Students and staff at Notre Dame Catholic Academy, Everton, were celebrating last month following a strong set of A-level and GCSE outcomes. 

Alongside their families, students returned to the academy, which is a proud member of St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust (SJCMAT), to receive their results, celebrate their achievements and look ahead to the next exciting chapter in their education journey. 

Notre Dame Catholic Academy Sixth Form recorded improvements across its 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. 

Among the many outstanding achievements were those of Hanna Gigu, who achieved A, A*, Distinction* in art, design and technology, and health and social care. 

Other notable successes included Olumide Adewunmi, whose commitment to their studies earned them Distinction*, Distinction*, Distinction in business, IT and sport. 

Olumide said: “I am pleased with my time at Notre Dame, I got the results that I needed to go to university – which I am more than happy with!” 

Mrs Kerry Nicol, head of sixth form, said: “I am incredibly proud of our students and their outstanding A-level results. Their achievements are a true reflection of their commitment, determination and resilience throughout their studies.” 

On GCSE results day, Notre Dame Catholic Academy saw 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 achieved strong results across the board, with especially impressive outcomes in art, chemistry and modern foreign languages, reflecting the breadth of achievement across the school. 

The academy also recorded 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. 

Almost a third of the Year 11 cohort have chosen to return for sixth form, including Mason McGlone, who opened his GCSE results envelope to reveal a grade 9 in chemistry, a grade 8 in mathematics and a grade 7 in physics. 

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 will be 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.” 

Reflecting on the results days, headteacher, Mrs Victoria Taylor, said: “I am unbelievably proud of all students who collected their results and the excellent progress they have made. 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!” 

Director of secondary education at SJCMAT, Mr Michael Gun-Why, added: “Congratulations to the students of Notre Dame Catholic Academy. The grades they have received reflect their focus, effort and determination, and are very well deserved!” 

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