Workington Academy | |
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Address | |
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Stainburn Road , , CA14 4EB England | |
Coordinates | 54°38′30″N3°31′58″W / 54.6417°N 3.5328°W |
Information | |
Type | Academy |
Established | 2015 |
Local authority | Cumberland Council |
Trust | Cumbria Education Trust |
Department for Education URN | 141499 Tables |
Ofsted | Reports |
Headteacher | Mr M Bedford |
Gender | Mixed |
Age | 11to 18 |
Number of pupils | 1276 [a] |
Houses | Bessemer, Curwen, Risman, Thompson |
Website | Workington Academy website |
Workington Academy is a mixed secondary school located in Workington, Cumbria. It was established in September 2015 following the merger of Southfield Technology College and Stainburn School and Science College. [2]
In 2014, both Southfield Technology College and Stainburn School and Science College were placed into special measures by Ofsted after receiving inadequate inspection reports. As a result, it was decided that the two schools would close and merge to form a new academy. [2]
To support the transition, an executive headteacher, Lorrayne Hughes, was appointed. [3] It was also announced that William Howard School in Brampton would act as the sponsor for the new academy. [4] This led to the formation of the William Howard Trust, a multi-academy trust, in September 2015, which was later renamed Cumbria Education Trust. [5]
Both schools officially closed in August 2015, [4] and Workington Academy opened the following month.
Workington Academy was initially located in the building of the former Stainburn School and Science College. [6] In 2015, plans for a new £20 million building were approved by Cumbria County Council, [2] with construction taking place at the rear of the existing site.
The new building was completed in early 2017, and the academy officially relocated in March 2017. [7] The new building was officially opened by The Duchess of Gloucester in a ceremony held in September 2017. [8]
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Established | 2020 |
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Type | Sixth Form |
Head | Mr B Simpson |
Website | West Coast Sixth Form website |
In September 2020, Workington Academy launched the West Coast Sixth Form in partnership with The Whitehaven Academy. [9] The initiative was designed to expand post-16 education opportunities across West Cumbria, offering a broad range of academic and vocational courses.
The sixth form provides qualifications equivalent to one, two, or three A Levels, including Extended Certificates, National Diplomas, and Extended Diplomas. Courses offered include Business, Health and Social Care, Performing Arts, Applied Science, Sports Science, and Information Technology. [10]
Students benefit from a combination of classroom-based learning and practical experience, with many vocational courses including a weekly workplace placement. Free transport is provided between the Workington and Whitehaven campuses to support accessibility. [10]
Workington Academy Radio is the student-run radio station of Workington Academy. [11]
In 2020, students from the station conducted an interview with BBC Radio 1 DJ Greg James. [12]
Year | Group | Award | Result |
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2019 | The Young ARIAS [13] | Best in Sport | Nominated |
Best in Comedy/Drama | Nominated | ||
Secondary Radio Station of the Year | Nominated | ||
2020 | Young Audio Awards [14] | Secondary Radio Station of the Year | Nominated |
2023 | Young Audio Awards [15] | Secondary Radio Station of the Year | Nominated |
In July 2017, Workington Academy faced criticism on social media, where parents and pupils raised concerns about the quality of teaching. Comments posted on a local Facebook page, "Workington Rants - News And Views", alleged an overreliance on supply teachers and a lack of classroom discipline, including claims that students were using mobile phones during lessons. [16]
The interim headteacher at the time, Colette Macklin, responded to the criticism in an interview with the News and Star, defending the school and addressing the concerns raised. [17]
Since its establishment in 2015, Workington Academy has been led by the following headteachers:
Headteacher | Role | Period |
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Mr J Logan | Headteacher | 2015 – 2016 [18] |
Mrs C Macklin | Interim Headteacher | 2016 – 2017 [19] |
Mrs R O'Hagan | Interim Heads of School (Deputy Headteachers) | 2017 – 2018 [20] |
Mr M Bedford | ||
Mr D Bird | Headteacher | 2018 – 2022 [21] |
Executive Headteacher | 2022 – 2023 [22] | |
Mr M Bedford | Head of School | 2022 – 2023 [22] |
Headteacher | 2023 – present [23] |