Hugh Baird College Principal Rachael Hennigan Receives OBE from HRH The Princess Royal

Hugh Baird College is proud to announce that its Principal and Chief Executive, Rachael Hennigan OBE, has officially received her Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) from HRH Princess Anne, The Princess Royal, at an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on Tuesday 11 March, on behalf of HM King Charles III. 

Rachael was named in The King’s New Year Honours List in recognition of her services to Further Education. The prestigious honour recognises her exceptional leadership in further education over many years, as well as the collective achievements of Hugh Baird College in transforming the lives of young people and adults across the Liverpool City Region. 

Rachael joined Hugh Baird College in February 2020 as Principal and Chief Executive, bringing with her more than 15 years’ experience in the further education sector with a rapid progression into senior leadership roles focused on raising standards, improving learner outcomes and strengthening the quality of education. Prior to joining Hugh Baird College, Rachael held the post of Deputy Principal at Calderdale College in Halifax, a role she undertook from 2016. 

Under Rachael’s leadership, Hugh Baird College has experienced significant improvement and growth. In November 2024, the College was awarded an Outstanding Ofsted rating, placing it in the top 10% of further education colleges nationally. 

Ofsted inspectors praised the strength of leadership and management, noting a clear and ambitious vision, and highlighted the quality of teaching, support, and learner progression.  

Rachael is no stranger to Hugh Baird College or the Liverpool City Region. She grew up in Bootle, Sefton, attended Archbishop Beck Catholic High School, completed her A levels at Hugh Baird College and went on to study at Liverpool John Moores University. Her personal connection to the area has strongly shaped her commitment to widening participation and ensuring education creates opportunity for local communities. 

As Principal and Chief Executive, Rachael provides strategic leadership across the Liverpool City Region, working with employers and public sector partners to support economic growth and social mobility. She chairs the Association of Liverpool City Region Colleges, ensuring a cohesive regional skills offer and leading collaborative curriculum development across priority sectors. Rachael is also a member of the Liverpool City Region Business and Enterprise Board, aligning education provision with local skills needs and progression into higher-skilled employment.  

Speaking after receiving her OBE, Rachael Hennigan OBE said: 

“Receiving this honour from The Princess Royal at Windsor Castle was an incredibly proud moment, not just for me personally, but for everyone who has been part of the journey. This OBE belongs to the staff, students and partners I’ve had the pleasure of working with throughout my career, who work tirelessly every day to create opportunity and support learners to succeed.” 

“As someone who grew up locally and studied at the College, it is a privilege to lead an institution that transforms lives across our communities and the Liverpool City Region. This ceremony has been a wonderful moment to reflect on what we have achieved together and to look ahead to what comes next.”