 indicates pupils make slightly less progress than similar pupils nationally. Whilst absolute attainment is solid and many students achieve well, families should be aware that the school is working to accelerate progress further, particularly in core subjects. This is an area of active focus.

Mixed A-level outcomes. A-level grades (34% A*-B) sit below national averages. For families considering the sixth form, this means A-level progression requires strong independent study and commitment. Vocational routes may suit students more suited to practical, workplace-based learning.

Limited EBacc uptake. Only 15% of GCSE candidates pursue the English Baccalaureate combination. If families value breadth across sciences, languages, and humanities, they should confirm that option choices allow this, as fewer peers may be following the same pathway.

Isolation and travel. Workington is remote, approximately 90 miles from Newcastle and 84 miles from Lancaster. For families considering the school from outside the immediate area, transport and isolation are practical considerations. The school does coordinate coach services for some learners.

Workington Academy represents a school in transition. Born from the merger of two failing schools, it has achieved a Good Ofsted rating and created a modern, purposeful learning environment. Results are solid if not exceptional; the school sits in the national typical range for GCSE and lower tier for A-level, reflecting its mixed-ability, non-selective intake and the socioeconomic challenges of the West Cumbrian context.

Strengths lie in pastoral care, safeguarding, and inclusive values. The student radio station and well-staffed specialist departments (Design and Technology, Science) provide engaging, practical learning. Leadership is stable, and the school is increasingly recognized as a lead school for national initiatives.

The school suits families in the local Workington area seeking a comprehensive secondary education with strong pastoral support and practical pathways. For families traveling significant distance, the remote location and below-average progress measures should be weighed against the school's genuine commitment to improvement and growing recognition of good practice in behavior and attendance. The vocational sixth form route is a genuine strength, particularly for students seeking apprenticeships and workplace learning.