Workington Academy
93%
Capacity
1,266
Pupils
1.6x
Demand
About Workington Academy
Workington Academy is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Cumberland community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,266 pupils on roll and is well-filled (93% of 1,360 places).
Ofsted has rated Workington Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Mark Bedford, it falls under Cumberland local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.19 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 39.9. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C-. Additionally, ranked 1995th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 8th out of 17 in Cumberland.
Workington Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 328 applications for 202 places, making it 1.6x oversubscribed. Of these, 222 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 8 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 5 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Workington Academy include Science Labs, Library, Sports Hall, Playing Fields, Art Studios, Tennis Courts, Music Rooms, Sixth Form Centre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Rowing, Swimming, Dance, Rounders and 3 more, as well as clubs including Drama, Newspaper, Choir, Orchestra and 6 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 30.9%, which is above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Cumberland, Workington Academy is one of the options available in the North West region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | Stainburn Road, Workington, Cumberland, CA14 4EB |
| Headteacher | Mark Bedford |
| Local Authority | Cumberland |
| Number of Pupils | 1,266 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 30.9% |
| School Capacity | 1,266 / 1,360 (93% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
29 Mar 2022Overall Effectiveness
Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 17 May 2022. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.19)
1995th of 3,141
Nationally
236th of 445
In North West
8th of 17
In Cumberland
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make less progress than similar students nationally
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
33.4
'22/23
31.1
'23/24
28.1
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
8Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
17Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed202
328
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
222 families put this school as their 1st choice (68% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Workington 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
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
Stainburn Road, Workington
Cumberland, CA14 4EB
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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