There were smiles, gasps and tears of joy as pupils across the borough found out how they had done in their GCSE examinations on Thursday, 21 August 2025.
Cllr David Lonergan, Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said:
“Congratulations to everyone in Knowsley collecting GCSE results today. I’m so delighted and proud to say that the borough has today recorded its best ever GCSE results, which means even more of our students have achieved fantastic results than ever before. It has been wonderful seeing so many happy children and proud parents, carers and teachers as the results were opened this morning. ”
“It never fails to impress me just how hardworking, dedicated and determined our young people are, and it’s been lovely to hear all their ambitions for the future and the excitement over their next steps. It’s also a testament to the teachers, school staff and support from families, which also play their part in today’s results.
“We know that there is still work to be done for our schools to close the gap with the national average, but we’ve always known this wouldn’t happen overnight. However today’s results are a solid indication that the hard work being put in by the local authority, in partnership with our schools, is very much taking us in the right direction – this is fantastic news for Knowsley families.”
GCSE results day in Knowsley
Another Year of Improvement at Halewood Academy
Results day at Halewood Academy celebrated another year of significant improvement in outcomes. Students had much to be proud of due to their positive application to their studies, determination during revision sessions and resilience during the examinations themselves.
Overall, a greater proportion of students achieved both English and Maths at grades 9-7, 9-5 and 9-4, Science and Spanish results improved and Geography and History maintained their previous positive outcomes.
There were many outstanding individual achievements, with many going on to study A levels at Cronton College. These included Oliver Tsang, Frankie Sanderson, Jovany Elias, Francis Lewicki, Ellie, Chloe and Louise Warrender Bailey Wilson, Laurie Cannon, Ava Pedder, Thomas Harper, Ben Ashton and Jessica Service.
Oliver Tsang achieved 10 GCSEs with a fantastic three grade 9’s in English Literature, Geography, History; grade 8 in Biology, English Language, maths, Spanish and statistics and grades 7 in Chemistry and Physics. Oliver intends to continue his studies at Carmel College in his chosen A Level subjects of Maths, History and Physics. Oliver aspires to go to university to undertake a law-based career in the future.
Oliver Tsang, Halewood Academy with his GCSE results
Frankie Sanderson did extremely well, receiving grade 9’s in Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Physics and Spanish. Grade 8 in Maths and Photography, a grade 7 in English Literature and a grade 6 in English Language. Frankie is now planning to continue A level studies at Cronton College.
Ava and Frankie, Halewood Academy with their GCSE results
Ian Critchley, Executive Principal at Halewood Academy said: “These results demonstrate a significant improvement across the school and are the strongest set of results the school has achieved. These results are a testament to the commitment of our students and the staff at Halewood Academy; I couldn’t be prouder of the outcomes they have secured. The results students achieve are their stepping stone to the next steps and I am delighted that the majority of students that attend Halewood Academy have the opportunity to progress into their chosen path. I am looking forward to hearing about the continued success of the Class of 2025.”
Lord Derby Academy GCSE results show further improvement across the board
Headteacher Victoria Gowan expressed pride in the pupils’ accomplishments: “We are absolutely delighted with this year’s LDA GCSE results. To see improvement across every key measure is a testament to the hard work of our families, staff and pupils, who began their secondary school experience during one of the most challenging times in recent history. When this cohort of pupils started LDA, they had faced disruption and uncertainty to the end of their primary experience. Despite these challenges, they have demonstrated remarkable adaptability, rising above adversity and proving that nothing can stand in the way of their success.”
The number of Grade 9s at Lord Derby Academy – the highest grade possible – has risen again this year, demonstrating the school’s continued drive for academic excellence. This year’s results also saw a strong performance across core subjects, with improvements in both attainment and progress measures.
Cllr Christine Bannon, Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Health, joins teachers and students at Lord Derby Academy
Olivia B achieved 3 GCSE’s at Grade 4 and above. She plans on going to college to pursue a career in Public Services.
Hari H achieved 5 GCSE’s and has a place at Cronton College to study Engineering. Hari has promised to come back to visit and inspire other students at Alt Bridge School to pursue their dreams.
