A WORKINGTON school has broken it's records this month- after welcoming more students through it's doors than ever before.

Workington Academy has welcomed 250 new Year 7 students this month, marking six years of continued growth.

When the academy opened their doors in 2015, only around 100 students joined the first year 7.

However, after six years of positive changes in the school many more parents have trusted the school with the education of their children.

. Headteacher, Des Bird, puts the increase down to a shift in public perception: “The Academy has grown steadily more popular in the eyes of the Workington Community.

"Improved facilities, teaching and pastoral care have all contributed to the majority of Workington families now choosing the Academy as their first choice.

" We firmly believe that it is right for children from Workington to be able to have a quality education in Workington.”

Over the last three years, there has been steady growth in the number of students attending the Academy on the Stainburn road site, both in the lower school or as part of West Coast Sixth Form.

Overall student numbers have increased by around 400 since 2018., which has allowed it's leadership to invest in better facilities for their pupils.

. Mr Bird said “This is good news for the Academy, as it means we are able to invest in better facilities and offer our students more courses and opportunities.

"The latest addition to our excellent facilities will be an all-weather sports pitch.

"Construction is set to begin on this in the coming weeks, and this will offer both our students and the wider community an excellent new resource.”

Assistant Headteacher, Nicola Tweddle summed up her delight at the situation. “The new Year 7 have made a fantastic start, and it is wonderful to have so many families choosing the Academy.

" Starting secondary school is such a huge change, but they have taken it in their stride and are really enjoying themselves.

" Even though we have much larger numbers than before, we still take pride in getting to know each child individually.”

Applications for places at the Academy for September 2022 year are open now with personalised tours available.