Fast-track · Beginner to qualified

NVQ Level 2 Hairdressing, in six months.

The foundation diploma of the profession — compressed into an intensive, live-model programme for adults. No experience needed. Leave qualified, confident and commercially ready.

Course at a glance

Qualification: NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Hairdressing VTCT-standard, nationally recognised
Duration: 6 months, rolling cohorts of 10
Format: 2 consecutive academy days each fortnight at St Asaph Structured distance learning in the alternate weeks
Entry: Adults 19+ · no prior experience required
Fees: £4,500 self-funded Fully funded routes for eligible learners — including apprenticeships
Apprenticeship: Available as a Welsh-framework apprenticeship Employed while you train, training fully funded, delivered at the fastest compliant pace
Next intake: Founding cohort — applications open late 2026, training begins early 2027
Centre status: VTCT Approved Centre application in progress Approval precedes the first cohort; PLA drawdown follows Medr registration

What you’ll master

Cutting — classic and contemporary shapes for women’s and men’s hair
Colouring and lightening — full head, regrowth, foils and toning, with COSHH-safe chemical practice
Styling and finishing — blow-drying, setting and occasion work
Consultation and client care — analysis, advice and building a returning column
Salon professionalism — health & safety, hygiene and working under real appointment pressure
The Commercial Resilience Module — pricing, marketing, digital booking and money management for your first 90 days of earning
Elite add-on units most colleges skip: introductions to modern perming, prestige hair extensions and chemical relaxing & smoothing
Brand takeover days with prestige product houses, and a competition-ready portfolio with coaching toward WorldSkills UK and Welsh championships

£0for many learners — funded adult places and fully funded apprenticeship training. See funding routes →

Six months, honestly spent

Why this works when evening classes don’t.

All practice, no padding

Theory happens online before you arrive. Every academy hour goes on scissors-in-hand, live-model work — the hours that actually build a hairdresser.

Assessed as you go

NVQ assessment is continuous and practical, evidenced in a digital portfolio with in-house quality assurance — no single exam day deciding your future.

Earning from day one

Graduates leave with progression routes mapped: employed roles, chair rental, our Level 2 Barbering or Level 3 diplomas, or a supported franchise business through the Charlotte Eleanor Group.