Birkenhead Sixth Form College

David Barrigan is Head of Student Development at Birkenhead Sixth Form College, guiding pastoral strategy, wellbeing and social mobility initiatives for students from a wide range of backgrounds.

The Most Valuable Lesson About Student Potential

The most valuable lesson I have learned is that potential is often distributed equally, but opportunity is not. Many of our students arrive with tremendous ability but may not have had the same advantages, experiences or confidence as students in more selective settings. My role is to help students recognise their potential and believe in what is possible.

As a sixth form college, we play a vital role in social mobility. We have lower entry requirements than the SFC average and many other local schools. By building positive relationships, setting high expectations and providing the right support, we help students develop the ambition, resilience and confidence to achieve outcomes they may never have thought possible.

Balancing Academic Achievement With Wellbeing

I see academic achievement and wellbeing as mutually reinforcing. Students are more likely to succeed when they feel supported, valued and confident. Our student population reflects a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, and many face challenges beyond the classroom.

The college values of positivity, ambition, resilience and thoughtfulness provide an excellent framework for supporting the whole student. Through our pastoral systems, effective tutorials and early intervention, we help students achieve outstanding academic outcomes while also developing the personal skills and emotional resilience needed for life beyond college.

Leadership Principles for Supporting the College Community

My leadership approach is guided by the Be Part Management Approach principles that underpin the work of all those who work within our Academy Trust and is built on trust, accountability and service. I believe in delegated autonomy within a clear framework of expectations, empowering staff to use their professional expertise while remaining aligned to the college's values and mission.

I strive to lead through positivity by focusing on solutions, ambition by encouraging high standards, resilience by supporting people through challenges, and thoughtfulness by listening and considering the impact of decisions on others. I also believe strongly in a no-blame culture, where mistakes become opportunities for learning and improvement. This creates an environment where my team and students feel valued, supported and motivated to succeed.

The Biggest Challenges Facing Students Today

Students are preparing for a future that is increasingly complex and uncertain. Alongside academic pressures, many face challenges relating to mental health, financial concerns, social media and rapidly changing career pathways.

One of the biggest barriers can be confidence. Many of our students have the ability to succeed at highly competitive universities and careers but may not always recognise their own potential. As educators, we have a responsibility to broaden horizons, raise aspirations and ensure that a student's background never limits their future opportunities. Developing resilience, ambition and self-belief is therefore just as important as developing academic knowledge.

Skills and Mindsets for the Next Generation

While qualifications remain important, I believe the qualities that will matter most are resilience, self-belief and adaptability. Young people are growing up in an increasingly complex world, and they need the confidence and character to navigate challenges as well as opportunities.

Our values of Positivity, Ambition, Resilience and Thoughtfulness provide the foundation for this development. They encourage students to aspire highly, persevere through setbacks, reflect on their choices and make a positive contribution to others.

As a college committed to social mobility, our role is not only to help students progress to university or employment, but to help them develop the confidence, independence and sense of belonging that will enable them to thrive throughout their lives. Ultimately, success is not just about the grades students achieve, but the people they become.