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 13th February, we’ll be holding a non‑uniform day to help raise funds for the Year 11 Prom and to support Ivy Mae Milton’s fundraiser, which provides cuddle blankets for grieving families. Students are welcome to take part by bringing a £1 donation.
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🌟 We’re Hiring: Teacher of Design & Technology🌟
Are you passionate about inspiring the next generation of creators, problem‑solvers, and innovators? Changing Lives Learning Trust is looking for a dedicated Teacher of Design & Technology to join our dynamic team.
In this role, you’ll:
🔧 Deliver high‑quality teaching across Years 7–13
📚 Develop engaging lessons aligned with our forward‑thinking curriculum
🤝 Support students of all abilities to reach their full potential
🛠️ Help shape an exciting and safe learning environment
📈 Engage in ongoing professional growth within a supportive department
🌱 Contribute to safeguarding, inclusion, and whole‑Academy development
We’re seeking someone who is:
✨ An enthusiastic and skilled teacher
✨ Committed to high expectations and positive student outcomes
✨ A strong communicator and team player
✨ Passionate about Technology and its role in modern education
📍 Location: West Lakes Academy, Main Street, Egremont, CA22 2DQ
📁 Contract: Part-time and Fixed Term (Maternity Cover)
💷 Salary: MPS / UPS
⏰Closing Date: 27th February 2026 @ 09:00
📆 Start Date: April 2026
If you’re ready to make a real impact and be part of a collaborative, innovative community, we’d love to hear from you!
📩 To find out more and to apply, please visit - mynewterm.com/jobs/135632/EDV-2026-WLA-18659
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✨Celebrating Student Success ✨
We’re really proud of Tillie, who recently competed at the 'It’s Showbiz UK Finals' at the Winter Gardens Blackpool. She worked incredibly hard with her dance school, West Coast Dance who came away with some fantastic results, including two national champion titles and multiple trophies, awards and plaques.
Well done, Tillie, and well done to the whole team for continuing to encourage and inspire their dancers.
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🎉 Cambridge Success for Ben and James! 🎉
We’re really proud to share that two of our Sixth Form students, Ben Ashton and James Jenkinson, have both received conditional offers from Cambridge University this week after applying through early entry.
Ben has an offer from Trinity Hall to study Physical Natural Sciences, and James has an offer from Fitzwilliam College to study Engineering. Ben needs A* grades in Maths and Physics this summer, and James, who already achieved an A* in Maths in Year 12 now needs A* grades in Further Maths and Physics.
Both boys sat their entrance exams back in November, and once they found out they’d passed, they were invited for interviews. They described the interviews as intense and both came away feeling unsure, so getting the offers this week has been a huge relief.
Ben found out during his chemistry lesson with Mrs Lennox. There was a bit of confusion at first as he was expecting an email from a different college, but once he realised what had happened, it was a really exciting moment. He said it didn’t properly hit him until he got home later that day.
James was in a free period in the common room when his offer came through, so he was able to celebrate straight away with his friends. His family were over the moon, and after feeling in limbo for so long, he said it was great to finally get the news. Family and friends even came round that evening with cards and well wishes.
Both students say the next few months will be full of past papers and extra preparation for their courses ahead of October. Ben is hoping to get into rowing and join a few societies, in particular the debating society, while James is keen on the mountaineering society, joking that a lot of the trips are back home in Cumbria.
They both agreed that the support from staff at the academy has been amazing throughout the whole process, from Mrs Orr’s help with references to the guidance and encouragement from their teachers.
A huge well done to both boys — we’re all incredibly proud of them!
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Mrs Williamson enjoyed birthday cake celebrations with our Year 7 January birthdays this week! 🎂
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Lovely atmosphere at our Sixth Form Open Evening tonight. It was fantastic to see so many students and families exploring our Sixth Form options for September 2026.
Our brand‑new Course Guide is now available on our website: wla.education/sixth-form/
Current Year 11 students can apply via Edulink.
External applicants can request an application form by emailing: contactus.wla@changinglives.education
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