The waiting is over: Catholic schools celebrate exam success

A Day to Remember! Bishop Challoner students Tower Hamlets

Its that time of year again - The long-awaited school exam results are finally through, and once again, a record number of students at Catholic schools are celebrating excellent A-level and BTEC grades. Congratulations to all! The following schools - published in the order they arrived - have sent in their results - so far.

LIVERPOOL
All Saints Sixth Form College, Garston

There were scenes of joy at All Saints Sixth Form College, at The Academy of St Nicholas in Garston, as students received their A-level and Level 3 vocational results today, (Thursday, 14 August).

All Saints Sixth Form College, which is proud to be part of All Saints Multi Academy Trust, welcomes students from across the city. This year's results reflect a significant rise in top grades, with art, English, computer science, games development, criminology, digital media and history all celebrating high achievement.

These results mark the beginning of exciting new chapters, as students take their next steps towards university, apprenticeships, and the world of work.

Student Klaudiusz Dzedzyk obtained five qualifications: an A in Polish, a B in computer science, a C in philosophy and ethics, and a Distinction* in games development and a Distinction* in digital media. Klaudiusz is looking forward to studying cyber security at Edge Hill University.

Gabija Majausktye is delighted to have been accepted by the University of Lancaster to study English, after achieving a B in English, a B in philosophy and ethics and a C in geography.

Rushid Afzali has secured a degree apprenticeship after securing a Distinction in games development, a Distinction in business studies, and an A in art.

Mr Grant Sibbald, head of sixth form, said: "We are so proud of everything our students have achieved over the past two years. Their hard work and determination have truly paid off, and we wish them the very best of luck in their future endeavours.

"As we look ahead to September, we're excited to welcome a new cohort, including many students from The Academy of St Nicholas, who will benefit from our broad A-level and vocational offer and the supportive, ambitious environment we provide."

Mr Gary Lloyd, headteacher of The Academy of St Nicholas, added: "Congratulations to our sixth form students and everything they have accomplished.

"It's inspiring to see so many of our students taking the next step into a wide variety of exciting pathways. Their achievements are a testament to the exceptional support, guidance, and opportunities offered by our sixth form."

For information visit: https://allsaintssixthformcollege.org.uk/

LIVERPOOL
St John Bosco Arts College, Croxteth

Students at St John Bosco Arts College in Croxteth have cause for celebration today after receiving their A level and BTEC results.

From 8.30am this morning 9Thursday, 14 August), St John Bosco sixth form students and their families began arriving at the school for one last time to discover the outcome of two years of hard work and commitment.

The co-educational sixth form has continued to build upon its previous years' success and, following today's results, students are now preparing to take their next steps on a range of exciting pathways, including university and degree apprenticeships.

Lois Murphy is celebrating outstanding results of AAB securing her place at the University of Liverpool to study archaeology.

Demi-Leigh Woods is also celebrating success, achieving a Distinction* and Double Distinction and will now begin a prestigious law degree apprenticeship at Edge Hill University.

Miss Charlotte Lyon, head of sixth form, said: "Results day is always a highlight in my calendar as I get to share in the joy and excitement of our students' successes. Our aim at St John Bosco is twofold - to enable our students to achieve the very best academically, whilst giving them every opportunity to develop as mature and responsible young adults.

"Today, we have seen this vision come to fruition following the determination and resilience students have demonstrated over the past two years. We're incredibly proud of all they have achieved and wish them the very best as they embark on their next journey."

Headteacher, Mr Darren Gidman, added: "Today has been a wonderful opportunity to come together to celebrate the achievements of our sixth form students. It's been a privilege to witness this cohort flourish with the support of teaching and pastoral staff who have empowered them along the way to reach their full potential.

"As a Salesian community grounded in support and care, St John Bosco Arts College is a family that supports individuals through every stage of their journey. As our Year 13s leave us to progress to their desired destinations and occupations, I would like to wish them the very best of luck and look forward to hearing about their future endeavours. Well done class of 2025!"

For more information, visit: www.stjohnboscoartscollege.com

LONDON: HACKNEY
All Saints Catholic High School, Hackney

All Saints Catholic High School is proud to record a strong set of Post-16 exam results, marked by outstanding individual performances. These achievements are a true reflection of the school's mission: "Shaping Tomorrow, Inspired by Faith" and have helped several students gain places at leading universities across the UK, while others secured important internships.

