London has dozens of cosmetology schools. Before you pick one, find out what types of qualifications they offer. If you want to get a good job after you graduate, it's not enough to learn the skills; you will need professional qualifications. Some schools offer certified National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) courses, while others offer Confederation of International Beauty Therapy & Cosmetology (CIBTAC) professional diplomas or Vocational Training Charitable Trust (VTCT) certificates. Still others don't offer any officially recognized qualifications. If you're not sure what you need, take a look at job listings in your chosen profession to get a good idea of what sort of qualifications employers want.
London College of Beauty Therapy
London College of Beauty Therapy (LCBT) offers a wide range of NVQ courses, Levels 1-3, plus dozens of short courses and advanced certificates. Go to lcbt.co.uk/courses/whatcanitake to see which courses you will need for various careers in cosmetology and beauty therapy. The college runs a large salon where students get the chance to practice on paying customers under the supervision of a teacher.
London College of Beauty Therapy 47 Great Marlborough St. London W1F 7JP +44-207-208-1300 lcbt.co.uk
Ray Cochrane Beauty School
Conveniently located around the corner from Baker Street tube, Ray Cochrane Beauty School offers CIBTAC professional diplomas in beauty therapy. Courses combine technical knowledge and practical expertise. Students practice waxing, facials, manicures, massage therapy and more on paying clients in Ray Cochrane's student salon. If you're thinking of working overseas, the school also offers Comité International D'Esthétique Et De Cosmétologie (CIDESCO) international diplomas, which are recognized in 33 countries.
Ray Cochrane Beauty School 118 Baker St. London W1U 6TT +44-207-486-6291 raycochrane.co.uk
London School of Beauty and Makeup
The London School of Beauty and Makeup offers certified courses in makeup, tanning, waxing, massage, aromatherapy, electrotherapy, nail art, reflexology and more. Students can choose from a range of diplomas including NVQ, CIDESCO, CIBTAC, VTCT, International Health & Beauty Council (IHBC) and more. The school has both full-time and part-time courses. The on-site London Esthetique salon gives students a chance to practice their skills on clients.
London School of Beauty and Makeup First Floor 47-50 Margaret St. London, W1W 8SB +44-207-636-1893 lond-est.com