Hugh Baird College

What Hugh Baird College does

Hugh Baird College is an Ofsted Outstanding further education corporation located in Bootle, Merseyside, serving the Liverpool City Region and Sefton area. Founded in 1975, the college operates a multi-campus footprint including the Balliol Road main campus, a specialist Healthcare Campus, the Thornton College high-needs campus, the Hugh Baird University Centre, and the affiliated Sefton Sixth Form College. Under Principal and Chief Executive Rachael Hennigan OBE (appointed February 2020), the institution supports over 4,000 disadvantaged learners, with 76% of students from disadvantaged backgrounds and nearly one-third identified as having SEND. Following the November 2024 Ofsted Outstanding inspection, the college ranks No.1 in the region for student achievement and within the top 4-8% nationally for vocational and technical Level 3 progress.

The college delivers vocational training across construction trades, engineering and advanced manufacturing, health and social care, business, digital development, hospitality, motor vehicle, and creative industries through full-time FE courses, apprenticeships, A-levels (Sefton Sixth Form), and higher education (Foundation Degrees and HTQs validated by UCLan and LJMU). Notable infrastructure includes the L20 Hotel School and Restaurant, green technology training facilities (air source heat pumps, biomass boilers, photovoltaic systems, microgeneration wind turbines), construction workshops, healthcare simulation environments, and the Lifestyle Fitness Gym. Specialist SEND provision delivered through the Education for All programme achieved a 96% success rate at Thornton College including 100% achievement in maths and English qualifications.

Revenue is generated primarily through government ESFA funding for 16-18 education, Apprenticeship Levy and employer contributions across construction, NHS, and hospitality sectors, Higher Education tuition fees processed via Student Finance England tuition fee loans, and adult education grants. Employer partnerships with Mersey Care and Liverpool University Hospitals NHS trusts, Keepmoat, Kier, Morgan Sindall, E.ON, Peel Ports, Denholm Logistics, HMRC, and Voyagers Restaurant drive apprenticeship pipelines, scholarship programmes, and work placements. Distribution is hybrid: direct application via the website and online portal, school liaison outreach, careers events and open days, with five physical campuses delivering face-to-face vocational instruction across the region.

Name

Hugh Baird College

Legal name

Hugh Baird College

Website

https://hughbaird.ac.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1975

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Hugh Baird College is an Ofsted Outstanding further education corporation in Bootle, Merseyside, delivering vocational, apprenticeship, A-level, and degree-level programmes to over 4,000 students annually across the Liverpool City Region through five campuses.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Further Education

NAICS

Junior Colleges (61121), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (61131), Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Apprenticeship Training (611513), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Junior Colleges (Associate-Degree Granting) (EDAHADAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Comprehensive Community Colleges (Transfer + Workforce) (EDAHADAE), Mentorship & Coaching (Career, Academic, Industry-Specific) (EDAMAKAA)

Keywords

• Vocational education
• Apprenticeship training
• Further education
• Higher education courses
• Technical training

Headquarters

HQ city

Bootle

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Government Funding for 16-18 Education: Core funding from government for full-time education of students aged 16-18. For most 16-18 year olds, construction and vocational courses are completely free.
2. Disadvantaged Learner Support: The college supports over 4,000 disadvantaged learners with 76% of students from disadvantaged backgrounds, likely receiving additional government support funding for SEND and disadvantaged student provision.
3. Apprenticeship Levy and Employer Contributions: Revenue from apprenticeship programs funded through employer levy contributions and government matching funds. Employers across sectors including construction, NHS, and hospitality contribute to apprenticeship training costs.
4. Higher Education Tuition Fees: University Centre courses operate under the same tuition fee loan system as universities, with students accessing Student Finance England for Foundation Degrees, Top-up degrees, and HTQs. Tuition fees are charged with loans available to cover costs.
5. Adult Education Funding: Adult learners may be eligible for funding depending on circumstances. The college offers free short courses and financial support options for adult education.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels12 records

Core offering

Hugh Baird College is a further education institution delivering vocational and academic courses, apprenticeships, and higher education programmes for school leavers, adults, and apprenticeship seekers. It provides hands-on training in construction trades, engineering, healthcare, business, digital, and creative industries, along with specialist provision for disadvantaged and SEND learners through dedicated programmes. The college also offers scholarship programmes with industry partners and an Education for All inclusion initiative.

