Hairdressing (Women's) - Level 3 - Dartford

Applications Open - 26th September 2025

Applications Close - 14th August 2026 for application forms - please visit www.northkent.ac.uk if applying after this date for GCSE Open Events and Open Enrolment Dates.

How to Apply - Apply through KentChoices

PLEASE NOTE - Popular courses can fill up quickly so apply early to avoid disappointment

Assessment is continuous throughout the course. You will be assessed using a variety of methods including: observation, oral questioning, written questioning, online exams and assignment work.

Performing services on members of the public in our commercial salons.

Approximately 16 written assignments Demonstration of practical performance Approximately 6 online exams

North Kent College is proud to be one of only seven partner colleges working with Lee Stafford Education, offering students a unique opportunity to train under a programme developed by Lee Stafford himself in collaboration with Further Education specialists.

This is more than a celebrity endorsement. The Lee Stafford Academy delivers a cutting-edge curriculum designed to inspire and elevate aspiring hair professionals. Students and staff alike benefit from exclusive training in Lee Stafford’s signature “recipes”—21 step-by-step guides covering foundational techniques in cutting, styling, colouring, and perming. These recipes reflect real-world salon practices.

VTCT Skills Level 3 Diploma in Women’s Hairdressing is a qualification that has been specifically designed to develop your practical skills to an advanced level through a variety of techniques in the following units; the creative art of cutting women’s hair, the artistic skill of colouring, imaginative dexterity of styling and dressing hair, and how to provide effective consultation support for colleagues.

Although the qualification is titled women’s hairdressing, all practical skills learnt are non-gender.

Units include: Monitor and maintain health and safety practice in the salon Hairdressing consultation support for colleagues Colour hair to create a variety of looks Cut hair to create a variety of hairdressing looks Style and dress hair using a variety of techniques Promote and sell products and services to clients Creative hairdressing design skills Hair colour correction Bridal hairstyling

The purpose of this qualification is to develop your practical skills to an advanced level of occupational ability to enable you to perform your own salon services as well as support others.

Assessment is continuous throughout the course. You will be assessed using a variety of methods including: observation, oral questioning, written questioning, online exams and assignment work.

Performing services on members of the public in our commercial salons.

Approximately 16 written assignments Demonstration of practical performance Approximately 6 online exams

Applicants would either hold a Level 2 Diploma in Hairdressing qualification or 2 years of current salon experience as a working stylist subject to a trade test. All applicants will be required to demonstrate hairdressing skills as part of the application process. Applicants wishing to enrol will need to have either paid employment or voluntary work placement, working with clients in a hairdressing salon for a minimum of 1 day per week. As well as a satisfactory college report or employer reference to include good attendance and behaviour and attitude.

Under 19s English & Maths Grade 4 or above or Level 2 Functional Skills .

Your enrolment is also subject to a successful interview, written task and completion of a practical and theory skills assessment.

Achieving the Level 3 Hairdressing qualification opens the door to a wide range of exciting career paths and further study options. With advanced skills and industry-ready experience, students may choose to:

Launch a career as a qualified stylist, working in salons or freelance. Specialise in advanced techniques, such as precision cutting or creative colouring. Work with professional brands as a technician or educator, supporting product development and training. Expand into related industries, such as Beauty Therapy or Make-Up Artistry, by enrolling in complementary programmes.

This qualification provides a strong foundation for both employment and further education, supporting a lifelong career in the dynamic and creative world of hairdressing.