VTCT Level 2 Hair & Beauty (Under 16s) AP
- For Alternative Provision learners aged 13–16
- Progression from our Level 1 Hair & Beauty Diploma (13+)
- Suitable for beginners in Year 11 (aged 15+) looking to start a hair or beauty journey
- VTCT Level 2 Certificate in Hair and Beauty Skills (VRQ)
- Choose a Hair or Beauty Therapy pathway
- Start Date: October 2026
- Thursdays, 9.30am–2.30pm (term-time only)
- Small class sizes (maximum 8 learners)
- Recognised VTCT qualification
- All tools, equipment and professional products provided
- Hot meals and refreshments included
- Attendance monitoring and progress reporting
- Supportive learning environment with optional 1:1 support available
Providing meaningful vocational education that develops confidence, practical skills and pathways to future opportunities.
Alternative Provision: VTCT Level 2 Certificate in Hair and Beauty for under 16s
A Practical, Supportive Alternative to Mainstream Education, an ideal progression from Level 1 Hair & Beauty (aged 13+) or for beginners aged 15+ looking to start their hair and beauty journey.
Our VTCT Level 2 Certificate in Hair and Beauty provides a structured, vocational learning pathway for young people aged 13–16 who thrive in a practical environment. Designed specifically for alternative provision learners, the course helps build confidence, develop transferable skills, and improve engagement through hands-on learning.
Delivered in a real salon environment, providing hands-on experience, learners can focus on either Hairdressing or Beauty Therapy. Hairdressing includes skills such as one-length cutting, blow-drying and finishing techniques, and applying semi-permanent colour. Alternatively, the Beauty Therapy pathway covers manicure and pedicure, eyebrow shaping, skincare and photographic make-up. Alongside practical training, all learners develop essential knowledge in health and safety, client consultations and aftercare, preparing them for the next step in their learning journey
Ideal for younger learners, helping develop skills, confidence, and readiness for their future career in a nurturing, teen-focused environment. This VTCT Certificate provides an ideal progression route to either the VTCT Level 2 Diploma in Hairdressing or VTCT Level 2 Diploma in Beauty Therapy, both available from age 16 and are a direct route for employment or self-employment within the industry.
“NSHB was flexible, accommodating, and highly supportive of the student’s individual needs.” AP Coordinator- Ann Burton- Sprowston Community Academy
Course Overview
- Accredited qualification: VTCT Level 2 Certificate in Hair and Beauty Skills (VRQ)
- Location: Norwich, Norfolk
- Entry Requirements:
- Progression from VTCT Level 1 Hair & Beauty Diploma from age 13+
- OR aged 15+ as a beginner
- Who Can Join? 13–16 year olds looking to build Hairdressing or Beauty Therapy skills in a supportive setting
- What’s included? All salon products, tools & professional equipment PLUS a hot meal for lunch and refreshments
Why Schools Choose NSHB?
We work in partnership with schools, local authorities and learning providers across Norfolk to deliver high-quality alternative provision that supports positive outcomes for young people. Our vocational approach helps learners re-engage with education while gaining a recognised qualification and valuable life skills.
“Communication was excellent, the team were approachable, responsive and quick to offer support.”
Benefits include:
- Recognised VTCT qualification
- Practical, engaging learning environment
- Regular communication with schools and parents/carers
- Attendance and progress reporting
- Experienced, supportive tutors
- Clear progression opportunities into Level 2 qualifications and beyond
- Small class sizes led by expert, industry-based tutors
“NSHB did everything possible to support the student, offering flexible hours and additional staff support where needed.”
“I would highly recommend NSHB to others seeking a quality, supportive learning environment.”
Ideal For Learners Who:
- Are struggling in a traditional classroom environment
- Are at risk of disengagement or exclusion
- Have low confidence or poor attendance
- Benefit from practical, hands-on learning
- Would thrive in a smaller, supportive setting
- Have an interest in hair, beauty, wellbeing or creative industries
“The partnership has had a genuinely positive impact, helping attendees build confidence and improve interpersonal skills.” Big Active Norfolk
We are also proud members of Flourish and Safer Norfolk, which support our efforts to provide the young people of Norfolk a safe environment to flourish. All our staff are Enhanced DBS checked and safeguarding and First aid trained too.
