Beauty-ful! Highlands a cut above UK competition in national awards

Sunday 21 July 2024

The Hair and Beauty Academy at Highlands has beaten off competition from hundreds of colleges around the UK for a top award.

The Highlands won the Vocational Training Charitable Trust College of the Year 2024 award, having been shortlisted alongside four other colleagues.

The VTCT Excellence Awards, which were this year held at The Manchester College, aim to recognise organisations that offer vocational training with remarkable achievements of learners, educators, and organisations within a diverse community. Seven awards were up for grabs on the night.

Competing alongside Highlands for College of the Year were Leeds City College, Nelson and Colne College Group, Suffolk New College, and The Royal National College for the Blind.

But it was Highlands' commitment to inclusivity and integrating LGBTQ+ aspects into their curriculum, offer of tailored support services, as well as community engagement with local charities that secured them the top spot. That included their 'Total Wellness Programme', which offers gym access, personal workshops and an accredited mental wellness course.

Pawel Kulon, Head of Hair and Beauty at Highlands College, expressed his pride in the achievement: "This award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team and students.

"Our innovative programmes and unwavering commitment to inclusivity have truly set us apart. We are honoured to receive this national recognition and will continue to strive for excellence in all that we do."

Pictured top: Staff from Highlands Hair and Beauty Academy received the College of the Year 2024 award earlier this month.