Catholic state schools celebrate excellent A-level and BTEC results

The length and breadth of the country, Catholic schools report a bumper yield of improved and outstanding grades. Loreto College in Manchester, which has the second largest number of students receiving free school meals in England, attained a 99.2 per cent pass rate at A level.

The sixth form college in Hulme, south Manchester, also achieved 100 per cent pass rates for students taking BTEC extended certificate

The headteacher, Michael Jaffrain told The Tablet: “We have had the highest number of A*-A grades awarded, ever this year”.

Two thousand two hundred students took A Levels or Vocational qualifications this summer: 1,679 received A* – A grades. Sixty-four per cent received A* – B grades at A Level, and 100 per cent achieved A* – B grades for the Extended Project Qualification. Pathways students also achieved an 100 pass rate in their NOCN Employability Certificate and Functional Skills.

“I am overjoyed with these results and the transformative impact these successes will have on the lives of so many young people”, said Jaffrain. This year results had broken all previous records, he added.

He told The Tablet Loreto College has the highest number of students going to Oxbridge in the North-West: “Twenty students have been offered places at Oxbridge this year. We have students from the most deprived socio-economic backgrounds. There is an extraordinary amount of pastoral support at the College, including for our students with mild to severe learning difficulties”.

Jaffrain attributed the College’s success to the hard work of staff and students and the ethos of the Venerable Mary Ward, who founded the IBVM (Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary). Ward and her community of religious sisters – now part of the Congregation of Jesus – established the Loreto schools in the seventeenth century.

“Mary Ward’s ethos is one of social mobility and social justice,” added Jaffrain, who said he benefits from the counsel of her sisters.

He described Ward as “a pioneer” who had “fought to educate women especially the poorest. In the 21st century, that extends to all our students. Since the Loreto Sisters first arrived in Manchester 175 years ago, our mission, ethos and outstanding commitment to our students have continued. We remain aspirational, supportive and nurturing community guided by the seven values of our foundress: Joy, Justice, Truth, Sincerity, Freedom, Internationality and not least, Excellence,” added Jaffrain.

Andy Burnham, the prime minister, visited Loreto College in Hulme on several occasions while Mayor of Manchester. A celebratory breakfast was offered to students collecting their results this morning.

Almost a quarter of all A Level grades awarded to students at St Anne’s Catholic School and Sixth Form College, Southampton were at A* or A.

Nearly half of all grades were A* to B while vocational students obtained a 100 per cent pass rate across all BTEC qualifications.

Eighty-six per cent of those taking the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) achieved grades A*-B. This “ demonstrates the independent research, critical thinking and academic skills that prepare students well for university study”, said a spokesperson for the school.

The headteacher, Julian Waterfield said: “These results represent far more than grades. They reflect years of commitment, resilience and personal growth from a remarkable group of young people. We are tremendously proud of all they have achieved and the many ways they have contributed to the life of our school community. Watching them grow in confidence, discover their strengths and prepare for their next steps is at the heart of what we do. We are incredibly proud of them.”

At St Aidan’s and St Anthony’s Catholic Sixth Form in Sunderland fifteen per cent of students achieved A*- A and 45 per cent achieved A*-B  grades at A-level.

“We have some incredible success stories and some very happy families,” said Anne-Marie Whitten, headteacher of St Aidan’s Catholic academy, a joint co-educational sixth form with St Anthony’s.

This year one student has gained a place at Oxford to study Experimental Psychology. Joshua Ogunbode achieved an A* in Psychology and A grades in Maths and Sociology. “It was a lot of effort, but thankfully it was worth it in the end”, he said.

Ava Fawell will study Music at Durham University after achieving an A* in English Literature, two As in Economics and Music and a B in Maths. “I am totally speechless, but so pleased with my results!” she said. Ben Fawcett obtained A* grade and two As and will study Mechanical Engineering at Newcastle University

Pre-16, the schools operate as  single-sex establishments. At keystage 4, approximately 20 per cent receive pupil premium or free school meals.

“We work hard to keep them onto Sixth Form,” said Whitten. “We are very proud to keep them with us. Lots of students are on bursaries.”

This reflects the legacy of the Christian Brothers who founded St Aidan’s, a boy’s school up to A-levels, and the Daughters of Mercy who founded St Anthony’s, which is a girls school only up to the age of 16.  The nuns retain a convent on the school premises.

