A new collaborative initiative between Sefton Council’s Virtual School and Hugh Baird College has delivered a powerful and positive experience for a group of Year 9 students in care, helping them visualise a future in education and beyond.

The programme, developed jointly by the Virtual School Head and Hugh Baird’s Foundation Learning team, was created in response to a recognised need: supporting Year 9 students at a pivotal point in their education journeys. With input from education coordinators the pilot project ran with six participants initially with scope to run this wider soon.

Unique Opportunity

This unique opportunity was designed to open a window into future possibilities, helping students find renewed purpose in their current learning and work out their next steps. Hugh Baird’s Sarah Collins (Director of Foundation Learning) and Ryan Walker (Lecturer in Foundation Learning) led on the design and delivery of a varied and immersive programme. It included use of the college’s cutting-edge AI and immersive suites, vocational tasters, campus tours and team-building activities.

Cllr Diane Roscoe, Sefton Council Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Families said:

“Young people in care often face challenges that many of their peers simply don’t — including not having a consistent support network to turn to for advice and support on their next steps in education. That’s why initiatives like this are so important. They don’t just give our cared-for children a taste of what’s possible for their future; they provide them with the guidance, encouragement and belief that every young person deserves.

Incredibly Proud

“I’m incredibly proud of the way our Virtual School and Hugh Baird College have worked together to create a safe, inspiring space where these students could see their potential and support one another.”

The students, who came from across the Sefton area, were supported throughout by Virtual School staff and formed strong peer connections. Despite not knowing each other beforehand, the group dynamic was described as “outstanding”, with students openly supporting one another and engaging meaningfully in every aspect of the experience.

Positive Feedback

Feedback from the young people highlighted the value of group-based work and the safe, inclusive environment that allowed them to bond, reflect, and grow. At the programme’s conclusion, students attended a celebratory ‘graduation’ event and wanted to meet again - even repeat the experience next year.

Plans are now being explored to build on the pilot and create further opportunities for cared-for young people to access meaningful, future-focused learning experiences across the borough.