East Durham College is Shaping the Next Generation of Hair and Beauty Stars with Celebrity Partnership

From industry-standard training and expert-led masterclasses to national competition success, East Durham College is giving aspiring hair and beauty professionals in the North East the skills, confidence and experience to thrive.

Based at the college's Peterlee campus, the Hair and Beauty department is home to the Lee Stafford Education Academy, a unique partnership that gives students access to industry-recognised training delivered to the same exacting standards used throughout the Lee Stafford network.

The academy features five commercial-standard salon areas where students develop their hairdressing and barbering skills, alongside dedicated treatment rooms for beauty therapy, nail technology, make-up artistry and massage. Learners also benefit from regular visits by Lee Stafford and his education team, alongside access to exclusive online training resources designed to develop their skills both in and out of the classroom.

East Durham College is also part of the L'Oréal Future Talent Excellence Programme, where learners undertake Colour Keys training, while leading brands including Eve Taylor, Nouveau Lashes, Glitterbels and Peaches & Cream regularly visit the college to deliver specialist masterclasses and demonstrations.

The result is a learning environment that mirrors the pace and professionalism of the beauty industry, equipping students with the skills to build successful careers. Each year, around 160 learners aged 14 to their mid-50s study hair and beauty at East Durham College. Graduates have progressed to salons across the North East at prestigious employers including Seaham Hall Serenity Spa, Radisson Blu Hotel, cruise ships, and the film and television industry.

Student success extends to the national stage. In the last academic year alone, 34 learners were finalists or winners in major competitions, including InterCollege, the Association of Hairdressers and Therapists Regional and National Finals, and Concept Hair Magazine competitions. Over the past five years, East Durham College students have secured an outstanding 144 finalist and winner placings.

Head of Services for Hair, Beauty and Catering, Angela Johnston strongly feels the college's partnership with Lee Stafford Education has transformed the opportunities available to learners.

"When we established the Lee Stafford Education Academy, our ambition was to create something that would genuinely inspire the next generation of stylists and beauty professionals while demonstrating the incredible career opportunities the industry offers.

Every member of our teaching team completed intensive specialist training to become accredited Lee Stafford educators, ensuring our students receive the same high-quality teaching and techniques used across the academy network.”

Angela added:  "Students also benefit from Lee Stafford's online learning platform, regular visits from his education team and twice-yearly sessions with Lee himself. Those experiences give our learners confidence, motivation and a real understanding of what it takes to succeed in the industry."

Alongside technical training, students gain valuable commercial experience by working with paying clients throughout their studies, offering services including hairdressing, colouring, facials, massage, waxing, manicures and pedicures.

Angela believes this combination of practical experience and strong industry partnerships is helping students stand out.

"Being part of the L'Oréal Future Talent Excellence Programme and welcoming leading brands into the college throughout the year means our learners are constantly developing new techniques and keeping pace with the latest industry trends.

Our students leave with far more than qualifications, they graduate with commercial experience, confidence and professional contacts that prepare them for successful careers in salons, luxury spas, hospitality, television, film and self-employment."

The department continues to evolve to meet changing industry demand, the college is set to launch a new full-time Barbering programme for 16 to 18 year olds and is exploring further specialist training in areas including male grooming, Japanese head spa treatments, microneedling and chemical peels.

Angela added: "Hair and beauty is now recognised as a highly skilled, creative profession with fantastic career prospects. We're seeing more talented young people actively choosing these careers because they understand the opportunities available.

We're continually investing in our facilities, expanding our qualifications and strengthening our employer partnerships to ensure every student develops the skills the industry needs."

Scott Bullock, Principal and CEO of East Durham College states that the department reflects the college's wider commitment to delivering outstanding technical education.

"Our Hair and Beauty department demonstrates exactly what East Durham College stands for, delivering industry-focused education that equips students with the skills, confidence and experience employers are looking for.

Working with nationally recognised partners such as Lee Stafford Education and L'Oréal ensures our learners are trained to the highest professional standards, while the success they continue to achieve in national competitions highlights the exceptional talent being developed here."

The success of the Hair and Beauty department comes as East Durham College continues to invest significantly in technical and vocational education. The college is currently undertaking a major transformation of Houghall campus that is set to create modern learning environments for agriculture, animal management and science, floristry and environmental management, alongside enhanced agricultural training facilities and a new teaching and learning centre.

The redevelopment, due for completion in April 2027, reinforces East Durham College's commitment to providing industry-standard facilities and ensuring students are equipped with the skills needed for the careers of tomorrow.

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