96% of Holy Cross University Centre students achieve 2:1 or above

Our final year Liverpool Hope University students have received outstanding results this summer, with 96% of students achieving a 2:1 or above.

Two of these students, Liberty Birtwistle and Bethany Taylor-Dunne, chose to stay at Holy Cross after completing their A Levels and study their degrees with Liverpool Hope University at our University Centre.

Liberty achieved a First Class BA (Hons) in Early Childhood and Special Educational Needs and Bethany achieved an Upper Second Class BA (Hons) in Education and Special Educational Needs.

Both students studied A Levels at Holy Cross College from 2020-2022:

• Liberty studied A Levels in Law, Psychology and Criminology
• Bethany studied A Levels in Physical Education, Psychology and Sociology

Bethany said:

“I chose to stay on at Holy Cross to complete my degree because the University Centre offered a flexible option that suited my lifestyle far better than a typical university experience.

“I knew that living away from home wasn’t the right choice for me and studying here allowed me to continue working alongside my studies.

“The staff created such a supportive and welcoming learning environment, and I would highly recommend the University Centre to anyone in a similar situation.

“I’m truly grateful for the opportunities and successes I’ve achieved, which were made possible by studying here.”

25 years of Liverpool Hope at Holy Cross University Centre

These results come as we celebrate 25 outstanding years of degree provision and life-changing opportunities with the Network of Hope (NoH) at Holy Cross University Centre.

Dr Irene Rose, tutor and programme lead for Special Educational Needs, noted the quality of the provision translates into great NSS results.

She said:

“I really love working with my colleagues in Holy Cross to support our Network of Hope students to achieve and exceed their aspirations. We make a great team, and the results show.”

The celebration was poignant for Helen Davison, tutor and Early Childhood programme lead, and Joanne Lewis, tutor and Educational Studies subject coordinator, who both started as undergraduates on the courses they now teach.

Helen said:

“I have gone from being an undergraduate student myself to now teaching on the degree course. I really love the pastoral support the academic staff and Holy Cross tutors give to the students. We are a really strong team which shows in the results we receive, the feedback given by the students and progression of the students throughout their degree.

“The importance of seeing the person behind the student is an enduring quality we have and which we nurture well. I am proud to be a part of the team.”

(l-r) Helen Davison, Joanne Lewis and Irene Lewis from the Network of Hope (NoH)

Joanne added:

“The opportunities of studying in the NoH are life-changing for the majority of our wonderful students. The dedication they show to their studies is awe-inspiring as we witness them juggling work, family responsibilities and, at times, very difficult personal circumstances.

“So to see them consistently gain the highest grade averages and outcomes out of all of Hope's cohorts is testament to their commitment and determination to make the most of this opportunity. 

“They are a constant inspiration to us as tutors and so we are, in equal measure, both humbled and incredibly proud to be a part of their undergraduate journey.”

Siobhan O’Connor, Assistant Principal and head of the University Centre at Holy Cross College Bury said:

“The Network of Hope offers great opportunities for people in Bury who want to develop personally and professionally. Students can study flexibly with in-person evening classes that allow them to balance study with the demands of work and family.

“Tutors are knowledgeable, enthusiastic and committed. They consistently engage and support their students, the majority of whom achieve excellent results.”

It’s not too late to study a degree in Bury from September 2025 – click here to find out more.