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.
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.
The learning journey
Progression Through Stages
Stage 1
Observe and Follow
Supported learning
Teacher-ledStage 2
Practise and Apply
Guided learning
Shared responsibilityStage 3
Work Independently
Independent application
Independent responsibilityStage 4
Select and Justify
Critical thinking
Problem solvingStage 5
Design and Lead
Industry readiness
Leadership and mentoringThe 39 week programme
Curriculum Overview
Autumn 1
Becoming a Salon Professional
How do professional salon behaviours, technical skills and client care create excellent first impressions?
During this half term, students develop the professional behaviours, technical foundations and client care skills expected within a modern hair and beauty salon. They learn how to prepare professional workstations, maintain excellent hygiene standards, communicate confidently with clients and perform core practical services safely and accurately. Practical activities mirror commercial salon practice, enabling students to develop confidence, technical competence and the professional behaviours expected for progression into further education, apprenticeships and employment within the hair and beauty industry.
| Week | Topic | Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | Stage 4 | Stage 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Salon Induction & Professional Conduct | Identify salon expectations including professional appearance, PPE, hygiene standards, workstation organisation, client confidentiality and expected standards of behaviour. | Follow daily salon routines, prepare workstations correctly, maintain personal presentation and demonstrate professional etiquette when working with clients and colleagues. | Work independently within the salon environment, consistently maintaining professional conduct, time management, cleanliness and effective communication throughout practical sessions. | Evaluate professional standards by reflecting on punctuality, presentation, communication and working practices, identifying improvements using salon expectations. | Consistently model industry-standard professionalism, demonstrating leadership, reliability, excellent customer care and the behaviours expected within commercial salons. |
| 2 | Health & Safety & Preparing the Salon | Identify common salon hazards, COSHH symbols, infection prevention procedures, PPE requirements and safe workstation preparation. | Prepare the salon safely by cleaning equipment, sanitising tools, organising products and following health, safety and infection control procedures accurately. | Independently prepare workstations and treatment areas, maintaining excellent hygiene, safe manual handling, waste disposal and client protection throughout services. | Evaluate working practices by identifying hazards, assessing risks and recommending improvements that promote a safe professional salon environment. | Demonstrate exemplary health and safety practice by consistently maintaining commercial salon standards and supporting others to work safely and professionally. |
| 3 | Working Relationships in the Salon | Identify the responsibilities of receptionists, stylists, therapists and apprentices whilst recognising the importance of teamwork and communication. | Communicate professionally with clients and colleagues using appropriate greetings, active listening and positive body language throughout salon activities. | Work effectively within a salon team, demonstrating professional communication, cooperation and client-focused behaviours during practical services. | Analyse how teamwork, communication and professional conduct influence customer satisfaction, efficiency and salon reputation. | Demonstrate leadership by supporting colleagues, managing professional interactions confidently and consistently promoting an outstanding client experience. |
| 4 | Shampoo & Conditioning | Identify shampooing equipment, gowning procedures, scalp massage movements, water temperature control and products suitable for different hair and scalp conditions. | Perform a complete shampoo and conditioning service with guidance by protecting the client, adjusting water temperature correctly, cleansing thoroughly and applying conditioner using appropriate massage techniques. | Deliver an independent shampoo and conditioning service following commercial salon routines, maintaining client comfort, effective consultation, thorough cleansing and safe product application throughout. | Evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment by assessing scalp condition, hair texture, product suitability and client feedback, adapting techniques where appropriate. | Deliver a commercially realistic shampoo and conditioning service demonstrating excellent client care, efficient workflow, accurate product selection, aftercare advice and professional retail recommendations. |
| 5 | Basic Manicure | Identify nail anatomy, manicure tools, sanitisation procedures, filing techniques and the correct treatment sequence. | Perform a basic manicure with guidance by shaping nails consistently, caring for cuticles safely and applying base coat, colour and top coat using accurate brush control. | Deliver an independent manicure service demonstrating consistent nail preparation, accurate polish application, professional hygiene standards and effective client communication throughout the treatment. | Evaluate the finished manicure by assessing nail shape, polish coverage, cuticle condition and overall presentation, recommending improvements to achieve salon standards. | Deliver a commercially realistic manicure service demonstrating technical precision, excellent client consultation, professional aftercare advice and appropriate retail recommendations based on nail condition and lifestyle. |
| 6 | Salon Ready: Consultation & Client Care | Identify the purpose of client consultations, recognise contraindications and ask simple questions to establish treatment requirements safely. | Conduct a structured client consultation by completing consultation records, identifying treatment objectives and selecting suitable products with guidance. | Carry out professional consultations independently, recognising contraindications, agreeing treatment plans and maintaining excellent client communication throughout the service. | Evaluate consultation effectiveness by analysing client needs, treatment outcomes and communication skills, adapting recommendations where appropriate. | Conduct commercially realistic consultations demonstrating outstanding communication, accurate treatment planning, professional judgement, aftercare advice and confident retail recommendations that reflect industry expectations. |
Autumn 2
Creative Hair and Nail Design
How do professional styling techniques and creative design skills help produce salon-quality results?
