Beauty Therapy Programme Level 2 - Whitstable Beauty School

Applications Open - 20 November 2025 at 8am

Applications Close - 6 February 2026 at 15:00 (Except Beauty L2 which closes on the 22nd May).

General Entry Requirements:

Our level 3 Sixth Form entry requirements are five GCSEs at Grades 9-4 including Maths and English minimum Grade 4. However, please read the course information, which, provides specific details of course content and entry requirements.

For level 2 courses please read the course information.

Subjects: -

Level 3 - Enter your choices in order of preference for Level 3 courses. Students need to select the equivalent of 3 courses (Triple counts as 3), with 2 reserve options if selecting Level 3 courses. Year 12 are expected to study the equivalent of three subjects. Once we close to applicants on the 6 February the options selected will be reviewed and if required we will be in contact.

Level 2 - just add the course required, eg beauty, finance or fitness. However, please look up all entry requirements for individual subjects as some subjects require specific subjects and grades.

Timetable Blocks- Please read carefully: Level 3 Courses Please select 3 subjects and 2 reserve subjects by placing them in a ranked order/ or a Pathway. Once applications close we will review all subjects requested and may be in contact at this time to discuss your chosen subjects further.

Additional optional qualifications such as Arts Award (Gold),Core Maths, Further Maths and the EPQ are not applied for at the Kent Choice stage further information will be provided in the 6th Form induction if you would like to undertake this course in addition to your core qualifications.

How to Apply - Via Kent Choices or through link on our website https://www.hernebayhigh.org/sixth-form/how-to-apply

Further Information: We reserve the right to withdraw courses if insufficient numbers are attracted.

Any queries, please contact 6form@hernebayhigh.org

Herne Bay High School in partnership with Whitstable Beauty School proudly delivers courses in beauty therapy at Level 2 and Level 3 to students. Donna and Charlotte Waugh together have a combined 60 years’ experience in the industry as therapists, teachers and salon owners. Teaching is their passion, and they have an experienced team who can provide a broad range of high-quality training to fulfil the dreams and aspirations of our learners and allow them to grow in confidence.

https://whitstablebeautyschool.co.uk

Students will spend most of their time based at Whitstable Beauty School in Chestfield (98-100 FDS house, Harvey Drive, Whitstable, CT5 3QZ), but students will be enrolled at Herne Bay High School and benefit from all the aspects of attending Herne Bay High School 6th Form.

Area of Study:

Year One - Whitstable Beauty School Level 2 Qualification – VTCT L2 NVQ Diploma in Beauty Therapy General

The VTCT Skills Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Beauty Therapy General is a substantial vocational qualification for learners seeking a career as an employed and/or self-employed beauty therapist. This qualification is based on the beauty therapy National Occupational Standards (NOS) and is recognised by the UK's leading professional bodies (The British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC) and the Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT) as being fit for purpose for preparing learners for a career as a junior beauty therapist.

Year Two - Whitstable Beauty School Level 3 Qualification – VTCT L3 NVQ Diploma in Beauty Therapy Massage

The VTCT Skills Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Beauty Therapy Massage is to confirm your competence in the job role of beauty massage therapist. All the units in this qualification relate directly to the specific job role of a beauty massage therapist. This qualification will prepare you for employment as a beauty massage therapist. You will also be eligible to join a professional association and gain insurance as a beauty massage therapist.

Salon Work Experience

Students will undertake either ½ or 1 day per week of formal Work Experience, dependent on course and prior qualifications. You will gain hands-on experience in a professional salon environment designed for learning and creativity. This real-world setting allows students to develop confidence, customer service skills, and industry-standard practices while working with real clients.

Students will be enrolled at Herne Bay High School but taught at The Whitstable Beauty School under the guidance of Donna and Charlotte Waugh. Students will undertake practical and written assessment in a real working environment.

The Level 2 qualification has been specifically designed for the 16-19 age group and will develop the knowledge and skills to prepare learners for employment as a junior beauty therapist. Learners will have their beauty therapy skills assessed in a real working environment.

The Level 2 qualification includes all the required elements to work effectively as a beauty therapist including: facials, enhancement of eyebrows and eyelashes, waxing services, manicure, pedicure, make-up, effectiveness at work, health and safety and promoting additional products and services to clients.

The Level 3 qualification includes all the required elements to work effectively as a beauty therapist including: massage therapy, Indian head massage, pre blended aromatherapy, hot stone massage and facial electrical therapy, monitoring health and safety and planning and implementing promotional activities. Throughout these qualifications you will develop your knowledge and understanding of relevant anatomy and physiology and client care. You will also develop a range of technical skills in massage, using a variety of different techniques. You will also develop interpersonal skills that will assist you to communicate effectively with clients.

This programme is a recommended 2-year pathway – all students will be interviewed by the beauty school and whilst GCSE qualifications are desirable, they are not essential. However, the willingness to be dedicated and have a strong work ethic is essential. All students who have not achieved a minimum grade 4 in GCSE Mathematics and English will be required to re sit these at Herne Bay High School in line with the Department for Education guidelines.

These qualifications will prepare you for employment as a beauty and massage therapist. You will also be eligible to join a professional association and gain insurance. Career opportunities as a beauty and massage therapist exist in a variety of contexts, including:

- Working in commercial beauty salons

- Working in destination and day spas

- Working independently/self-employed/mobile/home-based settings