West Thames College

West Thames College runs a VTCT Skills Level 2 Certificate in Barbering on a part-time basis at its Isleworth campus. Teaching concentrates on cutting men’s hair, the specialist work of cutting and shaping facial hair, providing a consultation service for clients, and health and safety in the barbering industry. Assessment is continuous and combines portfolio evidence, observation of practical work, oral questioning, assignments and written tests.

Applicants are expected to hold two or more GCSEs at grade 3 or above, or a Level 1 or Foundation Hairdressing qualification with functional skills in English and maths; previous experience of dealing with the public is regarded as an advantage. Practical work takes place in the college’s hair salons, which are open to the public. Barbering sits within a wider hairdressing department offering full-time, part-time, day-release and apprenticeship routes, with progression to Level 3.