During this half term, students build upon their foundation skills by developing more advanced hair styling and nail enhancement techniques. They learn to manipulate hair using heat styling, create increasingly complex nail finishes and develop creativity through mood boards and design planning. Throughout the unit, students refine technical accuracy, strengthen consultation skills and begin making professional decisions about products, techniques and finished looks, reflecting the standards expected within a commercial salon.
| Week | Topic | Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | Stage 4 | Stage 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Blow Drying Women's Hair | Identify round brushes, paddle brushes, nozzle attachments, sectioning patterns and the correct blow-drying sequence whilst recognising safe heat styling procedures. | Produce a guided blow dry using correct sectioning, brush control, airflow direction and tension to achieve smooth, controlled results. | Deliver an independent blow-dry service using appropriate section sizes, tension, elevation and finishing techniques to suit different hair lengths and textures. | Evaluate the finished style by assessing volume, smoothness, movement, product choice and overall finish, adapting techniques where required. | Deliver a commercially realistic blow-dry demonstrating excellent consultation, efficient sectioning, technical precision, product selection and professional finishing suitable for individual client needs. |
| 8 | Assisting with Hair Styling | Identify common styling equipment including straighteners, curling tongs, clips, pins and finishing products whilst following safe working practices. | Assist with hair styling by preparing equipment, sectioning hair correctly and supporting the stylist using appropriate techniques. | Independently assist with the creation of professional hairstyles, maintaining safe tool handling, product application and client comfort throughout. | Evaluate styling techniques by considering balance, symmetry, durability and suitability for the client's hair type and desired outcome. | Demonstrate commercially realistic assisting skills by anticipating stylist requirements, maintaining professional workflow and contributing confidently to salon services. |
| 9 | Gel Polish Application | Identify gel polish products, LED/UV curing equipment, nail preparation techniques and safe product removal procedures. | Perform a gel polish application with guidance by preparing the natural nail, applying even coats and curing products correctly. | Deliver a complete gel polish service independently, demonstrating accurate preparation, product control, consistent coverage and professional client care. | Evaluate the quality of the finished application by assessing surface smoothness, cuticle work, durability and overall presentation. | Deliver a salon-standard gel polish service demonstrating excellent technical accuracy, client consultation, aftercare advice and appropriate retail recommendations. |
| 10 | Nail Art & Builder Gel | Identify nail art tools, builder gel products and common decorative techniques including glitter, foils and simple line work. | Produce guided nail art and builder gel applications using accurate product control and safe curing techniques. | Independently create builder gel overlays and nail art designs that demonstrate precision, symmetry and consistent technical standards. | Evaluate different builder gel and nail art techniques by considering durability, creativity, finish and client suitability. | Select and combine builder gel and artistic techniques confidently to produce commercially realistic designs tailored to individual client preferences. |
| 11 | Creative Hair Styling | Identify curling, waving and finishing techniques together with the equipment and products used to create different hairstyles. | Produce guided curls and simple creative hairstyles using correct sectioning, heat control and finishing products. | Deliver independent creative hairstyles using appropriate styling techniques, product selection and finishing methods to achieve consistent results. | Evaluate hairstyles by assessing shape, balance, curl definition, hold and suitability for different occasions and client requirements. | Design and produce commercially realistic hairstyles demonstrating creativity, technical precision, client consultation and professional finishing techniques. |
| 12 | Creative Nail Design | Identify current nail design trends, colour combinations and decorative techniques used within professional salons. | Recreate guided nail designs using accurate brush control, colour placement and finishing techniques. | Produce independent nail designs demonstrating precision, creativity, symmetry and consistent technical application. | Evaluate design quality by considering colour harmony, technical accuracy, balance and suitability for the client or design brief. | Create original nail designs that demonstrate commercial awareness, creativity, technical excellence and an understanding of current industry trends. |
| 13 | Hair & Beauty Mood Boards and Styling Concepts | Collect images, colours, textures and design ideas to produce a simple mood board inspired by a chosen theme. | Plan coordinated hair and beauty concepts by selecting suitable styles, colours, treatments and products for a design brief. | Produce a professional mood board that clearly communicates a complete styling concept supported by appropriate technical choices. | Evaluate styling concepts by considering client profile, current trends, practicality and commercial suitability. | Develop an industry-style presentation portfolio that justifies creative decisions, demonstrates trend awareness and showcases commercially viable hair and beauty concepts. |
