The Whitehaven Academy
Cleator Moor Road, Whitehaven, CA28 8TYOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
The Whitehaven Academy is a secondary school in Whitehaven for ages 11 to 18. It is one of the 178 schools in Cumberland. It ranks 12th of 19 secondary schools in Cumberland. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in May 2023.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 23 May 2023, report published 12 July 2023
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Quality of education
- Good
- Behaviour and attitudes
- Good
- Personal development
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Sixth form provision
- Good
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 23 May 2023
Pupils are kind and considerate towards each other. They respond well to the high expectations that leaders have of their behaviour and conduct. Pupils, including the students in the sixth form, make a strong contribution to the calm and respectful atmosphere that exists in the school. Most pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), respond well to the high aspirations that leaders have of their achievement. Students in the sixth form benefit from the courses available to them and the close links that leaders have made with the partner sixth form centre. Pupils enjoy taking part in clubs and societies such as strategy board gaming, debating club and a wide range of sporting activities. Pupils, including students in the sixth form, enjoy the opportunities that they have to take on positions of responsibility. These include roles such as school prefects, mental health ambassadors and reading buddies. They also enjoy developing their leadership skills through participation in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award and the John Muir Award. Such activities help pupils to become confident, resilient and independent young people. Leaders deal effectively with any incidents of bullying that may occur. Pupils said that they feel safe and happy. This is because there are adults that they can speak to if they have any concerns or worries.
What the school should improve
- In a small number of subjects, some of the activities that some teachers design do not help pupils to develop a sufficient depth of understanding. Leaders should ensure that teachers receive the support that they need to further embed the curriculums in these subjects so that all pupils are well prepared for the next stage of their learning.
Exam results
GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25
126 pupils in the year group
Pupil numbers and mix
859 pupils on roll, with places for 1,465
Schools near The Whitehaven Academy
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| St Benedict's Catholic High School | 0.3 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 41.2 |
| St Bees School | 3 miles | No Ofsted inspection | Not published |
| West Lakes Academy | 4 miles | Ofsted judgements: Inadequate to requires improvement | Attainment 8: 40.8 |
| Energy Coast UTC | 6 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 24.2 |
| St Josephs Catholic High School, Workington | 7 miles | Ofsted: Requires improvement | Attainment 8: 37.4 |
School details
- School type
- Academy sponsor led
- Sector
- Academy
- Trust
- CUMBRIA EDUCATION TRUST
- Age range
- 11 to 18
- Gender
- Mixed
- Sixth form
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Mr Nigel Youngman
- Phone
- 01946595400
- Address
- Cleator Moor Road, Whitehaven, CA28 8TY
- Local authority
- Cumberland
- URN
- 146634
School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.