Business Students at Xaverian College were recently set the challenge of turning Slurrp Farm from a small, local healthy food provider into a national brand.

The farm set Xaverian College Students a brief to work with University of Chester Business School Students to create a business plan to launch Slurrp Farm’s ambitions to transition from being a local producer of niche food products to expanding its distribution network to the whole of the UK.

The students first developed their ideas into a business plan and, in a Dragons’ Den-style pitch, presented their ideas to a panel of experts in the Northwest’s biggest boardroom. The students focused their ideas around the company’s mission to be a green provider and pitched a sustainable concept as a basis for marketing their products. As well as gaining valuable business experience to put on their future careers, the students were given a taster of university life with a chance to explore the university’s facilities.

Theo Teague, former Priestnall School student, said: “It has been a fascinating experience and, as well as being a great addition to my CV, it has given me a great insight into university life. We got the opportunity to work on a real-life project and present our findings which was really valuable in teaching us the business skills needed to succeed in the future.”

Jokotola Adenuga, who joined the College after studying her GCSEs at St Thomas More RC College, added: “The day was extremely informative and interesting. The lecturers offered lots of insight into what studying Business at the University is like and it has really motived me. I thought all groups showed entrepreneurial flair and developed innovative ideas that Slurpp Farm could implement. It was a great day and I hope we get to do something similar next year!”  

Fran Shollo, Lecturer of Business at the University of Chester, commented: “We were delighted to host such outstanding students from Xaverian College.

“The students were challenged to pitch their ideas and think on their feet. The outcome was extremely successful and staff from Chester Business School thoroughly enjoyed this visit. I was astonished by my team of students, they were enthusiastic, driven and committed to the task.

“At Chester Business School, we put experiential learning at the forefront, hence why the Slurrp Business workshop helped the students engage in a practical task, and expand their academic knowledge further. It has been a real pleasure and I look forward to seeing them again in the near future. Well done everyone!”

Do you want your own start-up business and are you thirsty for success? Do you wake up every day with product ideas and do you want to develop these ideas and get them to the UK or a global marketplace? Then you’ll thrive on a Business course at Xaverian.  

As one of the largest providers of post-16 education in the region, Xaverian College offers exciting opportunities to over 2500 students. To find out more, visit xaverian.ac.uk – Discover Your Future!

Every year, Xaverian College welcomes Year 10 pupils from across the region to its Taster Days, providing them with the opportunity to experience student life at an outstanding Catholic sixth form college.

This much-loved Taster Day programme aims to extend learning opportunities, raise aspirations and assist in supporting young people’s transition into Further Education. 

Pupils follow a personalised timetable, sampling three subjects before having lunch on-Campus with current students, providing them with a chance to find out everything the College has to offer.

Ploutos Vourliotis, Careers Advisor at St Peter’s RC High School, commented: “We absolutely love bringing our pupils to Xaverian each year. It’s such a valuable experience and we always arrive back at school informed and inspired.

“Pupils that progress to the College from St Peter’s always have a smooth transition and we believe the Taster Days play a huge role in this. Just being able to see the Campus and mix with pupils from other high schools alleviates any apprehensions they have and enhances their confidence.

“We’re already excited for next year!”

Emily Hall, English Teacher at CHS South, added: “The Taster Days provide a great opportunity for our pupils to think about what they might like to study in the future and what steps they need to take to make it happen.

“All staff and students at Xaverian are so welcoming and friendly, there was a real buzz throughout the day and all of our pupils left incredibly excited about their next steps.”  

Antonio de Paola, Vice Principal – Curriculum, said: “It is vital that we encourage young people to think about their futures, as it gives purpose to their learning and enables them to develop the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a career of their choosing.

“Our Year 10 Taster Days really stretch the boundaries of raising aspirations and I am really pleased that they continue to be much-anticipated by our local schools.  It is a pleasure that we can work in partnership with them to empower young people and ensure nothing stops them from reaching their goals.”

Xaverian College provides students with the skills, experience and qualifications that prepare them for their future career or higher-level study and encourage them to become confident individuals who will make valuable contributions to businesses and the local economy. 

To #DiscoverYourFuture at Xaverian, attend one of their upcoming Open Days on Saturday 8^th and Sunday 16^th October 2022. Visit xaverian.ac.uk to find out more.  

Xaverian College Alumni, Tehreem Faisal, has recently landed her dream job as VFX Production Assistant at Pinewood Studios.

