West Lakes Academy is a vibrant 11-18 secondary school nestled in the western edge of the picturesque Lake District of Cumbria, serving a dynamic community of 1,200 students. Since opening in September 2008 and moving into our state-of-the-art £26m building in 2012, we have been committed to delivering the highest quality education in an environment that inspires success.
Our vision is to succeed in ‘Changing Lives through Learning’ by providing the very best possible educational opportunities for young people in West Cumbria. We have extremely high hopes for all of our students and our highly skilled and enthusiastic members of staff encourage children to have high ambitions and to work hard to achieve these.
Mr Stephen Grant
West Lakes Academy is committed to the creation of a fully inclusive, aspirational, high achieving Centre of Excellence, firmly rooted in the local community. Our vision is to succeed in ‘Changing Lives through Learning’ by providing the very best possible educational opportunities for young people in West Cumbria.
Changing Lives Learning Trust is a Multi-Academy Trust with Sponsor Status and is a not for profit charity which sponsors primary and secondary academies.
Today we visited the NTS/NDA office and discussed the varied roles within the nuclear industry. After this we visited Shinjuku, including Godzilla Road. We then visited the Meiji Jingu Shrine and Park. We walked the infamous Cat Street and finished our day safely navigating the Shibuya Scramble and looked over the city at Shibuya Sky.
Our final hurrah to Japan will be an audience with The Ambassador.
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Back in Tokyo! Today we have visited the Fukushima Daiichi Power Station. The tour included a site visit to the damaged reactors, and the water treatment (ALPS) buildings with a guide who has worked there for many years.
After the tour we hopped on a train and headed back to Tokyo. Tomorrow we visit the NDA office and plan to visit the famous Shibuya crossing.
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Today was our final day of the International STEAM conference Fukushima 2025. Our wonderful students presented to nearly 100 delegates about life in the UK and what it’s like to go to school in Cumbria. They received lots of praise for their confident delivery. Later they took part in group discussions, further group presentations and a round table chat about the future of STEM.
We visited a world exclusive textiles mill, in which the towelling that is produced is patented due to its impressive dual yarn technology.
Finally we ended the day having teppenyaki and practicing our Japanese speaking.
Tomorrow we head to the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant before heading back to Tokyo.
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FUKUSHIMA 🇯🇵
We have had an insightful and thought provoking day at The 2025 International STEAM Workshop in Fukushima. We visited The Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster Memorial Museum as well as hearing talks from many world renowned scientists including Robin Grimes and Fiona Rayment.
The students had mentor sessions and keynote speeches from the President of the NDF Hajimu Yamana and Koetsu Yamakazi, the President of F-REI.
Today the students learned about careers in STEAM and more. The day provided opportunities to network and we have met lots of wonderful Japanese students and Graduates from MIT.
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SIGHTSEEING IN TOKYO 🇯🇵
This morning we ventured out in to Tokyo in the daylight. We wandered the boundary of the Imperial Gardens and some locations near the famous Tokyo Station before our next stop…. Fukushima!
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JAPAN TRIP UPDATE 🇯🇵
First night in Tokyo ✅. After spending a little longer in Hong Kong than was planned we have made our way to Midtown Tokyo. Tomorrow morning we hit some sights before moving on to Fukushima!
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📝A LEVEL RESULTS DAY📝
It was fantastic to see so many of our students today celebrating. Hearing about your exciting plans for the future, whether it's uni, apprenticeships, gap years or jumping straight into work, was incredibly exciting.
We’re so proud of everything you’ve achieved and can’t wait to see what’s next for each of you. 🌟✨
Keep in touch, and don’t forget, you’ll always be part of the WLA family!
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Good luck to all of our students today. We’ll be right there with you to offer support and guidance if needed!
Results are available from 9am from the Sports Hall. Please enter via the carpark!
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📣A LEVEL RESULTS DAY REMINDER 📣
Results will be available for students to collect from 9.00am tomorrow in the Sports Hall, which will be accessible from the main academy car park.
Exam results will be made available via EduLink to students after 11:30am. Exam results cannot be issued over the phone.
Staff will be on hand throughout the morning to support students where needed.
We look forward to seeing you all tomorrow and celebrating your achievements! 💙
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✈️ Ready for Takeoff! 🇯🇵
There go four of our amazing Sixth Form students, embarking on an unforgettable Japanese adventure!
Accompanied by Miss Beckwith and Mr Turpin, they’ll fly via Hong Kong to Tokyo, where they’ll:
🌏 Present at a weekend-long international STEM workshop
⚛️ Visit the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant
🏛️ Tour The British Embassy and The NDA Office
Wishing them all the best for an inspiring and exciting journey!
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📣 Is your child moving into Year 6 this September?
It’s time to start thinking about applying for their Year 7 place for September 2026!
Our brand new prospectus is now available, packed with everything you need to know about life at West Lakes Academy — from our curriculum and enrichment opportunities to the support systems we offer. wla.education/admissions/
We’re also excited to invite Year 6 students and their families to our Open Evening on Thursday 18th September. It’s a fantastic chance to explore the academy, meet our staff (including our new Headteacher, Mr Grant, and your child’s Year 7 Lead), and chat to current students.
We look forward to seeing you there!
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