Hugh Baird College’s Principal and Chief Executive, Rachael Hennigan OBE, is to be honoured with Liverpool John Moores University’s highest award this spring, recognising her outstanding contribution to further education and lifelong commitment to transforming opportunities for young people and adults across the Liverpool City Region.
Rachael will receive an honorary fellowship from Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) during the university’s spring graduation ceremonies at Liverpool Cathedral in April, alongside fellow recipients Phil Kenyon, one of the world’s leading golf coaches, and Andrea Nixon MBE, Chair of National Museums Liverpool.
Rachael’s connection to both institutions spans more than two decades. She grew up in Bootle, Sefton, attended Archbishop Beck Catholic High School, and completed her A-levels at Hugh Baird College before progressing to LJMU’s IM Marsh campus, where she graduated with a degree in Physical Education, Sport and Dance in 2002. She returned to Hugh Baird College as Principal and Chief Executive in 2020.
Since taking the helm at Hugh Baird College, Rachael has driven exceptional improvements in educational outcomes and student experience. In November 2024, the College was awarded an Outstanding Ofsted rating, placing it in the top 10% of further education colleges nationally. Inspectors identified the College as an institution that is “transforming the lives of young people across the region.”
Ofsted inspectors praised the strength of leadership and management, noting a clear and ambitious vision “founded on the belief that their students and apprentices, staff, and local community deserve the best education and training they can provide.”
The College’s national performance outcomes reflect this commitment to excellence. Hugh Baird College is ranked No. 1 in the country for Tech Level 3 progress and in the top 15% nationally for 16–18 achievement. The College is also placed in the top 5% of general FE providers in England for apprentice achievement, whilst Sefton Sixth Form College (part of Hugh Baird College) is among the top 6% nationally for A-level progress.
Her leadership was recognised nationally when she was awarded an OBE in The King’s 2026 New Year Honours List for her contribution to education.
Beyond the College, Rachael provides strategic leadership across the Liverpool City Region. She chairs the Association of Liverpool City Region Colleges, ensuring a cohesive regional skills offer, and serves on the Liverpool City Region Business and Enterprise Board, aligning education provision with local skills needs and supporting progression into higher-skilled employment. Locally, she chairs the Bootle Partnership Group and attends the Children and Young People’s Partnership Board.
Rachael Hennigan OBE, said:
“It is a privilege to receive an honorary fellowship from LJMU. The university was instrumental in providing me with the foundations that have enabled me to work across many educational settings.”
“I fully recognise the impact that the university has had on my life and lives of so many across the city region and so to be associated with it in this way is an honour.”
Professor Mark Power, LJMU Vice-Chancellor, said:
“I am delighted that our graduating class of 2026 will be joined by three exceptional individuals who will join the university fellowship.
“It’s really important that we recognise the achievements of people who have already made a difference in their professional lives and who will continue to be role models for us all.
“I am particularly proud that we will be welcoming back two alumni who have made such an impact since graduating from LJMU and who continue to be superb ambassadors for the university.”
