Workington Academy


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.

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.
To support the transition, an executive headteacher, Lorrayne Hughes, was appointed. It was also announced that William Howard School in Brampton would act as the sponsor for the new academy. This led to the formation of the William Howard Trust, a multi-academy trust, in September 2015, which was later renamed Cumbria Education Trust.
Both schools officially closed in August 2015, 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. In 2015, plans for a new £20 million building were approved by Cumbria County Council, 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. The new building was officially opened by The Duchess of Gloucester in a ceremony held in September 2017.

West Coast Sixth Form

In September 2020, Workington Academy launched the West Coast Sixth Form in partnership with The Whitehaven Academy. 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.
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.

Workington Academy Radio

Workington Academy Radio is the student-run radio station of Workington Academy.
In 2020, students from the station conducted an interview with BBC Radio 1 DJ Greg James.

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.
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.

Headteachers

Since its establishment in 2015, Workington Academy has been led by the following headteachers:
HeadteacherRolePeriod
Mr J LoganHeadteacher2015 – 2016
Mrs C MacklinInterim Headteacher2016 – 2017
Mrs R O'HaganInterim Heads of School
2017 – 2018
Mr M BedfordInterim Heads of School
2017 – 2018
Mr D BirdHeadteacher2018 – 2022
Mr D BirdExecutive Headteacher2022 – 2023
Mr M BedfordHead of School2022 – 2023
Mr M BedfordHeadteacher2023 – present