| 14 | Creative Hair and Beauty Project | Follow a teacher-led design brief by preparing equipment, selecting products and completing straightforward hair or beauty techniques safely. | Complete a guided hair and beauty project by combining practical techniques whilst following treatment sequences, hygiene procedures and client care routines accurately. | Independently plan and deliver a complete hair or beauty project, demonstrating technical accuracy, effective consultation, safe working practices and professional presentation throughout. | Evaluate the finished project by assessing technical execution, creativity, product selection, client satisfaction and areas for refinement against commercial salon standards. | Produce a commercially realistic hair and beauty project that demonstrates creativity, technical excellence, professional consultation, excellent client care and confident justification of all treatment decisions. |
| 15 | Practical Assessment and Reflection | Demonstrate core practical skills safely whilst following instructions and reflecting on simple strengths and areas for improvement. | Perform selected treatments with increasing confidence, maintaining hygiene, technical accuracy and professional behaviour during practical assessment. | Complete practical assessments independently, demonstrating consistent treatment routines, effective client communication and confident technical performance. | Evaluate personal performance against professional salon standards, identifying strengths, technical improvements and realistic development targets. | Demonstrate industry-ready behaviours through professional practical performance, critical self-evaluation, reflective practice and clear action planning for future development. |
Spring 1
Professional Beauty Services
How do consultation, skin analysis and professional treatment planning improve beauty services and client satisfaction?
During this half term, students develop the consultation, analysis and treatment planning skills that underpin every professional beauty service. They learn how to assess client needs, recognise contraindications, select appropriate treatments and deliver a range of facial, skincare and brow services safely and effectively. Practical activities reflect commercial salon practice, helping students develop technical confidence, professional judgement and excellent client care whilst preparing for industry-recognised working standards.
| Week | Topic | Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | Stage 4 | Stage 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | Client Consultation Skills | Follow a structured consultation by asking simple questions, completing consultation records and recognising basic client requirements and contraindications. | Conduct a guided consultation, gathering information about medical history, lifestyle, treatment goals and recording findings accurately. | Carry out professional client consultations independently, identifying contraindications, agreeing treatment objectives and selecting appropriate services confidently. | Evaluate consultation effectiveness by analysing client responses, treatment suitability and communication techniques to improve client outcomes. | Deliver commercially realistic consultations demonstrating excellent questioning, professional judgement, accurate treatment planning and confident retail and aftercare recommendations. |
| 17 | Skin Care & Skin Analysis | Identify the basic structure of the skin, common skin types and the equipment used during skin analysis. | Perform a guided skin analysis by identifying skin type, condition and obvious treatment considerations using appropriate observation techniques. | Independently analyse skin condition, recognising dehydration, sensitivity, oil levels and selecting suitable products and treatments. | Evaluate skin analysis findings by considering lifestyle, environmental factors and treatment suitability, justifying professional decisions. | Produce comprehensive skin analysis consultations demonstrating accurate diagnosis, confident product recommendations and commercially appropriate treatment planning. |
| 18 | Hand Care & Basic Facials | Identify facial products, cleansing techniques, massage movements and the correct treatment sequence for hand care and basic facial treatments. | Perform a guided facial and hand care treatment using appropriate cleansing, exfoliation, massage and moisturising techniques whilst maintaining hygiene standards. | Deliver complete facial and hand care treatments independently, demonstrating accurate technique, client comfort and effective treatment sequencing. | Evaluate treatment outcomes by assessing skin condition, massage technique, product suitability and client feedback, recommending improvements where appropriate. | Deliver commercially realistic facial treatments demonstrating excellent technical skills, confident consultation, appropriate product selection and professional aftercare advice. |
