For the third consecutive year, the school’s Art Department has received national recognition from the examination board after a student achieved full marks for their Art and Design portfolio, placing their work among the highest performing nationally.

This year’s student is Carlos, now in Year 12 at St Mary’s Catholic School, who achieved full marks for his GCSE Art and Design portfolio. His exceptional performance led to recognition by the examination board as one of the country’s top-performing students in the subject.

A selection of outstanding artwork by St Mary’s students was exhibited at the school’s Year 7 Open Evening on 24 September. It will remain on display for prospective students and parents attending the Sixth Form Open Evening on 11 November 2026.

Headteacher Deirdre McHugh said:

“We are incredibly proud of the achievements of our Art Department and, most importantly, of the remarkable young people whose creativity, dedication and determination have resulted in such exceptional outcomes.

“To have a student recognised among the highest-achieving Art and Design students nationally is a fantastic accomplishment. To achieve this level of recognition for the third consecutive year is truly extraordinary and is testament to the sustained excellence of the department.

“Our Art staff are passionate about developing creativity and ambition in every student, giving them the confidence and freedom to develop their own artistic voice.

“I would like to congratulate our students and extend my sincere thanks to the Art Department for their outstanding commitment and dedication.”

The department’s success extends beyond examination results, with students encouraged to develop their artistic identity, experiment with different techniques and media, and produce ambitious and highly individual work.

The continued success of St Mary’s Art students reflects the expertise and dedication of Art teachers Miss Nairn and Mrs Reece, together with the creativity, commitment and hard work of their students.

The latest results mark another successful year for the Art Department at St Mary’s Catholic School, part of the St Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy Trust, and continue a three-year run of national recognition for outstanding student achievement.

Two images taken from Carlos’s GCSE Art and Design portfolio.

About St Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy Trust (https://www.stfrancistrust.net)
St Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy Trust (St Francis Trust) is a multi-academy trust established in 2021. It currently serves nine Catholic schools – eight primary schools and one secondary school and which is growing to welcome two more Secondary schools and four more Primary schools over the next one to two years.

The Trust’s mission is to provide an outstanding Catholic education for all the children in our schools, helping them to grow in faith and reach their full potential. Guided by the values of St Francis, the Trust promotes academic excellence, spiritual development, and service to others.