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Welcome to The Whitehaven Academy

Open up a whole new world of exciting opportunities by choosing to study at West Cumbria’s newest sixth form provider.The West Coast Sixth Form is a joint venture between The Whitehaven Academy and Workington Academy and offers fantastic opportunities for post-16 students.You can choose from over 20 A Level and vocational qualifications recognised and accepted by universities, training providers and employers.There’s also a wealth of extra-curricular and enrichment opportunities that encourage all our students to develop a wide variety of skills and competences that will support progression to what you want to do next.You’ll be guided by our experienced and dedicated staff, receive high-quality pastoral care and work in an inviting, welcoming community.We’re delighted to say that our students have a great record of achieving the qualifications they want. Workington Academy’s Sixth Form was recognised as ‘Good’ by Ofsted and in the last three years more than 98% of students have gone on to university study, apprenticeship training or employment.Have a look around this website to find out more. Click on Course Details to see what’s on offer to you.Got questions or want to take a tour? Then please contact us.Start your journey today

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Boarding Type

No Boarder

School Type

Academy sponsor led

Suitable Ages

11 to 18

Gender

Mixed

No. of Students

810 Total

No. of Boys

407 (50.2%)

No. of Girls

403 (49.8%)


Academic Excellence

GCSE Results

Latest Examination

8.7%

Students achieving A*/A grades (9/8/7)

A-Level Results

Sixth Form Performance

A* grades

N/A

A*/A grades

N/A


Leavers' Destinations

Destinations after GCSEs

Staying in education

66%

School

79%

England

Apprenticeships

7%

School

3%

England

Further education

School:43%
England:51%

School sixth form

School:23%
England:19%

Sixth form college

School:0%
England:7%

Other education destinations

School:0%
England:2%

Destinations after A-Levels

UK higher education

13%

School

1%

England

Apprenticeships

63%

School

19%

England

Higher education or training

School:100%
England:63%

Further education

School:0%
England:4%

Employment

School:25%
England:35%

Not sustained in education/employment

School:0%
England:26%

Exciting Updates Ahead!

We're currently gearing up to offer you a full list of our courses. Stay tuned — amazing learning opportunities are on their way very soon. Thank you for your interest and enthusiasm!


Exciting Events Ahead!

A detailed admissions process on ApplicaaOne is coming soon.

Please see our website for more information on our admissions process.


Updates Coming Soon!

A detailed admissions process on ApplicaaOne is coming soon.

Please see our website for more information on our admissions process.


Term Dates & Half-Term Holidays

Planning ahead for school holidays? Below are the term dates and half-term dates for the 2026/2027 academic year.

Autumn

2 terms

Half Term 1

Sep 1 - Oct 24

Half Term 2

Nov 1 - Dec 20

Spring

2 terms

Half Term 1

Jan 5 - Feb 12

Half Term 2

Feb 22 - Mar 31

Summer

2 terms

Half Term 1

Apr 19 - May 28

Half Term 2

Jun 7 - Jul 22

Half-Term & Holiday Dates

Autumn Half Term

Oct 27 - Oct 31

Christmas Break

Dec 21 - Jan 4

Spring Half Term

Feb 13 - Feb 21

Easter Break

Apr 1 - Apr 18

Summer Half Term

May 29 - Jun 5


Alumni Stories

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Dan

September 2021

University

- Dan study maths, further Maths, Physics and Chemistry at WCSF - Dan was head boy during his last year at the Academy where he worked tirelessly to established the Superbia groups and made the first steps towards a comprehensive recycling policy. - Dan is now studying Maths at University of Oxford.

Kieran

September 2021

Apprenticeship

- Kieran studied maths, physics and further maths at WCSF - He is now completing a Technical degree apprenticeship with Sellafield. - Kieran participated in both the Brilliant Club and the Hello Futures scheme.

Rebecca

September 2021

University

- Rebecca studied English Language, Literature and Drama studies at A level - After working in a bank for a year she moved on to Newcastle University to study English Language. - Rebecca has now graduated with a first class degree and has had her dissertation published by the university.


Enrichment Activities

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In order to develop well-rounded adults with a variety of skills and experiences, we require students to participate in enrichment opportunities. Students will be guided towards specific opportunities depending on individual circumstances, career goals and courses studied. These may include working in a classroom with younger students, offering support in a subject of their choice, guiding students during paired reading sessions and visiting care homes to interact with the elderly and observe the care given. We recommend that students secure additional opportunities shadowing within the workplace during school holidays and will offer support to secure these placements.

About School

RegionNorth West
Local AuthorityCumberland
Ofsted RatingGood
Gender TypeMixed

FAQs

Where can I find out about courses on offer at the Whitehaven Academy?

Please visit the West Coast Sixth Form website. The website address is: https://www.westcoastsixthform.org/