| 19 | Brow Shaping & Face Mapping | Identify eyebrow shapes, facial features, mapping tools and the purpose of brow shaping consultations. | Follow a guided brow mapping and shaping routine using appropriate measurements, hygiene procedures and client communication. | Independently perform brow shaping using accurate mapping, symmetry checks and safe hair removal techniques. | Evaluate brow shape, facial balance and client suitability, adapting techniques to enhance individual facial features. | Deliver salon-standard brow shaping services demonstrating technical precision, aesthetic judgement, client consultation and appropriate maintenance advice. |
| 20 | Brow Tinting & Waxing | Identify tinting products, waxing equipment, patch testing requirements and treatment contraindications. | Perform guided brow tinting and waxing treatments following manufacturer instructions, hygiene procedures and safe treatment sequences. | Deliver complete brow tinting and waxing services independently, maintaining technical accuracy, client comfort and effective treatment timing. | Evaluate treatment results by assessing colour development, shape, skin response and client satisfaction, adapting future treatments appropriately. | Deliver commercially realistic brow services demonstrating accurate consultation, safe practice, technical excellence, professional aftercare advice and confident retail recommendations. |
| 21 | Beauty Treatment Assessment | Demonstrate core beauty treatment techniques safely whilst following the correct treatment sequence and maintaining hygiene standards. | Complete selected beauty treatments consistently, demonstrating accurate practical skills, consultation and client care throughout assessment activities. | Independently deliver complete treatments that meet professional salon standards for technical accuracy, hygiene and customer service. | Critically evaluate practical performance against industry expectations, identifying strengths, technical improvements and future development targets. | Demonstrate industry-ready beauty therapy skills through confident practical performance, professional consultation, reflective evaluation and consistent commercial salon standards. |
Spring 2
Specialist Beauty Treatments
How do advanced lash services combine technical precision, consultation and treatment planning to achieve professional salon standards?
During this half term, students develop specialist beauty therapy techniques by focusing on professional eyelash treatments and advanced client care. They learn to assess natural lashes, plan suitable treatments, perform increasingly advanced lash applications and adapt services to individual client needs. Practical activities reflect commercial salon practice, strengthening technical precision, consultation skills and the professional judgement required for progression into further education, apprenticeships and the beauty industry.
| Week | Topic | Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | Stage 4 | Stage 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22 | Lash Anatomy & Treatment Planning | Identify the natural lash growth cycle, eye anatomy, contraindications and the equipment required for professional lash treatments. | Explain how lash condition, eye shape and client expectations influence treatment planning and product selection. | Select appropriate lash treatments independently by analysing natural lash condition, client consultation records and treatment objectives. | Compare different lash systems by evaluating suitability, maintenance requirements, client lifestyle and desired outcomes. | Recommend commercially appropriate lash treatments confidently, justifying technical decisions using consultation findings, lash analysis and professional judgement. |
| 23 | Classic Lash Application | Identify classic lash products, isolation techniques, adhesive safety procedures and correct application sequence. | Apply classic lashes with guidance, demonstrating accurate isolation, adhesive control and safe application techniques. | Deliver a complete classic lash application independently, maintaining consistent spacing, direction, attachment and client comfort throughout the service. | Evaluate retention, lash placement, symmetry and overall finish, identifying technical improvements to achieve professional standards. | Produce a commercially realistic classic lash set demonstrating technical precision, efficient application, excellent client care and comprehensive aftercare advice. |
| 24 | Hybrid Lash Application | Identify the differences between classic and volume lash techniques whilst selecting appropriate products and lash combinations. | Apply hybrid lash techniques with guidance by combining classic and volume fans safely and accurately. | Deliver a complete hybrid lash application independently, creating balanced sets with consistent placement, symmetry and styling. | Compare hybrid lash styles by evaluating fullness, texture, client suitability and overall aesthetic outcome. | Recommend and create bespoke hybrid lash designs that reflect individual client preferences, eye shape and current industry trends. |
| 25 | Russian Lash Techniques | Identify volume lash products, fan construction methods, adhesive control and advanced application techniques. | Construct simple volume fans and apply Russian lashes safely with guidance, maintaining correct isolation and placement. | Independently create Russian volume lash sets demonstrating consistent fan construction, accurate placement and professional treatment sequencing. | Evaluate fan quality, coverage, symmetry and retention, adapting techniques to improve technical performance and client outcomes. | Deliver commercially realistic Russian lash services demonstrating advanced technical accuracy, creative styling, excellent consultation and professional aftercare recommendations. |