Hairdressing Pathway
- Shampoo & condition hair using professional products
- Understand hair & scalp care
- Blow-drying & finishing techniques
- Cut women’s hair using one-length cutting techniques
- Apply semi-permanent colour
- Understand the theory of semi-permanent colouring
- Perm-winding techniques
- Create a themed hair image
- Health & safety procedures in the salon
- Client consultations & provide aftercare advice
Beauty Therapy Pathway
- Create a themed hair image
- Health & safety procedures in the salon
- Client consultations & provide aftercare advice
- Basic nail art
- Manicure and pedicure
- Eyebrow shaping
- Skincare
- Photographic make-up
All with a strong focus on industry standards and career preparation – building skills, boosting confidence, and preparing learners for their next step in hair or beauty Therapy.
Next course dates – Enrolling now
Start October 2026
Thursdays 9.30am-2.30pm
October 8, 15, 22
November 5, 12, 19, 26
December 3, 10
January 14, 21, 28
February 4, 11, 25
March 4, 11, 18, 25
April 22, 29
May 6, 13, 20, 27
June 10, 17, 24
July 1, 8, 15
Assessments
Online theory exams & ongoing practical assessments in a supportive environment. Students must be willing to work on each other in the class to complete this.
We understand the importance of accountability, safeguarding, and clear outcomes when placing a learner with an external provider. All placements follow Norfolk’s Non-School Alternative Provision guidelines and we are happy to complete relevant documentation and support school visits.
We are also proud members of Flourish and Safer Norfolk, which support our efforts to provide the young people of Norfolk a safe environment to flourish.
To view all policies and procedures, please follow this link.
- All green RAG rating for AP from Norfolk County Council
- Fully aligned with Norfolk AP guidelines
- All staff Enhanced DBS checked
- Safeguarding trained staff
- Risk assessments and documentation provided
- Open to school visits and quality assurance
Arrange a visit or discuss a placement today. We’d be happy to talk through the best option for your students. Contact us today.
Placement Options & Pricing
We accept learners through:
- School-funded alternative provision placements
- Section 19 referrals
- EHCP personal budgets
- EOTAS arrangements
Pricing: From £150 per learner, per day
Includes full delivery, qualification registration, exam fees, resources, meals, and reporting.
To discuss, please contact team@nshb.uk
Arrange a Visit
Come and meet the team, view our facilities and discuss how we can support your learner.
Arrange a visit or discuss a placement today. We’d be happy to talk through the best option for your students. Contact us today.
Read Our Reviews
EXCELLENT
Based on 206 reviews
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EmiliaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Fun experience made friends soon I came in all staff are welcomeingPosted on Google![]()
vanya vanstoneTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
My granddaughter attended a 7 - 11 year old bath bomb making session today and was very nervous of going in. Honey, Chantelle and Mira spent a good 45 minutes of their time encouraging her in the kindest ways, it was way over and above what you would expect and I can only praise their patience and understanding.Posted on Google![]()
Ben SyerTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
The school's great! Supportive tutors! :)Posted on Google![]()
Sarah GillTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
NSHB have supported me more than words can say during the last year. I would encourage anyone thinking about taking a course to go for it. ?Posted on Google![]()
Debi HallTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Model for course participatePosted on Google![]()
Huxley BearTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Great course, great tutors. A great balance of practical and theory and fully supportive staff.Posted on Google![]()
Kirsty ArmfieldTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I have just finished my level 3 beauty therapy and have leaned so much and really enjoyed the course structure, with hands on learning. My tutors have been amazing and supportive, the office staff are always helpful and kind.Posted on Google![]()
Alicia BoddingtonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I’ve just finished my beauty course at NSHB, and I honestly can’t thank everyone enough. From the moment I started, I’ve felt so welcomed and supported. The tutors have been amazing they’re so knowledgeable, patient, and always took the time to help whenever I needed it. They’ve really helped me grow in confidence and taught me so much. I also want to give a big thank you to the office team. They’ve always been so friendly, kind, and helpful with anything I needed, whether it was answering questions, sorting paperwork, or just being there to support us would highly recommend !!Posted on Google![]()
Maisey RadfordTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Studied part time level 2 beauty therapy. Absolutely loved this course start to finish really great supportive teachers who helped along the way. I’m now able to expand my business and achieve more in life by covering so much more within this course. #nshb #partimeeducation #level2beautyPosted on Google![]()
Nic SmithTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Completed a level 2 beauty and really loved the whole course. It was part time so I could work it around my family and work. The tutors are really experienced and helpful. I have grown in confidence and have loved every minuteVerified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more


