Barnes H achieved Grade 5 in both Mathematics and English Language, he has a place at Hugh Baird College for September.
Mirrame B achieved 3 GCSE grades, including a Grade 5 in GCSE Art. She has also secured herself a part time job to earn some money whilst continuing her studies at college.
We are so proud of all of our students achievements, they are an inspiration to us all! Keep up the good work, we can’t wait to hear how you’re all getting on!
Kirkby High School
We would like to congratulate our Class of 2025. We were delighted to celebrate with our wonderful students today. We wish them all the best for the next stage of their journey.
- Evie Szkudlapski received Grade 9 in Chemistry, English Language and History, Grade 8 in Biology, English Literature and Geography and Grade 7 in Maths and Physics.
- Ife Martini Obafemi received Grade 9 in Chemistry, Maths and Portuguese, Grade 8 in Biology, History, Physics and Spanish, Grade 7 in English Literature and Grade 6 in Computer Science and English Language.
- Kayden Chambers received Grade 9 in Maths, Grade 8 in Chemistry, English Language and Geography, Grade 7 in Biology, History and Physics and Grade 6 in English Literature.
- Daniel Osewie Okojie received a Distinction * in Sport Studies, Grade 9 and Grade 8 in Science, and Grade 7 in English Literature, History, Maths and Music.
- Alex Dumbell received a Grade 9 in Chemistry and Maths, Grade 8 in Physics, Grade 7 in Biology, Computer Science and Grade 6 in English Literature and History.
- Isabel Riley received a Grade 9 in English Literature, Grade 8 in Chemistry, Grade 7 in Biology, English Language, History and Maths and Grade 6 in Drama and Physics.
- Madison Blackall received Grade 8 in Science, Grade 7 in Science, Art and Design, English Literature, History and Spanish and Grade 6 in English Language and Maths.
- Skye Buckley received a Distinction 2 in Sport Studies, Grade 8 in Chemistry, Grade 7 in Maths and Grade 6 in Art and Design, Biology, English Language, English Literature and Physics.
- Charlie Cushing received a Distinction 2 in Sport Studies, Grade 8 in Chemistry and Maths, Grade 7 in Biology and Physics and Grade 6 in Design and Technology.
- Maisie Magee-Lindop received Grade 8 in English Language, Grade 7 in Art and Design and RE and Grade 6 in English Literature, Maths, Science x 2.
Super students at St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic Academy
Students at St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic Academy, part of the Pope Francis Catholic Multi Academy Trust, are celebrating fantastic GCSE results today, with some seriously impressive individual achievements.
Clare McKenna, the school’s Acting Headteacher, said: “This has been a brilliant morning, full of smiling faces and personal achievements. What’s important to focus on, however, is not just the numbers, but each students’ individual story and progress. Every individual has their own journey to take to achieve their aspirations, and we are here as a team to support them throughout the process. We are so proud of all of our young people here today, their hard work, resilience and determination has been amazing to witness and celebrations are definitely in order!”
Some notable achievements today came from:
- Jasmine, who achieved 9 GCSEs with a 7 in Art and 6 in Geography
- Liam achieved 7 GCSEs with 7s in English Language & Literature and 6 in RE
- Alexander is celebrating 8 GCSEs with an 8 in English Language and 6s in English Literature and RE .
- Grace was thrilled to get 9 CGCSEs with a 7 in RE
- Sara achieved 9 GCSEs with 1 grade 8, 6 grades 7s and 2 grade 6s
- Kaydn secured 9 GCSEs – 4 x 7s, 3 x 6s, 1 x 5 and L2P
- Head Girl, Precious, was smiling with her 9 GCSEs – 1 grade 8, 2 grade 7s, 2 grade 6s, 2 grade 5s, 1 grade 4 and an L2 distinction
- Elsie achieved 9 GCSEs with a grade 7 & 9 in English Language & Literature
- Joely wowed with 9 GCSEs, taking home grade 8s in English Language & Literature and 7s in RE and Geography
- Shea achieved 9 GCSEs with an impressive 9 in English Literature, 8 in English Language & RE, and 7 & 6 in Science
Mrs McKenna added: “We are so pleased that many of our students will be going on to further education, apprenticeships or into the world of work and wish them every success for the future.”
