Hairdressing and Barber - Abingdon & Witney College

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A Lee Stafford Education partner

We are the only college in Oxfordshire to partner with industry-leading hairdresser Lee Stafford to deliver exceptional training at both campuses.

Highlight your ambition

There are visits to employers to experience different salon environments, as well as taking part in competitions and shows - these include Lee Stafford's photoshoot, Inspire, World Skills and the department end of year show.

Partnered with Lee Stafford Education

Abingdon & Witney College are proud to be partnered with Lee Stafford Education, a leading provider in hairdressing training.

Lee regularly visits our salons, providing masterclasses for students and passing on his many years of expertise.

All our dedicated tutors have been put to the test by Lee Stafford and know how to ensure you are getting the latest industry skills to take into your career.

A creative and flexible career path and is regularly voted as one of the happiest jobs in the world

And why not? You get to meet lots of different people, making them look and feel great, and you're never stuck behind a desk.

On our Hairdressing courses, you will stay up to speed with the latest trends in cutting, styling and colouring, working through the different 'recipes' as delivered on the Lee Stafford Hair & Beauty Academy programme.

Our hairdressing courses also teach soft skills as you gain experience working within the salon. Teamwork, communication, good English and maths skills, business and sales acumen – these are really important for employers, and working on the salon reception, taking bookings or advising clients on their options will boost learning in these areas.

Staff Profile: Elysia Martin

Elysia's love for hairdressing started when she was just 14 years old.

After completing a Level 1 qualification as a full-time college student, she was then offered the opportunity to take on an apprenticeship. She worked hard to gain Distinctions in both cutting and colouring.

Her career path started at a local salon, working as a stylist, before being offered a job as a teacher at a private training academy. She now teaches on both the Level 2 and 3 Hairdressing courses at the College.

"I love watching students grow, starting as quiet caterpillars and leaving us as bright butterflies, ready to face the world and start amazing careers.

Hairdressing isn’t easy; you have to be imaginative, creative and determined to succeed every step of the way. We address this on our practical courses, where enthusiastic teachers have all been retrained by Lee Stafford and can share their experiences with the students."

Staff Profile: Jackie Chatterton

Jackie trained in hairdressing at City of Oxford College and earned both a Certificate in Education and a Certificate in Management Studies at Aylesbury College. Various hairdressing courses and training, including through the Lee Stafford Academy, has ensured she is up-to-date with the latest industry-related qualifications in the field.

Her career pathway has taken her through both commercial hair and beauty roles across Oxfordshire, including working as a salon manager, before turning to teaching. She has trained future professionals at Aylesbury College and City of Oxford College, before joining Abingdon & Witney College in 2016 as a Work-based Assessor.

"Working in a college setting is a big change from the retail side of working; it's a different routine, a different way of life. I do still really enjoy the commercial side of things, linking the College with industry in the local area, liaising with salons and networking with employers.

I love the positive feedback from students, especially when you feel like you've changed them for the better, even if it's in a small or simple way. You definitely get a buzz from that!

For students, college can act as a supportive bridge into a career for those who might not quite be ready for the world of work yet.

Our focus is turning students into well-rounded hairdressing professionals, through teaching important life skills, developing their potential and preparing them for careers. When we make our students as employable as possible, we know we've done our jobs!"

Did you know?

The hair and beauty industry contributes £7bn to the UK economy, employing over 277,000 workers across more than 40,000 businesses.

Our Hair & Beauty students visit employers for career-specific experiences, like the MAC store in London for a masterclass.

The College offers a barbering pathway, with an opportunity to study an industry-standard VTCT qualification.

Natasha

I had a complete career change, having come from an office-based background. I wanted something on my feet and sociable and I saw the opportunity to study with at college.

It has allowed for me to work part-time in between the days I am in college, learning new techniques in the salon and receiving brilliant support from my tutors.

My ultimate dream is to move to Australia and open up a salon there!

Ann

Previous school:
Larkmead School

I decided to do hairdressing to learn about different hairstyles, and after I visited an open day I knew the college was for me.

What I like about this course is that you get to use different products, colours, sprays and materials. You can share ideas and get inspiration across the different hair and beauty courses from other students too.

My passion is in fashion designing, which I'm hoping to study at university in London once I finish.

Ruth

I’m really enjoyed learning about all the cuts and colouring techniques; the College definitely gave me the tools I need to achieve my goal as a hairdresser.

It’s brilliant to meet so many new people with the same interests as you and the tutors were really helpful and friendly as well.

The skills I have learnt helped me to get a part-time job working in a salon, whilst studying for my Level 3 in Hairdressing.