Hugh Baird College Wins National AoC Beacon Award

Hugh Baird College has been named the national winner of the RCU Award for Support for Students at the Association of Colleges (AoC) Beacon Awards 2025/26, marking it as one of the premier institutions for further education in the United Kingdom.

Presented at the House of Commons, the award recognises the College’s “Education for All” initiative, a pioneering framework designed to ensure young people across the Liverpool City Region can access high-quality, personalised education regardless of the barriers they face.

“Winning this award is an incredible honour and a true reflection of the dedication, compassion and innovation shown by our staff every single day,” said Rachael Hennigan OBE, Principal and Chief Executive at Hugh Baird College.

“Our teams work tirelessly to ensure every learner feels valued and has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of the challenges they face.

“To have that work recognised is something we are all immensely proud of.”

Sarah Collins, Director of Foundation Studies at Hugh Baird College, added:

“Every programme we’ve built is rooted in the needs of this community.

“We have young people who arrived disengaged who are now progressing into employment, further study and living more independently. That transformation is what this award is really about.”

Transforming Education Through the Education for All Initiative

Based in one of the country’s most socio-economically challenged regions, the College supports more than 4,000 learners, with 76% coming from disadvantaged backgrounds and nearly a third identified as having special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Since 2021, the institution has completely redesigned its Foundation Learning and High Needs provision to create tailored pathways for those who are currently not in education, employment, or training (NEET).

By partnering with the NHS, local authorities, and specialist agencies like Career Connect, the College provides restorative approaches and strengthened transition planning.

These efforts enable learners to build the confidence required to re-engage with education and eventually move into further study or independent living.

The results of this specialised focus have been transformative, with enrolments in these inclusive programmes growing by 35% as demand for expert support continues to rise.

Excellence in Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Provision

The impact of these initiatives is evidenced by the remarkable success rates at Thornton College, the specialised high needs campus of Hugh Baird College.

Last year, students there achieved a 96% success rate, including a perfect 100% achievement rate in English and maths qualifications.

This data reinforces the College’s position as a sector leader in providing life-enhancing experiences for students who face the most significant obstacles to learning.

This national recognition follows a landmark inspection in November 2024, where Ofsted graded the College as “Outstanding.”

Inspectors highlighted that students with high needs thrive due to exceptional planning and effective teaching that fosters resilience and independence.

As one of only three further education colleges in the North West to hold an Outstanding rating, Hugh Baird College remains a beacon of excellence for inclusive learning and student advocacy in the UK.