Empowering future talent: Bedwas School students share their Hair & Beauty journey with Educ8 Training.
At Educ8 Training, we’re passionate about creating opportunities for young people to discover their potential and our recent Elev8 Hair & Beauty course with students from Bedwas High School is a powerful example of how the right provision can transform engagement in education. Delivered through our Elev8 Future Skills programme, this course didn’t just teach practical skills, it reignited students’ motivation to attend and participate in school.
A noticeable increase in attendance and engagement
One of the most significant outcomes from this programme was the dramatic improvement in student attendance. Staff highlighted that some learners, who previously struggled with regular attendance, began showing up consistently, driven by their enthusiasm for the course. In fact, attendance became something both staff and students actively prioritised. There were even moments where extra effort was made to ensure learners didn’t miss sessions. Teachers reinforced just how impactful this shift was:
“They’re perhaps not the most interested in school academic subjects… but they really enjoyed this course.”
The course gave students something meaningful to engage with, something they were genuinely interested in and that made all the difference. As one member of staff reflected:
“It motivated them … it gave the students something to look forward to.”
Learning that students look forward to
For many learners, Hair & Beauty quickly became the highlight of their week.
“They looked forward to the Thursday.”
“It was like a treat… something to look forward to.”
This sense of excitement and anticipation played a key role in improving attendance. Rather than feeling disengaged, students were eager to come into school because they knew they would be taking part in something they enjoyed and felt passionate about.
Passion-driven learning leads to real progress
Because students were engaged and attending regularly, their progress accelerated. They spoke about enjoying the hands-on, creative nature of the course:
“Actually learning new skills… using your creativity.”
From styling techniques to creating accessories, learners fully immersed themselves in the experience:
“I liked doing the flowers and making accessories.”
Even those who started with little confidence developed strong skills over time:
“One student struggled to section hair when he first came in… and when he left, you should have seen his work, it was phenomenal.”
This kind of progress is only possible when students are present, engaged, and motivated, which this course clearly achieved.
Building confidence, teamwork and social skills
Beyond attendance and technical ability, the course also supported personal development. Students grew in confidence, worked collaboratively, and built stronger relationships:
“It got them to work together… not just the hairdressing, it’s the teamwork.”
For learners who may not always feel comfortable in a traditional classroom, this environment allowed them to thrive.
Inspiring future pathways
The course also opened doors to future possibilities, with many students now considering progressing further in Hair & Beauty. Others expressed interest in exploring different areas within the industry, from nails to salon work and beyond, demonstrating how vocational learning can spark ambition.
Looking ahead
Following such strong engagement and clear impact on attendance, both students and staff are keen to continue. There is clear appetite to progress onto the next level, with discussions already underway about expanding provision within the school.
The power of purposeful learning
This experience highlights a key message: when students are given the opportunity to engage in something they are passionate about, attendance and engagement naturally follow. By offering practical, relevant and inspiring learning opportunities through Educ8 Training, schools can:
• Re-engage learners who may struggle in traditional settings
• Improve attendance and participation
• Build confidence and transferable skills
• Open up real career pathways
We’re proud to support schools like Bedwas High School in making a real difference, and we look forward to continuing this journey with the next cohort.
If you’re interested in bringing programmes like Elev8 Future Skills into your school, get in touch with our team today.