This year, 54% of students achieved grades A* to B (or equivalent), with 82% securing A* to C grades (or equivalent). Among the top achievers are:

Georgia, who earned A*, A and B grades is taking a Gap Year, and she is going on to pursue a career in Architecture.
Victoria, who earned A* , A and B grades and will go on to study Finance, Accounting and Management at the University of Nottingham.
Juanita, who achieved (grades A, A, B, B) and has accepted a place at University of Birmingham to pursue Mechanical Engineering.
Princess, will study Nursing at the University of Leicester following her impressive results of three Distinction star grades (D*D*D*).

Headteacher Andy English commented: "We are proud of our students' A level achievements this year. The year on year improvement in student outcomes reflect their hard work and our staff's commitment. Congratulations to every student and thank you to families and staff for their support."

Mr Bailey, Head of Sixth Form, added: "We are delighted to see so many of our students achieving their ambitions. This year's results reflect not only academic talent but also resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence. We are especially proud of the diverse range of next steps our students are taking - from top universities and competitive apprenticeships to meaningful employment."

The school's most recent Diocesan Inspection, conducted in May 2024, rated All Saints as "Good" , with several areas recognised as "Outstanding" . Similarly, Ofsted awarded the school a "Good" rating in 2023, praising the excellent opportunities and personalised advice on future careers provided through the Sixth Form."Pupils throughout the school, including in the sixth form, have access to personalised advice on future careers. To expand pupils' knowledge of the world of work, leaders also organise for all pupils to complete work experience placements" - Ofsted 2023

ICKENHAM
Douay Martyrs Catholic Secondary School, Ickenham

The Douay Martyrs Catholic Secondary School is pleased to announce a successful year of Post 16 examination results, marked by several inspiring individual achievements. One of our top performing students secured her place at Oxford University. Many students will be going to several Russell Group universities, including Kings College, UCL, Queen Mary, University of Cardiff, and University of Liverpool. While others will be doing degree apprenticeships.

Headteacher Miss F McCloskey said: "This is a day of celebration, pride, and joy for our students, their families, and the staff who have supported them throughout their time with us. At Douay Martyrs, we aim to provide not only academic excellence but also a values-driven education rooted in faith, compassion, and service. It is clear from these results that our students are leaving us well-prepared, not only for higher education and the workplace, but to become thoughtful citizens of the world. Congratulations to all of the students, and the best of luck in the next chapter."

This year, a third of grades were awarded the highest grades of A* or A, and the school is proud that overall grades rose by half a grade compared to 12 months ago. Results in Computer Science, Mathematics, Economics and Physics were also exceptionally strong. These results affirm The Douay Martyrs' commitment to its mission: "Through Faith to Success", and affirm its continued commitment to nurturing young people and helping them to achieve their goals. Among key achievers:

Mohammad A*= A* A* A* Computer Science Maths Physics
Avely A*= A* A* A* Economics History Maths
Raeya A+ A* A A Sociology Business Studies Geography
Maiya A= A* A B Sociology History English Lit
Nathan A= A A A Biology Chemistry Maths
Emil A- A A B Maths Physics Economics
Aman A- A A B History Psychology Religious Studies
Avani A- A A B Economics English Lit History

Mr D Patel, Head of Sixth Form, commented: "We are incredibly proud of our Year 13 students. Their success is not only measured by their results, but by the commitment and maturity they have shown throughout their Sixth Form journey. It has been a privilege to see them grow over the past two years. Whether they are heading to university, an apprenticeship, or employment, they leave us with a solid foundation to build their future."

The Douay Martyrs Catholic Secondary School continues to build on its reputation as an aspirational, inclusive, Christ-centred community rooted in faith and love. The school was recently rated "Good" by Ofsted, with inspectors highlighting the strength of its Sixth Form provision: "The school has had a sharp focus on improving academic outcomes and ensuring that sixth-form students know and remember more as they progress through their studies." - Ofsted, 2024

"The school has raised its expectations for students in the Sixth Form. Students are committed to their studies and learning. Sixth-form students are positive role models for younger pupils." - Ofsted, 2024

WALLASEY
St Mary's Catholic College, Wallasey

St Mary's Catholic College sixth form students achieve amazing A-level and BTEC results Today (Thursday, 14 August), Year 13 students at St Mary's Catholic College in Wallasey returned to school to collect their A-level, BTEC and T-Level results.

