Hugh Baird College Ranks in the Top 4% Nationally for Student Progress

Hugh Baird College has secured top national rankings across two qualification areas, cementing its position as one of the highest-performing further education colleges in England for student progress. 

Newly released figures from the Department for Education show that Tech Level 3 learners at the College achieved a progress score of 0.45, ranking them in the top 4% of further education providers nationally. Applied General Qualification learners were ranked in the top 8%, with both results placing Hugh Baird College among the highest-performing further education colleges in England. 

Progress is a 'value-added' accountability measure that shows how well students have developed when compared with others nationally who had similar levels of educational attainment at Key Stage 4, which incorporates GCSEs. A score above zero indicates that students made more progress than learners with similar Key Stage 4 results, while a negative score indicates that they made less progress. 

Tech Levels are advanced technical qualifications, equivalent to A-levels, designed for students aiming to specialise in a specific industry or prepare for a particular career. Applied General Qualifications, such as BTECs, are broad-based qualifications that develop knowledge and skills across a vocational area, supporting progression to higher education and employment. Employers and universities recognise both qualification types and provide a strong foundation for future success. 

These achievements build on the College's recognition as one of only three further education colleges in the entire North West to hold an outstanding Ofsted grade. In its inspection report, Ofsted praised the College's exceptional teaching, ambitious curriculum and outstanding student support, stating: 

"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." 

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

"These results reflect the hard work, dedication and passion of our entire college community; our students, who push themselves every day, and the staff who inspire and support them." 

"A significant proportion of our students come from the top 1% of the most deprived areas in the country, and their commitment and determination continually inspire us. Time and again, they transform their starting points into remarkable achievements, and results like these are proof of that." 

"At Hugh Baird College, we hold firm to the belief that our community deserves nothing less than the very best. That means remaining committed to raising aspirations, transforming lives and delivering an education that empowers every single learner to succeed."