Passionate teachers make college 'outstanding'

Principal Rachael Hennigan studied for her A-Levels at the college

A Merseyside college has been celebrated for its exceptional work providing a first class education to its students.

Hugh Baird College in Bootle has been identified by Ofsted inspectors as an "outstanding" institution which is transforming the lives of young people across the region.

Rachael Hennigan, who has been the principal and chief executive since 2020, said taking up the roles was "a little bit like a coming home".

Ms Hennigan, who grew up close by and studied for her A-Levels at the college, said: "We wanted to be the best college in the country because our students deserve it."

Hugh Baird College in Bootle has been identified by Ofsted inspectors as an "outstanding" institution

"Our staff deserve to work for the best college country, and this community needs to have it in touching distance," she said.

Inspectors said: "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 praised for making learning engaging and tailored to students' needs, with Ofsted adding: "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."

Inspectors also singled out senior leadership at Hugh Baird College for its dedication and ambition to become the best college in the country, a vision "founded on the belief that their students and apprentices, staff, and local community deserve the best education and training they can provide."

Ofsted's praise for staff and students is particularly satisfying to Ms Hennigan who credits the college's success to the hard work they put in every day.

"We've got some amazing colleagues across the college, really highly skilled in really special areas," she said. "So things like electrical installation, carpentry and joiners, some really super teachers.

"Some are made leaders and they're the reason we got the outstanding report."