West Lakes Academy
About West Lakes Academy
West Lakes Academy was rated Inadequate by Ofsted in its most recent inspection in 2025, a significant drop from its previous Outstanding rating in 2017. The school's Progress 8 score of -0.42 places it in the bottom 50 nationally and ranks 12th out of 17 schools in the Cumberland local authority. This means pupils at the academy achieve nearly half a grade less per subject across their eight best GCSEs compared with students nationally with similar starting points. The Attainment 8 score sits at 42, and just 36.5% of pupils achieved a grade 5 or above in English and maths. In the sixth form, the picture is slightly more encouraging: the value-added score of -0.14 is within the average banding, and the average A-level grade per entry is C+, with a best three A-levels averaging a B-.
Key Details
The full report on this school
What 239 parents told Ofsted, the inspection in plain English, and how this school compares to nearby alternatives — all in one full school report.
- Ofsted inspection in plain EnglishStrengths, concerns and what inspectors flagged
- Parent View survey resultsWhat parents told Ofsted — when the school has 10+ responses
- Where Ofsted and parents disagreeGaps to probe + questions to ask at the open day
- Admissions & catchmentAdmission criteria, distance cutoffs (where the LA publishes them)
- Nearby schools comparedBackup options with Ofsted, demand and distance
- Attendance & behaviour dataPersistent absentees, suspensions and exclusions vs national
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
17 Jun 2025From September 2024, Ofsted no longer assigns a single overall grade in inspections of state-funded schools.
Source: Ofsted, 13 Jul 2025. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
Facilities
10Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
16Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
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Frequently Asked Questions About West Lakes Academy
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
School Admissions Timeline 2026/27
Key dates for primary, secondary and nursery applications