Hope Academy's Class of 2026 is celebrating after achieving impressive GCSE and BTEC results today.

On returning to the Newton-le-Willows academy, Year 11 students discovered they had secured the grades needed to move on to sixth forms, colleges, apprenticeships and other exciting opportunities.

Hope Academy, which is part of All Saints Multi Academy Trust, has seen students achieve excellent results across a wide range of subjects, with particularly strong performances in English language, English literature, RE, Science, Computing and Sport.

This year’s cohort achieved the highest Attainment 8 score in the academy's history, alongside its highest-ever percentage of students securing grades 9-5 in both English and Mathematics. The academy also recorded its best results for the proportion of students achieving five strong passes and grades 9-7 in both English and Mathematics.

English was a particular highlight, with 75-per-cent of students awarded grades 9-4 and 58-per-cent securing grades 9-5.

Olivia Murray achieved grade 9s in Geography, Photography, Separate Sciences and grade 8s in English Language, English Literature, Maths, RE and Spanish.

Olivia will be joining Carmel College to study A-levels in Geography, Biology and Psychology.  

She said: “I can’t believe my results – they are better than I could have ever imagined! I’m really excited about the future, and am looking forward to starting college and continuing the subjects I enjoy.”

Her family said: “We are absolutely delighted and incredibly proud of how well Olivia has done in her GCSEs. She has worked so hard, and it is wonderful to see all her effort and determination rewarded with such fantastic results.

“We would also like to say a huge thank you to all of her teachers for their encouragement, support and guidance throughout her time at Hope Academy. We really appreciate everything they have done to help her achieve so much.”

This year, five students have also been part of the inspiring bursary programme with Hope Opportunity Trust and The Royal Springboard Foundation.

Hope Opportunity Trust (HOT) is a charitable incorporated organisation with a mission to provide life-changing opportunities for young people by offering them the chance to receive fully-funded bursary places at leading boarding schools.

Ethan Gao is heading to Durham School after securing grade 9s in English Language, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography and RE, and grade 7s in English Literature and Spanish. He will study A-level Biology, Chemistry and Maths.

Other Hope Academy students will also take up places at schools across the country, with Fajr Alamoudi heading to Badminton School in Bristol, Robyn Knowles progressing to Dollar Academy in Scotland, Harley Magrasw moving on to Repton School in Derby and Jacob Partington joining Whitgift School in South Croydon.

Principal of Hope Academy, Mrs Marie Adams, said: “There is something very special about seeing students reach this point. Behind every set of results is a young person with their own story, their own challenges and their own ambitions, and today is about recognising all they have achieved.

“I have been fortunate enough to share many results days with our students over the years, and every one is unique. Seeing this year's cohort open their envelopes for the final time as Hope Academy students has been a real privilege.”

Mrs Adams will step down as principal of Hope Academy at the end of the summer. Mrs Danielle Scott will take up the role from September, leading the academy as it begins the new academic year.

Mrs Adams added: “It has been an honour to lead Hope Academy and to work alongside such dedicated staff, supportive families and inspiring young people. I know the academy has a bright future ahead, and I wish Mrs Scott every success as she takes on the role of principal.”

The academy’s open evening will take place on Thursday, 4 September from 4pm until 7pm, giving prospective students and their families the chance to experience school life and explore the opportunities available.