Level 1 Hair and Beauty Course in Darlington

CostFREE
Duration34 weeks
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCity & Guilds awarding body

About this course

Free Level 1 An Introduction to the Hair and Beauty Sector Course in Darlington. Classes run at Darlington College, full-time during the day, over 34 weeks. You'll develop creative hairdressing skills and work on your personal development, building a foundation for further study or an apprenticeship. No formal qualifications are needed, but you'll attend an interview and the college will ask for a school or college report.

Who this course is for

This course will provide you with a range of creative hairdressing skills as well as building your own personal development in readiness for progressing onto a higher level of study or into an Apprenticeship.

This is a unitised programme of study progressing from the award, certificate to the diploma, depending on your personal skills and development.

Entry requirements

No formal qualifications but a keen interest in the subject is essential and a satisfactory school report.

We will request a school or college report and you will attend an interview at the college.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop creative hairdressing techniques used in a salon setting.
  • You'll explore the hair and beauty sector and the range of roles within it.
  • You'll build personal development skills to prepare you for further training or work.
  • You'll practise safe and professional working practices.
  • You'll gain an understanding of skin, hair, and beauty treatments at introductory level.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at Darlington College, combining practical skills work with underpinning knowledge. Assessment is built into the programme through a unitised structure, progressing from Award level. You'll be assessed on your practical skills and your understanding of the sector as you work through the course.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Darlington College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Salon junior: assist stylists and support day-to-day salon work.
  • Shampoo and blow-dry assistant: entry-level client-facing role.
  • Beauty receptionist: front-of-house role in a hair or beauty salon.
  • Nail technician assistant: support role in a nail bar or salon.
  • Hair and beauty retail assistant: advise customers on products in-store.

What you could study next

This Award is designed as a stepping stone. You could move on to a Level 2 Certificate or Diploma in Hairdressing or Beauty Therapy, which take you further into practical skills and client work. A Level 2 Diploma is also the typical entry point for a Hairdressing or Beauty Therapy Apprenticeship, where you train on the job while working toward a recognised qualification.

Related courses at Darlington College

More courses near you