Hair and Beauty

Exam Board:

AQA

What will I study on the course:

You will gain a practical introduction to the hair and beauty industry, developing foundational skills in hairdressing and beauty therapy while understanding the sector’s operations. Key components typically include:

• The hair and beauty sector – Roles of professionals (e.g., hairdressers, beauty therapists), salon operations, health & safety, customer service, and industry trends.
• Practical skills – Basic hair services (e.g., shampooing, conditioning, blow-drying, plaiting, temporary colouring, styling on mannequins/peers); beauty treatments (e.g., skin care, make-up application, manicure/pedicure, nail art, facial treatments).
• Theory and knowledge – Hair and skin science (structure, products, effects of treatments), client consultation, consultation techniques, promoting services, sustainability/ethical practices, and retail/display. The course is hands-on in a realistic salon environment (often a school-based salon open to the public), combining practical workshops with theory to build confidence and real-world readiness.

How is the course assessed:

A mix of internal and external assessment (graded Pass, Merit, Distinction, Distinction* at Level 2, or Level 1 equivalents; no traditional GCSE tiers):

• Internal assessments (coursework/portfolio/practical tasks) – 60-70% – Portfolio of evidence including practical demonstrations (e.g., performing treatments), written assignments, observations, photos/videos of work on peers/mannequins, and client consultations.
• External/synoptic assessment – 30-40% – Pearson/VTCT-set task or exam (e.g., supervised practical assessment or short-answer paper on industry knowledge, customer experience, and influences on the sector). Total guided learning hours: around 120-180. Assessments emphasise safe practices, creativity, and professional standards.

Post-16 courses:

Level 2/3 NVQ Diploma in Hairdressing or Beauty Therapy (e.g., VTCT Level 3), Level 3 BTEC National in Hair and Beauty, apprenticeships in hairdressing/beauty therapy, or further vocational training at local colleges (e.g., Stoke-on-Trent College). Good grades support entry to advanced apprenticeships or full-time courses leading to professional qualifications.

Careers:

Hairdresser/stylist, beauty therapist, nail technician, make-up artist, barber, salon manager, spa therapist, mobile/beauty consultant, or roles in the fashion, media, or wellness industries. The UK hair and beauty sector is thriving, with opportunities for self-employment, travel, or specialisation (e.g., bridal, theatrical make-up), offering creative, client-facing jobs with good earning potential.

Specific advantages:

This vocational course is highly practical and exciting, with lots of hands-on work in a salon setting – perfect for students who enjoy creativity, working with people, and seeing immediate results. It builds employable skills early (e.g., client care, hygiene, styling techniques), suits those preferring practical over academic study, and often involves real clients for authentic experience. At Discovery Academy, as part of vocational options, it provides engaging, career-relevant learning in a supportive environment, helping build confidence and a portfolio for future opportunities.

How useful it is in the real world: