Hairdressers prove they are top of the crops

11:34am Wednesday 16th April 2008

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A HAIR and beauty training centre has proved it's a cut above the rest.

The Academy in Norton has recently been inspected by Government Ofsted officials and has been graded as an "outstanding" training facility.

Lindsay Burr, managing director of The Academy, said: "This is a tremendous achievement for The Academy and for our staff who work exceptionally hard, day-in day-out, with our motivated students.

"It is very rare for a training provider of our size to achieve outstanding' ratings across all five of Ofsted's inspection areas. It is a strong reflection of the quality of trainees we have in the centre and the support we receive from local businesses, schools and the Learning and Skills Council."

Currently, 32 students are going through apprenticeship programmes in hairdressing and beauty therapy. The apprentices gain experience, as well as earning a wage, at salons in York, Scarborough and Ryedale.

The Academy was praised for its excellent work with local schools. More than 70 students from Norton College, Lady Lumley's in Pickering, Ryedale School and Malton School are currently training at The Academy.

The Academy was established by Lindsay Burr in 1999 and launched with just four students. It now employs 15 full and part-time staff, which includes a team of 10 trainers.