Liverpool: Schools celebrate GCSE and BTEC exam success

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Catholic school students across the Archdiocese of Liverpool collected their exam results today - here are the reports so far:

Kensington

The Academy of St Francis of Assisi

Year 11 students from The Academy of St Francis of Assisi were in high spirits as they collected their GCSE and BTEC results.

The morning was filled with excitement and celebration as students shared their achievements with family, friends, and staff who supported them throughout their studies.

The academy, which is part of All Saints Multi Academy Trust, is celebrating its third consecutive year of improved results.

In English literature, 55 per cent of students achieved grades 9-4, up from 50.6 per cent in 2024, while maths saw an increase from 43.9 per cent to 48.5 per cent at grades 9-4.

Combined results for English and maths at grades 9-4 also rose significantly, from 36.7 per cent to 44.4 per cent.

Alongside these successes, notable improvements were seen in attainment across English, history, maths, languages and science, contributing to the academy's sustained rise in overall achievement.

Many students will now move on to the next stage of their education, with some continuing their studies at All Saints Sixth Form College in Garston, part of the All Saints Multi Academy Trust, to take on a range of A-level and BTEC courses.

Others have chosen different paths, including apprenticeships and training programmes.

Youssef Trabelsi achieved six grade 9s for biology, chemistry, computer science, English literature, maths and physics, grade 8s in history and English language, and a grade 7 in religious education. He is going on to study at the University of Liverpool Maths School.

Talal Al-Mashehari achieved seven grade 9s for English literature, computer science, maths, combined science, history and Arabic, two grade 8s for religious education and English language. He is going on to study computer science, maths and physics at Archbishop Blanch Sixth Form.

Talal said: "I am very proud to achieve these grades for which I worked so hard for."

Maximilian Hanudel gained four grade 9s in English literature, religious education, maths and history, four grade 8s in biology, chemistry, physics and computer science, and a grade 7 in English language. He is going on to study at the University of Liverpool Maths School.

Acacia Matiki achieved nine GCSEs in total, including a grade 9 for English literature, history and religious education, and a grade 8 for English Language.

With over 55 different languages spoken at The Academy of St Francis of Assisi, this year's achievements reflect the school's rich diversity. More than 45 per cent of Year 11 students speak English as an additional language, and many have gone on to achieve GCSEs in their first languages.

There were outstanding outcomes across a range of language GCSEs. In Polish, Zuzanna Dutkiewicz in Year 9, Laura Hreniak and Michalina Piaskowska, both in Year 11, all achieved grade 9.

In Portuguese, Becah Nogueira earned a grade 9, while Arthur Tiviroli and Bernado Freitas achieved grade 8s. Misha Skabieiev secured a grade 9 in Russian.

GCSE Arabic also saw top performances, with grade 9s for Mariam Ahlin in Year 10, Maram Ahlin in Year 9, Hadeel Daham in Year 9, and Lyth Al Gneness in Year 8, and a grade 8 for Rawa Bahak in Year 10.

Ms Jo Leech, headteacher of The Academy of St Francis of Assisi, said: "Our Year 11 students have worked incredibly hard and shown great determination throughout their time here. Their results truly reflect their efforts, and we're proud of every one of them.

"These achievements mark an important milestone, and we hope our students take real pride in all they've accomplished as they prepare for the next chapter of their lives."

The Academy of St Francis of Assisi is a coeducational joint-faith Roman Catholic and Church of England academy in Kensington, Liverpool, and is part of the All Saints Multi Academy Trust.

For more information about the school visit: www.asfaonline.org. Further details about All Saints Multi Academy Trust can be found at https://allsaintsmat.org.

Garston

Academy St Nicholas

This morning [Thursday, 21 August], The Academy of St Nicholas in Garston welcomed its Year 11 students as they collected their GCSE and BTEC results.

The atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation as students returned to the Horrocks Avenue-based academy. Supported by their families and staff, they eagerly opened their results and celebrated their achievements.

Overall, the academy has seen exceptional performances in art with 88 per cent of students obtaining grades 9-4. Additionally, 52 per cent of students achieved a grade 6 or above.

There has been a significant improvement noted in students obtaining a grade 4 or above in both maths and English language.

Vocational subjects have also shown marked progress, with an additional 10 per cent of students gaining Level 2 qualifications, with a 4 per cent increase in Distinction grades.

