A project is helping teachers improve results for children across West Cumbria.
Mark Bedford, headteacher at Workington Academy, said: "Workington Academy had the best exam results in its history last year (2022-23).
"High-quality small group tutoring sessions aimed at bridging gaps in learning played a central part in this success."
The project is called WELL (Western Excellence in Learning and Leadership), funded by Sellafield Ltd and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.
It focuses on helping schools improve outcomes for pupils facing disadvantage.
Tuition under this scheme takes place on weekends and after school. Classes consist of four to six pupils and last for two hours, with food provided.
Last year, 126 Year 11 students participated.
The academy's approach was designed with the support of the National Foundation for Educational Research and was initially funded by the Government. It was part of a national post-COVID catch-up.
Mr Bedford said: "The research led to us identifying the students who need extra support.
"Tutoring is all about using assessment to identify gaps in learning. It is not a lesson or revision session; it is a continual conversation with the student, checking their knowledge and understanding and adapting and providing support to close that gap.
"It is a personalised approach.
"Alongside this, WELL are doing high-quality professional development.
"We have staff going out to a lot of sessions with WELL, not just looking at the research but also to meet colleagues and talk about what they are doing, and that networking is also very important."
The WELL project has been running for three years.
Mr Bedford said: "We have had two years of improving results. We have used the WELL funding to impact on the outcomes of West Cumbrian teenagers, giving them better life chances and more opportunities.
"We have been able to improve outcomes, which will benefit West Cumbria and local employers, and impact on students going to university.
"There is really great practice going on in the schools round here with WELL support."
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