“Both orders worked for the poorest of the poor. We retain that legacy,” said Whitten, adding that St Aidan’s and St Anthony’s continue the orders’ emphasis on compassion, mercy and seeing the world through the eyes’ of others.

At Bishop Challoner Catholic School Sixth Form in Tower Hamlets, East London, every single A-level biology student attained A*-A grades.

Ninety-two percent of those taking Sociology A-level achieved A* – B grades as did 80 per cent of Chemistry A-level students.

In Btec Business, 92 per cent of students attained D*D*D*-DDD grades while  90 per cent of students attaining D*D*D*-DDD grades in Btec Health and Social Care. According to the Advanced Level Performance System (ALPS1 ), the school’s BTEC rating places it in the top one per cent for vocation provision in the country. Its ALPS  2 rating places the school in the top 10 per cent nationwide for A-levels.

The headteacher Adam Hall said, “These results are a wonderful celebration of everything our students have achieved. At Bishop Challoner we believe in ‘doing ordinary things extraordinarily well’, and this year group has embodied that philosophy through their everyday commitment, perseverance and ambition. We are immensely proud of every one of them.”

At St Mary’s Catholic College is Wallasey, Merseyside students taking vocational qualifications performed half a grade higher than students nationally, securing an average grade of Merit+. 

 Head of sixth form, Mrs Sarah Witan, said: “The results students have received today are a true reflection of the dedication and commitment they have demonstrated during their two years of study, and are so very well deserved.”

St Mary’s is part of the Holy Family Catholic Multi-Acdemy Trust.

At St Andrew’s Catholic School Leatherhead, 49 per cent of all A Level grades obtained by students were A*/A. More than 86 per cent were A*-B.

Ninety-six per cent of A-level takers at the school in Surrey obtained A*-C at A-level. Seventy per cent of BTEC students achieved Distinction* or Distinction grades. Ninety-nine per cent achieved between Distinction* and Merit.

Four students have gained places at Oxford or Cambridge, five will study Medicine and two will pursue studies in Veterinary Science. More than 20 will be taking degrees in Engineering. Others will pursue degrees and apprenticeships in subjects as diverse as Sport Science, Business, Art, Dance, Textiles and Fashion, Geography, Languages, History, PPE, Mathematics, Physics and the Social Sciences.

“These outcomes are the result of world-class teaching, outstanding pastoral support, committed families and, above all, students who have worked tirelessly towards their goals. They demonstrate what can be achieved when young people are given the belief, encouragement and opportunity to succeed,” said the headteacher, Alan Mitchell.

At Newman Catholic College in Harlesden, north-west London, more than half of all students attained A*-B grades (or BTEC equivalent).

On average, students achieved one grade higher than their expected Keystage 5 targets. Students have secured university places across the country from Physics at Newcastle to Accounting and Finance at Warwick as well as Biomedical Sciences and more and also degree apprenticeships in finance, computing and marketing.

Headteacher Andy Dunne said: “These results are a reflection of the hard work and dedication our students have demonstrated during their time at Newman. We are exceedingly proud of their achievements and are hugely grateful for the unwavering support from our staff and parents.”

At St John Bosco Arts College, Liverpool, 72 per cent of A level grades were A* – C. This marked an increase of 24 cent compared to results in 2025.

Vocational students taking applied general qualifications had an 100 per cent pass rate across all subjects and an average grade of Merit+. Forty-two per cent of applied general grades were awarded Distinction* or Distinction.

The headteacher Darren Gidman said: “This morning has been a wonderful opportunity to come together as a Salesian family to reflect on our students’ successes and recognise how, when a school community comes together, everyone is inspired to flourish. 

At St Cuthbert’s Catholic High School in Newcastle 30 per cent of all A-Level grades were awarded at A or A*, while more than half of all grades achieved were between A* and B.

The average A-Level grade at the single-sex boys’ school was a strong B. Ten students secured at least three grades at A or A*, while 14 students achieved AAB or better. More than half of all vocational grades, 53.5 per cent were awarded at Distinction or above. Some of the 2026 leavers have gained places at the University of Cambridge, Durham University and the Royal College of Music. Others are pursuing high-level apprenticeships.

Headmaster Dan Murray said: “Today’s results are a wonderful achievement for our students and a fitting reward for their hard work and commitment. We are proud not only of their academic success, but of the great young men they have become through their time at St Cuthbert’s.”