Many students will go on to study A-level and vocational courses at All Saints Sixth Form College, which is located on the same campus as the academy. From September, the sixth form college will offer a new and diverse curriculum, providing students with a wider range of academic and vocational pathways to suit their interests and career ambitions.

Notable successes this year include Larissa Barreto, who achieved an average GCSE points score above 7, including three grade 8s and five grade 7s.

Jack Newton also achieved an average GCSE points score above 7, including three grade 8s, three grade 7s and a Level 2 Distinction*.

Fellow student George Collison secured five grade 7s and one grade 8, while Kate Jones achieved a fantastic grade 9 in English Literature.

Other students who have done well to achieve an average points score of over 6 are Elizabeth Aderemi, Jerry Wei, and Phoebe Convery.

Headteacher, Mr Gary Lloyd, said: "We are extremely proud of our Year 11 students and all they have achieved during their time with us. Their results highlight just how hard they've worked and the progress they've made.

"It's great to see so many of them moving on to different paths - whether that is staying on at All Saints Sixth Form College, starting an apprenticeship, or heading into employment. We're confident they're ready for whatever comes next and wish them all the best for the future.

For information about the school visit: http://theacademyofstnicholas.org.uk/ Further details about All Saints Multi Academy Trust can be found at: https://allsaintsmat.org.

Croxteth

St John Bosco Arts College

There were smiles all round as staff, students and their families congregated in the school's sixth form centre from 8:30am following the opening of the all-important GCSE results envelopes.

Seen as the foundation for future pathways, this year's results demonstrated significant progress compared to last year, marking an important step forward in the school's overall exam performance.

An impressive number of students who received their results at St John Bosco this morning also completed enrolment to join its thriving sixth form, having opted to continue at the school to complete A levels and BTEC courses from September 2025.

Teigan Dunleavy, who achieved two grade 9s, a Distinction and a Distinction*, is staying on at St John Bosco Arts College to continue her studies.

Evie Price, who secured an outstanding six grade 9s, three grade 8s and a grade 7, is also progressing to A level study.

Another student who is continuing at St John Bosco Arts College is Maria Douba.

Maria said: "I'm so proud of what I've achieved and grateful to my teachers for all their support. Opening my results today was a mix of nerves and excitement, but seeing my grades has made it all worth it. I can't wait to start sixth form at Bosco in September to study A level biology, chemistry and physics, and I'm looking forward to taking the next step towards my future career."

During Maria's time at St John Bosco Arts College Sixth Form, she, along with other internal and external applicants, will benefit from a range of academic, extracurricular and social activities designed to support their independent study skills, personal development and chosen career pathway.

Headteacher at St John Bosco Arts College, Mr Darren Gidman, said: "This morning has been a fantastic celebration of resilience and achievement for all at St John Bosco Arts College. It has been a real joy watching students open their results envelopes as they see the hard work they've demonstrated during their time with us come to fruition with these tangible outcomes.

"At St John Bosco, we are guided by our core values of love, faith, community, respect and hope that inspire our students to flourish. Today, we've seen those values reflected in the success and growth of each student, marking an important milestone in their academic career.

"Whether students are continuing with us in September or moving on to pastures new, I would like to wish each and every one of them the very best of luck and congratulate them once again on their outstanding results."

This week has also seen St John Bosco host its annual summer school event for Year 7 students joining in September. Designed to ease the transition from primary school and ensure future secondary school success like this year's Year 11s have achieved, the week-long programme themed around Alice in Wonderland, gives students the opportunity to take part in a range of activities as they journey "down the rabbit hole" into their new secondary school life, including Mad Hatter crafting in the library.

St John Bosco Arts College is located in Croxteth, Liverpool. The college is an exciting, vibrant and dynamic girls' Catholic comprehensive school with a proud Salesian ethos. Mission statement: 'Together we inspire each other to flourish in faith, hope and love'. For more information, visit: www.stjohnboscoartscollege.com

Wallasey

St Mary's Catholic College

There were scenes of happiness and joy at St Mary's Catholic College in Wallasey this morning [Thursday, 21 August] as Year 11s returned to school to collect their GCSE results.

Students and staff were equally elated when the all-important envelopes were opened, revealing the results of months of effort, focus and determination.

