Officially Outstanding Ofsted | Hugh Baird College

The Headlines

The comprehensive evaluation by Ofsted inspectors took place from 26 to 29 November 2024 and resulted in the following grades.

Overall inspection grade	OUTSTANDING
The quality of education	Outstanding
Behaviour and attitudes	Outstanding
Personal development	Outstanding
Leadership and management	Outstanding
Education programmes for young people	Outstanding
Adult learning programmes	Outstanding
Provision for learners with high needs	Outstanding
Apprenticeships	Good

Transforming lives through outstanding education and training

"Students and apprentices are taught ambitious curriculums that give them the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in learning and life."

"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."

"Leaders’ ambition to become the best college in the country is founded on the belief that their students and apprentices, staff and local community deserve the best education and training they can provide."

We are incredibly proud to be recognised as one of only three further education colleges in the North West to hold an outstanding rating from Ofsted. This accolade reflects the hard work, dedication, and passion of our entire college community — our staff, students, and apprentices.

The inspection outcome is especially significant as we celebrate 50 years of serving our community, building on recent achievements such as ranking in the top 5% of FE providers in England for apprentice success, a 99% A-level pass rate, and 100% pass rates in many vocational subjects.

At Hugh Baird College, we are driven by the belief that our community and staff deserve nothing less than the very best. That’s why we remain committed to raising aspirations, transforming lives, and delivering an education that empowers every learner to succeed.
— Rachael Hennigan, Principal and Chief Executive.

Building success with life-enhancing experiences

"Students and apprentices rapidly develop their confidence, resilience and independence because of highly effective teaching, extensive support and participation in life-enhancing experiences."

"Teachers and assessors enable students and apprentices to systematically build on their prior learning and develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours they need to be successful."

"Students and apprentices are very well prepared for what they want to do next. The vast majority achieve their qualifications, and an increasing number achieve high grades."

"Adult students make substantial progress and develop the resilience needed to overcome barriers."

"Students with high needs thrive and do exceptionally well through caring, diligent and exceptional planning."

A nurturing environment for growth and aspirations

"The College provides highly valuable opportunities for students to broaden their horizons and raise their aspirations."

"Leaders, managers, teachers and support staff have students’ best interests at heart, they champion their achievements and prepare them for a positive future."

"Leaders promote a culture where students and apprentices are championed to achieve their potential."

The Ofsted report highlights the College’s strong contribution to meeting skills needs, which reflects our commitment to aligning education with the demands of the local and national economy. By offering forward-thinking curriculum and working closely with employers, we ensure that our students and apprentices are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to thrive in their chosen industries.
— Sonia Stirling, Deputy Principal.

Shaping Skilled Professionals

"The College makes a strong contribution to meeting skills needs."

"Leaders devise curriculums that are sufficiently agile to equip students and apprentices with the knowledge and skills they need for employment in emerging industries such as low carbon technologies."

"Leaders ensure that stakeholders are consistently involved in the planning and teaching of curriculums so that students and apprentices learn the skills they need."