Free Level 1 Hair and Beauty Course in Tonbridge – North Kent College Tonbridge

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
Start13 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCity & Guilds awarding body

About this course

Free Level 1 Hair and Beauty Course in Tonbridge. Classes run at North Kent College Tonbridge, full-time during the day. You'll spend at least three sessions a week practising in fully equipped beauty salons, learning hands-on technical and practical skills across hair and beauty. The course runs for one year. It's designed to build the foundation you need before moving on to a Level 2 qualification. A free hair and beauty course for adults and school leavers alike, this is a solid first step into the industry.

Who this course is for

This is the only Lee Stafford Academy in Kent and South East London, and one of only 12 across the UK.

Why study at the Lee Stafford Academy?

Not just a celebrity endorsement, the training programme has been developed by Lee himself with Further Education specialists, to train not only the students, but also our own industry experienced hair and barbering staff.

Students will learn specially designed ‘recipes’ which are unique to Lee Stafford Academies, reflecting some of the most cutting-edge styles seen in salons across the UK, by receive training in up to 21 fundamental skills and techniques.

These skills can be tested in National competitions with other Lee Stafford Academy students in FE Colleges across the UK during the academic year.

This programme offers an introduction to the hairdressing industry and the basic skills needed to assist in a salon. During your time at college you will have the opportunity to work in our modern, well equipped, hairdressing salons learning the skills needed for the Level 1 qualification. This focuses on shampooing, conditioning, basic blow drying and styling techniques. Training is carried out on head blocks and other group members before progressing onto family friends and paying clients.  

You will also be introduced to basic cutting and colouring techniques in preparation for the Level 2 qualification.  In addition there are a number of optional units that you will be able to choose from, with guidance from your lecturers.

Health and Safety is also an important aspect of the hairdressing industry so time will be spent learning how to recognise hazards and risks to enable you to work in a safe and secure environment.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop practical beauty therapy techniques in a salon environment.
  • You'll learn make-up application skills and the theory behind them.
  • You'll study the essential technical knowledge that underpins professional beauty work.
  • You'll practise on real clients during your weekly salon sessions.
  • You'll build the skills needed to progress to a Level 2 hair and beauty qualification.

How you will learn

You'll learn through a mix of classroom teaching and hands-on practical sessions in the college's beauty salons, with a minimum of three salon sessions per week. Teaching is delivered by lecturers with direct industry experience in beauty therapy. Assessment is practical and knowledge-based, covering the technical and vocational skills set out in the City and Guilds Level 1 Diploma.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. North Kent College Tonbridge will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Beauty therapist assistant: support qualified therapists in a salon setting.
  • Nail technician: specialise in nail treatments and nail art.
  • Make-up artist: work in retail, events, or media.
  • Salon receptionist: front-of-house role using your industry knowledge.
  • Beauty counter assistant: advise customers and apply products in retail.

What you could study next

  • Level 2 Diploma in Beauty Therapy: the natural next step after this course, covering a wider range of treatments and preparing you for salon work.
  • Level 2 Diploma in Hairdressing: if you want to focus on hair, this qualification covers cutting, colouring, and styling.
  • Level 3 Diploma in Beauty Therapy: for those aiming toward senior therapist or management roles in the industry.

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