He added that St Cuthbert’s considers education to involve “far more than examination results. The school’s mission is to form ‘great men’” who “recognise their God-given gifts, strive for excellence, and use their talents in the service of others.” 

Two-thirds of A-level students at St Bonaventure’s Sixth Form in Forest Gate, London secured A* – B grades at A-level.

The leavers had a nearly 100 per cent pass rate. Many will progress to Russel Group universities, including University College London, York, Warwick, Nottingham, Manchester and Birmingham, while others have secured places on competitive degree apprenticeships, including with Jaguar LandRover.

Headteacher Chris McCormack said:  “We are very proud of this year group and of the staff who have supported them throughout their journey. Behind every grade is a story of hard work, perseverance and,

in many cases, overcoming challenges along the way. What makes us particularly proud is not simply where our students are going next, but the people they have become during their time with us. As our students move on to university, apprenticeships and employment, we will keep them in our thoughts and prayers”

St Joseph’s Catholic Academy, Hebburn is celebrating its highest results for the past four years. Over 75 per cent of students attained A*-C grades, or their vocational equivalent. 

In BTEC subjects there was an 100 per cent pass rater and Distinction was the average grade. The headteacher, James Crowe said: “We are immensely proud of our student body and their efforts. Each student has their own story, and this year has seen some excellent achievements.”

He continued: “The vast majority of students have been accepted at their chosen university, on to an apprenticeship. That includes one student awarded a paralegal apprenticeship at the global law firm Clifford Chances. [Others] will take up roles in the workplace while others are pursing gap years.”

The academy in South Tyneside belongs to the Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust.

At St Ambrose College in Altrincham six students have taken up offers to Oxbridge. Almost 50 per cent of all A level grades were at A*/A and just shy of 80 per cent  of grades were A*-B.

Ninety-five per cent of students attained grades A*-C. Eight students achieved straight A* grades, a further 2 students attained 3 A* grades and 1 A, and almost 40 students attained a minimum of grade A across all of their A levels.

The principal, Dermot Rainey said: “Throughout their time in the Sixth Form, the attitude of these students has been first class and matched the aspirations they set for themselves. There has always been a palpable desire from them to do well and to support each other in doing so.”

He added: “Teaching staff and support staff have supported these young men every step of the way, regularly going the extra mile to support, whether that be academically, pastorally or spiritually”.

“Despite STEM subjects tending to attract the highest numbers of students for KS5 courses at St Ambrose, 13 students took Religious Studies as an A level this year. Sixty-two per cent of students achieved a grade A*/A with 100* achieving A*-C, as has been the case for the past 4 years”, he told The Tablet.

Fifteen students at the Catholic state-funded grammar school have accepted places to study Medicine and Dentistry.

Exceptional numbers of students from Sacred Heart Catholic School in Fenham, Newcastle obtained A and A* grades at A-levels.

Leavers from the school founded in 1905 by the Society of the Sacred Heart will be taking up places at universities, including Oxford, Durham, and Edinburgh, and highly competitive medical schools.  

Meanwhile, vocational students attained top Distinction* grades. These results have paved the way for students to study subjects such as Law, nursing, midwifery, and optometry. Others obtained prized legal apprenticeships.

The headteacher Suzanne Howell said: “These excellent results will open doors to the careers and the futures our students aspire to.” She added: “The results this year are exceptionally good and are testament to the commitment of our girls. You are all exceptional, inspiring, and talented young women.”

Two students from Maria Fidelis FCJ school in London have secured degree apprenticeships one of the world’s leading biomedical research centre, the Francis Crick Institute.

Maria Fidelis is the only school offering a placement with the Institute as part of its T Level in Laboratory Science. Another pupil secured a place at Oxford to study biomedical science.

The 2026 A-level and BTEC results at St George’s Catholic School in west London are the ‘best yet’ in terms of progress says the headteacher.

Cathal Gregory said: “There was a 20 per cent increase in number of Distinctions and Distinction* at BTEC. Nearly a quarter of all grades at A level were A*-A and over half of grades A*-B. These grades have translated into some exceptional destinations.”

Hana Khoueirywho achieved three A* and one A secured a place at Cambridge, while a second student, Maria Kolesnykwho attained three A*’s “has entered into the into the Cambridge reconsideration as well as holding an offer to study Politics and International Relations at Bristol.

