A Levels 2026: A-level success opens doors for St Thomas Becket Sixth Form students

Sixth Form students at St Thomas Becket Catholic School, part of Our Lady Immaculate Catholic Academies Trust (OLICAT), are celebrating after securing the A-level and vocational results they need to go on to top universities, apprenticeships and employment. 

A-level results were particularly strong across a range of subjects including English Literature, Art, Further Maths, Media and Geography where all grades achieved were A*-C. While students are also celebrating significant progress and success across all vocational subjects, with over two thirds of BTEC grades awarded at Distinction or Distinction*.

For those pursuing higher education, an impressive 97% of students have secured places at their chosen universities, with a third of them heading off to a Russell Group university this autumn - with destinations of choice including Exeter, York and Nottingham. 

Paul McCahill, Headteacher at St Thomas Becket Catholic School, said: “Our young people should be extremely proud of their results. They have worked incredibly hard throughout their time in Sixth Form and thoroughly deserve this success.

“It has been fantastic to see high levels of achievement across a wide range of our A-level and vocational courses, highlighting the diverse post-16 pathways on offer here at St Thomas Becket. 

“As these wonderful students begin the next exciting chapter of their lives, I know they will continue to excel, and I can’t wait to hear about all that they go on to achieve. I hope they can now enjoy celebrating with their family and friends.”

Among those celebrating was Alina Anil, who has achieved three As in English Literature, History and Sociology. Alina has secured a place at University of Manchester to read Law. 

Ella Cheng was awarded a Distinction* in Graphics and Distinctions in both Applied Science and Business Studies. She is moving on to study Dental Technology at University of Greater Manchester. 

Lewis Howitt-Jones achieved As in English Literature and Maths and a B in Media Studies. He will be studying Mathematics, statistics and data science at University of Birmingham. 

Saoirse Murphy achieved an A in Criminology and Distinctions in Health and Social Care and Uniformed Protective Services (UPS). She is going on to the University of Liverpool to study Law and Criminology. 

Victoria Donovan, Head of Sixth Form, added: “Today is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our Year 13 students. They have shown great dedication throughout their studies and really made the most of our small sixth form class sizes and the encouragement of our teaching staff. 

“Each one of our students has demonstrated what resilient, determined and ambitious young people they are. Of course we are delighted with their academic success, but these young people have also contributed so much more to our Sixth Form community. 

“They have supported one another, embraced every challenge, shown great leadership and been fantastic representatives of the school.

“We are so very proud of them and wish them every success as they move on to university, apprenticeships, employment and beyond.”