Choosing the right next step after school is an important decision, and for many students, College offers the chance to get hands-on with the subjects they’re most passionate about.
For hairdressing students like Wren and Kacie, moving into a more practical learning environment has helped them grow in confidence, develop real skills, and enjoy learning in a way that suits them far better than school or sixth form.
We spoke to them about how they’ve enjoyed their time at College:
Why did you choose hairdressing?
Wren – “I did hairdressing before when I was at school, but then my school stopped offering it. EKC Sheppey College agreed to let us continue studying it here, so I was able to carry on. I’d already started learning and enjoyed the subject, so I didn’t want to give it up.”
Kacie – “I chose hairdressing because I’ve always loved seeing the results when I get my own hair done. It gives people confidence, and I want to give others that same feeling. When people look at their hair and feel better about themselves, that’s what I want to be able to do.”
What do you enjoy most about College?
Wren – “I just feel like I work better when it’s practical. It’s nicer using your hands than just sitting in a classroom listening to someone for ages. College definitely suits me better than school.”
Kacie – “I like working and using my hands. That’s why College suits me better than sixth form. I can ask more questions, and I just feel more trusted. I’m treated like an adult, not a child.”
What have you learnt so far?
Wren – “I’ve learnt a lot already. Deep conditioning, for example, I’d never done that before. You apply it with a brush, put it under the heater, then wash it out.”
Kacie – “I’ve learnt skills that I can actually use, like colouring. My family pay hundreds to have their hair done but, in the future, I’ll be able to do it for them.”
Why is practical learning important to you?
Wren – “I work better using my hands. It just makes more sense to me than sitting and listening.”
Kacie – “I’m a practical learner. I like doing things myself and seeing the results. It helps me understand it better.”
How is College different from school?
Wren – “They actually trust us here. At school I didn’t get trusted at all. Here you can go on break and come back, and it just feels more relaxed. We definitely get more freedom, and we’re treated more like adults.”
Kacie – “I can ask more questions, I can just get on with my work, and I feel more independent. It’s a better way to learn.”
What are you looking forward to?
Wren – “I’m really looking forward to learning more about colouring. It’ll be good to use that skill and keep improving, and I’m looking forward to being able to do my friends and family’s hair – and earning a little bit of extra money!”
Kacie – “I’m most excited about continuing to learn about colouring properly. I want to be able to do it for other people and build that skill. In the future I also want to open my own salon.”
What would you say to someone thinking about College?
Wren – “If you prefer practical work and being hands-on, it’s definitely better than school. It just suits that way of learning more.”
Kacie – “I’d tell them to go for it. You don’t know until you try. I’ve really enjoyed it and I’d definitely recommend College to everyone.”
Wren and Kacie’s experiences show how powerful practical learning can be for students who prefer a more hands-on approach.
College offers a wide range of courses designed to help you build real skills, gain confidence, and prepare for your future.
If you’re interested in developing creative, practical skills like these, consider studying a Level 2 Hairdressing course and see where it could take you.
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