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.
🏃♀️💛 Our Deputy Headteacher, Karen Kellett, is taking on the Great North Run this weekend to raise money for Young Lives vs Cancer, the charity supporting our very own Charlie in Year 10 and his family throughout his treatment journey.
As a school community, we're proud to support Karen's fundraising efforts and to show Charlie and his family that they are very much in our thoughts.
If you would like to support this worthy cause, you can visit Karen's JustGiving page below.
🔗 [www.justgiving.com/page/karen-kellett-1?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL&utm_campaign=lc_frp_share_tra...]
#TeamWLA #YoungLivesVsCancer #CommunitySupport #GreatNorthRun
![🏃♀️💛 Our Deputy Headteacher, Karen Kellett, is taking on the Great North Run this weekend to raise money for Young Lives vs Cancer, the charity supporting our very own Charlie in Year 10 and his family throughout his treatment journey.As a school community, were proud to support Karens fundraising efforts and to show Charlie and his family that they are very much in our thoughts.If you would like to support this worthy cause, you can visit Karens JustGiving page below.🔗 [https://www.justgiving.com/page/karen-kellett-1?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL&utm_campaign=lc_frp_share_transaction_fundraiser_page_launched]#TeamWLA #YoungLivesVsCancer #CommunitySupport #GreatNorthRun](https://scontent-lhr11-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/805413252_1821759149950983_1150498631081594828_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=127cfc&_nc_ohc=375mRc8i3ZIQ7kNvwEXTTcq&_nc_oc=AdoatC9xmcx83CiJy46accgcGnHYWe9kwR90Q9peGqOaFw42Up-E9YHffYTiqHz44s8nPYISKaXgKHT7SwNdE68x&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-lhr11-1.xx&edm=AKIiGfEEAAAA&_nc_gid=h8JAzHCVs08l2aXSzX5Xkw&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQLDgNHIm2pCz8g3jWGhopHWsms1sz-1CbRDeUS1rc6prrDh8C2_AA12IhRCXJNv3NIkg8YvW5PpZA&oh=00_AQIboCw1IgAkyZBGYZlZr5Pc2OY-MJSgm4BT4UxKpm7uuQ&oe=6AA9AD3B)
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ART CLUBS 🎨
We have a range of enrichment clubs starting next week in the Art Department - places are limited so sign up on EduLink and secure your place! (If there is a cost for the club to cover materials, you will receive a payment option on IRIS ParentMail once a place is secured, PP funded places available)
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#TodayAtWLA 📚
This morning, our Year 7 and Year 8 students took part in their first Paired Reading session of the year alongside our wonderful Sixth Form readers as part of our ongoing literacy programme.
If you have any questions or concerns about your child's literacy development or our reading programme, please contact Mrs Mowbray, Literacy Coordinator, or Mrs Cowan, Reading Specialist, by emailing contactus.wla@changinglives.education.
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Student photographs for Year 7, Year 10 and Year 12 will be taking place on Monday 14th September. Please ensure students arrive in full school uniform, looking smart and ready for their photo.
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Food Technology Resources 👨🍳🍽️🍳
Students have been given the following resources to take home, to support families in preparing for their practical food lessons:
• recipe sheet for each practical they will do
• list of ingredients they will need including a sealed container
• date they will be cooking and which group they will be in
Please ensure students keep this information safe as they will need this for their cooking practicals. The information will also be shared on EduLink.
Thank you.
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Your next chapter starts here…
Year 6 Open Evening
🗓️Thursday 17th September
⏰ Join us between 4.30pm-6.30pm
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We have some spaces for instrument music lessons, please contact Mr Turpin - turpinj@changinglives.education for information and prices. Spaces are limited so be quick!
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A warm welcome to all our students on the first day of the 2026-27 school year!
Our new Year 7 students are settling in wonderfully. They have enjoyed an extended tutor time and break today as they get to know their new surroundings and routines.
Head of Year 7, Mrs Williamson, commented:
"They have been exceptional. Their behaviour has been outstanding, their uniforms have been incredibly smart, and they have made a fantastic start to life at West Lakes Academy."
Even better, Year 7 are currently boasting 100% attendance, which is a fantastic way to begin the new school year. Well done, Year 7!
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Please see below for the full price list for our school meal provision.⬇️
Year 7 students wishing to purchase from our canteen tomorrow should bring money for their first day. Thank you
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Just a reminder to please login to the Edulink app and update your personal and student details.
📣 Please switch on all push notifications on your Edulink app settings so you don’t miss any important notices.
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