Value added, which measures how well Sixth Form students achieve compared with students of the same ability nationally, is a particularly telling result. It shows that whatever a young person's starting point at St Mary's, they leave having achieved more than they might have done elsewhere.

The class of 2026 now move on to their first-choice universities, to apprenticeships and into employment, taking with them an education shaped as much by character and faith as by examination success.

Headteacher Deirdre McHugh praised the dedication and skill of everyone who had contributed to the results. "To equal our best ever performance at the very top grades, and to set new records on every other measure, is testament to the skill of our teaching staff, the support of our parents, the guidance of the St Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy Trust and, most of all, to the efforts of our wonderful students," she said. "I would like to thank them all, and we wish our young people every success as they set off into the world ready to use their Catholic education to help make the world a better place."

Paul Carroll, Chair of Governors, commented: "Staff and students at the school should be proud of what they have achieved – St Mary's Sixth Form is flourishing."

St Mary's is part of the St Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy Trust, led by Chief Executive Andrew Celano, himself a former pupil and Headteacher of the school. He paid tribute to the Headteacher, governors, staff and students. "I am delighted that under Miss McHugh's skilful leadership the school is going from strength to strength," he said. "It is a great joy to see the young people we serve set on their way not only with excellent results, but with rounded character, a firm moral compass, gospel values and a grounding that will enable them to contribute positively to society."

Year 13 students at St Mary’s Catholic School are looking ahead to the next chapter after receiving their A Level and Key Stage 5 results, with many securing places at leading universities, degree apprenticeship programmes and other exciting opportunities as they prepare for life beyond Sixth Form.

Mr Benjamin Noble, Director of Sixth Form is delighted: “Many students achieved outstanding results, securing places at leading universities including UCL, University of York, University of Bristol, University of Warwick, to study a wide range of courses from Medicine, Aerospace engineering, Economics and Physics. Their destinations reflect both the students’ individual ambitions and the guidance and support provided by the school’s Sixth Form team as they plan their next steps.”

Some of the outstanding A Level results achieved by the class of 2026 at St Mary’s Catholic School:

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.