Cllr Graham Morgan, Leader of Knowsley Council, congratulates a student at St Edmund Arrowsmith
Record Breaking Results for All Saints GCSE Students
Staff and students at All Saints Catholic High School in Kirkby are celebrating an excellent set of results for this year’s GCSE students.
All Saints is proud of the achievement of all of its 2025 Leavers, here are some of the highlights:
Matthew Jorga – achieved 7 grade 9s in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Spanish, Statistics and English Literature and 3 grade 8s in English Language, Geography and RE. Matthew is going to Winstanley College to do his A levels and wants to be a Doctor.
Isobel Macdonald – achieved 5 grade 9s in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Spanish and Statistics, 4 grade 8s in Computer Science, English Literature, Maths and RE and a grade 7 in English Language. Isobel is going to the maths college in Liverpool. Isobel is hoping to study Maths at Liverpool University in the future.
Poppie Ellis – achieved 5 grade 9s in Biology, Maths, Physics, RE and Statistics, 4 grade 8s in Business Studies, Chemistry, English Literature and RE and a grade 6 in English Language. Poppie is going to Winstanley College to study A Levels.
Giovanna Vaz – achieved 2 grade 9s in Graphics and Spanish, 3 grade 8s in Biology, English Literature and Portuguese, 3 grade 7s in English Language, Physics and RE, and 2 grade 6s in Maths and Chemistry. Giovanna is going to Winstanley College to study A Levels.
Joshua Wockenforth – achieved 3 grade 9s in Biology, Chemistry and Physics, grade 8s in Geography, History, Maths, RE and Statistics, and grade 7s in English Literature and English Language.
Sarah Oriaifoh – achieved 3 grade 9s in RE, Spanish and Physics, 4 grade 8s in Biology, Business Studies, English Language and English Literature, 2 grade 7s in Maths and Chemistry and a grade 5 in Computer Science.
Apprenticeship Success
A number of students have also secured apprenticeships, organised by All Saints, with MJ Quinn, The Forshaw Group, Sterling Plastering and Elect Construction.
Around 30 students have joined All Saints Sixth Form to pursue one of the vocational pathways. These include Level 3 BTEC qualifications in Health and Social Care, Sport (in partnership with LLS), Art, Graphics, and Textiles A-Levels, and Level 3 BTEC Creative Media Production. Each pathway offers valuable career opportunities in its respective field.
Headteacher at All Saints, Tony McGuinness commented: “All Saints is once again incredibly proud to celebrate another year of record-breaking results. Our students and staff—supported by our families—have worked tirelessly to achieve outstanding outcomes. Beyond academic success, we are equally proud that our students are well-prepared for their next steps, whether that’s continuing their education in our high-performing Sixth Form, attending local colleges, or pursuing apprenticeships through our valued business partners.”
Knowsley Community College and St Helens College GCSE Results Day 2025
Katherine, Knowsley Resident and Adult Learner
Congratulations to Kathrine on achieving Grade 4 in both GCSE English and Maths! With three decades of work experience on her CV, Kathrine was determined to gain formal qualifications, studying alongside full-time work as an Office Manager.
Kathrine said: “Having these qualifications on my CV means so much. I feel a real sense of achievement. As soon as I found out my results, I called my mum, then headed straight to work to share the news with my colleagues. I feel absolutely made up!”
Katherine, KCC Student celebrates her GCSE results
Louise, Knowsley Resident and Adult Learner
Louise is celebrating double Grade 5s in Combined Science and a Grade 4 in GCSE Maths! The aspiring teacher is excited to begin her formal teacher training, saying: “I’m over the moon with my results. Becoming a teacher has been my dream for the past five years, and finally getting the grades I needed has made this possible.”
Louise also shared how she overcame challenges from her school days, including multiple resits in maths, and how returning to study later in life reignited her love for learning.
She said: “Balancing study with a full-time job and a four-year-old hasn’t been easy, but the support from my tutors and the friendships I’ve made kept me going. Now I’m ready to take the next step in my career and I couldn’t be happier.”
We’ll be updating this article throughout the day with pictures and success stories from around Knowsley, so please check back for more later.