Rachael Hennigan, the Principal and Chief Executive of Hugh Baird College in Bootle, has been honoured with an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in The King's New Year Honours List. The prestigious award recognises her outstanding contribution to the further education sector and her exceptional leadership.
A Career Dedicated to Raising Standards
Rachael Hennigan's journey in education began in Merseyside, where she taught at Kilgarth School and St Julie's Catholic High School. With over 15 years' experience in further education, she rapidly progressed into senior leadership roles focused on improving learner outcomes. Before joining Hugh Baird College in February 2020, she held the post of Deputy Principal at Calderdale College in Halifax from 2016. Her earlier career included positions as a Curriculum Leader at Blackpool Sixth Form College and various senior roles at Blackburn College, including Assistant Principal with strategic responsibility for teaching and learning quality.
Transformational Leadership and National Accolades
Under Rachael's leadership, Hugh Baird College has seen significant improvement and growth. In a landmark achievement, the college was awarded an Outstanding Ofsted rating in November 2024, placing it within the top 10 per cent of further education colleges nationally. Inspectors described the institution as one that is "transforming the lives of young people across the region."
The inspection report praised the strength of leadership and management, highlighting a clear and ambitious vision. It noted that "students and apprentices rapidly develop their confidence, resilience and independence because of highly effective teaching, extensive support, and participation in life-enhancing experiences." Teaching staff were commended for their passion and vocational expertise.
Driving Regional Success and Community Impact
This leadership has translated into exceptional national performance outcomes. Hugh Baird College is now ranked number one in the country for Tech Level 3 progress. Furthermore, Sefton Sixth Form College, part of Hugh Baird College, is placed among the top six per cent of colleges nationally for A-level progress. The college is in the top 15 per cent nationally for 16-18 achievement and ranks in the top five per cent of general further education providers in England for apprentice achievement.
Rachael's commitment is deeply personal. She grew up in Bootle, attended Archbishop Beck Catholic High School, completed her A-levels at Hugh Baird College, and studied at Liverpool John Moores University. This connection fuels her dedication to widening participation and creating opportunities for local communities.
Beyond the college, she provides strategic leadership across the Liverpool City Region. She chairs the Association of Liverpool City Region Colleges, is a member of the Liverpool City Region Business and Enterprise Board, and chairs the Bootle Partnership Group, aligning skills provision with local economic needs.
Speaking about her OBE, Rachael Hennigan said: "I am extremely proud to receive this honour, but it is not an individual achievement. It reflects the dedication, skill and commitment of all the staff, students and partners I've had the pleasure of working with throughout my career." She added, "As someone who grew up locally and studied at the College, it is a privilege to lead an institution that transforms lives across our communities and the Liverpool City Region."
