Hugh Baird College GCSE Students Outperform National Averages for Third Year in a row
Students at Hugh Baird College are celebrating their GCSE English and Maths results, with learners across both the 16 –18 and adult cohorts achieving strong outcomes and exceeding published national rates across several key measures.
For the 2025/26 academic year, 16 –18-year-old students at Hugh Baird College achieved strong results in GCSE Maths, with the proportion achieving high grades of 4–9 increasing by 2.3 percentage points on the previous year and 8.6 percentage points above the national rate.
Adult students undertaking GCSE qualifications have also achieved impressive results, with overall achievement in both Maths and English significantly exceeding national rates.
Behind the headline figures are individual stories of determination, resilience and achievement, with students overcoming previous challenges and using their results to take the next step towards their ambitions.
Mark Walsh is celebrating achieving a Grade 5 in GCSE English after sitting the qualification for the fourth time. His achievement has given him renewed confidence in his ability to succeed and he has now been accepted to study at both Hugh Baird University Centre and Edge Hill University. Mark is now progressing onto a degree in Nursing and Midwifery, with ambitions of pursuing a career in adult or mental health nursing.
For Jonah Maddox Peters, achieving a Grade 4 in both GCSE Maths and English represents a significant milestone. Having not attended school since primary school, Jonah has loved his time at Hugh Baird College and is now preparing to study an Access to Higher Education Social Work course, with the ambition of becoming a social worker.
Diana Bagnall is also looking ahead to a career supporting people in her community after achieving a Grade 5 in GCSE Maths. Diana plans to study an Access to Higher Education Nursing course, with her time at Hugh Baird College helping her take another important step towards her future ambitions.
Eighteen-year-old Joseph O'Neill is celebrating achieving a Grade 4 in GCSE Maths after progressing from Functional Skills into GCSE study, demonstrating his determination to take on a new challenge and achieve a GCSE qualification.
Chloe Mawdsley joined Hugh Baird College in September after being homeschooled and having never sat a formal examination. Initially anxious about the exam process, Chloe's confidence grew throughout the year through her own hard work and determination, alongside the support of her mum and tutors. She is now celebrating passing both GCSE English Language and Maths.
Another standout achievement came from Selam Menghisteab, who achieved an impressive Grade 8 following a year of exceptional dedication to her studies. Her tutor described her as one of the most committed students they have taught during their seven years at Hugh Baird College
Joel Foulkes has also demonstrated the impact that perseverance and a change in attitude can have. Having struggled with Maths throughout the year, Joel made a significant effort during the final two months, completely changing his approach to his studies. His hard work paid off when he achieved a score of 144, comfortably above the pass mark of 121.
Rachael Hennigan OBE, Principal and CEO of Hugh Baird College, said:
I’m incredibly proud of our students and the hard work and determination they have shown this year.
I’d like to congratulate every student on their achievements and thank the staff for the support and encouragement they have provided. We wish all of our students every success as they move forward with their education, training and careers.
Applications remain open for September 2026 entry, with enrolment now underway. Students can find out more about the courses available and apply via www.hughbaird.ac.uk/apply .