The class of 2025 at St Mary's Catholic College, which is part of Holy Family Catholic Multi Academy Trust, has demonstrated improvements since last year, with results in line with expectations.

Following the receipt of their results today, Year 11 students at St Mary's will now be moving on to apprenticeships or further education, with many opting to complete their A-levels and BTEC qualifications at the school's new 'HFC Sixth Form College' that opens in September 2025.

This includes Riley Stevens, who is staying on to study maths, computer science and physics, and Maddie Fessey, who is staying on to study art, psychology and sociology.

Other great performances included Nathan Richards, who achieved grade 9s in design technology and art, and grade 8s in religious education and geography.

Oscar Sherwen, whose results included a Distinction* in drama, a Distinction in music, a grade 8 in religious education, and grade 7s in computer science, English, and maths.

Missy Duggan achieved a Distinction* in health and social care and child care, and a Distinction in dance.

Logan Gaines also performed really well and his results included grade 7s in English language, maths and religious education.

Antonia Holt's results included a Distinction* in drama and in health and social care. Antonia also achieved grade 7s in religious education and history.

Thomas Moor achieved grade 8s in religious education, English literature and English language, as well as grade 7s in design technology, maths and physics.

Mr Kevin Maddocks, headteacher at St Mary's Catholic College, said: "It has been an unforgettable morning here at St Mary's as staff, students and their families have come together to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our Year 11 cohort.

"Our students' success is a testament to the hard work and commitment they have shown throughout their GCSE studies, and they should be very proud of the progress and growth, both academically and socially, that they have made during this time.

"For those who are moving on to pastures new, I wish you all the very best of luck. And to those returning for sixth form, I look forward to seeing you in September!"

Located in Wallasey Village, St Mary's Catholic College is an 11-18 Catholic Academy is part of the Holy Family Catholic Multi Academy Trust. More details can be found at: www.stmaryswallasey.com and www.hfcmat.com.

Newton-le-Willows

Hope Academy

Hope Academy in Newton-le-Willows has marked another successful results day, with Year 11 students achieving strong GCSE and vocational outcomes across a wide range of subjects.

Students arrived early this morning [Thursday, 21 August] to collect their results with proud parents and carers. The day was the culmination of years of hard work and determination, with many surpassing their target grades and securing places on their chosen post-16 pathways.

Students have achieved strong results in English, mathematics and science. There has also been a significant strong performance in religious education, geography, computer science and physical education.

Students studying vocational subjects have continued to perform very well.

This year's cohort will go on to study A-level or vocational courses at local sixth forms and colleges, while others will embark on apprenticeships.

From this year's cohort, some of the top achievers include:

Zahra Bhatti, who secured 9s across every subject area.
Grace Frame achieved six grade 9s and two grade 8s and a grade 7.
Nicholas Tickle secured four grade 9s and four grade 8s.
Violet Fuller achieved four grade 9s and five grade 8s.
Logan Brinksman received three grade 9s, four grade 8s and two grade 7s.
Jesicca Livesley secured one grade 9 and eight grade 8s.

Student Vin Stokes is part of the inspiring bursary programme with Hope Opportunity Trust and The Royal Springboard Foundation. Vin secured four grade 9s, four grade 8s and a grade 7 and is going to Eton College, Berkshire.

Fellow bursary students who have also gained places at top independent schools including Emma Brookes who is going to St Peter's School York, Celia Cunliffe has secured a place at Concorde College in Shrewsbury, Rhys Knowles is going to Wellington College in Berkshire, Musa Miah is attending Haberdashers' Adams School in Newport and Talia Moorhouse is going to Pocklington School in York.

Amongst the other success stories who exceeded their target grades were; Arun Prasher, Joshua Quin, Abidul Haque, George Cain-Morris, Phillip Grabowy, Thomas Cannon, Thomas Wilde and Jack Underhill.

Mrs Marie Adams, principal of Hope Academy, said: "This morning was filled with smiles, laughter and joy as our Year 11 students opened their results. It's a milestone they have been working towards for years, and it was wonderful to see the pride on their faces as their hard work was rewarded.

"Congratulations to our Class of 2025, and my thanks go to our dedicated teachers and support staff who truly make a difference in the lives of our students. Through a well-rounded curriculum, we help our young people to achieve, grow and develop the confidence they need to take their next steps."