St Mary's Catholic College, which is a proud member of Holy Family Catholic Multi Academy Trust, has seen a significant improvement in results overall. Students eagerly arrived at the school from 8am to receive their results and take the first step on their new journeys, university, apprenticeships, employment and further education college courses.

Katie Welch achieved Distinction, Distinction, and an A-level grade B in child development, health and social care and psychology. Emily will go on to the University of Liverpool to study psychology.
Daisy Wiggins secured Distinction and Distinction Star in performing arts, music performance and English literature. Daisy plans to study musical theatre at the Liverpool Media Academy.
Emily Higgins achieved a Merit in her T Level in education. Emily will now go on to Liverpool Hope University to study primary education with QTS.
Renee Beardmore received Distinction, Distinction, and Merit in business and health and social care. Renee is heading to Edge Hill University to study social work.
Matthew McGovern achieved Distinction, Distinction, and an A-level grade C in business, history and sport. Matthew has chosen Liverpool John Moores University to study sports business.
Cruz Powney secured Distinction, Distinction, and Merit in business, applied science and sport. Cruz will head to Bangor University to study marine biology.
Joe Flynn achieved Merit, Merit, and Merit in business, information technology and sport. Joe will go on to Liverpool John Moores University to study professional policing.

Students who completed T-Levels in education have excelled, achieving top grades which are the equivalent to three A-levels and securing university places. Students are heading to a variety of destinations across the country including University of Liverpool, University of Leeds and University of York to do a variety of courses, including physics, business and sport, forensics, policing, and physiotherapy.

A number of students are beginning apprenticeships next year, including Airbus and in childcare.

Head of sixth form, Miss Jo Jones said: "This morning's celebrations have been the perfect ending to a brilliant two years for our Year 13 students. Throughout their time with us at St Mary's Catholic College Sixth Form they have demonstrated relentless determination to achieve the very best results possible, and they should be extremely proud of their achievements."

Mr Kevin Maddocks, headteacher of St Mary's Catholic College, added: "It has been fantastic seeing our Year 13 students opening their results this morning. Results day is always such a memorable moment in a student's academic career, and it's been incredible to share this special occasion with them today.

"As students close their chapter at St Mary's Catholic College Sixth Form and open a new one as they embark on their next journey, I would like to wish them the very best of luck for the future. Congratulations Class of 2025!"

Located in Wallasey Village, St Mary's Catholic College is an 11-18 Catholic Academy and is proud to be part of the Holy Family Catholic Multi Academy Trust.

More details can be found at : www.stmaryswallasey.com and www.hfcmat.com.

LONDON: TOWER HAMLETS
Bishop Challoner Catholic School, Tower Hamlets

Bishop Challoner Catholic School in Tower Hamlets is proud to share another fantastic set of Post-16 results. Executive Headteacher, Adam Hall, said, "We are so proud of our students, their ambition and resilience have carried them through an intense and demanding year. These results are more than just grades, and represent hard work, determined focus, and the courage to keep going. Our heartfelt thanks go to our dedicated staff, supportive families, and everyone in our school community who stood alongside our students every step of the way."

Results were exceptionally strong across the board, and a significant improvement on last year at nearly 80% of all grades at C or above. Standout results were posted by the following Departments; Biology, Chemistry, Further Maths and Religious Studies with 100% achieving A -C grades, and the Sociology Department, boasting a remarkable 100% A -C and 87% A -B grades. Our BTEC subjects also performed exceptionally well, with an impressive 100% of students attaining D -M grades!

Head of Sixth Form, Ranjit Pabila, commented: "Today's results reflect not just academic success but the strength of character our students have shown. Their perseverance in the face of pressure and their commitment to supporting one another with kindness have been nothing short of inspiring. With these qualities, we know they will thrive in the future wherever their journey takes them."

Highlights from individual students for A levels include; Khoa Lam with A*AA, Brian Quah with A*ABB, Isla Thornton with A*AB, Naol Hailu with A*AB and Kady Dumbuya with A*AB! Our outstanding BTEC highlights from individuals include; Celine Appiah with D*D*D*, Ronaldo Silva with D*D*D*, Gabriella Opoku with D*D*D*, Muhammad Zain Ahmed with D*D*D and Rayla Millot with D*D*D!

