Home Children and Young PeopleCongratulations to the class of 2026

Congratulations to the class of 2026

by Laura Johnston

Pupils across Knowsley were celebrating their GCSE results today.

Cllr Sean Donnelly, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People said: “Congratulations to everyone collecting their GCSE results today. It was great to be out and about this morning meeting with pupils and sharing their achievements. Good luck to all of our young people with their next steps either into education, training or employment and well done once again to everyone today.”

A number of successes included:-

St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic Academy

St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic Academy in Whiston celebrated the most significant increase in results in the borough, with the number of pupils gaining both English and Maths passes at Grade 4 and above rising by 10%, and the number gaining passes in both English and Maths at Grade 5 or above up by more than 20%. This notable increase is in part due to a surge in the school’s results in maths, with a 22% increase in the number of students getting a strong pass of Grade 5 or higher.

Halewood Academy

Reagan Jones achieved Grade 9’s in English Literature, Georgraphy, History and Combined Science and Grade 8’s in Computer Science, English Language and Maths. Reagan intends to continue his studies at Carmel College where he will study A Levels in Politics, Economics and History.  Reagan aspires to go onto a prestigious university to undertake a law-based career in the future.

Amanique Sandhu achieved Grade 9’s in Geography, History, Physics and English Language; Grade 8’s in Maths, Chemistry and English Literature; a Grade 7 in Biology and also a Distinction (D2) in NCFE in Business and Enterprise. Amanique is now planning to continue A level studies at Cronton College in Biology, Chemistry and Psychology and hopes to complete a science related course at university.

Lucas Gormley achieved Grade 9’s in Combined Science Trilogy, Maths, Geography, Art and Design, Spanish and Grade 8 in English Language and a Grade 6 in English Literature. Lucas is now planning to continue A level studies in Maths, Geography and Graphic Design at Cronton College and is considering higher education at university.

Jake Rogers achieved eight strong GCSE passes including Grade 9s in Geography, Maths and Combined Science and Grade 8s in Computer Science, English Language, English Literature and Spanish and he will be continuing his studies at Cronton College to complete A Levels in Maths, Further Maths and Computer Science.

Ian Critchley, Executive Principal at Halewood Academy said, “I am really pleased to see so many happy families and students. These results reflect the hard work and dedication of the staff and students 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 2026.”

Lord Derby Academy

Poppy Boden will be heading to the University of Liverpool Mathematics School (specialist sixth form) to study Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Computer Science at A Level. She said: “I was really nervous this morning but I’m super happy with how my results turned out.” Her ambition is to attend MIT in America and ultimately work at NASA.

Poppy Barry said: “I’m really pleased with how my results turned out. I was nervous this morning but also really excited.” Poppy will be studying A Levels at Cronton College.

Luke Jones said: “I’m made up. I couldn’t believe how well I’ve done.” Luke will be studying Statistics, Business and Spanish A Levels at Cronton College.

Sam Brown-Eaton is closer to his ambitions of attending University and becoming an RAF pilot after collecting his results. A Levels in Geography, English Language and Sports at Cronton College. He said: “Geography will be an important subject for me and help me work towards becoming an RAF pilot.”

Jo Ellis, Head of School at Lord Derby Academy, said: “Today is about recognising the individual achievements of our pupils and celebrating the dedication they have shown throughout their education.

“We have also seen some excellent examples of personal progress across the year group. Every pupil’s journey is different, and we are delighted to see so many of our young people moving on to positive destinations that reflect their ambitions and interests.

“We would like to thank our pupils for their hard work, our dedicated staff for their commitment to supporting them, and our families for the encouragement they have provided throughout their children’s time at Lord Derby Academy. This partnership has been incredibly important in helping our young people to achieve their goals.”

Alt Bridge School

Michael Bracken secured a Grade 5 in both GCSE Mathematics and GCSE English Language. Michael has shown determination, resilience and a positive attitude throughout his studies. Achieving strong passes in both core subjects is a testament to his hard work and commitment, as well as the support of his family and school staff.

Leighton Blackall achieved a Grade 4 in English Language, a Grade 5 in Mathematics, a Grade 5 in Double Award Science, and a Grade 4 in History. Leighton’s results are a reflection of his hard work, determination and commitment throughout Year 11.

