The hard work and determination of students at St Francis Xavier’s Catholic Academy Sixth Form (SFX) in Woolton has been rewarded as they proudly received their A-level and BTEC results.

Students arrived at the sixth form early to share the pivotal moment with friends and families as they prepare to take the next steps towards university, apprenticeships, employment and further study.

There were plenty of smiles as students collected the envelopes containing their results, with staff on hand to provide advice and support as they plan for the opportunities ahead.

St Francis Xavier’s Catholic Academy Sixth Form, which is part of St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust (SJCMAT), has seen a wide range of achievements across its sixth form this year, with students securing strong results in both A-level and BTEC courses.

This year’s results include 85-per-cent of A-level students heading to university, of which 60-per-cent are heading to their first choice, with 62-per-cent of A-level students achieving grades A* to C, 94-per-cent achieving A* to E, and 74-per-cent of BTEC students securing Distinction to Merit grades.

Heading to the University of Liverpool is Zak Mainwaring, who achieved A*, A*, A in Geography, History, and Religious Studies and will be studying Law.

Zak said: “I am absolutely buzzing with my results and so excited for my future. Thank you to all the staff at SFX who have supported and challenged me over the years to succeed as I have.”

Teddy Watson, who received A, B, B in Geography, CXhemistry, Biology, will be studying Medicinal Chemistry.

Teddy commented: “All the hard work has paid off for me and I am delighted. I would like to thank the teachers at SFX who really pushed me to achieve what I have.”

Aiden Barnett, who received C, C, D in History, Criminology, and Religious Studies, has secured an apprenticeship with Tesco.

Fellow student, Paddy Donnelly, who achieved D, C, Merit in Biology, Religious Studies and Music, is now progressing to St Helens College to study Music Production.

Paddy said: “I’ve overcome some challenges, and I am really happy with my results; I am now going on to study my passion for music further. I am grateful to the teachers at SFX who have supported me.”

Jacob McGregor secured Distinction*, C, C in Business, History and Criminology, and is following his preferred pathway into Quantity Surveying.

Jacob commented: “I am very happy that my hard work and efforts have paid off, and I am looking forward to my future”.

St Francis Xavier’s Catholic Academy Sixth Form provides a supportive and ambitious environment where students are encouraged to achieve their full potential, guided by the school’s mission statement, ‘Life in all its fullness’.

Alongside a variety of A-level and vocational courses, students benefit from dedicated pastoral support, excellent facilities, and a wide range of enrichment opportunities, including the Duke of Edinburgh Award, Oxbridge preparation, volunteering and apprenticeship workshops.

Miss Kelly Arends, head of sixth form, commented: “This morning has been a wonderful occasion to celebrate the achievements of our students and recognise the effort they have put in over the past two years. Our students have embraced the opportunities available to them, supported one another and shown great ambition for the future. We are delighted to see them rewarded for their hard work and look forward to seeing all they go on to achieve.”

Mr David Hayes, headteacher of St Francis Xavier’s Catholic Academy, said: “Congratulations to all of our Xaverians today. They should be incredibly proud of the results they have worked so hard to achieve, and I would like to thank our dedicated staff and families for the support they have given them along the way.

“At SFX, we believe in helping every young person to flourish. Together, we inspire ‘life in all its fullness’, and it has been wonderful to see our students grow in faith, integrity, ambition and respect. On behalf of everyone at the academy and sixth form, our governors and the wider SJCMAT family, we wish them all every success for the future.”