Notre Dame Catholic Academy students celebrate results and look ahead to exciting next steps

There was a cause for celebration today 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 proud member of St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust. They received their results, celebrated their achievements and looked ahead to the next exciting chapter in their education journey. 

A day to celebrate

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

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

Students have achieved strong GCSE and BTEC results across the board. Especially impressive outcomes were seen 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. This follows the introduction of new targeted interventions, alongside the exceptional personalised support provided by its pastoral team. 

Students making their mark

These results not only reflect the academic success of students but also 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 this year’s Year 11 cohort have chosen to stay on at the academy, enrolling to join its successful sixth form. The sixth form 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. Mason opened his results envelope this morning to reveal a grade 9 in chemistry, a grade 8 in mathematics and a grade 7 in physics. He 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. Charlie 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.

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

Reactions from leadership

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. There will be a headteacher’s talk at 5:30pm. Prospective families and students will have the opportunity to meet the school’s dedicated staff, learn about its enriched curriculum and strong pastoral support, and experience aspirational, value-led teaching.