Who we are

Group of Track and Rail students in safety gear learning to install track on a construction site indoor

Pinehirst Education is a not for profit organisation based in the Northwest of England. The organisation has two main centres, one is located in Rainford (Ferny Knoll Farm) and the other in Liverpool at St Anne Street.  We provide education and training for young people aged 16 – 18 and those over the age of 19. As an institution we receive funding through the Education Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) for our learners aged 16 – 18 and for those aged up to 24 that have an Educational Health Care Plan (EHCP). The funding received from the ESFA for these learners comes via our main partner organisation Nacro. This organisation has a direct contract with the ESFA and is thus prime contract holders. In terms of the 19+ learners we work with a third partner, that being the Growth Company. The funding for these learners is through the Adult Education Budget (AEB) via the Growth Company. This again is a government funded programme which supports adults in Education and finding employment opportunities. 

Two track and rail students in orange safety vests and gloves working on a construction site, kneeling next to a concrete wall and using tools to fix or install something near the ground.

Our Vision and Mission

Our Vision

Our vision is to provide opportunities for all to succeed and progress in life.

Our Mision

Our Mission is to provide a safe learning environment with a welcoming atmosphere which creates a sense of belonging amongst the families. We maintain an inclusive environment which acknowledges and respects children from diverse family and cultural backgrounds.

Pinehirst students working inside a greenhouse with grapevines and potted plants, using gardening tools and containers for hands-on horticulture learning.

Learn more about what we do here!

What we do

As an organisation we provide education & training for those individuals interested and wanting to gain employment in the Land – Based Industries (Animal care, horticulture & conservation) or the Engineering Industry (Track & Rail). Our Land – based courses are delivered at our Rainford Centre which is based on a farm/equine centre. Our Engineering (Track & Rail) provision is delivered at our St Anne Street Centre which houses a simulated track & rail facility. 

The main courses we offer at both Centres are components of the Education Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) ‘Study Programme’ and comprise of the following:

Main qualification aim – Skills for Further Learning & Employment (SFLE) – Land – Based or Track & Rail.

Numeracy & Literacy – Functional Skills or GCSE’s.

Work Experience – In the appropriate industry.

Enrichment Employability Pastoral (EEP) programme– This programme comprises of a range of employability skills, personal social development topics & inspirational & Motivational important life skills.

Legislative short courses – Theses include where appropriate, Personal Track Safety (PTS) certificate, Construction Safety Certificate Scheme (CSCS) and the Fork Lift Truck certificate.

As part of our Adult Education 19+ contract we provide the following courses:

Option 1

Level 1 Skills for learning & Further Employment (SFLE) Track & Rail & Level 2 Track & Rail on Site Maintenance

Legislative short courses – Including where appropriate, Personal Track Safety (PTS) certificate, Construction Safety Certificate Scheme (CSCS) and the Fork Lift Truck certificate.

Option 2

Certificate in Health & Social Care Level 1

Legislative short courses – Including Certificate in Health and Social Care Professionals 603/2320/6 Open Awards

As an organisation Pinehirst Education is committed to providing quality education for all individuals and has a very flexible supportive culture with the intent of ensuring all learners progress to further education & training or into employment.

Our Team

Meet the Team

The team at Pinehirst Education is made up of dedicated professionals with diverse expertise across various fields. Each member is passionate about education and committed to providing students with the knowledge, skills, and support they need to succeed. From experienced instructors to academic advisors, our team works collaboratively to ensure every student’s journey is enriching, personalised, and focused on achieving their career goals.

  • A middle-aged man with short gray hair standing in front of a wooden shelf with potted plants. He is wearing a light blue button-up shirt, a silver watch, bracelets, and a lanyard with the word 'STAFF' on it. He has his arms crossed.

    Paul Morton

    Director of Curriculum .in Education

  • Smiling man wearing a light blue checkered shirt and a gray lanyard with the word 'STAFF' written on it, standing against a white background.

    Franny Smith

    Recruitment & Retention Manager

  • Portrait of a young man with brown hair, beard, wearing a white t-shirt under a grey sweater, standing against a plain off-white background.

    Clayton O'Neil

    Contracts Administration

  • A young man with blond curly hair, blue eyes, and light skin wearing an orange hoodie and a reflective safety vest standing against a plain white background.

    Jamie Duffy

    Ttutor, Track & Rail

  • Portrait of a woman with long red hair, light makeup, and tattoos on her chest. She is wearing a black top and a staff lanyard around her neck, smiling at the camera.

    Hannah Dougherty

    Receptionist

  • Close-up photo of a woman with long black hair, wearing a gray zip-up jacket and a delicate necklace, against a plain white background.

    Meghan Keith

    Receptionist