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.
On Friday, the Year 7 Herts for Learning Reading Group and Year 7 HPA were invited to attend a virtual meet the author event with Iqbal Hussain. 📖💭💡
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West Lakes Academy proudly presents She Kills Monsters: Young Adventurers Edition! 🎭🐉
Join us for a fast, funny, fantasy‑filled adventure as Agnes dives into her sister’s D&D world of monsters, magic, and imagination.
Featuring student performers from Years 8–13, dynamic stage combat, and handcrafted puppets created with WLA Art Club.
📅 25–26 March 2026
🕖 7pm
📍 West Lakes Academy
🎟 £5 from WLA Reception
Here are some photos of the students working hard during half-term rehearsals.
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Yesterday, students in Years 7–10 took part in assemblies on anti‑social behaviour, delivered by Neil Hunton from the Child Centred Policing Team. The sessions focused on supporting our community to stay safe and responsible.
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Yesterday, a group of our Year 12 and 13 students visited the University of Cumbria for a lecture on the psychology of violence delivered by Dr Elizabeth Bates. After the session, we had a tour of the campus before heading into Carlisle for lunch and a bit of shopping.
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📚 SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR — Next Week!
From Monday 2nd March to Friday 6th March, the Scholastic Book Fair will be taking place in the academy library.
Students and parents can purchase books:
• Online via the Scholastic website
👉 bookfairs.scholastic.co.uk/pay (search West Lakes Academy)
• In person using card or cash
• With Scholastic gift vouchers, which can be bought online and emailed to you to print at home.
The book fair will be open throughout all social times and during library lessons. We can’t wait to see you there!
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🌟 Working Together for a Positive Community! 🌟
This week, we were delighted to welcome our local Police Officer, Neil Hunton, into school. Neil delivered engaging and informative assemblies to all students in Years 7–10, focusing on how we can all contribute to a safer, kinder, and more respectful community..
His sessions highlighted the importance of making positive choices and recognising the impact we have on those around us.
A huge thank you to Neil for his support and continued partnership together, we’re helping our young people shine both in and out of school. 🧑✈️
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Our February Safeguarding newsletter has been added to our website at the link below.
In this Issue:
• Children’s Mental Health Week
• Safer Internet Day
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✨National Apprenticeship Week ✨
This week our students have had the opportunity to discuss apprenticeships in a variety of different subject areas. Parents and careers are you confident in what opportunities are available through apprenticeships and how you can best support your child if they choose to apply for one?
🖱️If you would like to learn more about apprenticeships and how to support your child in finding and applying for apprenticeships please visit -
Parent - Amazing Apprenticeships
www.amazingapprenticeships.com
As a parent or carer, you want to be able to guide and advise your child towards the best opportunity for them. So, where do you start? There are many options available including apprenticeships, T Le...0 CommentsComment on Facebook
