The short version
Average GCSE results. Rated Good by Ofsted (2023).
- GCSE results are broadly in line with the national average (Attainment 8: 39.7 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2023
- The school has significant spare capacity
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
39.7
4.1 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
33%
9.3pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
9%
Source: Department for Education Performance Tables 2024-25
Post-GCSE Destinations
These figures track pupils 6 months after leaving. Source: DfE destination measures.
Sustained destination
In education, employment or training
87%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
79%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
4%
Employment
Directly into work
4%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
9%
Based on 76 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 16 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
22% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
3% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 21 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 12 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 69 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy sponsor led
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 810
- Capacity
- 55%
- FSM
- 30.8%
Governance
- Local authority
- Cumberland
- Trust
- CUMBRIA EDUCATION TRUST
- Head
- Mr Nigel Youngman
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
- Boarding
- Not applicable
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection: Good
1 official report linked on this page.
Location
Cleator Moor Road, Whitehaven, Cumbria, CA28 8TY
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmHensingham Primary School
Primary · 519m away
St Benedict's Catholic High School
Secondary · 551m away
Jericho Primary School
Primary · 741m away
St Gregory and St Patrick's Catholic Infant School
Primary · 1.3km away
Valley Primary School and Nursery
Primary · 1.7km away
St Begh's Catholic Junior School
Primary · 1.7km away
Monkwray Junior School
Primary · 2.1km away
St James' CofE Junior School
Primary · 2.1km away
Questions parents ask
What is The Whitehaven Academy's Ofsted rating?
The Whitehaven Academy was rated Good at its most recent inspection in May 2023. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend The Whitehaven Academy?
The Whitehaven Academy currently has 810 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does The Whitehaven Academy take?
The Whitehaven Academy caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is The Whitehaven Academy?
The Whitehaven Academy is in Whitehaven, CA28 8TY, in the Cumberland local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does The Whitehaven Academy have a sixth form?
Yes, The Whitehaven Academy has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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