Course studied: Access to Higher Education
Year: 1996–1997
Subjects: Politics, Economics, Sociology and Community Organisation
“Fircroft gave me belief in myself.”
After spending many years raising her eight children, Dr Lynne Baird MBE decided to return to education.
Taking that first step back into the classroom was understandably daunting. But when Lynne arrived at Fircroft College in Birmingham in 1996, she found a welcoming, supportive and relaxed environment where everyone was encouraged to achieve their potential.
Her time at Fircroft would become one of the most positive and influential learning experiences of her life.
Why Fircroft College?
Musa’s first encounter with Fircroft came through support at the British Red Cross. After discovering the college’s courses and supportive environment, he felt encouraged to attend. The Fircroft Foundations for New Communities course caught his attention, and from the start, he demonstrated passion and commitment to developing his skills and education.
Course Experience
Lynne studied an Access to Higher Education course, covering Politics, Economics, Sociology and Community Organisation.
The encouragement and belief shown by Fircroft’s tutors gave her the confidence to continue her education. After completing her Access course, Lynne progressed to the University of Birmingham, where she studied Political Science.
“The encouragement and belief shown by the tutors gave me the confidence to continue my education.”
At the time, Lynne could not have known where that educational journey would eventually lead.
Impact and Outcomes
In 2017, Lynne’s life changed profoundly following the devastating murder of her son, Daniel.
In the years that followed, she established The Daniel Baird Foundation and began campaigning to improve public safety across the UK.
The knowledge and values Lynne had developed through her education became hugely important in this work. Her understanding of social justice, community action, campaigning and the importance of giving people a voice helped shape her approach.
“Looking back, I realise just how much of what I learned at Fircroft prepared me for the years that followed.”
Through her work with The Daniel Baird Foundation, Lynne has campaigned to improve public safety and make a lasting difference in communities across the UK.
A Lasting Legacy
Lynne’s life after Fircroft has taken a direction she could never have predicted when she first walked through the college doors.
She has achieved far more than she ever imagined possible through her campaigning and charitable work, receiving recognition and awards that she never sought but feels deeply honoured to have received.
For Lynne, however, the most important achievement is the difference that this work has made to other people’s lives.
She believes the foundations for that work were laid during her time at Fircroft.
“Fircroft gave me far more than qualifications; it gave me belief in myself, a passion for social justice, and the foundations for work that has gone on to save lives and make a real difference.”
Lynne’s Message to Future Students
Lynne has continued to speak highly of Fircroft and has encouraged others over the years to consider studying at the College.
Her own experience demonstrates that it is never too late to return to education and that the confidence gained through learning can have an impact far beyond the classroom.
“I genuinely believe none of this would have been possible without the confidence, knowledge and values that were nurtured during my time at Fircroft.”
Looking Back
For Lynne, Fircroft was much more than a route to university.
It gave her the confidence to believe in herself, opened the door to further education and nurtured a passion for social justice that would later become central to her life’s work.
Today, as Founder of The Daniel Baird Foundation, Lynne continues to campaign, raise awareness and work to make communities safer.
“For that, I will always be grateful.”
