Blackpool Skills Academy

Barbering Curriculum Overview

39 Week Spiral Curriculum with Stage Progression

A career in barbering

Turn creativity into a professional career

Barbering is a skilled profession that combines technical precision, creativity, communication and customer service. Qualified barbers can work in established salons, become self-employed or even run their own business.

This short film offers an insight into the industry and shows the opportunities available to young people developing professional barbering skills.

Watch the video and discover what a career in barbering could look like.

01

Our curriculum model

How the spiral curriculum works

All students study the same barbering concepts and practical activities.

Progression is achieved through increasing:

  • Professional behaviour
  • Technical accuracy
  • Client care
  • Consultation skills
  • Creativity
  • Industry readiness

Students work at the stage appropriate to their current attainment and progress through increasingly demanding practical and theoretical tasks within each curriculum area.

02

The learning journey

Progression Through Stages

1

Stage 1

Observe and Follow

Supported learning

Teacher-led
2

Stage 2

Practise and Apply

Guided learning

Shared responsibility
3

Stage 3

Work Independently

Independent application

Independent responsibility
4

Stage 4

Select and Justify

Critical thinking

Problem solving
5

Stage 5

Design and Lead

Industry readiness

Leadership and mentoring
03

The 39 week programme

Curriculum Overview

Autumn 1

Barbering Foundations

Weeks 1 to 6
Week Topic Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5
1 Salon Induction and Professional Conduct Follow procedures Apply routines Work independently Evaluate standards Lead and mentor
2 Shampooing and Conditioning Identify technique Practise with support Apply independently Evaluate and adapt Achieve industry standard
3 Hair and Scalp Anatomy Identify concepts Explain key ideas Apply knowledge Analyse suitability Advise and mentor
4 Barbering Tools and Equipment Identify technique Practise with support Apply independently Evaluate and adapt Achieve industry standard
5 Health and Safety in Barbering Follow procedures Apply routines Work independently Evaluate standards Lead and mentor
6 Client Consultation Skills Follow prompts Gather client needs Work independently Adapt for clients Model best practice

Autumn 2

Core Barbering Skills

Weeks 7 to 13
Week Topic Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5
7 Clipper Grades Identify technique Practise with support Apply independently Evaluate and adapt Achieve industry standard
8 Clipper Over Comb Identify technique Practise with support Apply independently Evaluate and adapt Achieve industry standard
9 Scissor Over Comb Identify technique Practise with support Apply independently Evaluate and adapt Achieve industry standard
10 Men's Hair Styling Identify technique Practise with support Apply independently Evaluate and adapt Achieve industry standard
11 Beard and Facial Hair Shaping Identify technique Practise with support Apply independently Evaluate and adapt Achieve industry standard
12 Hair Finishing Products Identify concepts Explain key ideas Apply knowledge Analyse suitability Advise and mentor
13 Creative Style Planning Identify concepts Explain key ideas Apply knowledge Analyse suitability Advise and mentor

Autumn Assessment

Creative Barbering Project

Weeks 14 to 15
Week 14

Creative Barbering Project

Week 15

Practical Assessment and Reflection

Spring 1

Men's Hair Styling

Weeks 16 to 21
Week Topic Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5
16 Client Consultations Follow prompts Gather client needs Work independently Adapt for clients Model best practice
17 Classic Men's Cuts Identify technique Practise with support Apply independently Evaluate and adapt Achieve industry standard
18 Fade Techniques Identify technique Practise with support Apply independently Evaluate and adapt Achieve industry standard
19 Blow Drying and Styling Identify technique Practise with support Apply independently Evaluate and adapt Achieve industry standard
20 Styling Products and Finish Identify technique Practise with support Apply independently Evaluate and adapt Achieve industry standard
21 Practical Assessment Demonstrate basics Apply consistently Work independently Evaluate performance Showcase readiness

Spring 2

Colour and Salon Operations

Weeks 22 to 27
Week Topic Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5
22 Hair Colour Theory Identify concepts Explain key ideas Apply knowledge Analyse suitability Advise and mentor
23 Assisting with Hair Colour Identify technique Practise with support Apply independently Evaluate and adapt Achieve industry standard
24 Preparing and Maintaining the Salon Follow procedures Apply routines Work independently Evaluate standards Lead and mentor
25 Working Relationships Identify concepts Explain key ideas Apply knowledge Analyse suitability Advise and mentor
26 Customer Care Follow prompts Gather client needs Work independently Adapt for clients Model best practice
27 Practical Assessment Demonstrate basics Apply consistently Work independently Evaluate performance Showcase readiness

Summer 1

Professional Barbering

Weeks 28 to 34
Week Topic Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5
28 Social Media and Promotion Identify concepts Explain key ideas Apply knowledge Analyse suitability Advise and mentor
29 Barbering Service Review Demonstrate basics Apply consistently Work independently Evaluate performance Showcase readiness
30 Client Assessment Follow prompts Gather client needs Work independently Adapt for clients Model best practice
31 Timed Haircut Identify technique Practise with support Apply independently Evaluate and adapt Achieve industry standard
32 Client Consultation Follow prompts Gather client needs Work independently Adapt for clients Model best practice
33 Service Review Demonstrate basics Apply consistently Work independently Evaluate performance Showcase readiness
34 Practical Assessment Demonstrate basics Apply consistently Work independently Evaluate performance Showcase readiness

Summer 2

Independent Barbering Practice

Weeks 35 to 39
Week Topic Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5
35 Complete Barbering Service Identify technique Practise with support Apply independently Evaluate and adapt Achieve industry standard
36 Client Assessment Follow prompts Gather client needs Work independently Adapt for clients Model best practice
37 Integrated Barbering Project Follow procedures Apply routines Work independently Evaluate standards Lead and mentor
38 Portfolio and Employability Identify concepts Explain key ideas Apply knowledge Analyse suitability Advise and mentor
39 Final Assessment and Celebration Demonstrate basics Apply consistently Work independently Evaluate performance Showcase readiness
04

What progress looks like

Progression Expectations

1

Stage 1

Students follow salon rules safely, identify barbering equipment and complete shampooing with support.

2

Stage 2

Students apply barbering skills accurately, develop consultation skills and work safely.

3

Stage 3

Students deliver barbering services independently and maintain professional standards.

4

Stage 4

Students adapt services for individual clients, evaluating and improving their work in response to client needs and professional standards.

5

Stage 5

Students deliver complete barbering services independently, demonstrate industry readiness, mentor others and prepare for apprenticeships.

The purpose of the programme

Curriculum Intent

Students develop the practical barbering skills, professional behaviours and industry knowledge required for progression through the NOCN qualification pathway and into further education, apprenticeships and employment.

Through a structured sequence of practical experiences, learners revisit men's hair, client consultation, clipper work, scissor work, beard grooming and finishing techniques with increasing accuracy, independence and creativity.

Salon professionalism, safe working, client care and employability are embedded throughout, enabling every student to progress from supported participation towards confident, client-focused and industry-ready barbering practice.