Since leaving College in 2020, Tehreem has supported Phedon Papamichael, Academy Award-nominated cinematographer on the creation of Indiana Jones 5, as a Director of Photography (DoP) Assistant, before joining the visual effects team to work on Andor, a prequel series to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

Tehreem said: “I have always wanted to work in the creative industries, but it wasn’t until I started studying at Xaverian that I became truly excited about my future. My teachers, in particular Mr Steele (Fine Art) and Mr Drinkwater (Film Studies), were so inspiring. They make you fall in love with the subject and encourage you to experiment, which is the best way to develop.  

“I had the opportunity to take part in the BFI Film Academy during my time at College and the connections I made have been invaluable. After leaving Xaverian I went on to study a range of BFI courses, including animation and production and this really helped fine tune both my skills and knowledge. It was through connections I made at the BFI that I was successful in securing an interview at Pinewood Studios.”

Tehreem completed her GCSEs at Manchester Health Academy before joining Xaverian to study Film Studies, Fine Art and Media Studies.

Tehreem continued: “Xaverian is such an amazing place! Staff are so supportive in encouraging you to succeed academically but also providing you with the space to grow personally. I enjoyed every single moment in and outside of the classroom and made so many great friends. If I could give one piece of advice to current students, it would be to believe in yourself and seize every opportunity!”    

Shaun Steele, Divisional Lead, said: “With the support from our brilliant teachers, each and every year our students go on to do incredible things. We are so proud of Tehreem and what she has achieved in the last two years. It just goes to show how far hard work and determination can take you – in this case to the set of a blockbuster movie!”

Behind every terrific tale, symbolism and subtext is an extraordinary director and the Film Studies course at Xaverian takes students on a journey inside the minds of those with a revolutionary story to share. Students have access to excellent equipment and facilities, allowing them to sharpen their skills in every part of the frame, including lighting, sound, set design, composition and editing.

As one of the largest providers of post-16 education in the region, Xaverian College offers exciting opportunities to over 2500 students. To find out more, visit Xaverian.ac.uk – Discover Your Future!

Students at Xaverian College are celebrating yet another year of impressive BTEC results, retaining its position as a leading sixth form college.

BTEC students once again achieved 100% pass rate in all seven vocational courses, which include Business, Criminology, Health and Social Care, IT, Music Technology, Science and Sport, with 64% gaining high grades of DMM and above.

Across single, double and triple options this year at Level 2 and 3, 292 students achieved Distinction or Distinction* grades, which include some double and triple Distinction grades.

Students have secured many highly competitive places, including Medicine, Law, Midwifery and Teaching, at some of the UK’s top Russell Group Universities, while many others will be starting higher level Apprenticeships and employment.

Head of Applied Studies, Gaynor Eccleston, said: “We understand that students have different learning styles, and this can affect their choice of subjects. Here at Xaverian, students have the option to choose a more academic route or practical-based courses. Our practical-based courses are extremely popular, as students can combine these with two A Levels, which gives them the best of both worlds.”

Maisie Ellul, who joined the College after completing her GCSEs at St Matthew’s RC High School, was one of many students who combined qualifications, achieving Distinction in BTEC Music Technology, and two A grades in A Level Art and Design and Music.

She said: “I chose to study at Xaverian largely due to the reputation of the Music department. The combination of being able to study both Music and Music Technology and the endless opportunities to perform live was exactly what I was looking for.

“Having experienced staff members, who are musicians themselves or still work within the industry means I have been learning from the very best. I have had constant advice and guidance on how to become a successful musician! I’ve never felt so excited about my future, and I can’t wait to start my Music Degree at the University of Manchester in a few weeks.

Gaynor continued: “We’re so pleased for our students and the successes they have achieved over the past two years – both academically and personally. The students’ hard work and determination has truly paid off, and we’re extremely proud of them all.”

As one of the largest providers of post-16 education in the region, Xaverian College offers an extensive range of A Levels in addition to several BTEC courses. Visit xaverian.ac.uk to find out more. There has never been a better time to #DiscoverYourFuture!

Students at Xaverian College are celebrating yet another year of impressive A Level results, retaining its position as a leading sixth form college.

A Level students achieved a pass rate of 99%, with 34% of students achieving A* to A grades, 62% achieving A* to B grades and 85% achieving A* to C grades.

Amongst those celebrating were aspiring Medics, Melisse Desroy and Eleanor Potts and future Dentist, Clarisse Molomba.