| 26 | Full Client Consultation & Lash Treatment | Conduct a structured consultation by completing treatment records, recognising contraindications and preparing the client safely. | Perform a complete lash consultation and treatment with guidance, selecting suitable lash systems and following professional procedures. | Deliver an independent consultation and lash treatment from initial assessment through to aftercare, maintaining excellent client communication throughout. | Evaluate treatment outcomes by analysing consultation accuracy, technical execution, client satisfaction and future maintenance requirements. | Provide a fully personalised commercial lash service demonstrating advanced consultation skills, bespoke treatment planning, technical excellence, retail recommendations and industry-standard client care. |
| 27 | Advanced Beauty Assessment | Demonstrate core lash treatment techniques safely whilst following professional treatment sequences and hygiene procedures. | Complete advanced beauty treatments consistently, maintaining technical accuracy, consultation skills and client care throughout assessment. | Deliver specialist beauty services independently, demonstrating commercial standards of precision, organisation and professionalism. | Critically evaluate practical performance against industry expectations, identifying technical strengths, development points and strategies for continuous improvement. | Demonstrate industry-ready beauty therapy skills through outstanding practical performance, reflective evaluation, professional presentation and evidence suitable for progression into apprenticeships or employment. |
Summer 1
Working in a Professional Salon
How do professional salon organisation, client care and commercial awareness prepare you for employment in the hair and beauty industry?
During this half term, students apply their technical skills within increasingly realistic commercial salon situations. They develop professional behaviours including time management, appointment planning, client communication, marketing and the delivery of integrated salon services. Students begin thinking like salon professionals by balancing technical accuracy with efficiency, customer satisfaction and commercial awareness whilst preparing for employment, apprenticeships and further education.
| Week | Topic | Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | Stage 4 | Stage 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 | Career Preparation & Professional Image | Identify different career pathways within the hair and beauty industry, recognising the importance of professional appearance, personal presentation and workplace expectations. | Develop a professional image by preparing an appropriate uniform, maintaining excellent personal hygiene and demonstrating positive communication during salon activities. | Present yourself confidently as a salon professional by demonstrating reliable attendance, excellent customer care, professional communication and appropriate social media awareness. | Evaluate your own professional image by reflecting on presentation, employability skills, communication and industry expectations, identifying areas for development. | Demonstrate industry-ready professionalism through confident communication, excellent presentation, employability planning and a clear understanding of progression into apprenticeships or employment. |
| 29 | Time Management & Salon Organisation | Identify the equipment, products and preparation required before carrying out different salon treatments. | Prepare workstations efficiently by organising equipment, maintaining hygiene standards and following treatment timings with guidance. | Independently organise appointments, prepare treatment areas and complete services efficiently whilst maintaining excellent client care. | Evaluate salon workflow by analysing treatment timings, organisation and productivity, identifying ways to improve efficiency. | Demonstrate commercial salon organisation by managing time effectively, maintaining workflow and delivering services that reflect industry expectations. |
| 30 | Social Media & Salon Marketing | Identify popular social media platforms used by hair and beauty businesses and recognise the importance of professional online communication. | Create simple promotional content by producing before-and-after images, treatment descriptions and appropriate salon branding. | Produce engaging salon marketing content independently using professional photography, accurate treatment information and appropriate hashtags or captions. | Evaluate digital marketing by analysing audience engagement, branding, professionalism and commercial effectiveness. | Develop commercially realistic marketing campaigns that promote salon services professionally whilst reflecting current industry trends and ethical practice. |
| 31 | Professional Nail Services | Prepare equipment, products and consultation records required before carrying out professional nail treatments. | Perform professional nail services with guidance, maintaining accurate preparation, hygiene procedures and client communication throughout. | Deliver complete nail services independently, demonstrating technical precision, consultation skills, treatment sequencing and professional aftercare advice. | Evaluate treatment quality by assessing technical finish, client satisfaction, product performance and commercial standards. | Deliver salon-standard nail services that demonstrate excellent consultation, advanced technical accuracy, retail recommendations and exceptional client care. |
