As 2025 draws to a close, we’re taking a moment to pause, reflect, and say thank you.
This year has been one of growth, learning and connection – for our team, our students, and our wider community. From exciting new courses to well-deserved recognition, we’re incredibly proud of what’s been achieved together.
Putting People at the Heart of Everything We Do
At NSHB, we’re proud to be advocates for helping people reach their potential – whether that’s our students taking brave steps into new careers, or our team continuing to learn, grow and lead by example. Everything we do is rooted in support, encouragement and creating opportunities to thrive.
Team Highlights & Celebrating Success
This year, we proudly celebrated three team members graduating from their Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship (BA (Hons) Leadership and Management). A huge congratulations to Pete, Sarah and Megan, who all graduate in 2026. Their continued love of learning, fresh ideas and commitment to improving NSHB has had a hugely positive impact on the school and our learners.
Recognition is always meaningful, and 2025 brought some very special moments:
- Sam, our Principal, was awarded Highly Commended – Mentor or Manager of the Year at the Apprenticeships Norfolk Awards 2025. Sam leads with encouragement, kindness and a strong growth mindset, and this recognition was thoroughly deserved.
- As a school, NSHB was nominated by City College Norwich for Apprenticeship Employer of the Year (Small) – a wonderful acknowledgement of our commitment to apprenticeships.
- Pete was named Apprentice of the Year at the City College Norwich Apprentice Awards 2025, and also won HE Student of the Year for his Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship – adding yet another achievement to an already impressive year.
- We were also honoured to be shortlisted for the VTCT Skills Excellence Awards in the category Large Independent Training Provider of the Year, placing fourth nationally. This recognition from our awarding body reflects the quality, professionalism and learner-focused approach we strive for every day.
Showcasing Apprenticeships Across Norfolk
In 2025, the school featured in the Apprenticeships Norfolk “Invest in Your Future” #MadeInNorfolk TV advert, helping to raise awareness of apprenticeships and vocational training across the region.
Watch our feature here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3gl8sORADY
Welcoming New Faces to the NSHB Team
This year we welcomed several new team members, strengthening our teaching and support teams:
- Ellie joined us teaching on the new Level 1 Hair & Beauty course
- Lisa, previously a hairdressing student with us, now assists on the Saturday Level 2 Hair course
- Honey joined the office team, supporting marketing and student experience
- Flick joined our teaching team for Level 2 and Level 3 Beauty Therapy
- Ray joined us assisting on Sports Massage Therapy courses
All of our tutors – new and long-standing – actively work in the industry. Their real-world experience, passion and professionalism ensure our students receive the highest standard of training. We’re incredibly grateful for the energy and dedication they bring to NSHB.
Expanding Opportunities: New Courses & Pathways
Supporting progression has been a big focus this year. We introduced the VTCT Level 3 Certificate in Barbering, a new progression route for Level 2 Barbers looking to upskill and refine their craft. This course has been hugely popular and aligns perfectly with our aim to help develop outstanding barbers for the industry.
We also continued running our much-loved Big Norfolk Holiday Fun activities during school holidays for ages 7–16. Sessions included:
- DIY pamper parties
- Beginner & advanced makeup glam
- Arts & crafts (dream catchers, mosaic placemats, festival garlands)
- Festival and creative hair styling
Following the success of working with young people, we expanded our reach further by introducing an accredited qualification for teens.
Supporting Young Learners: Level 1 Hair & Beauty
In 2025, we launched the VTCT Level 1 Diploma in an Introduction to Hair and Beauty for 13–16 year olds. This course is ideal as an alternative provision for schools and for home-educated young people across Norfolk and Suffolk.
With small class sizes and lots of one-to-one support, learners benefit from expert guidance while building confidence, skills and a strong foundation for future pathways.
A Proud New Partnership with Norfolk Passport
One of our most exciting milestones this year was becoming the official training partner for Norfolk Passport.
As Norfolk Passport enters an exciting new era – with FFOLKESPA now open at The Ffolkes, Byfords’ luxurious treatment room newly launched, and PIGSPA continuing to deliver outstanding spa experiences – we’re delighted to support the training of their new spa therapists.
Through this partnership, therapists are trained in the VTCT Level 3 Certificate in Swedish Massage, gaining the skills, confidence and professional standards needed to step into spa roles within the Norfolk Passport group. Find out more about Spa Academy
Our Students: The Heart of NSHB
Throughout 2025, we welcomed over 270 students through our doors, each starting their own training journey.
We’re incredibly thankful to every student who chooses to train with us. We know that making changes, retraining, or learning something new can feel daunting. Watching our students grow in confidence, develop their skills, and believe in themselves is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do.
Thank you to each and every person who has been part of making 2025 such a fun, inspiring and rewarding year — here’s to even more growth, learning and success in 2026.
Thank You to Our Partners & Supporters. We’re grateful to work alongside so many supportive and professional organisations. A special thank you to:
- VTCT Skills – our awarding body https://www.vtctskills.org.uk/
- Norfolk Passport – Partnership in training the next generation of spa therapists https://www.work-with-us.co.uk/spa-academy
- Association of Reflexologists (AOR) https://www.aor.org.uk
- CTHA (Complementary Therapists Association) https://www.ctha.com
- Capital Hair & Beauty Norwich – for student kits and ongoing support https://www.capitalhairandbeauty.co.uk/norwich
- Norwich Print Solutions – for their flexibility, speed and quality https://www.norwichprintsolutions.co.uk/
- Apprenticeships Norfolk – https://www.apprenticeshipsnorfolk.org/
