Shears Academy

Hairdressing & Barbering Training

Catford, South East London
Established 1984 | Ofsted ‘Good’ Provider

About Shears Academy

Shears Academy is a highly respected hairdressing and barbering training academy, delivering expert training for over 40 years.

Founded by Ken Cooper, a well-known local hairdresser with over 50 years in the industry, Shears Academy has been helping learners build real careers in hairdressing since 1984.

We are proud to be one of the local experts in hairdressing education, offering high-quality, practical training in a real, working commercial salon.

Why Choose Shears Academy?

✔ Over 40 years of training excellence
✔ Ofsted Grade 2 – GOOD provider
✔ City & Guilds awarding body
✔ Real salon experience with paying clients
✔ Friendly, highly qualified tutors
✔ Government-funded & self-funded courses available
✔ Strong focus on employability and work-readiness

Our training salon is a Wella Professionals commercial salon, open to the public. This means learners gain real-world experience, working with a wide range of clients while being fully supported by experienced tutors and assessors.

Courses & Training Options

Shears Academy offers training for everyone, including:

Apprenticeships (Ages 16+)

Hairdressing Apprenticeships
Barbering Apprenticeships
Earn while you learn
Training is 100% FREE
Paid at the official apprenticeship rate (currently £7.55 per hour from April 2025)

If you’re 16–18, we can even help you find a salon — employers are actively looking for junior assistants now.

Hairdressing & Barbering Courses

City & Guilds NVQ Diplomas – Levels 1 & 2
Refresher courses
Cutting, colouring & specialist skills
Short courses for professionals
Self-funded or Local Authority funded options available

Teaching & Assessor Qualifications

Interested in becoming an educator or in-salon assessor?

TAQA Assessor Qualification
Education & Teaching courses available

Expert Tutors & Supportive Learning

Our tutors are experienced industry professionals, not just teachers.

They:

Are fully qualified hairdressers
Continue regular industry and teaching training
Bring a wide range of specialist skills
Are passionate about supporting learners at every stage

You won’t find a more supportive or inspiring training team.

A Safe, Inclusive & Supportive Academy

At Shears Academy, everyone is welcome.

We are committed to:

Equality, diversity & inclusion
Safeguarding young people and vulnerable adults
Providing a safe, happy and respectful learning environment

We actively promote British values, including:

Mutual respect
Individual liberty
Tolerance
Democracy & the rule of law

Our Designated Safeguarding Lead, Suzanne, is always available to support learners who may be experiencing:

Bullying or harassment
Discrimination
Abuse or neglect
Mental health concerns
Exposure to crime, violence, extremism or radicalisation

“Diversity means different — we are all different, so diversity includes us all.”

Enrolment & Next Steps

✅ We enrol throughout the year
✅ Guaranteed interviews for learners from Lewisham, Bromley & Southwark schools
✅ Apprenticeships, funded courses & private options available
🪪 Please bring valid ID (passport, birth certificate or driving licence).

Location & Travel

Shears Academy – Catford

Train: