Lord Mayor praises student excellence during visit to St John Bosco Arts College

St John Bosco Arts College, Croxteth, proudly welcomed the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Barbara Murray, to the secondary school on Thursday [12 February] for a very special visit. 

The school’s BTEC Level 3 textiles and fashion students have been specially selected to contribute to the Lord Mayor’s Fundraising Ladies Day Lunch and Fashion Show taking place next month. The visit celebrated the sixth formers’ innovative designs that they will showcase at the event.

Showcasing creative talent

The Lord Mayor met with sixth form students to explore the garments they are currently creating for the major charity event. They event is in partnership with designer and owner of Garston-based studio boutique Sparkles, Paula Johnson. Paula accompanied the Lord Mayor during the visit.

Students had the opportunity to showcase their designs to the Lord Mayor and Paula. They explained the inspiration behind their creations, and shared their ambitions and aspirations for the future. 

Year 12 textiles and fashion student, Zahra, said:

“It was such a positive and inspirational day for me and my class. I would never have thought how interesting it was to be Lord Mayor and how much is involved in working with young people and charities that make such a difference to our city. 

“Displaying my work and having the opportunity to be involved in the fashion show is very exciting. Being given the chance to talk to such inspirational women has inspired me to want more and aim higher.”

Recognising achievement

The Lord Mayor and Paula spoke about the importance of creativity. They are passionate about empowering young people within the city to follow their dreams. The guests then enjoyed a medley of songs from Mary Poppins Jr, performed by the Key Stage 3 and 4 cast from the school’s spring production.

Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Barbara Murray, said:

“I was delighted to visit St John Bosco Arts College and meet so many talented students and committed staff. It was wonderful to see the creative process and work that sits behind each design the girls have produced and to enjoy their remarkable performance from the musical Mary Poppins. The future looks very bright for these young designers and performers; they were engaging, confident and impressive.

“I also enjoyed chatting with sixth form students about this year’s International Women’s Day theme, ‘Give to Gain’, as they will be supporting my fundraising efforts at the ladies day fashion show. They are such lovely young women and are a credit to themselves, their families, their school and our city. Thank you for making me so welcome!”

Highlighting St John Bosco’s commitment to nurturing its students’ gifts and talents, the visit concluded with the Lord Mayor being presented with a bouquet of flowers by the school’s head girl, Cerys. Paula also received a framed fashion illustration designed by Year 11 student, Hayden. Hayden is currently completing her BTEC Level 2 in fashion.

Headteacher, Mr Darren Gidman, said:

“It was a pleasure to welcome the Lord Mayor, Councillor Barbara Murray, into St John Bosco Arts College on Thursday. Her visit was a great opportunity to share the exceptional dedication, talent and achievements our students demonstrate every day. 

“It was fantastic to see students speaking so confidently and enthusiastically to the Lord Mayor about their creative passions and I’m so proud to lead such an inspiring community of staff and students. Well done to all involved!” 

Looking ahead to the fashion show

The BTEC Level 3 textiles and fashion students will also be modelling their creations at the Lord Mayor’s Fundraising event. The event will take place on Sunday, 1 March 2026 at Devonshire House Hotel.

St John Bosco Arts College has a thriving, co-educational sixth form and it is currently accepting applications for September 2026. Find out more here.