Students at SFX Academy raise over £70,000 for charities across Liverpool and beyond

Students at St Francis Xavier’s Catholic Academy in Woolton have helped raise more than £70,000 for local, national and international charities during the 2024/25 academic year, showing the school’s commitment to caring for others and making a difference in the community.

Throughout the year, students from all year groups chose charities close to their hearts, organising events and activities to collect donations and raise awareness. They also joined forces as a whole school for larger fundraisers and donations, supporting Catholic charities and local causes alike.

This year, students supported three key Catholic charities through their efforts — the Good Shepherd Appeal for Nugent, Micah Liverpool and CAFOD, the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development.

Jo Henney, chief executive of Nugent, praised the students’ contribution, saying: “I want to thank everyone at SFX for raising an incredible £871.20 towards our 2025 Good Shepherd Appeal. Their compassion and generosity are helping us build brighter futures for families across the Liverpool City Region. We’re proud to have SFX walking alongside us on this journey of hope.”

From football tournaments and colour runs to foodbank drives, students put their faith into action, guided by the principles of Catholic Social Teaching and a commitment to help those most in need.

Headteacher David Hayes said: “I couldn’t be prouder of what our students and staff have achieved this year. Looking after others and making a positive difference are values we live by at SFX, and our students have shown they are outstanding citizens who care deeply about the world around them.

“As we reach the end of the school year, it’s important we take a moment to reflect on everything we’ve done together, and I’m excited to see how our students will continue to make an impact next year.”

Each year group chose a charity to support in their own way. Year 7 raised over £200 for South Liverpool Domestic Abuse Service by running a tuck shop during the warmer months. Year 8 collected more than £1,000 worth of food and toiletries for South Liverpool Foodbank and donated Easter eggs worth £600 in April.

In Year 9, a PSHCE lesson about giving back turned into a mission to support patients at the Royal Liverpool Hospital Kidney Dialysis Unit. Students raised £750 to help improve comfort for people receiving life-saving treatment.

Older students took on even more. Year 10 supported Mary’s Meals, which feeds children living in poverty, and the Kianh Foundation, which provides healthcare and education in Vietnam. Together, they raised £1,150.

Year 11 chose to help two charities with strong links to the school community. By collecting spare change, they supported The Owen McVeigh Foundation’s sky dive fundraiser, which brought in over £45,000 for families affected by cancer in Merseyside. They also continued to back Alfie’s Squad — set up by SFX student Alfie Fitsimmons in memory of his dad — with a football tournament and charity evening that raised nearly £20,000.

Sixth form students rolled up their sleeves to host a Macmillan Cancer Support Coffee Morning, complete with homemade cakes, which added another £500 to the total.

As the school year wraps up, SFX is already looking ahead and choosing which charities to support next. The academy, part of the St Joseph Catholic Multi Academy Trust, says it is proud to see students living out its values by caring for people near and far.

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