Gregory added: “We are looking on track to have our highest ever cohort – over 30 per cent studying at a Russel Group university in courses as diverse as Law, History, English Literature, Biomedical Sciences, Aeronautical Engineering, Zoology and many more. It is wonderful to see so many confident and happy young people go into the next stage of their lives.”

Douay Martyrs Catholic Sixth Form in London is celebrating 85 per cent of all A Level students obtaining A* – C grades and 75 per cent of Applied ICT students achieving Dist*-Distinction.

In addition, 95 per cent of Mathematics students achieving A-C grades and 35 per cent obtained A*-A grades. Eighty-five per cent of Biology students achieved A-B grades. Of those, 60 per cent achieved  A*-A grades. 95 per cent of Mathematics students achieving A-C grades and 35 per cent obtained A*-A grades. Eighty-five per cent of Biology students achieved A-B grades. Of those, 60 per cent  achieved  A*-A grades. In Economics, two-thirds of the grades were A*-B and 70 per cent of students taking Physics A level obtained A*-C grades.

Many students have secured their places at Russell Group universities including London School of Economics, King’s College London, Queen Mary University of London, University of Southampton, and University of York. Others have secured L6&L7 Apprenticeships.

Many students have secured their places at Russell Group universities including London School of Economics, King’s College London, Queen Mary University of London, University of Southampton, and University of York. Others have secured L6&L7 Apprenticeships.

The headteacher Ms F McCloskey said: “The year-on-year improvement in our students’ outcomes reflects their hard work and our staff’s commitment to them. Congratulations to every one of our students, and thank you to their families and to our staff for the support that has made this success possible.”

Ninety-seven per cent of students at St Benet Biscop Catholic Academy in Bedlington, Northumberland  passed their A levels.

Nearly a quarter – 23 per cent – obtained A * or A grades. Sixty-eight percent were awarded A* – C grades.  Ninety- five per cent have now secured their first choice of university, including Durham, Manchester and Newcastle.

Headteacher Suzanne Lewis-Dale said: “These achievements are a testament to their hard work, determination and resilience throughout their studies living out our RISE values (Resilience, Integrity, Self-Discipline and Excellence). 

“They have embraced challenges, supported one another and shown a commitment to achieving their very best. We recognise and celebrate not only the excellent results achieved, but also the personal growth, character and perseverance our students have shown along the way.”

St Ignatius College, Enfield obtained “outstanding” A level results this year, said the headteacher.

Natasha Socrates said that 26. 2 per cent of students had obtained A*-A and 59.3 per cent had obtained A*-B grades and 88.2 per cent had obtained A* – C grades while 99.2 per cent attained A8-E grades.

 In Further Maths,  fifty-six per cent of students at the all-boys voluntary-aided school had attained A*-A grades and so did 56 per cent of those taking Physics A Level. Forty-eight cent of students taking Maths A Level attained A*-A . Seventy three per cent of those taking Biology had obtained A*-B grades. Sixty-nine per cent of those taking English Literature also obtained A*- B grades.

Loreto grammar school in Altrincham, Cheshire is celebrating “exceptional results” that exceed their previous best grades two years ago.

This year, 21.7 per cent of all student A level grades were A*, while 57.7 per cent were A* – A grades. Forty-three students at the girls’ grammar school obtained three As and A*s. Eight students achieved straight A*s.

The headteacher Jane Beever said: “We are thrilled that the girls have achieved such excellent outcomes- our role as educators is to help nurture individual gifts and talents and this is clearly evident in today’s results and in the rich and diverse future destinations which are now open to the girls.”

Seven leavers will proceed to Oxbridge and a further 12 will take up apprenticeships, including to obtain a commercial pilot’s license at the Leading Edge Aviation Flight Training School. Other apprenticeships were awarded at leading firms including Deloitte, KMPG/PwC, Grant Thornton and AJ Bell.

Mrs Beever added: “We are particularly proud given that this year we will celebrate 175 years of Loreto education in the United Kingdom beginning in Manchester in 1851. The Loreto sisters and their nationwide schools have had a profound impact on the history of education in this country and that includes the lives of so many here at Loreto Grammar School.”

She  told The Tablet: “Mary Ward had a phrase let no day go by in which you do not heroically conquer challenge yourself. Some girls have conquered health and well being challenges. The girls certainly deserve their success.”  

St Mary’s Catholic School, Newcastle celebrated “exceptional” exam results.

