A TEAM of nine staff is leading the education of the 900 pupils at the new Workington Academy.

Headteacher Jonathan Logan is joined by deputy headteacher Mark Bedford.

They are supported by four assistant headteachers.

Gill Creighton is responsible for learning provision, Chris Keirton for quality assurance and data, Stephen Hunter-Brown for sixth form and Katie Lambert for teaching and learning.

Rose O'Hagan is director of English, Julie Harpham is director of maths and Sarah Allison is business manager.

They will be supported by Lorrayne Hughes, executive headteacher and chief executive officer of the William Howard Multi Academy Trust, which runs the school.

Mrs Hughes and Mr Logan sit on the school's local advisory board, which is the academy equivalent of a governing body.

The board's chairman is solicitor Tracy Stainton, who is head of Burnetts' West Cumbria office.

Its other members are sponsor governors Paul Armstrong, Gavin Askew, Edward Blackmore, Ian Scott and Chris Sutcliffe.

The school has 130 staff, most of whom have come from Southfield Technology College or Stainburn School. There are about 20 new recruits.

On top of the school's own staff, its catering is provided by contractors.

Mr Logan said the first weeks at the school were going well, with pupils, staff and parents sharing a drive to succeed.

He added: "We call it mission aligned. Everyone is pointing in the same direction. Everyone wants the best. The parents have been very supportive.

"I know what it takes to be outstanding. One thing all outstanding schools have in common is that the parents, teachers and students work together for the benefit of the students."

Things have not gone entirely smoothly at the new school and the first week saw challenges getting all pupils through the canteen at lunchtime.

After initial extensions to lunchtime, the issue has been resolved this week and timetables are running as planned, Mr Logan said.

He added: "I feel very privileged to be the headteacher of Workington Academy.

"I tack my responsibility very seriously. I'd like the parents and the community to be proud to say they want to support Workington Academy and they want to send their children there.

"It's my driving aim to ensure that happens."