St. Mary’s College in Crosby reported another year of success at its annual prize day event recently.

Guests at the ceremony at Liverpool’s Metropolitan Cathedral heard that over the past 12 months the school has maintained its tradition of strong Christian values, academic excellence and encouraging achievement in a wide range of extra-curricular activities.

In his speech, Principal Mike Kennedy stressed the importance of this all-round approach to education, saying that accomplishment must be judged by a lot more than public examination results.

He told pupils: “Only if you have developed confidence, courage and sound Christian values will you have truly achieved.

“Only if you can demonstrate initiative, independence and the ability to influence others positively will you have gained a real education for life.”

Mr Kennedy reported that GCSE and A Level results had again been very pleasing this year, both in terms of overall pass rates and the proportion of passes at A* and A grades.

At GCSE, a third of students achieved seven A grades each or better. At A Level, more than 60 per cent of passes were at A or B grade.

The Principal also praised pupils for their other achievements in activities as diverse as sport, music, drama, public speaking, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards, the Combined Cadet Force and charity fundraising.

In doing so, he also thanked the school’s staff, governors and trustees for their commitment and dedication which made such a wide-ranging programme of activities possible.

Highlights had ranged from the school’s annual Festival of Music at Liverpool’s Philharmonic Hall to students taking part in celebrations at Buckingham Palace to mark the 150th anniversary of the cadet movement.

The VIP guest at this year’s prize day ceremony was ex-pupil Paul Clark, a barrister who was Lord Mayor of Liverpool in the city’s Capital of Culture year.

In a well-received speech, Mr Clark offered pupils his thoughts on life beyond the classroom, and some tips on how to shape their future careers.

Principal Mike Kennedy said Mr Clark was a very good example of St Mary’s proud tradition of educating young people who go on to achieve highly in their chosen profession.

Other examples include Archbishop Vincent Nichols, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales, and former BBC Director General Lord John Birt.

Mr Kennedy concluded: “Prize day once again enabled us to celebrate not only the numerous achievements of our pupils, but also the broad range of their successes.”

Principal Mike Kennedy (centre) is pictured with VIP guest Paul Clark (second left), Chair of Governors John Sankey, Head Boy Stephen Mallinson and Head Girl Alice Mackay.

Liverpool's Metropolitan Cathedral was the spectacular setting for the event.

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