Hugh Baird College has been recognised as one of the best further education providers in the country, standing as the only college in Merseyside to hold an overall ‘Outstanding’ rating from Ofsted following its latest inspection, as announced today by the government’s education regulators.
The College, which serves the Liverpool City Region and includes Sefton Sixth Form College in Litherland, offers vocational training for school leavers and adults, apprenticeships, A-levels, and university-level courses. It scored ‘Outstanding’ gradings in all but one of the eight areas covered in the Ofsted inspection.
Marking the return of outstanding further education (FE) to Merseyside for the first time in over a decade, Hugh Baird College is now among just seventeen ‘Outstanding’ rated providers nationwide, placing it in the country’s top 10% of FE colleges. It is also one of only three in the entire North West to have an ‘Outstanding’ grade from Ofsted.
The inspection, which took place from 26 to 29 November 2024, commended the College’s ability to transform lives through exceptional education and opportunities. Inspectors highlighted how “Students and apprentices rapidly develop their confidence, resilience, and independence because of highly effective teaching, extensive support, and participation in life-enhancing experiences.”
Teachers were highlighted for their passion and vocational expertise, making learning engaging and tailored to students’ needs. Ofsted observed, “Teachers use their passion for the subject and extensive vocational expertise to make learning enjoyable and highly relevant to what students want to do next.”
Leadership at Hugh Baird College was celebrated for its vision and dedication. Inspectors noted, “Leaders’ ambition to become the best college in the country is 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 welcoming and inclusive environment was referenced, often described by students as their “second home” and offering “Highly valuable opportunities for students to broaden their horizons and raise their aspirations.” Ofsted observed that “Students and apprentices are very well prepared for what they want to do next. The vast majority achieve their qualifications, and an increasing number achieve high grades.”
The College also plays a vital role in addressing skills shortages and meeting the demands of emerging industries in the Liverpool City Region. Ofsted praised its approach, stating, “Leaders devise curriculums that are sufficiently agile to equip students and apprentices with the knowledge and skills they need for employment in emerging industries such as low-carbon technologies.”
Sonia Stirling, Deputy Principal of Hugh Baird College, said:
“This outstanding rating is testament to the exceptional commitment and expertise of our staff, combined with the hard work and ambition of our students and apprentices. At Hugh Baird College, we strive to provide more than just qualifications — we deliver transformative, life-enhancing experiences that empower learners to achieve their full potential.”
“The Ofsted report highlights the College’s strong contribution to meeting skills needs, which reflects our commitment to aligning education with the demands of the local and national economy. By offering forward-thinking curriculum and working closely with employers, we ensure that our students and apprentices are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to thrive in their chosen industries.”
Rachael Hennigan, Principal and Chief Executive of Hugh Baird College, concluded:
“We are incredibly proud to be recognised as the only college in Merseyside to hold an outstanding rating from Ofsted. This accolade reflects the hard work, dedication, and passion of our entire college community — our staff, students, and apprentices.
At Hugh Baird College, we are driven by the belief that our community and staff deserve nothing less than the very best. That’s why we remain committed to raising aspirations, transforming lives, and delivering an education that empowers every learner to succeed.
The inspection outcome is especially significant as we celebrate 50 years of serving our community, building on recent achievements such as ranking in the top 5% of FE providers in England for apprentice success, a 99% A-level pass rate, and 100% pass rates in many vocational subjects.
This recognition also highlights our vital role in addressing skills gaps, supporting emerging industries, and contributing to the growth and prosperity of the Liverpool City Region. We are proud to make a lasting impact not only on individuals but also on the broader community and economy.”
To find out more and download the full report, visit www.hughbaird.ac.uk/ofsted.