James Nelson-Joyce and Ellis Howard both attended Archbishop Beck Catholic College and we spoke to the teachers who were there at the start of their journey
09:30, 09 May 2026
Paul Stirling and Emma Griffiths outside Archbishop Beck Catholic College(Image: Liverpool ECHO)
If two BAFTA nominees studied at the same school, you’d be forgiven for assuming it must be Eton College or some other private institution down south with hefty tuition fees. But this Sunday’s ceremony sees a refreshing bucking of the trend, as it’s actually a school in North Liverpool with two former alumni proudly flying the flag for the city.
James Nelson-Joyce and Ellis Howard will be walking the red carpet at South Bank’s Royal Festival Hall tomorrow (May 10), as both have been nominated in the Best Lead Actor category for what promises to be a special night for Merseyside talent. Being nominated in the same category isn’t the only connection the stars share, as they both attended Archbishop Beck Catholic College, formerly on Cedar Road and now on Long Lane.
James, 37, and Ellis, 29, may not have attended the school at the same time, but they did share the same English teacher, who told the ECHO how immensely proud she is to see two former students excel on the national stage. Emma Griffiths said: “What are the chances that two students from Archbishop Beck Catholic College would be in the same category [at the BAFTAs]? To see that, you’re just in absolute awe. It makes us do what we do.
“Teaching is challenging, without a shadow of a doubt, but it’s so rewarding when you see people do well. That sustains us, enthuses us and keeps us going.”
James, who has been nominated for his performance as Michael Kavanagh in This City Is Ours, was part of Miss Griffiths’ first GCSE English class at the start of her career, as she added: “I will remember that class with a very warm heart. I do remember each and every one of those individuals.”
James Nelson-Joyce is a former student of Archbishop Beck Catholic College(Image: Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for Dis)
The now Deputy Headteacher made an immediate impact as the A Thousand Blows star has frequently cited the contribution his English teacher played in shaping the direction of his life. The actor has explained in previous interviews he was always eager to impress in English as he harboured a crush on his teacher and said she was the first person who suggested he should pursue acting as a career.
Miss Griffiths said it was reading out passages in front of the class when she realised James had star quality that needed to be nurtured. She added: “You’re always looking around for people to read in class or take part in plays. Sometimes, there is a reluctance for people to take part, but James was always eager to stand up there.
“It wasn’t just me. It was the students in the room that were impacted by what he read and how he performed, whether it was Shakespeare or An Inspector Calls. He was just so naturally gifted.”
Miss Griffiths was also full of praise for the actor’s personality as shesaid James was a “lad’s lad”, which made it all the more brave that he pursued a career in the arts. She said: “He put himself above the parapet. James was incredibly humble. He was so grounded and didn’t realise how talented he was. When you have that in someone, it’s a rarity and you know they can go far.”
Emma Griffiths taught both James Nelson-Joyce and Ellis Howard
Miss Griffiths admitted she was blown away when she first heard James mention the influence she has had on his journey in interviews. However, she insisted the credit is all his, adding: “I’m immensely proud that I’ve had that affect on someone, that anything I’ve said and what I’ve done has had such an influence that they remember me 20 years on.
“That makes me do what I do when you hear the success of people. But he is a success in his own right. I was there, and I’m glad that I’m part of that journey, but what he achieved is absolutely down to him.”
Miss Griffiths is equally proud to have taught Ellis, who has been recognised for his performance in What It Feels Like For A Girl. The teacher said Ellis’ talents for performing were immediately obvious the moment he stepped into her classroom.
Ellis Howard was hailed as a “thespian in the making” by his former teacher(Image: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
She added: “He was a thespian in the making, with a genuine passion for the stage and performance. He was eager to impress—not only in the spotlight but academically as well. He took part in every production and performance at the College and embraced every public‑speaking opportunity, including representing the College in the English Speaking Union Public Speaking competitions, where he reached the Grand Final.
“Ellis was so vocal, funny, passionate with what he had to say. If he had a point to say, he’d say it. He wouldn’t be afraid. I loved that. They were both likeable boys They were very different people to teach, but I loved going into their lessons and loved getting the best out of them.”
Although they may have had different personalities, the two were connected by wanting to do their community proud, as Miss Griffiths said: “They are passionate, humble and know their roots, they know where they’re from. What’s really important is that essence of family and community. They always talked well of their families.”
Paul Stirling said the success of his former students is a moment to savour for the whole community(Image: Liverpool ECHO)
Paul Stirling is the headteacher of the school and he said his two students former success is a moment to savour for the school and its surrounding L9 area. He added: “It’s a special moment for the whole community. Not just Archbishop Beck. We should be very proud that, from a small area in Liverpool, we’re producing such amazing talent.
“The whole Archbishop Beck Catholic College community are delighted with the achievements of James and Ellis. To have two students from the college nominated for a prestigious BAFTA award is an amazing achievement.
“As a college, we have long been committed to music, drama, dance, sport, and public speaking because these subject areas teach and develop skills no textbook can — confidence, creativity, teamwork, and the power to communicate. We have many former students who have excelled in a wide range of performance and sporting disciplines, and we are extremely proud of them all. The opportunity for students to perform and develop their talents is at the heart of our college community.'”
Paul Stirling and Emma Griffiths with Ryan Paton outside Archbishop Beck Catholic College(Image: Liverpool ECHO)
James and Ellis’ story is now going to be used as an example to inspire the next generation of Liverpool talent that they can go on to achieve excellence in the same way. Mr Stirling added: “We have up boards of the alumni and what we do. We celebrate their successes because it’s so important.
“We can only give you so much. You come out of here and we can give you the tools you need to move on. But you’ve still got to do it. Hopefully you’ve got the motivation to do that.” The BAFTA TV awards will be broadcast on BBC One at 7pm on Sunday May 10