Carla opened the first Debut salon in Wickford, and within just four months it was fully booked, leading to the hiring of four staff members. At the time, there were limited opportunities to train in nails and beauty, prompting a £14,000 investment in professional development. This gap in accessible, high-quality training sparked the idea behind what would become Debut Academy.
We opened the Debut salon in Brentwood, expanding our presence and bringing our growing reputation for excellence in beauty and training to a new area.
Debut Academy was born in the annex of Carla’s home, where she began teaching her first group of nail learners. As an educator for Entity and CND, Carla brought professional expertise and passion into an intimate learning environment, laying the foundation for the academy’s future. The next year, Debut Academy would gai VTCT approval.
We secured our first funding through CTS, now recognised as Chelmsford College, allowing us to offer accredited Level 2 Nail Courses and Level 3 Beauty qualifications. As demand grew, we transitioned to a subcontracting partnership with South Essex College to expand our course delivery.
A strategic partnership was formed with Herts Academy, enabling us to broaden our reach, strengthen our course offering, and collaborate on delivering high-quality training across a wider region.
We transitioned to subcontracting funding through Central Training Group, allowing us to scale our delivery, support more learners, and continue building a sustainable foundation for Debut Academy’s growth.
We were proud to be graded Good by Ofsted, a reflection of our commitment to high standards in education and learner support. Around the same time, we formed a new partnership with Sidcup-based HB Academy, extending our presence and impact into South East London.
Between 2021 and 2023, we opened a hair salon in Stanford-le-Hope, launched Brentwood Academy, and unveiled our flagship Academy and Salon — key milestones that marked a bold new era of growth for Debut.
We opened Debut Hertford, further expanding our reach into Hertfordshire. To celebrate our 25th anniversary, we also refurbished our original Wickford salon, blending our legacy with a fresh new look.
To date, we have delivered over 9,000 qualifications and currently offer more than 45 courses, empowering thousands of learners across the UK with skills for life and careers.
Founded in 2010, Debut Academy is dedicated to providing industry-leading edutcation in beauty, aesthetics, hair, and barbering. Our mission is to equip students with real world skills, accredited qualifications, and hand-on experience, ensuring they are fully prepared for successful careers. With expert trainers, cutting-edge facilities, and a commitment to excellence, Debut Adademy bridges the gap between education and professional practise, empowering the next generation of beauty professionals.
Founded in 2010, Debut Academy is dedicated to providing industry-leading edutcation in beauty, aesthetics, hair, and barbering. Our mission is to equip students with real world skills, accredited qualifications, and hand-on experience, ensuring they are fully prepared for successful careers. With expert trainers, cutting-edge facilities, and a commitment to excellence, Debut Adademy bridges the gap between education and professional practise, empowering the next generation of beauty professionals.
Founded in 2010, Debut Academy is dedicated to providing industry-leading edutcation in beauty, aesthetics, hair, and barbering. Our mission is to equip students with real world skills, accredited qualifications, and hand-on experience, ensuring they are fully prepared for successful careers. With expert trainers, cutting-edge facilities, and a commitment to excellence, Debut Adademy bridges the gap between education and professional practise, empowering the next generation of beauty professionals.
Founded in 2010, Debut Academy is dedicated to providing industry-leading edutcation in beauty, aesthetics, hair, and barbering. Our mission is to equip students with real world skills, accredited qualifications, and hand-on experience, ensuring they are fully prepared for successful careers. With expert trainers, cutting-edge facilities, and a commitment to excellence, Debut Adademy bridges the gap between education and professional practise, empowering the next generation of beauty professionals.
Progression pathways from Level 2 to Level 4+
Career advice, CV support, and interview prep
Connections with 100+ salon and beauty employers
Focused on employability and self-employment routes
Meet the experts behind Debut. Our dedicated team of educators, business professionals, and beauty specialists who are here to guide you.
This week we're celebrating Bobby, one of our talented hairdressing students at Debut Academy! Through dedication and hands-on training, shes not only mastered cutting and styling techniques but has also built a growing Instagram following. showcasing her work and attracting real clients.
"Debut gave me the confidence and skills to start my own beauty business. The hands-on training and support from expert tutors made all the difference!"
What our clients say about us.