Melisse, who came to the College from Stretford High School, gained A* in French, A in Physics, A in Mathematics and B in Chemistry and is progressing to the University of Paris to study Medicine.

She said: “Being at Xaverian has made me grow as a person. I feel like I am a completely differently person now, more mature and ready to take the next step to university. I’ve loved Xaverian, the subjects I’ve studied, and the teachers were always kind and made studying enjoyable.

“I’m delighted with my grades as I will be going to the University of Paris to study Medicine as I want to work as a Doctor with Medicines Sans Frontiers working in humanitarian medicine in other countries.”

Eleanor, former St Monica’s RC High School student, gained 3 A* grades in Chemistry, Biology and Psychology and is going to the University of Liverpool to study Medicine.

She said: “I chose to come to Xaverian as it is a campus-based college and I wanted to study in more of a university environment. Being at College has been hard work, but enjoyable and rewarding as it has enabled me to gain the grades I need for university, as well as help me to become more independent.

“I hope to complete my Degree in Medicine and my ambition is to work as a Trauma Doctor in an Accident and Emergency unit in a hospital.”

Clarisse, who completed her GCSEs at The Kingsway High School before joining Xaverian, gained an A in Mathematics, B in Chemistry and a B in Biology and is going to Newcastle University to study Dentistry.

She said: “I’ve really enjoyed my time at Xaverian as it is just like being at university and it’s been a lot of fun. I’ve found studying difficult, but with the support of the College, got the grades I needed for university. I enjoyed Maths the most, it was difficult, but I enjoyed the challenge and the teacher was great. I’m so pleased with my grades and can’t wait to go to university!”

Medicine and Dentistry are demanding professions where you will not only be required to demonstrate outstanding academic ability but also manual dexterity and clinical skills. Students studying at Xaverian and setting their sights on senior healthcare roles, have access to specialist support as part of the College’s Medics, Dentists and Vets (MDV) Programme. The programme ensures students receive guidance to help them successfully complete the early UCAS application, admissions tests and interview process, as well additional support and training to secure the high academic entry requirements.

As one of the largest providers of post-16 education in the region, Xaverian College offers an extensive range of A Levels in addition to several BTEC courses. Visit xaverian.ac.uk to find out more. There has never been a better time to #ExploreYourFuture!

Students at Xaverian College are celebrating yet another year of impressive A Level results, retaining its position as a leading sixth form college.

A Level students achieved a pass rate of 99%, with 34% of students achieving A* to A grades, 62% achieving A* to B grades and 85% achieving A* to C grades.

A record achievement of 313 A* grades were awarded, with particular success in English Literature, Film Studies, Mathematics, Politics and Psychology. Graphic Communication and Music recorded similar success with over 90% A* to B grades awarded.

Students have secured many highly competitive places, including Medicine, Engineering, Midwifery and Teaching, at some of the UK’s top Russell Group Universities, while many others will be starting higher level Apprenticeships and employment.

Dominic Seymour, who achieved four A* grades in Chemistry, Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Physics and gained a place studying Mathematics at the University of Oxford, said: “Receiving my offer to go to Oxford was a great moment for me and now I am delighted I have been accepted with the grades I achieved. Xaverian really is a community where you are encouraged to believe in yourself and your abilities and this has helped me to get to where I want to be, it’s been amazing!

“I like all areas of maths so being at the University of Oxford will help me to find out which area of Maths I want to specialise in. After university, I would like to use my Degree to go into research related to physics or chemistry as Maths is always an essential element in scientific research.”

Other students joining Dominic at the University of Oxford, include:

• Abigail Pole, A*A*A*, Classics and English
• Jess Scanlon, A*AA, Classics with Oriental Studies
• Jonathan Clark, A*A*AA, History
• Kirstin Attfield, A*A*A*A*A*, Mathematics
• Tawfik Al-Terawi, A*A*A*, Medicine

Joining the Oxbridge celebrations was Saskia Shakos, who achieved four A* grades in English Literature, Law, Psychology and EPQ, gained a place at the University of Cambridge to study Law.

Rhiannon Sellers, who joined the College after completing her GCSEs at Sale Grammar School, gained three A* grades in Biology, Chemistry and Geography and is progressing to Lancaster University to study Natural Sciences.

She said: “I’m excited about my grades and going to university. I hope to use my Degree to go into research to make the world a better place in terms of climate change and eco systems.

