There was a cause for celebration as Year 11 students at Notre Dame Catholic Academy collected their long-awaited GCSE and BTEC results after completing their examinations in the summer term.

Students gathered at the Everton-based academy, which is a member of St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust, to receive their results, celebrate their achievements and look ahead to the next exciting chapter in their education journey.

Greeted by the school’s teaching and pastoral teams who have worked with them throughout their five years at Notre Dame, students have been supported to become academically passionate and emotionally resilient young people.

This is demonstrated through this year’s results, with Notre Dame Catholic Academy recording an improved Attainment 8 score for special educational needs (SEND) and disadvantaged students, with an overall improved Progress 8 score for a third-year running.

Students have achieved strong GCSE and BTEC results across the board, with especially impressive outcomes in Art, Chemistry and Modern Foreign Languages, reflecting the breadth of achievement across the school.

Notre Dame has also seen an increase in the number of students with SEND achieving grade 5 or above in English and Mathematics, which follows the introduction of new targeted interventions, alongside the exceptional personalised support provided by its pastoral team.

With students now having received their results, which not only reflect their academic success but the progress and personal growth they have made in becoming confident and responsible citizens, they are now actively preparing to take their next steps into further education, apprenticeships and full-time employment.

Almost a third of 2026's Year 11 cohort have chosen to stay on at the Notre Dame, and have already enrolled to join its successful sixth form, which recorded improvements across A-level, applied general and technical pathways with increases in attainment, average grades and student progress following last week’s A-level and BTEC results day.

Among the students joining Notre Dame Catholic Academy Sixth Form is Mason McGlone, who opened his results envelope this morning to reveal a grade 9 in Chemistry, a grade 8 in Mathematics and a grade 7 in Physics. Mason also achieved 100-per-cent attendance throughout his time in Year 11.

Mason said: “I really enjoyed my time at Notre Dame. I am really happy with my results and I cannot wait to come back for sixth form!”

Also joining Mason at the academy’s sixth form is Charlie Austin who achieved a grade 8 in Mathematics and two grade 6s in Physics and Chemistry.

Charlie commented: “The teachers at Notre Dame are amazing and have given me great support during my time at the school – I am looking forward to coming back for sixth form.”

Other notable achievements came from Layton James who received a grade 9 in English language and three grade 7s in Geography, History and Mathematics.

Layon stated: “I am very happy with how my results turned out. I couldn’t be more pleased with my 9 in English Language. I am so thankful for all my teachers and friends who helped me laugh my way through it!”

Meanwhile, other students have chosen to join local colleges, start apprenticeships, or move into full-time employment, building on the progress they have made during their five years at Notre Dame.

Jewel Odubu, achieved a grade 8 in Religious Studies and a Distinction* in applied IT, and is moving on to Carmel College.

Mrs Victoria Taylor, headteacher of Notre Dame Catholic Academy, commented: “I am unbelievably proud of our Year 11 students who have collected their results today. This morning’s celebrations are much more than the grades students achieved, it has provided an opportunity to recognise the way in which their hearts, minds and doors have been opened during their time at Notre Dame, and to celebrate the growth they have made as individuals.

“The results are testament to the hard work and commitment students have demonstrated towards their studies. They also reflect the dedication of our wonderful staff, whose support is unwavering, as well as the close and positive partnerships we have built with our parents and carers.

“As students prepare for the next stage in their exciting journey, I encourage them to do so with the charity, courtesy, courage and confidence they have demonstrated during their time with us. For students leaving us for pastures new, we wish you all the success in the world, and for those returning to sixth form, I look forward to welcoming you back in September!”

Director of secondary education at St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust, Mr Michael Gun-Why, added: “Congratulations to the students of Notre Dame Catholic Academy who have collected their GCSE and BTEC results today. The grades they have received this morning reflect their focus, effort and determination, and are very well deserved. On behalf of St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust, I would like to wish all students the very best of luck as they embark on their next steps, whether that’s staying on at sixth form or moving on to college, apprenticeships and employment. Congratulations, once again, class of 2026!”

Notre Dame Catholic Academy will be holding its annual open evening on Thursday, 17 September between 4:00pm and 6:25pm, with a headteacher’s talk at 5:30pm, for prospective families and students to meet the school’s dedicated staff, learn about its enriched curriculum and strong pastoral support, and experience aspirational, value-led teaching.