11 Hair, Beauty and Make-Up students from Newcastle College have secured their place at the national finals of a prestigious competition after a standout performance at the North East heats.

More than 550 students from 19 colleges came together this week at the annual Association of Hairdressers and Therapists (AHT) Regional Competition to compete in 25 categories.

Held at the Fed in Gateshead, the competition was sponsored by Wella and supported by industry experts including Style Book Education and Belinda Mindset. Students’ competition entries were judged by industry experts including Robert Rousseaux, WorldSkills UK Senior Judge; Ester Rousseaux, Head Beauty Judge; Andi Hayes and Josh Barford from KING B Barbers; Marie Scroggins, Ex ND Make-Up Director; and VTCT Associates.

Newcastle College students beat off fierce competition to come first in four categories, with an outstanding 12 podium finishes in total. All 11 students received a goody bag from Wella and will now progress to the national finals in Blackpool in May.

Lola Richardson, currently studying Level 3 Make-Up and Media Makeup, secured first place in Feminine Bridal Make-Up and second place in Theatrical Aging Make-Up. She said: “I came sixth in last year’s regional competition and I’ve tried really hard to better myself in time for this year’s competition, so I feel really proud of myself. I was so happy when my name was called out and I’m so excited to go to Blackpool.”

Lindsay Gaskill, Teaching Learning and Assessment Coach at Newcastle College, and AHT North East Chair and Competition Director, said: "Competitions like this one are key to student progression and are an important opportunity for our students to develop their skillset. They give an important opportunity to challenge themselves and demonstrate to employers and industry experts that they’re work-ready and can succeed in the future. I’m very proud of the success of Newcastle College students this year.”

Congratulations to the following Newcastle College students who earned a podium finish in their categories, and will now compete at the national finals in Blackpool:

Hannah Green | 1st place | Editorial Make-Up

Jo Isobelle Ridge | 1st place | Drag Make-Up

Katie Clark | 1st place |Face Painting

Lola Richardson | 1st place | Feminine Bridal Make-Up

Bobbie Jo Ramsay | 2nd place | Bridal Feminine Hairstyle

Logan Green | 2nd place | Feminine Blow Dry

Lola Richardson | 2nd place | Theatrical Aging Make-Up

Maisie Hastings | 2nd place | Editorial Make-Up

Lily Galway | 3rd place | Creative Mixed Media Nails

Lucy Norman | 3rd place | Feminine Bridal Make-Up

Lucy Bridge | 5th place | Feminine Bridal Make-Up

Ella Philips | Joint 6th place | Bridal Feminine Hairstyle