
14-16 College
We all learn in different ways, and lots of us like to get practical and get out of the classroom as soon as we can. Sometimes, school isn’t for you – but our 14-16 College might be!
You’ll get to study those essential GCSEs in an exciting new environment, and you’ll also start to focus on a future career, building work-related skills and experiences.
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How the 14-16 College works
Everyone studies the 6 core GCSEs below. You then choose a work-related course. In addition to this, you will also have the opportunity to complete the Prince's Trust Achieve Programme and The Duke of Edinburgh Award.
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Maths
GCSE -
English Language GCSE
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English Literature GCSE
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Science
GCSE -
Digital Technology
GCSE -
Citizenship
GCSE
Picking a work-related course
This is your chance to start early on a career path you’re passionate about, or get some great experience and skills for an industry you’re interested in.

Construction
Learn a trade that could set you up for a long and successful career in the Construction industry.

Creative Media
Coming September 2021.

Hair & Beauty
Follow your passion, flex your creativity and pursue a career in the booming Hair and Beauty industry.

Health & Social Care
Follow a career helping others and caring for people in many different circumstances.

Hospitality & Catering
Get into the kitchen and start developing your skills in Hospitality & Catering.

Motor Vehicle Engineering
Explore your passion for cars or motorcycles and get a better understanding of how they work.

Public Services
Develop a career in the Armed Forces, Fire Service, Police or Prison Service.

The Visitor Economy (Travel & Tourism)
Be part of Liverpool’s growing tourism sector or prepare for travel further afield.
Talk to someone or register your interest
About the Hugh Baird 14-16 College
Our 14-16 College is a unique way for young people to learn the essential skills they need for a career in an industry they’re passionate about.

We recognised that some young people like to learn differently and school isn’t always the best place for them. So we provide a young adult environment to help them get a head start on a career they’re passionate about.
At the end of Year 9, they can choose to leave school and join us, studying for their GCSEs and learning essential skills for an industry they’re interested in. They get more independence, more focus on a career they want to do, and loads of practical, hands-on lessons.
Parents, Guardians & Carers
A different approach to learning could be hugely beneficial to your son, daughter or dependent. They’ll get full support both inside and outside the classroom, whatever they need help with.

Student Life at the Hugh Baird 14-16 College
As well as a more grown-up environment and more practical lessons, students also get access to some amazing, industry-standard facilities and lots of fun activities.
Financial Support
All College places up to the age of 19 are funded by the Government, so you don’t need to worry about paying for your course. But if you do need help with money, we could help.

Student Support (The POD)
If you need any help at all during your time with us, or you just want some helpful advice from our expert team, The POD is the place to go for support and a friendly chat.
Facilities at Hugh Baird College
Frequently Asked Questions
The 14-16 College is a great choice for many young people, but it’s important you understand all about how your time with us will work. It will help you make the best decision for yourself.
For September 2019 entry, we accept students who will be aged 14 on the 31st August 2019 and who are currently in Year 9 (if still in school).
We have a team of Teaching and Learning Assistants who work with all our students, supporting them to access their classes. We also have an outstanding Learner Support department who can provide assessments for any additional needs and help to further support you in your studies.
You will have full access to a range of opportunities for your future progression once you complete the two year programme. You will have the chance to be ‘fast-tracked’ onto a higher-level 16+ vocational course full time or perhaps start a Traineeship or Apprenticeship. Once you are 18, there will also be the option for you to study a degree or equivalent Higher Education (HE) qualification, either at the Hugh Baird University Centre or elsewhere.
No. We can enrol students from any area. Public transport link are good too, so the College is easy to get to from all over Merseyside. Take a look at our 'How to find us' page to see where we are.
No, the Government funds all college places up to the age of 19.
Yes. Hugh Baird College is a safe environment, confirmed by OFSTED in our last inspection. All staff are trained in Safeguarding and we have a team of dedicated Safeguarding Officers as well as zero tolerance on bullying.
No. It is entirely a choice for you and your family.
Many local Schools allow their year 10 and 11 students out at lunchtime. We have decided to do the same as long as we have a completed permission letter from your family. We will supply these letters at the Transition days in July.
Each department has workwear that reflects the subject area and how employees in that industry dress. The pictures in the brochure and on this website give an idea of how the different outfits look.
At Hugh Baird College, everyone wears a coloured lanyard to show who they are – both staff and students. These are all different colours depending on which department you belong to. All Hugh Baird 14-16 College students will wear lanyards that are two-tone blue. It is important that you wear yours every day to gain access to the College.
Yes, if you are entitled to Free School Meals, these will continue at the Hugh Baird 14-16 College.
Yes – all students will be entitled to a breakfast of juice, porridge and toast as long as they arrive before registration at 8.45am.
If you live more than 3 miles away, we will help with providing a free bus or train pass.
The College day runs from Registration at 8:45am with classes until 3pm, Monday to Friday, and the terms and holiday dates will match those of Sefton Local Authority. However, there may be a need to attend up additional revision or enrichment classes per week until 4pm.
Yes, the College is required to monitor all students’ attendance in the same way as a school. The same rules also apply regarding holidays in term time, i.e. they are not permitted. Any absence must be reported to the 14-16 College on the same day supported by a letter from home and evidence of any medical appointments.
You will be invited in to the college for an informal discussion. If you are then offered a place at the 14-16 College, you will be asked to attend two Transition Days during the Summer to meet the staff and other students. On these two days, you will also get all the information you need for starting at the College. Once you start with us in September, we will let the school and the Local Authority know that you have chosen to attend College.
Related news

Ben Kitchen
“Coming to the Hugh Baird 14-16 College was a big step for me, I was worried before I started, but I knew it’d push me out of my comfort zone and that could only be a good thing in the long run. I needn’t have been worried because the staff make you feel so welcome and are really helpful and supportive.”

Hannah Ginley
“I loved studying at the 14-16 College. We are treated in a more grown up way and it really helped me find my talent and passion. School wasn’t really for me, so when I realised that I could began to develop my skills in Health & Social Care full time at the age of 14 it was a straightforward decision.”

Margaret Frackiewicz, parent of student Julia Frackiewicz
“It is safe to say that my daughter hasn’t always been focussed or had the best behaviour when it came to school. However, since coming to the Hugh Baird 14-16 College, she has changed completely. The College have treated her like an adult and this has helped Julia behave in a more grown up manner. I can’t thank the 14-16 College enough for the support and encouragement they have given Julia.”


Lindsay Whittaker, parent of student Leigh-Ann Whittaker
"I knew Leigh-Ann wasn’t happy in school, she seemed so disinterested and whenever I used to ask her about her day, she just shrugged. Now it couldn’t be any different, she comes home and she doesn’t stop talking about it! The facilities are modern and the staff are amazing, I’m so impressed."