West Nottinghamshire College has struck gold for the third year in succession after once again being awarded ‘Gold College of Excellence’ status by one of the UK’s leading destination spas, Ragdale Hall Spa.
(Left to right) Amy Stirland-Fell, programme area leader for hairdressing, beauty therapy and make-up artistry, Kate Taylor, beauty therapy teacher, Suzanne Szepeta, teaching head of department for hairdressing and beauty therapy and Nicholas Thorpe, head of department for apprenticeships, adult and commercial.
The prestigious accolade recognises the college’s high standards of beauty therapy training, its commitment to preparing students for careers in the industry and its longstanding partnership with the Leicestershire-based spa.
To achieve gold status, colleges must demonstrate excellence in teaching, strong industry relationships and a commitment to helping students develop the skills and experience needed for employment.
The award is reviewed annually, with colleges required to continue meeting criteria covering teaching standards, student progression and engagement with industry.
For West Notts, the recognition reflects a successful partnership which continues to create valuable opportunities for students.
Among these is a visit to Ragdale Hall Spa on 24 November, when five students will explore its award-winning facilities, meet professional therapists, watch specialist treatment demonstrations and discover career opportunities at the spa, which has previously employed West Notts students.
Further activities include a virtual careers presentation during the college’s employability week in January, offering an insight into working at the spa, alongside opportunities for Level 3 beauty therapy students to undertake residential work experience.
College teachers will also be invited to an enrichment event in February, where they can experience treatments, take part in professional development activities and strengthen their industry knowledge.
Ragdale Hall Spa in Leicestershire is where students and staff regularly visit to undertake work experience and professional development.
Programme area leader for hairdressing, beauty therapy and make-up artistry Amy Stirland-Fell said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have achieved Gold College of Excellence status for the third year running. It’s wonderful recognition of the high standards we maintain and the strong relationship we’ve developed with Ragdale Hall Spa over many years.
“Our partnership is something we really value because it gives our students opportunities that extend well beyond the classroom. Being able to visit such a prestigious spa, meet therapists, learn about career pathways and potentially undertake work experience is incredibly beneficial.
“We’ve had students progress into employment at Ragdale Hall Spa, and the team has also supported staff wishing to further their qualifications with us by accommodating their working arrangements so they can attend college.
“Our tutors also benefit from opportunities to experience treatments and gain industry insight, which they can bring back into their teaching.
“We’re extremely grateful to Ragdale Hall Spa for its continued support and are thrilled that our successful partnership has once again been recognised with this gold award.”
Lynne-Marie Benzie, training and development supervisor at Ragdale Hall Spa, said: “West Notts has been awarded Gold College of Excellence status due to the tutors’ ongoing dedication to their students’ skills and progression into industry, by ensuring all opportunities are embraced through continued communication with Ragdale Hall Spa.
“Each year we offer students a career presentation along with the opportunity to visit Ragdale Hall Spa. This enables them to meet our therapists and experience one of the UK’s busiest and most highly regarded spas, hopefully inspiring them to develop their skills and aspire to work in such an environment at the end of their course.”
The Gold College of Excellence scheme supports the next generation of beauty professionals by strengthening links between education and employment.
The Gold College of Excellence standard has been achieved for the third year in succession.