Workington Academy (WA), part of Cumbria Education Trust, has been praised by Ofsted for its inclusive ethos and commitment to helping young people succeed.
Following the new Ofsted framework, the school has been judged to be at the Strong Standard in four areas and the Expected Standard in three areas. The DfE’s definition of ‘Strong Standard’ is “excellent, consistent work that’s making a real difference for children and learners”, which inspectors found that WA met in Attendance and behaviour, Inclusion, Leadership and governance and Personal development and wellbeing.
They also met the ‘expected standard’ in Achievement, Curriculum and teaching and Post-16 provision. The DfE defines this as “the school is doing everything that it should be doing. It’s a high standard, to make sure your children are receiving everything they need and deserve”.
The inspectors, who visited on 15th September 2026, praised the school’s strong culture and noted that “pupils and students are proud to belong to this school community”, with many describing WA as “a family” and “a team”.
The report also recognised the academy as a “place of safety and security” and noted that pupils are “extremely well prepared for the next stage of their education, employment or training”.
The report also acknowledges the strength of leadership across the academy, along with the wider Cumbria Education Trust leaders, trustees and governors. Importantly, inspectors recognised that some of the successful approaches developed here are now being shared with schools both locally and nationally.
Mr Mark Bedford, Executive Headteacher at WA, commented: “This report reflects the collective efforts of our whole school community and all that we have achieved together. Our focus moving forward is to continue raising our standards and providing the best educational experience for all of our students.”
Lorrayne Hughes, Chief Executive at CET, added: “Since joining CET, Workington Academy has gone from strength to strength. In 2022, the school achieved its first ever ‘Good’ rating and this inspection reflects the continued effort to consistently raise standards and provide the very best education the young people of West Cumbria deserve.”
