A Cumbrian academy formed through the merger of two failing schools has been praised by education watchdog Ofsted.
The Stainburn Road academy was graded good across the board with inspectors highlighting a number of areas for praise.
It’s a very different story from the academy’s beginnings after Southfield Technology College and Stainburn School and Science College were forced to close following poor inspections.
The newly formed academy became part of Cumbria Education Trust and moved to a new build on the former Stainburn site in 2017.
The inspectors’ latest report said: “Without exception, pupils, and students in the sixth form, are immensely proud of their school. They are eager to share with visitors all that the school has to offer. The extensive personal development curriculum provides pupils with a plethora of opportunities that enable them to flourish.
“Leaders’ improvements to the curriculum over the past two years have been tangible. Ambitious for all pupils, irrespective of ability or background, leaders have ensured that pupils study a broad range of subjects. Pupils achieve well.
“By the end of key stage 4 (GCSEs and other exams), pupils have secured a rich body of knowledge across many subjects. This affords pupils the choice to take advantage of the vast curriculum offer in the sixth form.”
Inspectors said school leaders and teachers had high expectations for behaviour and pupils were unanimous in their view that discriminatory behaviour was not tolerated by anyone in the school community.
It added: “The mantra, ‘not in our school’ permeates classrooms, the assembly hall and corridors. This helps to ensure that school is a safe, happy place where pupils are accepted for who they are.
“In lessons, relationships between pupils and their teachers are strong. Pupils and students learn without disruption.
“Pupils and students value how well prepared they are for life in modern Britain. They assume many responsibilities such as sports leaders and school councillors with pride.
“Teachers expect all pupils to succeed. Pupils and students, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, benefit from a well-thought-out
curriculum. They achieve well. The curriculum in the sixth form is highly effective.
“Without exception, pupils, and students in the sixth form, are immensely proud of their school. Pupils and students spoke passionately about the support that they receive from staff in relation to their mental health and well-being. Pupils said that if they have any concerns, staff tackle these worries quickly.”
They added that a new assessment system, introduced into year seven, was working well, but the system for years eight and nine does not always give teachers information they need to help pupils quickly enough.
However, they added, there were plans in place to roll out the new system from September.
Inspectors added that the school was in the early stages of implementing a reading curriculum across the school.
They said: “This means that in some subject areas, leaders and teachers do not confidently know how to address pupils’ missing reading knowledge.
“Consequently, some older pupils continue to find reading difficult. Leaders should ensure that staff are fully trained in how to deliver the reading curriculum effectively.”
Executive headteacher Des Bird said the Ofsted judgement was down to the efforts of many people who had sought to transform opportunities for young people in the area.
He said: “The journey this school has been on is quite remarkable. The academy has come so far in just a few years and we are delighted this has been recognised.
“Most importantly we have become a very popular choice in our local area because the community can see all the hard work that goes into improving outcomes for our young people.”
The school is oversubscribed again for the 2022/23 academic year. In September there will be more than 1,200 young people on its roll – up from fewer than 800 just four years ago.
The trust said it was investing in additional facilities to meet demand. A new outdoor, multi-use 3G pitch opened in January, the dining hall has been extended and there are plans for additional temporary classrooms while a more permanent solution is developed.
Staffing has increased with the recruitment of specialist staff in maths, science, English, modern foreign languages, design technology and ICT.
The trust’s CEO Lorrayne Hughes said: “Well done to all at Workington Academy, the report is very pleasing. The school continues to go from strength to strength and everyone involved should be very proud of what has been achieved.”
Tracy Stainton, chair of the academy’s Local Advisory Board governing body, said: “I am delighted that Ofsted has confirmed what pupils and parents have been saying, that Workington Academy is a Good school with high expectations for our pupils, delivering education in a safe and supportive environment.
“The report also rightly recognises the hard work of Mr Bird and his staff to support all pupils.”