More than 20 students attained at least three A/A* or Distinction/Distinction* grades across their Level 3 qualifications, with many more securing strong results across their chosen programmes of study.

They now prepare to continue their education at Oxbridge and other leading UK universities including University College London, Edinburgh, Durham, Manchester, Leeds.  Many wil study competitive courses including as Engineering, Natural Sciences, Medicine, Law, Artificial Intelligence, Economics and Mathematics, Pharmacy, Architecture, Optometry and Social Work. Others are pursuing apprenticeships, employment and further training.

“The school is equally proud of every student,” said the headteacher, Emma Patterson. She said the results were “the culmination of years of sustained effort, and our young people have approached their studies with remarkable determination, maturity and resilience. Our students have achieved excellent outcomes across both academic and vocational courses, including some truly exceptional individual performances. Just as importantly, the breadth of their destinations demonstrates the ambition of this remarkable group of young people. They leave us as confident, compassionate and ambitious young adults, ready to use their gifts and talents.”

Sixth Form students at St Thomas Becket Catholic School and Sixth Form, Northampton obtained “particularly strong” A level results.

All students obtained A* – C in a range of subjects including English Literature, Art, Further Maths, Media and Geography. More than two-thirds of BTEC grades were Distinction or Distinction*. And 97 per cent students pursuing further studies have secured places at their chosen universities. A third head off this autumn to Russell Group universities including Exeter, York and Nottingham.

Paul McCahill, Headteacher at the school, which is part of Our Lady Immaculate Catholic Academies Trust (OLICAT), said: “Our young people should be extremely proud of their results. They have worked incredibly hard throughout their time in Sixth Form and thoroughly deserve this success. It has been fantastic to see high levels of achievement across a wide range of our A-level and vocational courses, highlighting the diverse post-16 pathways on offer here at St Thomas Becket.

He added: “As these wonderful students begin the next exciting chapter of their lives, I know they will continue to excel, and I can’t wait to hear about all that they go on to achieve.”

Students from Upton Hall School FCJ in the Wirral achieved exceptional results this year:  40 per cent of all grades were A/A* and more than 20 per cent of students achieved three top grades.

Oxbridge applicants achieved an 100 per cent success rate, reflecting the exceptional dedication and talent across the school community. In addition, several students also secured the grades required to join degree‑level apprenticeship programmes, showcasing the diverse, ambitious pathways students are choosing for the future.

The headteacher, Andrea Gaunt, said: “We are incredibly proud of every student, especially those preparing to begin their university journeys at the end of the summer.”

Students at St Mary’s College Hull made “remarkable progress”

Students celebrating outstanding results this morning included Seb Sutkowy, who secured a place to study Engineering at King’s College, Cambridge after he obtained A* grades in Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Physics and a B in Computer Science, and Nabiha Habib who will be going to the Hull York Medical School, after attaining an A in Biology alongside B grades
in Chemistry and Maths. Meanwhile, Katie Drake-Davis will take up a place at Newcastle University after she achieved an A* in Criminology paired with matching A grades in Law and Sociology. And Mary Leia who earned a Distinction in BTEC Sport will begin a career path into healthcare, starting an apprenticeship in Nursing in September.

The executive headteacher Maria Stead said: “I am so proud of our students and everything they have achieved. It is, as always, a reflection of their dedication and drive, alongside unwavering support from the 6 th form staff body. I wish them all well as they take their exciting future steps.”

“Excellent” results at St Michael’s Catholic High School Watford

Almost all students have been offered places at the university of their choice. Headteacher Edward Conway said: “We are thrilled with the excellent A Level and BTEC results achieved by our students which demonstrates their outstanding effort over the past two years. These results show the amazing commitment of our students towards their studies. Furthermore, this cohort has made a really positive contribution towards the life of the school which has benefitted the entire school community. They have also demonstrated a significant commitment towards our numerous social justice projects and many showed exceptional leadership qualities during our pilgrimages to Lourdes. We are incredibly proud of our magnificent students”.

Mr Conway continued ‘I am extremely grateful to our excellent staff for their superb teaching and dedication towards our students. These outstanding results would not have been possible without them and their fantastic commitment and professionalism. We wish our class of 2026 every success in their futures whether they are at university, entering the world of work or taking up further training opportunities or apprenticeships. I am confident that wherever they are in the future they will continue to live out our Mission Statement of Bringing Christ To All And All To Christ.’

