Twelve Hairdressing learners are a cut above the rest in three prestigious competitions

Twelve Hairdressing learners have proved they are a cut above the rest after taking part in three prestigious competitions.

The learners, who are a mixture of full time and apprentices, were entered into the Francesco Group Spotlight competition on April 29^th, Wella Xposure on May 1^st and the WorldSkills heats.

Francesca Garrard won the Spotlight contest in Manchester, while Ellie Mumby, who has also progressed to the final of Wella Xposure on June 3^rd, finished in third place.

Lilly West will also be taking part in the Wella final after winning her heat, which she competed in alongside fellow regional finalists Erika Wilson, Charlotte Nicholson and Courtnie Tomlinson.

Finally, the WorldSkills regional finalists, who will be competing on June 11^th in Rotherham, are Georgia Ware-Gostelow, Mollie Tate, Ellie Mumby, Liana Lacey, Lily Brooks, Sophie Holmes, Charlotte Nicholson and Courtney Welsh.

Level 3 learner Francesca, who won Grimsby Institute its third successive first place in the Spotlight competition, said: “I was so happy to win; I’d been a hair model for other people the last two years so this was my turn to take part.

“I had high hopes but wasn’t expecting to do so well; I was really chuffed with myself.”

Francesca won a two-day course with Francesco Group in either Birmingham or Stafford, various hair tools including GHD curlers and Babyliss straighteners and a framed picture.

“I’d seen what the others had won so really wanted to try for it this year,” she added. “I’d love to go on to work for Francesco Group, going into colleges and inspiring other students.

“I was really nervous about coming to college to begin with but have absolutely loved it; everyone has been so lovely.”

Lilly West, who is also a Level 3 learner, said she was “really happy” after winning her Wella Xposure regional heat.

“I’d been wearing high heels all day but actually took them off because I didn’t think I would win. I’m feeling a bit nervous about the final but really excited at the same time.”

Rachel McLean, Level 3 Hair Programme Leader, said: “It is such a privilege to work with so many talented students at Grimsby. We have a strong background of success in competitions and it is amazing to see this grow year on year.

“To win first place three years running in the FG Spotlight competition is fantastic. This is thanks to the hard work of staff and the unlimited creativity and commitment of the students.

“We now have an exciting time ahead preparing for WorldSkills and the final of Wella Xposure. It would be amazing to scoop gold again.”