After completing Year 11, Maddison Farrell continued her studies in Post 16 and chose to resit English Language with the goal of achieving a Grade 4. Through determination, hard work and perseverance, she exceeded her target and achieved an excellent Grade 5.

Mollie-Mai McDonald chose to resit GCSE English Language during Post 16 and achieved a fantastic Grade 4 through her hard work and determination.

One student achieved a Grade 4 in GCSE English Language and Mathematics, a Grade 5 in GCSE English Literature, and a Grade 5 in Art. Their  results reflect their hard work, perseverance and dedication throughout their time at Alt Bridge. Their success in both English subjects, alongside a strong achievement in Art, demonstrates their range of talents and commitment to learning.

Another student took on the challenge of sitting GCSE English Language for the first time during Post 16 and achieved a fantastic Grade 4.

Natalie Menagh, Head Teacher at Alt Bridge School, said “We are incredibly proud of the perseverance and determination that our students have shown over time which have resulted in a wide range of highly individual and exceptional achievements today. Students in years 11 and 13 collected results across a range if qualifications today. The students who achieved GCSEs collected impressive personal results with some students achieving up to six GCSEs. A huge well done to some amazing young people!”

St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic Academy

Niya took home an impressive five Grade 8’s, two Grade 7’s and a Grade 6

Maria achieved two Grade 9s, one Grade 8, three Grade 7’s and two Grade 6’s

Evelyn secured three Grade 8’s, four Grade 7’s and one Grade 6. Evelyn said: “I am so proud of myself and thank all of my teachers for believing in me. I’ll never forget my experience this year.”

Millie achieved a Grade 9, three Grade 8’s and 3 Grade 6’s

Angelyn got a fantastic two Grade 8’s, four Grade 7’s, two Grade 6’s and a Grade 5

Ethan celebrated two Grade 8’s, two Grade 7’s, two Grade 6’s and a Level 2 Distinction

Ryan scored big with 3 Grade 8’s, two Grade 7’s and three Grade 6’s

Ayo impressed with two Grade 8’s, two Grade 7’s, three Grade 6’s and a Level 2 Distinction

Pupils picking up their results at St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic Academy this morning:

Kirkby High School

Anna Dobson,  Head Teacher, said:

“We would like to congratulate our Class of 2026. We were delighted to celebrate with our wonderful students today. We are so proud of their achievements – we have seen a significant improvement across all measures. This is well-deserved due to their resilience and aspiration throughout their five years at Kirkby High School. We wish them all the best for the next step of their journey.”

Ronnie achieved two Grade 9s, five Grade 8s, and one Grade 7

Diana was awarded one Grade 9, two Grade 8s, one Grade 7, two Grade 5s, and one Grade 3

Macy received one Grade 9, three Grade 8s, two Grade 7s, and two Grade 5s

Thomas earned one Grade 8, three Grade 7s, and four Grade 6s

Aimee achieved one Grade 8, two Grade 7s, three Grade 5s, one D*2 and one D2

Freddi achieved one Grade 9, one Grade 8, one Grade 7, three Grade 6s, one Grade 5, and one Grade 4

Jack earned three Grade 7s, three Grade 6s, and two Grade 5s

Kadie secured two Grade 8s, two Grade 7s, one Grade 6, two Grade 5s, and one Grade 4

Elizabeth (left) achieved one Grade 7, five Grade 6s, and two Grade 5s

Poppy was awarded four Grade 6s, three Grade 5s, and one D*2

Tallulah achieved one Grade 7, four Grade 6s, and three Grade 5s

Darren was awarded six Grade 6s, one Grade 5, and one Grade 4

Lois-Morgan achieved one Grade 8, three Grade 6s, three Grade 5s, and one M1

Alex achieved four Grade 6s, and four Grade 5s

Rhys achieved five Grade 6s, and three Grade 5s

Gabriella was awarded one Grade 9, one Gade 7, and four Grade 6s

Liam achieved one Grade 8, one Grade 7, two Grade 6s, two Grade 5s, and two Grade 4s

Nira earned one Grade 9, one Grade 8, one Grade 7, and three Grade 4s