“Outstanding” A Level, T Level and BTEC results at Painsley Catholic College, Cheadle

Fifty per cent of grades were A* /B or equivalent and 100 per cent were A* – E grade. Seventy-eight per cent of students attained Distinction or higher for applied general qualifications while 95 per cent of T Level students achieved merit or higher (equivalent to 3 B’s at A Level). And 83 per cent of students obtained A*/A grades in the Extended project qualification.

Some are progressing to leading universities including Cambridge, Manchester, Durham, Warwick, York, Liverpool and Lancaster. Others have secured  degree apprenticeships with organisations including Rolls Royce and the NHS.

The Principal, Mrs R Waugh, said: Principal, Mrs R Waugh, said: “Today is a celebration of everything our students have achieved. Their maturity, determination and resilience have been remarkable, and these excellent results are thoroughly deserved.
I would like to congratulate every one of our students and thank our exceptional teaching and support staff for the care, expertise and commitment they show every day. I am also incredibly grateful to our parents and carers for the partnership they have shared with us throughout their children’s education.

She continued: “As our students begin the next chapter of their lives at university, in apprenticeships or in employment, we know they will continue to embody the values of Painsley Catholic College”.

Notre Dame Catholic Academy Sixth Form in Everton celebrated strong and improved results

The Academy, which is part of the St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust, has seen improvements across A-level, applied general and technical pathways with increases in attainment, average grades and student progress, recording an overall value added score of +0.69.  

The headteacher Mrs Victoria Taylor, said: “We are incredibly proud of our Year 13 students and the excellent progress they have made. These results reflect their hard work, determination and commitment, as well as the dedication of our staff team and the support of families and carers. It is particularly pleasing to see improvement across all pathways, including A-level, applied general and technical qualifications. 

“Our students leave Notre Dame with strong outcomes, confidence and aspiration for the next stage of their education, training or employment. We congratulate every student on their achievements and wish them every success for the future.”

Bishop Walsh Catholic School Sutton Coldfield pleased by “fantastic” results at A Level and in Vocational Qualifications

The school was delighted by a six per cent increase in the proportion of A* – A grades compared with last year and especially pleased with the performance of students studying vocational qualifications. The Sixth Form achieved strong progress across these courses, with students, on average, making better progress than expected from their starting points. This reflects the significant impact of the teaching, support and guidance they have received during their time in the Sixth Form.

“We are proud to offer and celebrate both academic and vocational pathways,” said the headteacher, Mrs N Brodie. “Today’s results show that students can thrive and achieve outstanding outcomes on either route and that we are committed to supporting every young person to fulfil their potential.”

“ Our results are a testament not only to the determination of our students, but also to the commitment of our teaching and support staff,” added Mrs Brodie, whose school belongs to the St John Paul II Multi-Academy Trust.

Students at Finchley Catholic High School received the school’s best A Level results to date this morning.

Thirty-two per cent of all grades were A*-A, while 62 per cent were A*- B. Triple A* students are taking up places at Manchester, Durham, Leeds, Bath, Notingham and Bristol Universities and University College London.

The headteacher, Ciran Stapleton said:  “We are so proud of all of our students who received their A Level results this morning – we congratulate each and every one of them! The students will be bringing the values of the school and continuing their next steps into the areas of Law, Medicine, International Development, Pharmacology, Artificial Intelligence, Computing Science , Maths, Economics, Accountancy, Finance, Film and Television, Nursing, Criminology, Engineering, Construction and the Civil service – both at University at Apprenticeship levels as well into direct employment.”

St Bernards’ Catholic Grammar School, Slough celebrated another year of excellent A Level results.

Students achieved exceptional outcomes across a wide range of subjects, continuing the school’s strong tradition of academic excellence.

This year, a record 75 per cent of all grades were awarded at A-B*. In Mathematics,  59 per cent of grades awarded at A-A* and 79 per cent at A-B*. In English, 67 per cent of grades were A-A* and in Sociology, 78.6 per cent of grades were A-A*. Students are going on to university, taking up higher degree apprenticeships or entering professional pathways.

The headteacher, Paul Kassapian, said: “The Class of 2026 holds special significance for the school. Many students in this year group were among the first cohort to join St Bernard’s following the school’s expansion to five forms of entry in 2019. Those students who joined the school in the Sixth Form have also flourished as part of the school’s strong emphasis on the students’ academic, spiritual and pastoral support.”

