BEAUTY FUTURES at their fingertips

COPIED

4 mins

EDUCATIONNAVIGATION

BEAUTY FUTURES at their fingertips

Step inside the Trafford & Stockport College Group campuses: where top-class facilities & exceptional education offerings breed beauty industry success

“Education at Trafford & Stockport College Group (TSCG) does more than help students gain qualifications. It provides a launchpad for creative careers, technical excellence and long-term success.” This statement from the Group’s beauty team is testament to the enthusiasm of the educators, passion of the students and excellence of the facilities across all campuses.

The Group comprises four colleges: Trafford, Stockport, Cheadle and Marple Sixth Form. Hundreds of courses are delivered across these sites, from academic to technical, vocational, foundation and community learning options.

TSCG brings together the strengths of Trafford and Stockport Colleges. Each campus has a specialist focus, creating a dynamic learning network that supports both technical training and creative development, and course offerings include nail services, hairdressing and beauty therapies. “Trafford College is known for its modern approach and strong employer links, while Stockport College has built a reputation for nurturing talent across creative and vocational disciplines,” comments a spokesperson for the Group. “Together, they provide a comprehensive environment for aspiring nail and beauty professionals to thrive.”

Jacqueline O’Sullivan

“We don’t just teach nails – we teach standards, client care and confidence,” shares nail tutor, Jacqueline O’Sullivan. “Our goal is to nurture professionals who can walk straight into the industry and succeed.” Courses are shaped by industry trends, helping students stay relevant in a competitive and fast-moving sector, and delivered in professional, salon-style settings designed to mirror the working world. Facilities include fully equipped nail stations, industry-standard products and systems, and clean, modern workspaces. “It’s an environment where students not only learn, but begin to think and work like professionals,” Jacqueline continues.

The student experience

The NVQ nail courses provide a solid technical foundation for a career in nails. Learners gain hands-on experience in manicure and pedicure treatments; nail preparation and maintenance; acrylic and gel enhancement systems; nail art and design techniques; client consultations and aftercare, plus health, safety and hygiene practices. They are trained to deliver all that clients need from a nail appointment. “It’s about more than perfect nails,” shares Lola Docherty, course leader – hospitality, hair and beauty departments. “It’s about creating an experience for clients. That’s what sets our learners apart.”

TSCG’s most recent Ofsted inspection highlights a ‘highly inclusive and supportive learning environment, where learners and apprentices feel safe, respected and motivated’. What’s more, 92.6% of students revealed in the 2025 National Student Survey that they were satisfied with the teaching on their course – above the national average of 86.9%.

Amy Martin studied Beauty Therapy and Nail Services between 2022 and 2023. She comments: “I chose to enrol at Stockport College because it offers outstanding qualifications. I didn’t just learn the technical skills that beauty and nails require; I gained the confidence to start my industry career.

My tutors gave me so much support, and Jacqueline encouraged me to enter WorldSkills UK competitions. I’m so grateful that she did, as I won a gold medal for Beauty Therapy in 2022, and silver medal for Nail Technician in 2023.”

Amy Martin

On completing her nail course, Amy was offered a job in a salon. She was promoted to manager after just one year, and credits Stockport College for aiding her success. “The courses taught me how to conduct myself in a professional beauty environment, as well as how to speak to clients,” she shares. “Nails is such a hands-on profession, so I enjoyed learning in the college setting with tutors, as I benefitted from instant guidance.”

Students participating in the Greater Manchester Colleges Hair & Beauty Competitions , hosted by Stockport College.

Embracing opportunities

Guest speakers are invited to support the career journeys of learners, and have included world-renowned nail artist & Scratch Stars Hall of Fame pro, Kirsty Meakin. TSCG also hosts a number of competitions to boost the confidence of learners and open their eyes to industry opportunities. In March, the Stockport campus welcomed nail, beauty, hair and make-up students from across the region who competed in the Greater Manchester Colleges Hair & Beauty Competitions, and the college will host the Scratch Stars Awards 2026 judging day for the technical and artistic categories on 11 May.

Kirsty Meakin & Jacqueline O’Sullivan.

BEAUTY COURSES

Stockport College (16-18)

• Level 1 Diploma in Hair & Beauty Skills

• Level 2 Diploma in Beauty Specialist Techniques

• Level 3 Diploma in Beauty Therapy Treatments

• Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Nail Services

• Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Nail Services

‘‘ We don’t just teach nails – we teach standards, client care and confidence. Our goal is to nurture professionals who can walk straight into the industry and succeed. ‘‘