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.
In 2026, the station's podcast Behind the Algorithm was highly commended in The Peter Day Award for Best Podcast at the Shine School Media Awards, while teacher Mr A Williamson won the Most Inspirational Teacher award.
Awards and nominations +YearGroupAwardResult2019The Young ARIASBest in Sport Best in Comedy/Drama Secondary Radio Station of the Year 2020 Young Audio Awards Secondary Radio Station of the Year 2023 Young Audio Awards Secondary Radio Station of the Year 2026 Shine School Media Awards The Peter Day Award for Best Podcast Highly commended Most Inspirational Teacher
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 and heads of school: Name Role Period Mr J Logan Headteacher 2015 – 2016 Mrs C Macklin Interim Headteacher 2016 – 2017 Mrs R O'Hagan Interim Heads of School(Deputy Headteachers) 2017 – 2018 Mr M Bedford Mr D Bird Headteacher 2018 – 2022 Executive Headteacher 2022 – 2023 Mr M Bedford Head of School 2022 – 2023 Headteacher 2023 – 2026 Executive Headteacher 2026 – present Mr B Simpson Head of School 2026 – present
Notes and references Notes
References
External links Workington Academy website West Coast Sixth Form website Cumbria Education Trust website