Over a third of our Year 13 students will begin courses at Russell Group Universities this Autumn. Destinations include Warwick, Kings College London, UCL, Birkbeck, Queen Mary, Bath, SOAS.

Ronaldo Silva has said "I'm so over the moon! My school and family have been so supportive and I can't wait to go to Kings.

"Ronaldo and Bridget will begin their Adult Nursing degrees at Kings College London in the Autumn.Kady Dumbuya also added "The experience and opportunity this school has given me is one of a kind. I feel ready for University both academically and personally.

For more information about Bishop Challoner Catholic School, please visit www.bishop.towerhamlets.sch.uk/

LONDON: FOREST GATE
St Bonaventure's 6th Form

Record-Breaking A* and A Grades - 24% of All Entries at Top Level. Year 13 students at St Bonaventure's 6th Form have yet again achieved their best ever set of post-16 examination results. 35% of our students have secured places at Oxbridge and prestigious Russell Group universities, while others are moving on to competitive apprenticeships across a wide range of sectors.

Congratulations to all the students who have made themselves, their families, and the whole school community proud. This success reinforces the school's reputation as one of the leading academic and vocational 6th forms in the London Borough of Newham.

Headteacher Chris McCormack was full of praise for the dedication demonstrated by the students in their exams, commenting: "We are absolutely delighted to celebrate our best-ever set of 6th Form results in 2025 - a truly outstanding achievement that reflects the hard work, resilience, and dedication of our students and staff. These results are a testament to what makes St Bonaventure's such a special place. Our students have not only excelled academically, but have also grown into kind, thoughtful, and responsible young adults.

As they now take their next steps into university, apprenticeships, or employment, we hold each of them in our thoughts and prayers, confident that they will go on to make a meaningful and positive impact in the world.

I would like to thank our parents for their continued support and partnership, and extend my heartfelt gratitude to our staff for their tireless dedication and care throughout the year.

Congratulations to all our students - we are so proud of you, and we wish you every success in the exciting journey ahead."

Key statistics are as follows:

A Level

Record-Breaking A* and A Grades - 24% of All Entries at Top Level.

A*-A up 6%.

A*-B up 5%.

Consistent excellence: A*-C at 90% for the third year in a row.

100% Pass Rate - Every student at St Bon's 6th Form achieves.

BTEC

39 D* (A*) Grades across our Sport and Business Courses.

100% D* to M Overall.

100% in Sport D*-D.

Please note M - Merit, D - Distinction, D* is Distinction starred

Particular highlights

A*A*A* - Leon and Liam
A*A*A - Izayah / Humaira / Mohammed
A*AA - Gabriel / Olimatou / Tendo / Abraham / Matthew
AAA/A*AB - Kyran / Disha / Victor / Zack / Zahra / Nijum / Irvinson / Archie / Ify /
Aaliyah / James (A*ABB) / Emmanuel (AABB)
Marcel, Emily, Mayesha, Marvin, Isaiah, Alisha, Kye all achieved D*D*D*

Leon, Head Boy at St Bon's achieved A*A*A*. He is set to pursue a degree in Computer Science and Mathematics at UCL. Upon opening his results he said, "The last two years have been a fabulous experience. Studying here is what you make of it but the whole school community nurtures you to achieve. I've worked so hard, but at the moment of opening my results, I had a moment of worry, but I'm so chuffed."

Close friend of Leon, Liam also achieved A*A*A* and expressed joy at receiving his results which has gained him a place to study Mechanical Engineering. He is waiting to confirm his place at either Queen Mary or UCL. "I'm speechless that my seven year journey has come to an end in the best way. I'm so thankful to all the teachers. Mr Imrith in particular has helped me immensely with Maths and Further Maths, without him I don't feel I would have got the A*. I'm so excited to meet new people and start a new journey towards a rewarding career."

KB is ecstatic to have achieved A* in Business and As in Maths and Economics. He has secured a prestigious graduate apprenticeship with KPMG. Opening his results alongside Mr Bartlett,Assistant Director of 6th Form, KB said "I've been so supported to take whatever direction I wanted by Miss Raja, our Careers Advisor, and in particular Mr Bartlett who has given me so much advice and helped me to practice interviews. An apprenticeship is absolutely the right thing for me. I can't wait to start at KPMG in Canary Wharf in October."