Product overview

Hugh Baird College is an Ofsted Outstanding further education college offering a comprehensive educational ecosystem comprising further education courses, higher education through its University Centre, apprenticeship programmes, adult professional courses, and specialist provision including Sefton Sixth Form College and Thornton College. The college's core offerings span vocational training in construction trades, digital development, engineering, health and social care, business, and creative industries, supported by scholarship programmes with industry partners (Peel Ports, Denholm Logistics Group, HMRC) and inclusion initiatives like the Education for All programme. The institution provides student support services through The POD, career guidance, and pathways including the Transitions Hub for students with additional needs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Sefton Sixth Form College: A-level provision operated by Hugh Baird College, with its own dedicated website and application process.
• Hugh Baird University Centre
• L20 Hotel School

Products and services

• Further Education Courses Full-time college courses for school leavers aged 16-18 covering vocational and academic subjects including Access to Higher Education, Art and Design, Business, Childcare, Construction Trades, Digital Development, Engineering, Health and Social Care, Hospitality and Catering, Logistics, Media Studies, Motor Vehicle, and Travel.
• University Centre Higher Education Degrees Higher education provision offering Foundation Degrees (FdA, FdSc, FdEng), Honours Top-up degrees (BA/BSc/BEng), and Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) validated by University of Central Lancashire and Liverpool John Moores University.
• Apprenticeships Work-based learning programmes across construction trades, building services, motor vehicle, business, health and social care, hair and beauty, and childcare sectors, enabling learners to earn while they learn.
• Adult and Professional Courses Part-time professional courses, free short courses, and adult education including Maths and English qualifications for learners aged 19 and above seeking to retrain or upskill.
• Sefton Sixth Form College A-levels A-level provision for students aged 16-18, ranked among the top 6% nationally for A-level progress, offering a pathway to university.
• Construction Trades and the Built Environment Trade courses in bricklaying, carpentry and joinery, plumbing, electrical installation, plastering, and surveying, with green economy training including air source heat pumps, biomass boilers, photovoltaic systems, and microgeneration wind turbines.
• Education for All Inclusive Programmes Comprehensive inclusive education initiative supporting disadvantaged learners with tailored pathways including Turn Around, Engage, Learning for Life, and Transitions Hub programmes for students with SEND or facing social, emotional or mental health challenges.
• NHS Health and Social Care Pre-Apprenticeship
• University Centre Application Service Online application system for University Centre courses including Foundation Degrees in Business, Criminology, Engineering, Health and Social Care, and Top-up degrees, with entry options for mature students.
• After School Construction Academy Free hands-on construction programme for Year 11 pupils offering sessions in bricklaying, carpentry, design/surveying, and plumbing/heating/electrical to introduce careers in the construction sector.
• Thornton College Specialist High Needs Provision Specialist high needs campus providing education for students with complex needs, achieving 96% success rate including 100% achievement in maths and English qualifications.
• Industry Scholarship Programmes Industry partnership scholarships with Peel Ports, Denholm Logistics Group and HMRC for Level 2 and Level 3 students designed to prepare learners for careers in logistics and related sectors.

