Blackpool Skills Academy

Hair and Beauty Curriculum Overview

39 Week Spiral Curriculum with Stage Progression

Explore hair and beauty careers

Discover where professional salon skills can lead

Hair and beauty is a creative, practical and people-focused industry offering opportunities in salons, spas, freelance work, product development, education and business ownership.

This video introduces students to the professional skills, client care and personal qualities needed to build a successful career in the industry.

Watch the video and explore the opportunities available in hair and beauty.

01

Our curriculum model

How the spiral curriculum works

All students study the same hair and beauty concepts and practical activities.

Progression is achieved through increasing:

  • Professional behaviour
  • Technical accuracy
  • Client care
  • Independence
  • Creativity
  • Evaluation
  • 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

Becoming a Salon Professional

Weeks 1 to 6
Week Topic Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5
1 Salon Induction and Professional Conduct Identify salon rules Follow professional routines Work professionally Evaluate professional standards Model professional behaviour
2 Health and Safety and Preparing the Salon Identify hazards Follow safety procedures Prepare the salon independently Evaluate safety standards Recommend improvements
3 Working Relationships in the Salon Follow communication expectations Work positively with others Build professional relationships Analyse working relationships Model effective teamwork
4 Shampoo and Conditioning Identify products Apply products with support Complete the service independently Evaluate the finish Justify product choices
5 Basic Manicure Follow the manicure process Apply products accurately Complete a manicure independently Compare techniques Adapt the service to client needs
6 Salon Ready: Consultation and Client Care Follow a consultation structure Ask appropriate questions Conduct a consultation independently Evaluate client needs Personalise recommendations

Autumn 2

Creative Hair and Nail Design

Weeks 7 to 15
Week Topic Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5
7 Blow Drying Women's Hair Follow the process Apply techniques accurately Work independently Compare techniques Select techniques for the desired finish
8 Assisting with Hair Styling Recreate simple styles Improve accuracy Create styles independently Evaluate effectiveness Develop original concepts
9 Gel Polish Application Follow the process Apply gel polish accurately Complete the service independently Evaluate client care and finish Model best practice
10 Nail Art and Builder Gel Use tools safely Apply techniques with guidance Produce styles independently Compare methods Select the appropriate technique
11 Creative Hair Styling Follow instructions Apply styling techniques Produce a consistent style Evaluate outcomes Adapt styles for different clients
12 Creative Nail Design Recreate simple styles Apply techniques accurately Create designs independently Evaluate quality Create original looks
13 Hair and Beauty Mood Boards and Styling Concepts Generate ideas Plan designs Present styling concepts Evaluate suitability Develop professional portfolio concepts
14 Creative Hair and Beauty Project Complete a supported project Apply selected techniques Produce work independently Evaluate the finished project Develop and present an original concept
15 Practical Assessment and Reflection Demonstrate developing skills Apply skills consistently Work independently Evaluate performance Present evidence and identify next steps

Spring 1

Professional Beauty Services

Weeks 16 to 21
Week Topic Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5
16 Client Consultation Skills Follow a consultation script Conduct a guided consultation Work independently Evaluate effectiveness Mentor others
17 Skin Care and Skin Analysis Identify skin types and conditions Complete a supported skin analysis Analyse skin independently Evaluate treatment suitability Recommend appropriate treatments
18 Hand Care and Basic Facials Follow the treatment process Apply the treatment with guidance Work independently Evaluate outcomes Select suitable treatments
19 Brow Shaping and Face Mapping Identify facial features Follow the mapping process Shape brows independently Evaluate suitability Recommend an appropriate shape
20 Brow Tinting and Waxing Follow the treatment sequence Apply techniques with guidance Perform the treatment independently Evaluate client outcomes Adapt treatments to client needs
21 Beauty Treatment Assessment Demonstrate developing skills Apply skills consistently Work independently Evaluate performance Present professional evidence

Spring 2

Specialist Beauty Treatments

Weeks 22 to 27
Week Topic Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5
22 Lash Anatomy and Treatment Planning Identify structures Explain treatments Select suitable treatments Compare techniques Recommend treatments
23 Classic Lash Application Follow the technique Apply lashes accurately Work independently Evaluate the finish Achieve salon standard
24 Hybrid Lash Application Apply with support Apply accurately Work independently Compare styles Recommend appropriate options
25 Russian Lash Techniques Follow the technique Apply carefully Work independently Evaluate quality Adapt designs
26 Full Client Consultation and Lash Treatment Conduct a supported consultation Apply the treatment Work independently Evaluate client needs Personalise treatments
27 Advanced Beauty Assessment Demonstrate developing skills Apply skills consistently Work independently Evaluate outcomes Present a professional portfolio

Summer 1

Working in a Professional Salon

Weeks 28 to 34
Week Topic Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5
28 Career Preparation and Professional Image Identify professional expectations Develop a professional image Present professionally Evaluate personal presentation Model industry standards
29 Time Management and Salon Organisation Follow procedures Organise tasks with guidance Work independently Evaluate efficiency Achieve salon standard
30 Social Media and Salon Marketing Identify suitable platforms Create simple content Promote services independently Evaluate effectiveness Develop a marketing campaign
31 Professional Nail Services Follow procedures Apply practical skills Work independently Evaluate standards Achieve salon standard
32 Professional Hair Services Conduct a supported consultation Perform the service with guidance Work independently Evaluate outcomes Adapt the service
33 Professional Brow Services Follow procedures Apply practical skills Work independently Evaluate standards Achieve salon standard
34 Client Service Assessment Conduct a supported consultation Perform the treatment with guidance Work independently Evaluate outcomes Adapt the service to client needs

Summer 2

Industry Ready

Weeks 35 to 39
Week Topic Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5
35 Professional Facial Services Follow procedures Apply practical skills Work independently Evaluate standards Achieve salon standard
36 Integrated Hair and Beauty Client Day Conduct a supported consultation Perform treatments with guidance Work independently Evaluate outcomes Adapt services to client needs
37 Running a Salon Project Complete allocated tasks Apply practical skills Work independently Solve problems Lead activities
38 Portfolio Building and Mock Interviews Gather evidence Organise evidence Reflect on progress Evaluate development Present a professional portfolio
39 Final Practical Showcase and Celebration Demonstrate learning Apply skills Work independently Evaluate the learning journey Showcase achievement
04

What progress looks like

Progression Expectations

1

Stage 1

  • Follow instructions safely.
  • Develop confidence in basic salon procedures.
  • Complete practical tasks with support.
2

Stage 2

  • Apply practical skills accurately with guidance.
  • Demonstrate increasing consistency.
  • Develop confidence in client care.
3

Stage 3

  • Work independently.
  • Deliver treatments to an acceptable salon standard.
  • Evaluate personal performance.
4

Stage 4

  • Evaluate and justify treatment decisions.
  • Improve treatments based on client needs.
  • Apply professional standards consistently.
5

Stage 5

  • Demonstrate industry readiness.
  • Work independently and provide excellent client care.
  • Demonstrate creativity and leadership.
  • Support and mentor other learners.

The purpose of the programme

Curriculum Intent

Students develop the practical skills, professional behaviours and industry knowledge required for progression into hair and beauty education, apprenticeships and employment.

Through a structured sequence of practical experiences, learners revisit key concepts with increasing accuracy, independence and complexity.

The curriculum develops technical ability alongside consultation skills, client care, creativity, professional conduct, time management and salon organisation.

Students experience hair, nail, brow, lash, facial and beauty services while also developing an understanding of salon marketing, career preparation, portfolio development and professional presentation.

The curriculum enables all students to progress from supported participation towards confident, client-focused and industry-ready performance.