Mrs Adams added: "We wish them every success as they move forward into the next chapter of their lives."

Located on Ashton Road in Newton-le-Willows, Hope Academy is guided by the Holy Spirit and lives by its core values of 'Respect', 'Courage', 'Ambition' and 'Hope'. Find out more information about the academy, here: www.hopeacademy.org.uk.

Bebington

St John Plessington Catholic College

It was a morning of excitement today [Thursday, 21 August] for students at St John Plessington Catholic College in Bebington who celebrated receiving their GCSE results.

At 9am, the school opened its doors to Year 11 students and their families who had been eagerly awaiting to discover the outcome of months of hard work and commitment to their GCSE studies.

Greeted by members of staff as they arrived to collect their all-important envelopes, students were delighted with their results, which reflect the relentless dedication and determination they demonstrated in the lead up to this year's exam season.

St John Plessington Catholic College, which is a proud member of Holy Family Catholic Multi Academy Trust (HFCMAT), has continued to be in line with expectations, with an increase in the number of pupils achieving grades 9-7 and 9-5 in both English and Maths. Once again, the progress students have made has increased year on year.

Among the many success stories this year is David Fatokun, who achieved grade 9s in biology, chemistry, English language, English literature, geography, mathematics, physics and religious studies, as well as a grade 8 in computer science.

David said: "This shows that if you aim high, anything is possible."

James Alford received a grade 9 in chemistry; grade 8s in biology, English language, physics and religious studies; grade 7s in English language and Spanish; a grade 6 in geography and a grade 5 in English literature.

Daniel Chung secured grade 9s in chemistry, Mandarin, mathematics and religious studies; grade 8s in biology, English literature and physics; a grade 7 in geography; and a grade 6 in English language. Daniel also achieved a Level 2 Distinction in information technology.

Offering some words of wisdom, Daniel said: "It is important to believe in yourself and not compare yourself to others."

Pietro Frigo received grade 9s in physics and religious studies; grade 8s in chemistry and mathematics; grade 7s in biology, geography and Portuguese; grade 6s in English language and English literature; and a grade 5 in computer science.

Pietro commented: "I am very proud of my results and what I achieved. Everyone should be proud of what they have achieved."

With results day marking the end of students' compulsory education in England, Year 11 students at St John Plessington have, with the support of the school's careers advisors, already begun planning for their next steps, with many choosing to stay on to complete A-levels and BTEC qualifications at the school's new 'HFC Sixth Form College'.

Beth Gladwin secured grade 9s in chemistry, geography and religious studies; grade 8s in English language, English literature, mathematics and physics; and grade 7s in biology and Spanish.

Beth is remaining at St John Plessington to study geography, psychology and maths.

She said: "I feel amazing with my results and am very proud of what I achieved. I look forward to continuing my studies at St John Plessington."

Olivia Wainright received a grade 9 in religious studies; a grade 8 in English language; grade 7s in English literature and history; a grade 6 in mathematics and Spanish; and a 7-6 in combined science. Olivia also achieved a Level 2 Distinction in PE.

Olivia is also staying at St John Plessington to study biology, PE and psychology.

Mya Dutton achieved a grade 9 in English language; grade 8s in chemistry, Mandarin and mathematics; grade 7s in biology, geography, physics and religious studies; and a grade 6 in English literature.

Mya will return to St John Plessington to study physics, maths and Mandarin.

She said: "I am so pleased with my results and look forward to coming back to St John Plessington in September."

Jack Sharp secured grade 8s in biology, English literature, mathematics and physics; and grade 7s in chemistry, English language, geography, religious studies and Spanish.

Jack wants to pursue engineering at university and is returning to St John Plessington to study English, physics and maths.

Headteacher at St John Plessington Catholic College, Mr Peadar McLoughlin, said: "I always feel hugely privileged to be able to witness the sheer joy on students' faces as they open their GCSE results and today was no different.

"It has been a delight to celebrate our class of 2025's achievements this morning. Their results are a testament to the resilience they have shown to their studies, along with the unwavering support they have received from their families and our staff, who have been alongside them during this journey.

"I'm extremely proud of all students who have received their results today and look forward to welcoming many of them back in September. Well done Year 11!"

St John Plessington Catholic College is situated on Old Chester Road, Bebington. The SJP community is a place where all are respected, celebrated and encouraged to fulfil their true potential.