The Focus Awards Level 1 Introduction to the Hair and Beauty Sector provides learners with a foundation in industry knowledge, practical skills, professional behaviours, and safe working practices. It is designed for KS4 learners, early vocational learners, and those progressing into Level 2 pathways.
Course Modules
Unit 1: Introduction to the Hair and Beauty Sector,
Unit 2: Presenting a Professional Image,
Unit 3: Shampooing and Conditioning,
Unit 4: Styling Women’s Hair,
Unit 5: Nail Art / Basic Nail Treatments,
Unit 6: Health & Safety in the Salon,
Unit 7: Create a Hair & Beauty Portfolio,
Awarding Body
Focus Awards
Student Expected Outcomes
Learners completing the Focus Awards Level 1 Introduction to the Hair and Beauty Sector will develop a strong foundation of knowledge, practical skills, and professional behaviours that prepare them for progression into Level 2 vocational pathways. By the end of the programme, learners will understand the structure of the hair and beauty industry, including key job roles, expectations, and career routes. They will demonstrate awareness of essential health and safety requirements, safe working practices, hygiene standards, and the correct use of tools, equipment, and PPE within a salon environment. Learners will be able to carry out a range of basic practical treatments, including shampooing and conditioning, simple styling techniques such as plaiting, twisting and blow‑drying, and introductory nail treatments including nail preparation and simple nail art designs. They will show growing confidence in preparing work areas, conducting basic client consultations, following instructions, and completing treatments safely and professionally. Learners will produce a structured portfolio containing observation records, worksheets, photographs, reflective notes, and evidence of practical competence. Throughout the course, learners will develop key employability skills such as communication, teamwork, time management, and customer service. They will demonstrate improved professional behaviour, including appropriate dress, hygiene, punctuality, and positive engagement with peers, tutors, and clients. Personal development is embedded throughout, enabling learners to build confidence, resilience, emotional regulation, and motivation through hands‑on learning and constructive feedback. Learners will also strengthen English, Maths and digital skills through completing consultation forms, reading instructions, sequencing tasks, timing treatments, measuring products, and using digital tools to organise portfolio evidence. By the end of the qualification, learners are expected to achieve all mandatory units, meet ILP targets, and demonstrate readiness for progression into Level 2 Hairdressing, Level 2 Beauty Therapy, apprenticeships, or further vocational training.
Key Stage course delivered to
KS3/KS4
Admissions Criteria
Via CAP
Staff Experience
AAXAcademy’s staffing team brings extensive industry experience, strong vocational expertise, and a proven track record of delivering high‑quality learning programmes to children and young people with a wide range of needs, including SEND, SEMH, school refusal, and disengagement from mainstream education. Our tutors, assessors and support staff are fully qualified, DBS‑checked, and trained in safeguarding, Prevent, behaviour management, trauma‑informed practice, and working with vulnerable learners. Our Hair and Beauty tutors hold Level 3 vocational qualifications, Assessor Awards, and teaching qualifications such as Level 3 AET or Level 5 DET. They have between five and ten years of salon experience, including roles in commercial salons, spa environments, and freelance practice. This industry background enables staff to deliver high‑quality demonstrations, model professional standards, and support learners to understand real‑world expectations. Staff have delivered accredited qualifications from Focus Awards, VTCT, and Highfield, and have experience supporting KS4 learners to achieve Level 1 and Level 2 vocational outcomes. Our Construction and Electrical tutors hold City & Guilds Level 3 trade qualifications, Assessor Awards, and teaching credentials. They have extensive experience delivering practical workshops, supporting learners with low confidence, and adapting tasks for SEND learners. Staff are skilled in breaking down complex tasks, scaffolding learning, and embedding employability skills throughout delivery. Our pastoral and support team includes mentors trained in safeguarding, de‑escalation, restorative practice, and SEMH intervention. They work alongside tutors to provide daily check‑ins, emotional regulation support, attendance monitoring, and communication with schools and parents/carers. This ensures learners feel safe, supported, and able to engage positively with their programme. All staff participate in ongoing CPD, including annual safeguarding refreshers, curriculum development, behaviour management, and quality assurance training. This ensures our team consistently meets Ofsted’s Education Inspection Framework (EIF) expectations and maintains high standards of delivery, assessment, and learner support.
