Student successes

Students can have fulfilling careers in areas other than working in salons.

Sophie Casey-Mitcheson

Sophie Casey-Mitcheson Sophie studied Hairdressing at our Henley-in-Arden centre. It was her work experience at the RSC in Stratford-upon-Avon that inspired and motivated her to study Hairdressing at Warwickshire College.

Sophie has come a long way since school where it was discovered that she is dyslexic and a ‘daydreamer’. Also, hairdressing wasn’t Sophie’s first choice after school - she studied art but realised it wasn’t for her and changed direction.

Plait Sophie said: “Studying at the Henley-in-Arden centre has been great because it isn’t as big as other colleges and the classes weren’t too big. Carole Richardson was my tutor, and definitely a mentor to me, she let me experiment with the ideas I had flying round my head with colouring and cutting. I think Carole must of lost count how many different styles and colours I've been through. I went back to the RSC over Christmas and helped out on Matilda The Musical. Towards the end of my course I had a phone call out of the blue from the head of wigs at the RSC asking if I had finished my course - they offered me a paid job there and then for 3 months.

Flower hair For those of you who have read my story I would like you to know, there is never an age to stop trying to make yourself better. Don't put pressure on yourself or let others pressure you. If you don't know what you want to do, keep trying new things that interest you. You will find something that will fall into place with the help and guidance from the teachers and support staff at Warwickshire college. You will find a job that you are happy to get out of bed for in the morning. I'm now 24 and just realised what I wanted to do. I'm not 1 in a million who has landed on my feet straight out of college, everything is achievable with help at college and the motivation inside yourself...”

Opportunities in the hair and beauty industry

A client having her hair washed in Rugby salon

The hair and beauty industry can be creative and glamorous - there are exciting opportunities in hairdressing, management, sales, training and therapies.

There are a wide range of course options available, for full and part time study.

Some students follow a path of study from achieving level one Hair and Beauty - going on to level 2 and 3 in Beauty - then on to the foundation degree in Spa Management and topping up to a BA in Spa Management.