Lord Mayor praises student excellence during visit to St John Bosco Arts College

We were honoured to welcome the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Barbara Murray, on 12th February 2026 for a very special visit.

The school’s BTEC Level 3 textiles and fashion students have been specially selected to contribute to the Lord Mayor’s Fundraising Ladies Day Lunch and Fashion Show which took place the following month, and the visit celebrated the sixth formers’ innovative designs that were to be worn at the event.

During her time at St John Bosco, the Lord Mayor met with sixth form students to explore the garments they were creating for the major charity event in partnership with designer and owner of Garston-based studio boutique Sparkles, Paula Johnson, who also accompanied the Lord Mayor during the visit.

Students had the opportunity to showcase their designs to the Lord Mayor and Paula, explaining the inspiration behind their creations, as well as sharing their ambitions and aspirations for the future.

Year 12 textiles and fashion student, Zahra, said: “It was such a positive and inspirational day for me and my class. I would never have thought how interesting it was to be Lord Mayor and how much is involved in working with young people and charities that make such a difference to our city.

“Displaying my work and having the opportunity to be involved in the fashion show is very exciting. Being given the chance to talk to such inspirational women has inspired me to want more and aim higher.” ~Zahra, Year 12 student

Whilst with the sixth form students, the Lord Mayor and Paula spoke passionately about the importance of creativity and empowering young people within the city to follow their dreams. The visitors were then treated to a medley of songs from Mary Poppins Jr performed by Key Stage 3 and 4 students who starred in the school’s spring production of the Disney classic.

Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Barbara Murray, said: “I was delighted to visit St John Bosco Arts College and meet so many talented students and committed staff. It was wonderful to see the creative process and work that sits behind each design the girls have produced and to enjoy their remarkable performance from the musical Mary Poppins. The future looks very bright for these young designers and performers; they were engaging, confident and impressive.

“I also enjoyed chatting with sixth form students about this year’s International Women’s Day theme, ‘Give to Gain’, as they will be supporting my fundraising efforts at the ladies day fashion show. They are such lovely young women and are a credit to themselves, their families, their school and our city. Thank you for making me so welcome!” ~ Lord Mayor, Councillor Barbara Murray

Highlighting St John Bosco’s commitment to nurturing its students’ gifts and talents, the visit concluded with the Lord Mayor being presented with a bouquet of flowers by the school’s head girl, Cerys. Paula also received a framed fashion illustration designed by Year 11 student, Hayden, who is currently completing her BTEC Level 2 in fashion.

Headteacher, Mr Darren Gidman, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome the Lord Mayor, Councillor Barbara Murray, into St John Bosco Arts College on Thursday. Her visit was a great opportunity to share the exceptional dedication, talent and achievements our students demonstrate every day.

“It was fantastic to see students speaking so confidently and enthusiastically to the Lord Mayor about their creative passions and I’m so proud to lead such an inspiring community of staff and students. Well done to all involved!”

On Sunday 1st March Year 12 and 13 Fashion and Textiles pupils accompanied by Design and Technology department staff were given the fantastic opportunity to take part in a Fashion Show charity event held at The Devonshire House organised by The Lord Mayor of Liverpool.

The event proved to be a huge success and our pupils were able to showcase their wonderful textiles and fashion garments during a catwalk show hosted by 'Sparkles' Boutique owner Paula Johnson. We were delighted to be a part of such a worthy event and what a truly fantastic experience for us all.