| 32 | Professional Hair Services | Prepare the workstation, products and equipment required for professional hair services whilst following salon procedures. | Perform professional hair services with guidance, demonstrating accurate consultation, sectioning, product application and finishing techniques. | Deliver complete hair services independently, maintaining technical accuracy, client comfort and commercial salon standards throughout. | Evaluate hair services by analysing technical finish, suitability, client feedback and opportunities for refinement. | Deliver commercially realistic hair services demonstrating confident consultation, technical excellence, product knowledge, aftercare advice and professional retail recommendations. |
| 33 | Professional Brow Services | Prepare products, equipment and consultation records whilst identifying treatment contraindications and safe working practices. | Perform professional brow services with guidance, demonstrating accurate mapping, shaping, tinting and hygiene procedures. | Deliver complete brow services independently, maintaining technical precision, consultation skills and effective client communication throughout. | Evaluate brow treatments by assessing shape, colour, symmetry, client satisfaction and future treatment recommendations. | Deliver salon-standard brow services demonstrating advanced technical accuracy, personalised consultation, aftercare advice and commercially appropriate retail recommendations. |
| 34 | Client Service Assessment | Demonstrate safe working practices, consultation and core practical skills whilst following the correct treatment sequence. | Complete client services consistently, maintaining hygiene standards, technical accuracy and professional communication throughout assessment activities. | Deliver complete salon services independently, demonstrating commercial standards of organisation, consultation and client care. | Critically evaluate client services against industry standards, identifying strengths, development areas and strategies for continuous improvement. | Demonstrate industry-ready performance by delivering commercially realistic salon services with outstanding technical competence, customer care, professionalism and reflective practice. |
Summer 2
Industry Ready
How do you demonstrate the technical skills, professionalism and commercial awareness needed to succeed in the hair and beauty industry?
During this final half term, students bring together the knowledge, technical skills and professional behaviours developed throughout the year. They complete integrated salon services, manage realistic client journeys, build professional portfolios and prepare for interviews and progression into further education, apprenticeships or employment. Practical activities replicate commercial salon practice, enabling students to demonstrate industry-standard client care, technical competence and professional confidence.
| Week | Topic | Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 | Stage 4 | Stage 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35 | Professional Facial Services | Prepare the treatment area, identify products, equipment and contraindications, and follow the correct facial treatment sequence with guidance. | Perform a guided professional facial, demonstrating effective cleansing, exfoliation, massage and product application whilst maintaining hygiene and client comfort. | Deliver a complete facial treatment independently, selecting appropriate products, maintaining treatment timings and providing excellent client care throughout. | Evaluate treatment outcomes by assessing skin condition, product suitability, massage technique and client feedback, recommending future treatments where appropriate. | Deliver a commercially realistic facial service demonstrating advanced consultation, technical excellence, personalised treatment planning, professional aftercare advice and retail recommendations. |
| 36 | Integrated Hair & Beauty Client Day | Prepare workstations, greet clients professionally and assist with delivering planned hair and beauty services safely. | Carry out integrated hair and beauty treatments with guidance, maintaining consultation records, hygiene procedures and professional communication throughout. | Independently manage a complete client appointment from consultation through to treatment, aftercare advice and workstation reset using commercial salon procedures. | Evaluate the complete client journey by analysing technical performance, time management, communication and customer satisfaction. | Deliver an industry-standard client experience demonstrating outstanding consultation, technical accuracy, commercial awareness, teamwork and exceptional client care. |
| 37 | Running a Salon Project | Complete allocated salon tasks by following instructions and supporting the daily operation of a simulated salon. | Apply organisational, communication and practical skills whilst contributing effectively to the running of salon activities. | Independently manage appointments, treatment preparation, client communication and practical services within a realistic salon environment. | Solve routine operational problems by adapting schedules, allocating resources and maintaining high professional standards throughout the working day. | Lead salon operations confidently by coordinating activities, supporting colleagues, maintaining commercial workflow and delivering outstanding customer service. |
