Flagship Pathways
Barbering Academy
Real barbering technique, taught in a working environment alongside experienced industry professionals. One of the flagship pathways built into a young person's personalised programme.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Where practical skill and confidence grow together
In the Barbering Academy, young people learn professional barbering and styling techniques in a realistic, supportive environment, working alongside experienced industry professionals. Sessions are hands on from the first day.
For a lot of young people this is the part of the week that gets them through the door. Success in practical learning frequently leads to increased confidence, improved attendance and greater engagement across every other part of the programme.
What young people develop
Skills that carry well beyond the chair
Every session builds technical skill and personal skill at the same time.
Barbering and styling technique
Cutting, shaping and finishing, taught step by step and practised until it starts to feel natural.
Safe use of specialist equipment
Clippers, blades, trimmers and tools handled with proper care, hygiene and respect for the workspace.
Customer service and communication
Greeting someone, listening, checking in, explaining what you are doing. Skills that transfer to any workplace.
Confidence, responsibility and attention to detail
Clear standards to meet, visible results, and the quiet satisfaction of getting something right.
How it fits
A pathway, not an add-on
Flagship pathways are built into each young person's personalised programme rather than bolted on to the end of it. Time in the Academy sits alongside English and Mathematics, mentoring and wellbeing support, and the balance is agreed at the planning meeting.
Whatever the pathway, every programme is underpinned by literacy, numeracy, communication, emotional wellbeing and preparation for the future.
What sits around the Academy
- Personalised English and Mathematics
- Specialist mentoring and wellbeing support
- A timetable shaped around the young person
- Regular reviews with school, Local Authority and family
- Clear updates and progress reports
Where it can lead
A route towards training and work
Barbering is a trade. The techniques practised here are the same ones a shop looks for, which makes the Academy a genuine route towards future training, apprenticeships and employment.
For young people in Post-16 provision that connects directly to careers planning, employability skills, CV writing and interview preparation. For younger students it is simply proof that they can be good at something and be trusted with it.
Our promise
Every young person deserves someone who believes in them.
Local Authority Professional
"The mentoring and practical pathways have transformed this young person's engagement. They have developed confidence, improved attendance and are now looking positively towards their future."
Shared with permission. Attributed by role.
Flagship Pathways
Other academies
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Professional equipment and industry standard software, alongside experienced musicians and music production professionals.
Cooking & Food Technology Academy
Led by a qualified Food Technology teacher, with meals young people can take home to share with their families.
Every successful placement begins with a conversation.
Tell us about the young person and we will talk you through how a placement could work. Referrals are accepted from Local Authorities, schools and Multi-Academy Trusts, Virtual Schools, and from parents and carers where appropriate.