“Xaverian has given me a lot of support throughout my A Levels, even though the College is about being more independent, the support is there if you need it. Xaverian has been an amazing experience for me and has been a really good two years of my life.”

Principal, Tony Knowles, said: “We have been on an incredible journey with our Year 13s who have demonstrated inspiring determination and enthusiasm.

“Today’s results reflect so much of what is unique about Xaverian College, extraordinary students with ambition, first-class teachers and dedicated support professionals working together to create this amazing momentum.

“I am extremely proud that we have been able to play a part in our students’ success to date and a small part of who they will become in the future. We wish them all the best for their next chapter.”

As one of the largest providers of post-16 education in the region, Xaverian College offers an extensive range of A Levels in addition to several BTEC courses. Visit xaverian.ac.uk to find out more. There has never been a better time to #ExploreYourFuture!

Emma Jones, a Year 12 student at Xaverian College, has been named one of four winners in the prestigious Portico Sadie Massey Awards, which aims to encourage a life-long love of reading and writing in young people from all backgrounds.

Established in 2015, the Awards are named after Glasgow-born Sadie Massey and her desire to spread a love of reading and writing.

The Portico Library works with Manchester’s most respected ambassadors of children’s and young adult’s writing, with a particular emphasis on exploring stories based in the North of England, past, present or future.

Emma’s short story, Letting Go, has a nostalgic tone and focuses on processing the loss of a loved one.

Commenting on her win, Emma said: “My English Teacher, Mr Perry, encouraged me to enter the competition after we did some creative writing lessons. Initially I was writing to a prompt – to write about a meal – and it sort of spiralled into the meal being a source of nostalgia for the protagonist; the backstory – the loss of his father – came out of that.

“I was so surprised when I found out I had won! Taking part has given me more confidence in my writing and inspired me to get involved with new opportunities that are related to my subjects outside of College.”

Emma joined the College in September 2021, after completing her GCSEs at Loreto Grammar School. Emma is currently studying English Language and Literature, History and Sociology, and has aspirations to pursue a career linked to creative writing.

Joining in the celebrations is another Year 12 student, Izobel Davies, who has been named a runner up in this year’s Words For Your World Competition. Launched to coincide with the closing of COP26, the United Nations Climate Change Conference, the competition is led by the University of Manchester’s Humanitarian and Conflict Response Institute, in collaboration with Save the Children UK and UK-Med.

Students were invited to write a speech or letter, addressed to the UN, about their hopes and fears about the climate emergency, as well as specific policy recommendations, encouraging everyone to think in new and impactful ways.

The competition inspired hundreds across the UK, including Izobel, a former Priestnall School student, who is currently studying English Language and Literature, History and Psychology at the College. Izobel wrote a speech highlighting the urgent need to save the cities, culture and people that are being washed away due to rising sea levels, ending with a thought-provoking statement – “Unlike the ancient myth of the utopian city lost to the ocean, there will be no one left alive to pass on the story of how we chose our deaths.”

Guy Perry, English Teacher at Xaverian College, said: “It is extremely pleasing to see our students recognised for their fantastic work. These competitions present something rather beautiful to the critical and curious mind – the freedom they offer to explore ideas and texts allows students like Emma and Izobel to truly challenge themselves outside of the classroom. Both have bright futures ahead of them!”

You can read both entries online:

• Emma Jones, Letting Go, Portico Sadie Massey Awards
• Izobel Davies, Climate Change, Words For Your World Competition

If you’re passionate about communication, or love to read, then English is a course you’ll find irresistible. At Xaverian, students can choose to study A Levels in English Language, English Literature, or a combined English Language and Literature course.

As one of the largest providers of post-16 education in the region, Xaverian College offers an extensive range of A Levels in addition to several BTEC courses.

Two Year 12 students at Xaverian College, Caitlin Bowler and Nadia Bishop-Broadhurst entered The British Association for American Studies (BAAS) School Essay Prize earlier this year and have recently been recognised for their excellent work. 

The British Association for American Studies invited students to investigate using the brief: “Explore any aspect of the American experience, from the perspective of history, literature, film, politics or any other related or inter-related discipline.”, allowing students to focus on any area they had a particular interest in.  

Nadia won the competition with her essay: “Were the golden years really golden?” and Caitlin gained an honourable mention for her essay: “Has America always considered itself exceptional?”.  

Both students attended a digital awards ceremony on Friday 17^th June 2022, where their hard work was celebrated by leading academics.  

