Year 11 students at St Francis Xavier's Catholic Academy (SFX), Woolton, returned to school on Thursday 20 August to receive their GCSE and BTEC results, marking the end of their secondary education and the beginning of an exciting new chapter.

Throughout the morning, students caught up with teachers and reflected on the friendships, experiences and opportunities that had shaped their time at the school, before discussing their next steps with staff and senior leaders.

Founded in 1842, SFX has been at the heart of Catholic education in Liverpool for almost two centuries. Today, as part of St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust, the academy continues to combine its proud history with high expectations, helping young people develop the knowledge, character and confidence to flourish.

This year's results reflect positive outcomes across GCSE and BTEC qualifications, with Spanish and IT among the standout subjects following notable improvements on the previous year.

Overall, 55-per-cent of students were awarded grades 9-4 in English and Mathematics, while there was also an overall 64-per-cent increase in high-end grades 9-7.

Students studying BTEC qualifications also performed strongly, with 10-per-cent achieving Distinction* or Distinction grades.

Many students will now continue their education at St Francis Xavier's Catholic Sixth Form, while others will progress to colleges, apprenticeships and training providers as they pursue a wide range of career aspirations.

Among those celebrating today was Callan Wade, who showed great determination with outcomes on average two grades higher than predictions. He secured a series of strong passes in Art, Business, Biology, Computer Science, English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, History, Science, Sports Studies and Religious Education. Callan is going on to study IT, History and Art at St Francis Xavier's Catholic Sixth Form.

Callan said: “I am really pleased that my hard work has paid off and I am now able to come back and study at SFX’s sixth form.”

Also celebrating today was Moazzam Ijaz, who achieved 12 strong passes, including eight grade 9s in Biology, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, German, Mathematics, Physics and Spanish, and will study Mathematics and Science at The Bluecoat.

Moazzam commented: “I would like to thank all of the staff at SFX who challenged and supported me.”

Joseph Cusack secured 10 strong passes, of which seven were grade 9s including Art, Chemistry, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Geography, Physics and Spanish. Joseph is now preparing to study Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry at Cronton College.

Joseph commented: “I’ve had good support from all the staff this year, especially those who have given up extra time early in the morning for revision classes all year.”

Mr David Hayes, headteacher of St Francis Xavier's Catholic Academy, said: “Today is a proud day for our Xaverians. Watching this year's Year 11 students reach this milestone has been incredibly rewarding, and today's results are a reflection of everything they have contributed to school life.

“For generations, SFX has been committed to providing an outstanding Catholic education that helps young people grow not only in knowledge, but also in faith, integrity, ambition and respect. As part of St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust, we are proud to continue that tradition, and we know our students leave us well prepared for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. We congratulate the class of 2026 and wish them every success for the future.”

Mr Michael Gun-Why, director of secondary education at St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust, added: “The achievements of our Year 11 students are a wonderful moment for the whole SFX community and for us as a trust. Congratulations to students, families, and of course, our dedicated staff.

“St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust has high aspirations for every young person across our family of academies, and today is about seeing those aspirations turn into opportunities. Whether students are moving on to sixth form, college, apprenticeships or another pathway, we are excited to see what they do next.”

St Francis Xavier's Catholic Academy will open its doors to prospective students and their families at its open evening on Thursday 24 September between 4pm and 7pm. The event will provide an opportunity to explore the academy, meet staff and students, and discover more about life at SFX and the opportunities available to those joining in September 2027.