Exceptional successes for St Mary's Catholic School students

Sixth formers at St Mary’s Catholic School in Newcastle were celebrating a year of exceptional successes in A-level and BTEC qualifications as they received their exam results today, with outstanding performances recorded across a range of academic and vocational subjects.

More than 30 of the school’s Year 13 students achieved a minimum of three A/A* or Distinction/Distinction* grades, with many securing places at prestigious universities, including Durham, Nottingham, and Manchester, as well as other Russell Group and high-achieving institutions.

“The results reflect not only the talent and determination of this year’s cohort, but also the sustained commitment to high standards of teaching and learning at the school,” said James Turnbull, Assistant Headteacher of Sixth Form at St Mary’s, part of the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust.

“We are particularly proud to see so many moving on to study competitive and highly-respected courses, such as Medicine, Law, Pharmacy, Economics, and Social Work.

“In addition, a significant number of students have progressed to excellent employment opportunities and higher-level apprenticeships, further demonstrating the diverse and aspirational pathways pursued by the students.”

Among the high fliers was Chloe Linn, who was awarded three As and a C and hopes to study Pharmacy at Newcastle University.

“I’ll miss being with everyone,” she said. “I’ve been at the school since Year 7 and some people I’ve known since primary school.

“I like to think I’ve matured over my time at St Mary’s. I think I’ve grown as a person, even over the past few years.

“If I could give advice to my younger self, I’d say make the most of it. Time goes so quickly.”

Also celebrating, with three As, was Molly Bawden, who became a member of the Youth Council for Newcastle while at St Mary’s, and will go on to read Politics at Newcastle University.

“I’ve changed so much,” she said. “I was so shy in Year 7, but now I’m more than happy to speak up.

“I’m amazed at how much I’ve changed. I really struggled from anxiety when I was younger, and all the support I’ve received at St Mary’s has made such a difference. Getting elected has led to loads of opportunities.

“I’m most excited for all the new opportunities to come, and to saying ‘yes’ more – that’s another thing I’ve learned. ‘Fake it ‘til you make it’ is something I really agree with. If you don’t feel confident, act as if you do. Nobody will know, and your confidence will become real.”

Other top achievers included Olivia Dowden, Ben Arend Trujillo, Luke Barton, Scarlett Butterfield, Eunice Lau, and Patrycja Sikora.

“These outstanding outcomes are testament to the dedication, resilience, and academic ambition of the students, as well as the high-quality support provided by staff throughout their time at St Mary’s,” continued Mr Turnbull.

“We are incredibly proud of our wonderful students for their exceptional A-level and BTEC results this year,” said Headteacher Emma Patterson. “They have shown remarkable commitment, determination, and hard work throughout their studies and are fully deserving of these excellent achievements.

“We could not be prouder of our students, and we are thrilled to see them progress to a wide range of first-class universities, competitive apprenticeships, and exciting career opportunities.”

“Our Academic and Vocational results continue to be above national and regional averages, reflecting the consistently high standards here at St Mary’s,” she added. 

“These results are the product of years of sustained effort, both in and out of the classroom, and it is a privilege to see our students rewarded for their dedication.

“I would also like to express my deep gratitude to our exceptional teaching staff, whose expertise, encouragement, and tireless dedication have been instrumental in enabling our students to reach their full potential, and embedding such high-quality teaching and learning at St Mary’s.”