Quantifiable outcome

• 96% success rate at Thornton College specialist high needs campus with 100% achievement in maths and English qualifications
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers11 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Liverpool City Region FreeportcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 December 2025Partnership through Freeport Innovation Challenge Fund and Skills Infrastructure Grant distributing £750,000 each. College received funding for digital logistics training hub to accelerate maritime decarbonisation and digitalisation of trade and logistics in the Liverpool City Region.
• Mersey MaritimecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 December 2025Delivery partner for Freeport Innovation Challenge Fund working with Liverpool City Region to accelerate maritime decarbonisation and clean shipping solutions.
• Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFormalised partnership through Memorandum of Understanding to address critical skills gaps across Liverpool City Region. Collaboration spans construction and built environment training, education and childcare teacher transition, and widening participation initiatives.
• E.ONcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGreen careers partnership inspiring students and preparing them for the growing green economy. Over 150 students attended E.ON-led careers events learning about solar panels, heat pumps, and EV charging. E.ON volunteers deliver Green Skills Day during National Careers Week.
• Peel Ports GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGreen careers partnership providing student visits to Port of Liverpool showing UK's largest roof-mounted solar installation (63,000 panels saving 6,500 tonnes CO2e annually). Career opportunities insights from large-scale renewable projects.
• NHS Trusts (Various)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorking with Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and Royal Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to develop employer-led pre-apprenticeship in Health and Social Care and staff progression pathways.
• Association of Liverpool City Region CollegescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRachael Hennigan chairs this association ensuring cohesive regional skills offer and leading collaborative curriculum development across priority sectors.
• Career ConnectminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPartnership with career guidance service for Education for All programmes supporting disadvantaged learners.
• Alcedo Care GroupminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEmployer Stakeholder Pledge partner funding and installing wildlife pond in Transitions Hub sensory garden to create calming and inclusive environment for students with additional needs.
• Voyagers Restaurant & BarminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerL20 Hotel School collaboration creating student industry exposure opportunities. Second collaboration following successful first event where three students were subsequently employed.
• Daniel Adamson Preservation SocietyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInitiated sustainable maritime engineering project 'Maritime Heritage, Maritime Futures' as part of National Lottery Heritage Fund programme.
• Morgan Sindall ConstructionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry sponsor of BRILLIANT Awards Engineering Changemakers category; provides industry mentorship for student engineering projects.
• Construction Employers (Keepmoat, Kier, Morgan Sindall, Cadent, VINCI, E.ON, Sovini, Howdens, Lightwave, Sterling, K2)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIndustry placement partners providing work experience opportunities for construction students. Various construction firms collaborate with college curriculum.
• The Sovini GroupminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLong-standing partnership for carpentry and joinery apprenticeships. Employer of Level 3 Site Carpentry and Joinery Apprentice Dilan McDonald who won 'Trainers Choice' award.
• Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLarge employer partner for apprenticeships across professional services, healthcare, and business. Named Employer of the Year (Large) for exceptional commitment to apprentice development.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Regional players

• Southport College: FE college located within Sefton borough, directly overlapping with Hugh Baird's core Sefton catchment. Competes for the same Year 11 leavers and adult learners in the local area.
• Blackpool and The Fylde College: Lancashire Coast FE college with comparable vocational, apprenticeship, and marine/logistics programmes (relevant given Hugh Baird's Freeport maritime decarbonisation partnership). Geographically adjacent but serves a different primary catchment.

Direct peers

• City of Liverpool College: The largest FE college in the Liverpool City Region, offering vocational, apprenticeship, and HE pathways to a similar demographic. Directly competes with Hugh Baird for school leavers, apprentices, and employer partnerships across Merseyside.
• Calderdale College: West Yorkshire FE college where Principal Rachael Hennigan previously served as Deputy Principal. Similar scale and mix of vocational, apprenticeship, and adult provision, making it a useful operational benchmark.
• Riverside College Halton: FE provider serving Halton and surrounding boroughs with vocational, apprenticeship, and HE offerings. Overlaps with Hugh Baird in apprenticeship delivery and adult learner recruitment across the wider Liverpool City Region.
• St Helens College: Knowsley and St Helens-based FE provider competing for 16-18 school leavers and apprenticeship starts in the eastern Liverpool City Region adjacent to Hugh Baird's catchment.
• Wirral Metropolitan College: Regional FE college across the Mersey serving similar 16-18, adult, and apprenticeship learners. Competes for students and apprenticeship contracts within commuting distance of Hugh Baird's Sefton catchment.
• Blackburn College: Lancashire FE college where the current Hugh Baird Principal previously served as Assistant Principal. Comparable size, regional industrial profile, and apprenticeship-heavy revenue mix.

Broad incumbents

• University of Central Lancashire: Validates Foundation Degrees and Top-up degrees at Hugh Baird's University Centre. A large multi-campus university that supports Hugh Baird's HE offering while also competing for degree-seeking students across the North West.
• Liverpool John Moores University: Major partner university that validates Hugh Baird's University Centre degrees and collaborated via MOU. Acts as a broader higher education incumbent that both supports Hugh Baird's HE provision and competes for mature undergraduates in the region.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@HughBairdCollege
• Facebookfacebook.com/hughbairdcollege
• Instagraminstagram.com/hughbaird
• TikToktiktok.com/@hughbaird
• Xx.com/hughbaird

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Hugh Baird College