Seven talented students from Xaverian College recently showcased their skills and professionalism at the prestigious CIPFA Public Sector Finance Competition, held at Keele University – and they didn’t disappoint. 

The national event, run by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA), invited students to step into the shoes of senior council leaders, testing their ability to make high-stakes decisions in a realistic, high-pressure simulation. 

From over 70 A Level Accounting students at Xaverian, just seven were selected to represent the College. To earn their place, each student wrote a compelling proposal outlining how they would allocate an extra £2 million in council funding, demonstrating not only creativity, but clear, strategic thinking. 

At the event, the students took on key leadership roles within a fictional council, including areas like Human Resources, Regeneration and Finance. Working collaboratively, they tackled the complex task of delivering a written report and formal presentation, all while navigating dramatic budget cuts – first £7 million, then a surprise update increasing the proposed cuts to £12 million. Mid-task interruptions, emergency meetings and shifting expectations added further intensity to the challenge. 

Despite the pressure, the Xaverian team impressed both judges and peers with their calm, strategic approach and confident delivery. Out of eight colleges, Xaverian secured an outstanding third place overall, missing the top spot by just three points. Judges commended the team’s professionalism, adaptability and teamwork. 

Beyond the competition, the experience gave students a powerful insight into the complexities of public finance and helped them build vital skills in communication, leadership, resilience and critical thinking. 

Here’s what students had to say:

• “Doing the competition allowed me to get out of my comfort zone… I think doing things like this in the future will help students gain more experience of the real world because it has done that for me.”
• “I enjoyed the interruptions and the overall group work, collaborating on one task.” 
• “I enjoyed working in a group and interacting with my team, as well as the realistic approach Keele University provided, it felt like a real corporate environment.” 
• “I liked how we all connected as a group because of the activities.” 

Vicky Reding, Curriculum Leader for Accounting at Xaverian College, said: “I was incredibly proud to see how well our students represented Xaverian at a national level. They showed real maturity, teamwork and resilience under pressure, especially when the challenge became even more demanding throughout the day. Watching them collaborate so effectively and deliver a confident, thoughtful presentation was a real highlight. It was a fantastic experience that gave them a real insight into the world of public finance, and I’m confident it will stay with them as they move forward in their studies and future careers.” 

Xaverian College is committed to providing students with enriching, real-world experiences that go beyond the classroom. Opportunities like the CIPFA challenge help prepare students for life after college whether that’s university, apprenticeships, or a career in the world of finance and beyond. 

Xaverian College is a leading sixth form in Manchester, dedicated to helping young people thrive academically and personally. To find out more, visit www.xaverian.ac.uk.