Hugh Baird College is the No.1 further education college for student achievement in the region

Hugh Baird College has been ranked the number one further education college for student achievement in the Liverpool City Region, according to newly published data from the Department for Education.  

The College's achievement rate of 89.5% places it above the national average for general further education colleges (86.6%) and ahead of every other FE college in the region.  

The figures come from the National Achievement Rate Tables (NARTs), published annually by the Department for Education. The tables rank further education providers across England on the proportion of learners who go on to achieve their qualification, making them one of the most widely recognised measures of college performance in the sector.  

The College's performance is strong across all learner groups. Hugh Baird College's 16- to 18-year-old students achieved 4.1 percentage points above the national average, while adult learners aged 19 and over outperformed the national average by 1.9 percentage points. Across all ages combined, the College sits 2.9 percentage points above the national benchmark for general further education colleges.  

This achievement follows the College's status as one of only three further education colleges in the North West with an Outstanding Ofsted grade, recognising its exceptional teaching, ambitious curriculum, and outstanding student support. Ofsted noted:  

"Students rapidly develop their confidence, resilience, and independence because of highly effective teaching, extensive support, and participation in life-enhancing experiences."  

"The College provides highly valuable opportunities for students to broaden their horizons and raise their aspirations."  

"Teachers use their passion for the subject and their extensive vocational expertise to make learning enjoyable and highly relevant to what students want to do next."  

A significant proportion of Hugh Baird College students come from communities in the top 1% of the most deprived areas in England. The College's position at the top of the regional achievement table is a reflection of the determination of those students and the staff who support them every step of the way.  

Rachael Hennigan OBE, Principal and Chief Executive of Hugh Baird College, said:  

“These results are a reflection of the talent, determination and hard work of every student and member of staff at Hugh Baird College. To be ranked number one in the Liverpool City Region for student achievement, and to sit above the national average across every learner group, is something we are immensely proud of.” 

“We have always held firm to the belief that our community deserves nothing less than the very best, and results like these are proof that commitment makes a real difference.”