Workington Academy
Academy in Workington, Cumbria, England
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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]
| Workington Academy | |
|---|---|
| |
| Location | |
 | |
Stainburn Road , , CA14 4EB England | |
| Coordinates | 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 | Mark Bedford |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Age | 11 to 18 |
| Enrollment | 1276[a] |
| Houses | Bessemer, Curwen, Risman, Thompson |
| Website | Workington Academy website |
History
Establishment
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.
New Building
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]
West Coast Sixth Form
 | |
 | |
| Established | 2020 |
|---|---|
| Type | Sixth Form |
Head | 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
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]
Awards and nominations
Public criticism
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]
Headteachers
Since its establishment in 2015, Workington Academy has been led by the following headteachers:
| Headteacher | Role | Period |
|---|---|---|
| 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] |