Mayesha & Alisha were at secondary school together and joined St Bon's to study BTEC Sports Science. They have supported each other all the way through and waited to open their results together. They both achieved the top grades of D*D*D* and are off to St George's University to study Physiotherapy and to Queen Mary's to study Business Management.

Wayne Templeman, Director of 6th Form, said: "We are incredibly proud of our students and the results they have achieved this year, which is a testament to the high standards we set and the effort put in by staff and students alike. It's been a privilege to watch the students grow into ambitious, capable young adults who are now ready to take their next steps. They have truly embodied the virtue of kinship, developing such positive relationships which has propelled their success as a cohort. We wish them every success in the future and are confident they will continue to make us proud."

St Bonaventure's School has proudly served the East London community for 148 years, and remains committed to being a community where each individual can grow spiritually, academically and socially while serving as a witness to the Catholic faith. Ofsted has rated the school Outstanding in all areas, recognising the exceptional quality of its teaching, leadership, and student care. And earlier in 2025, the Sunday Times named it the Happiest School in Newham, a testament to the positive and supportive environment in which students thrive and succeed.

For more information visit - www.stbons.org/

COVENTRY
St Bonaventure's 6th Form, Coventry

Students in Coventry have been celebrating their successes on this year's results day.

St Bonaventure's 6th Form , part of the Romero Catholic Academy, has announced its A-level and Vocational results for the 2024/25 academic year.

Students are celebrating after securing the grades required to progress onto top universities or apprenticeships in a wide range of subjects.

Francis Nono achieved Distinction*, Distinction*, Distinction in IT, business, and applied science.

He said: "I'm really happy to get my results today. I've done a lot of hard work both at home and in school to achieve these, so I'm really pleased.

"I'm now going to study cyber security at Aston University - I've always wanted to go into technology and received some good careers advice from my IT teacher. I'm looking forward to learning new skills, meeting new people and trying to find the right career path for me."

Hasan Mahmood achieved A*, A*, B in mathematics, further mathematics, and physics. He said: "I was nervous to open my results, but I'm absolutely over the moon with them. I spent two years working really hard, but it all paid off in the end.

"I'm now going to study maths at the University of Warwick - it's always been my dream to go there so all my effort has paid off and I'm really proud of myself."

Maame-Efua Banafo achieved A, A, B in biology, economics, and mathematics. She said: "I've really done myself proud with these results, and they are the result of months of hard work. I'm going on to study accounting and finance at university. I'm really looking forward to the university experience - it will be a nice change of pace and will give me some extra independence. I hope to have a career in accounting and finance, and also have a passion for writing fiction and will be continuing this too in the future."

Romeo Campbell achieved Distinction*, Distinction, Distinction in IT, business, and applied science. He said: "I'm absolutely over the moon, I tried to be confident but I still didn't expect to get such strong results. I really tried hard this year - a lot of hours went into achieving these results. I'm going to study cyber security at Aston University. The subject really resonated with me as it's all about keeping people safe on the internet and should be a good career path given that technology is constantly evolving. I'm really looking forward to university, studying in a new place and growing as a person."

Ndishe Sande achieved Distinction, Distinction, C in applied science, sports, and economics. He said: "I feel really happy with my results and have worked hard to achieve these. I'm going on to study Operating Department Practice at Coventry University. I've always wanted to do something to do within the edical profession, and this career path will give me experience in both surgery and recovery. I'm really looking forward to studying in Coventry - it's a really good university and they have some good placement options, so I'm looking forward to getting started."

Precious Frimpong Mansoh achieved A*, Distinction, B, C in Italian, business, chemistry and mathematics. She said: "I'm very happy with my results - I originally thought I wanted to go into the medical profession, but decided to steer more towards business and had some very good careers advice from my head of year.

"I'm now going to study accounting and finance at the University of Manchester. I'm really looking forward to university and the opportunities that it will bring."

Laura Burtonwood, Interim Principal at Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School, said: "We are incredibly proud of our students' hard work and dedication this year. Their determination and perseverance has truly paid off. These results reflect not only their academic capabilities, but our school values of knowledge, ambition and resilience. I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our dedicated staff, parents and carers who have provided unwavering support throughout the students' academic journey.

"These outcomes reflect Cardinal Wiseman's deep commitment to nurturing academic excellence, instilling aspirations and promoting inclusivity within our school community. We believe that every student can succeed, and these results are a powerful testament to that."