At St Wilfrid’s Roman Catholic College, South Shields students outperformed the national average for A* – C grades.

Nationally, the figure is around 79 per cent.  At St Wilfred’s, 84 per cent of students attained A*-C grades, and 28 per cent, A* to A grades. In addition, 18 per cent of students secured AAB or above, opening doors to highly competitive university courses, higher apprenticeships, and careers.

The Class of 2026 achieved an impressive overall average grade of B,alongsidepositive value added across all qualifications. More than two-thirds of technical qualification grades were awarded at Distinction* to Distinction.  Students studying technical qualifications achieved remarkable success: 100 per cent of technical qualifications were graded at Merit or above.

The headteacher, Mr G Sanderson, said: “These exceptional results reflect not only academic success, but also the character St Wilfrid’s students have developed throughout their time in the Sixth Form. Alongside their studies, students have embraced a wide range of enrichment opportunities, including the Extended Project Qualification, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, World Challenge, community volunteering, leadership roles, and a range of charitable initiatives. These experiences have helped to shape them into confident, compassionate, and well-rounded young people who are ready to make a positive contribution to our society”.

St John Plessington Catholic College, Bebington recorded improved A-level results, with 77 per cent of students achieving A* – C grades.

Overall, 97 per cent of students achieved A* – E grades, and 98 per cent of those completing vocational subjects secured Distinction* – Merit. 

Headteacher, Mr Peadar McLoughlin, said: “On behalf of all staff and governors at St John Plessington, as well as the wider Holy Family Catholic Multi Academy Trust family, I would like to congratulate our class of 2026 on their excellent A-level and BTEC results. The results students have received today are testament to the high expectations they have of themselves, as well as those that our staff hold. While students are leaving us today for pastures new, they will always be a special part of St John Plessington, and we wish them every success in their future endeavours.”

Strong and improved results at All Saints’ Sixth Form College, Garston, Liverpool

Based at The Academy of St Nicholas in Garston, All Saints Sixth Form College welcomes students from across Liverpool, with this year’s cohort progressing to a wide range of destinations including university, apprenticeships and employment.

The college, which is part of All Saints Multi Academy Trust, has once again celebrated a year of improved examination outcomes, with students achieving strong results across a wide range of subjects.

English, mathematics, computer science, criminology, business, sport and IT all recorded further improvements, reflecting the dedication, hard work and resilience of students, alongside the commitment and expertise of staff. These results continue the college’s upward trajectory and highlight its ongoing focus on delivering high-quality teaching and learning across the curriculum.

Mr Gary Lloyd, headteacher of The Academy of St Nicholas, said: “It’s been a pleasure to see these young people grow in confidence during their time at All Saints Sixth Form College. They have worked hard to reach this point, and today’s results are a reflection of their determination and the support they have received from staff, families and friends.”

Marymount International School in London reported an 100 per cent pass rate in the International Baccalaureate

Founded in 1955, Marymount was the first all-girls’ school in the United Kingdom to adopt the International Baccalaureate curriculum (Middle Years and International Baccalaureate Diploma). This year, 15 per cent of IB students gained 40 or more points out of a total of 45, 31 per cent were awarded a bilingual diploma and 58 per cent scored 36 points or more. The pass rate was 100 per cent and 36.07 was the initial average score.

IB Diploma students are graded on six subjects on a scale of 1 – 7. Three points are also awarded for the core components: Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and the Extended Essay (EE). Creativity, Action, Service (CAS).

Established under the auspices of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary (RSHM), Marymount is part of a network of 18 global schools worldwide. At Marymount, London there are 200 students representing 40 nationalities. The school is in the top 1 per cent of IB schools globally.

The headteacher, Margaret Giblin, said: “These results are a testament to the ability, hard work, ambition and dedication of our students. They are also a reflection of what can be achieved through inspiring teaching, a school culture that encourages every young person to realise their potential, and the strong partnership we share with our families…They leave us as compassionate, confident young adults with a truly global mindset, ready to make a positive difference wherever life takes them.”

Mrs Giblin told The Tablet: “There is a synergy between Roman Catholic teaching and the IB which is fundamentally an holistic endeavour, a multi-faceted education committed to the development of the whole person. The IB expects to develop people who will contribute meaningfully to the world”.

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