Saturday, 11 October 2025

Alternative provision at ALD - Helping Young People Re-Engage and Shine Again

 

Alternative Provision at ALD 

Helping Young People Rebuild Confidence Through Hair, Beauty & Barbering





Primary & secondary Alternative education now available

At ALD Hairdressing Training Academy, we understand that not every young person thrives in a traditional classroom.
Some struggle with confidence, attendance, anxiety, or simply need a more hands-on, creative way to learn.

That’s why we offer a unique Alternative Provision programme designed to help students re-engage with learning through Hair, Beauty and Barbering.


A Different Kind of Learning Environment

Our salon isn’t just about haircuts and styling – it’s about confidence, teamwork and new beginnings.
Every student who walks through our doors is supported by caring, qualified tutors who understand the challenges young people face.

We work with learners who’ve experienced barriers in mainstream education including SEND, providing a safe, calm and welcoming space to grow.
Small groups, relaxed sessions and a supportive atmosphere mean learners can take part without pressure and start to believe in themselves again.


Practical Skills, Real Experience

Through our Introduction to Hair, Beauty & Barbering Skills programmes, students get real hands-on experience in a working salon.
They learn how a salon operates from meeting clients and managing appointments to teamwork, hygiene, communication and creativity.

Our Primary and Secondary programmes are flexible, running term-time or in shorter blocks.
We provide everything needed, from equipment to encouragement giving schools an easy way to offer their pupils something completely different.


Who It’s For

We now work with both Primary (KS2–KS3) and Secondary (KS4) students.
Sessions can run from half-days for younger groups to full days for older learners, one to three times per week.
Each session lasts around 2.5 hours, with a 1:6 staff ratio for the best support possible.

It’s a perfect fit for students who need an alternative path, more structure, or simply a chance to learn by doing.


Progression and Qualifications

Many of our learners go on to complete VTCT-recognised qualifications in Hair, Beauty or Barbering opening doors to further study, apprenticeships or employment.
We’re proud to say that our retention, success and progression rates are excellent, and our students regularly tell us how much their confidence and motivation have improved.


Why Schools Choose ALD

  • Calm, welcoming and professional salon environment

  • Experienced tutors and strong SEND support

  • Small groups and flexible scheduling

  • Proven track record with re-engagement and progression

  • Free taster sessions and school visits available



Join Us

If you’re a school, support or Council looking for Alternative education that really makes a difference, we’d love to hear from you.
We can offer bespoke programmes to suit your timetable and students’ needs.

Venue: ALD Hairdressing Training Space

Available: Term-time
Visit https://aldhairandbeautytraining.co.uk/
 to find out more or book a visit and free taster session.

Contact us through our website or call Tracey on 0191 4111730 to arrange a visit or chat.

At ALD, we believe every young person deserves the chance to shine and sometimes, all it takes is the right environment and a little encouragement.


A.L.D. Hair, Beauty & Barbering Training Academy 
109-111 Blythe Terrace
Birtley. DH3 1DW
Tel 0191 4111730

Find us at 


#AlternativeProvision #HairAndBeautyTraining #SENDSupport #ReEngagement #VocationalLearning #ALDTraining #BarberingEducation #HairdressingEducation #ConfidenceBuilding #CreativeLearning #primaryalternativeeducation #primaryAP #secondaryAP #ald #gateshead #newcastle #sunderland #codurham #durham #stockton #virtualeducation


Wednesday, 27 August 2025

 Thinking About a Career in Hair, Beauty or Barbering?



Here’s Why Our Full-Time Course Could Be Perfect for You

If you're aged 16–18 and want to do something practical, creative and actually enjoyable — this could be just what you’re looking for.

At ALD Hair, Beauty & Barbering Training Academy, we’ve teamed up with Gateshead Learning Skills to offer a FREE full-time course that gives you real skills, recognised qualifications, and a fresh start doing something you’re passionate about.


 What’s the Course All About?




You’ll choose to train in either:

  • Hairdressing
  • Beauty
  • Barbering

You’ll come to our academy 1 day a week to get hands-on training with expert tutors (in small, friendly groups), then spend the rest of the week at Gateshead Learning Skills, working on your Maths, English and employability.

The best part? You’ll be working towards a VTCT qualification — a fully recognised certification that sets you up to work in salons, start an apprenticeship or even go self-employed later on.


 Why Join Us?


We get that not everyone enjoys school or college or the big class setting. That’s why our sessions are small, fun, relaxed and practical — and our team is made up of tutors who genuinely care about helping you succeed.

Here’s what you can expect:

  •  Small class sizes so you get more 1-to-1 support
  •  All your products and equipment are provided
  •  Tutors trained in SEN support and flexible teaching styles
  •  A safe, supportive space where you can just be yourself
  •  Travel expenses may be covered (subject to eligibility)
  •  And yes — it’s completely FREE for 16–18s

Plus, we’re a really friendly bunch. You'll meet new people, gain confidence, and learn skills that actually mean something.


 What’s Gateshead Learning Skills?

Gateshead Learning Skills (based at the Interchange Centre) will support you with your Maths, English, and personal development. Their staff are brilliant — patient, supportive, and great at helping you work at your own pace. Whether you’re catching up or just need a bit of confidence, they’ve got your back. Information can be found at - https://www.gateshead.gov.uk/article/31230/Learning-and-Skills


 Try It First – No Pressure


We know signing up for something new can feel a bit overwhelming, which is why we offer free taster sessions.

Come along, meet the tutors, try out the course, and see if it feels right for you — no pressure at all.


Where We’re Based



  •  ALD Hair, Beauty & Barbering Training Academy — hands-on training days based at 109-111 Blythe terrace, Birtley. DH3 1DW
  •  Gateshead Learning Skills — Maths, English & Employability - based at The Gateshead Bus Interchange Centre
    (Both are easy to get to by public transport) Check out the Rome2Rio app for bus/metro information


 Who Can Apply?

If you’re:

  • Aged 16–18
  • Living in Gateshead, Sunderland, Durham or nearby
  • Ready to try something new and get stuck in
  • No Maths or English entry requirement 

Then this could be the opportunity you've been waiting for.


 

Ready to Start?



We only have 19 places available, and they’re filling up fast.

If you’re interested, or just want to ask a few questions:
Send us a DM on any of our social media accounts
Call us on 0191 4111730
Or email aldhairdressing@gmail.com

Or complete the expression of interest form - https://forms.gle/eTPfiCPyLQLHFioJ7



Come find out why so many young people are choosing ALD to kick-start their careers in the hair, beauty and barbering industry. We can’t wait to meet you!



A.L.D. Hair, Beauty & Barbering Training Academy 
109-111 Blythe Terrace
Birtley. DH3 1DW
Tel 0191 4111730

Find us at 

#gateshead #durham #sunderland #freetraining #HairTraining #BeautyCourse #BarberingCollege #VTCT #FreeCoursesUK #DurhamYouth #NorthEastOpportunities #aldacademy #haireducation #beautyeducation #barbereducation #careers