Caitlin said: “The theme of my essay was American exceptionalism – what is it, where does it come from and how does it affect people consumed by it? I have always been really interested in the concept that America seems to have – that they are inherently better than everyone else just because they are American – and how it seems to change their perception of life. I got to explore lots of different aspects of this when writing my final submission. 

“I entered the competition to challenge myself, I never thought I’d get an honourable mention! Our teachers always encourage us to step outside of our comfort zone and try something new, especially when it combines our studies with something we enjoy and are passionate about. 

“At Xaverian there are lots of subjects to choose from and the enrichment opportunities are endless – that’s why I chose to study here! I’ve made so many great friends and I feel really prepared for my future, hopefully as a History Teacher!”  

Hayley Flanagan, History Teacher, commented: “It’s incredible to have two students from the College recognised for their work! Both Nadia and Caitlin work exceptionally hard and it’s been a pleasure watching them grow over the past year. They should be really proud!” 

It’s only while studying the past that we can make sense of the present and when studying History at Xaverian you have the chance to immerse yourself in various topics, from the Tudors to the American Dream. This A Level course requires you to think critically and to explore different perspectives of the past to develop your own arguments and conclusions. 

As one of the largest providers of post-16 education in the region, Xaverian College offers exciting opportunities to over 2500 students. To find out more, visit xaverian.ac.uk – Explore Your Future!

This year we celebrated 160 years of Xaverian! There have been many changes over the years, however the fundamentals have stayed the same. The zeal and passion we have in abundance continues to grow and the success of our staff and students is inspirational.

To catch up on all of the fantastic things that have happened at Xaverian this year, grab a coffee and spend a few moments reading Xav’s Positive Paper 2021-2022.

Students at Xaverian College had the opportunity to showcase their creative talents at an end-of-year Art Exhibition, which took place last week (15^th June 2022).

The annual event saw students from the College’s Fine Art, Graphic Communication, Photography and Textiles courses proudly present work from their portfolio to family, friends, and the local community.

A portrait by Luana Soares, alongside three talented music students, captured the attention of all guests as they walked into the entrance of the College’s Ward Hall building. Luana spent months perfecting her final piece, which was dedicated to her mother, who hadn’t seen her artwork before the exhibition.

Former Loreto High School pupil, Luca Rawlinson built a small installation for his final piece, with a focus on containment.

Commenting on his experience, Luca said: “I found Fine Art the most freeing subject as I was constantly able to explore different sides of my creativity. We’re always encouraged to collaborate with the teachers and other students, and this has really helped refine and shape the direction of my work. The facilities are also amazing, which allows you to experiment – I’ve recently tried out wax entrapment and print making to see how it could inspire my work.

“Studying at Xaverian has been the best two years of my life! Every lesson has been interesting and fun, I have made lifelong friends and I’m leaving confident in my ability to succeed, no matter which creative industry I pursue a career in.”  

Shaun Steele, Divisional Lead, said: “I am thrilled that we were able to host the Art Exhibition on Campus this year. With the support from our brilliant teachers, students have produced fantastic work – I am constantly inspired by their creativity and dedication to developing their skills. It was great to welcome so many friendly faces and see our students celebrating!”

Virtual Tour – Art Exhibition 2022 – Created by Dawid Nowak, Year 12 Accounting, Business and Media Studies student

Three students, Martha Parry-Hensley, Patrick Karran and Lucy Gardiner, have also had their work featured in the Sixth Form Colleges Association Art Exhibition. This year’s theme was ‘Planet Future’, showcasing students’ reflections on how the world is changing and what its future holds.

Bill Watkin, Chief Executive of the Sixth Form Colleges Association, commented: “This online exhibition is a way of celebrating the arts and recognising excellence in sixth-form colleges.

“The artwork, all produced by 16-to-19-year-old students in sixth-form colleges across England ̶ indicates how young people are feeling about our climate and the environment, and how they view the wider sustainability agenda. 

“But the exhibition also offers an opportunity to celebrate the importance and power of art in education, as well as the artists’ quality, creativity and talent.”

The creative industries are set to soar across advanced and developing economies worldwide during the next decade, which will provide numerous exciting career opportunities and studying a creative subject at Xaverian can help support you in landing your dream job.

As one of the largest providers of post-16 education in the region, Xaverian College offers exciting opportunities to over 2500 students. To find out more, visit Xaverian.ac.uk – Explore Your Future!