| 38 | Portfolio Building & Mock Interviews | Gather photographs, assessment evidence and examples of practical work to begin building a professional portfolio. | Organise portfolio evidence clearly whilst preparing simple answers to common interview questions. | Produce a professional portfolio and participate confidently in mock interviews, discussing practical skills, treatments and personal strengths. | Evaluate portfolio quality and interview performance by responding positively to feedback and refining presentation and communication. | Present an industry-ready portfolio and perform confidently during mock interviews, demonstrating professional communication, technical knowledge and clear progression aspirations. |
| 39 | Final Practical Showcase & Celebration | Demonstrate the core practical skills learned throughout the year whilst maintaining safe working practices and professional behaviour. | Complete selected hair and beauty treatments confidently, demonstrating accurate practical techniques, consultation skills and client care. | Deliver independent salon services that showcase technical competence, professionalism and consistent commercial standards. | Critically evaluate personal development by reflecting on technical progress, client feedback and readiness for progression into further study or employment. | Showcase industry-ready knowledge, skills and behaviours by delivering commercially realistic salon services, demonstrating exceptional professionalism, technical excellence, leadership and confidence in preparation for apprenticeships, further education and employment. |
What progress looks like
Progression Expectations
Stage 1
Students recognise salon procedures, professional expectations, treatment sequences and the equipment, products and terminology used within hair and beauty services. They work safely under close supervision, communicate politely with clients and begin developing the confidence required to participate in practical salon activities.
Stage 2
Students perform a range of hair and beauty treatments with guidance whilst following professional routines consistently. They carry out structured client consultations, prepare workstations safely, select appropriate products and equipment, apply practical techniques with improving accuracy and explain the reasons behind their treatment choices.
Stage 3
Students work independently to deliver complete hair and beauty services whilst maintaining professional standards of hygiene, technical accuracy and client care. They confidently carry out consultations, perform treatments using correct commercial procedures, provide aftercare advice and maintain organised, efficient working practices throughout the client journey.
Stage 4
Students adapt treatments to suit different hair types, skin conditions, nail conditions, facial features, client lifestyles and desired outcomes. They evaluate their technical performance critically, justify product and treatment choices, solve routine salon problems and refine their practical skills using client feedback and recognised industry standards.
Stage 5
Students consistently demonstrate the knowledge, technical skills and professional behaviours expected within the hair and beauty industry. They deliver commercially realistic hair and beauty services with confidence, communicate professionally with clients, recommend suitable products and homecare routines, evaluate their own performance critically and demonstrate the industry readiness required for progression into further education, apprenticeships and employment.
The purpose of the programme
Curriculum Intent
The Hair and Beauty curriculum develops the technical knowledge, practical skills and professional behaviours required for successful progression into further education, apprenticeships and employment within the hair and beauty industry.
Students follow a carefully sequenced programme that develops competence in client consultation, hair care, styling, nail services, beauty therapy, lash treatments, brow services, health and safety, hygiene, customer care and commercial salon practice. Practical skills are introduced through teacher modelling before being revisited and refined throughout the curriculum, enabling students to develop increasing technical accuracy, independence and professional judgement.
Knowledge and practical skills are revisited throughout the year, allowing students to strengthen consultation techniques, treatment planning, product knowledge, technical application and client communication whilst developing the commercial awareness expected within professional salons. Learning progresses from following structured treatment routines to delivering integrated salon services that reflect current industry practice.
The curriculum places a strong emphasis on professionalism, client care and employability. Students learn to prepare workstations, maintain excellent hygiene and infection control standards, communicate confidently with clients, evaluate treatment outcomes and recommend appropriate aftercare and retail products. By the end of the programme, students demonstrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours expected of learners progressing into vocational qualifications, apprenticeships and employment within the hair and beauty sector.