1999
The Beginning

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.

2002
Growing to Brentwood

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.

2005
Expanding Into
Education

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.

2009
First Funding &
Formal Courses

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.

2011
Strategic Growth

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.

2017
Funding Evolution

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.

2019
Recognition &
New Partnerships

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.

2021 - 2023
Laying the
Foundations

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.

2024
Milestones &
Makeovers

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.

Present
Our Impact
Today

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.

Courses For All Levels

Ofsted Certified
30+ Expert Educators
From 1 day to 3 years study time
Offering hands-on progression and career progression
A range of Funded, Private, Online, & Virtual Training

Real Experience, Real Clients

Multiple salon locations across Essex and Kent
Services delivered by qualified staff and advanced learners
Industry-leading products and techniques
Affordable treatments with professional standards
Live training environment for learner development

Supporting Long-Term Success

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

Upskill & Stay Ahead

Short, intensive CPD courses for working professionals
Training in advanced aesthetics, lashes, nails, and more
Accredited by VTCT, Qualifi, and industry partners
Ideal for salon owners and freelancers seeking growth

Courses For All Levels

Ofsted Certified
30+ Expert Educators
From 1 day to 3 years study time
Offering hands-on progression and career progression
A range of Funded, Private, Online, & Virtual Training

Real Experience, Real Clients

Multiple salon locations across Essex and Kent
Services delivered by qualified staff and advanced learners
Industry-leading products and techniques
Affordable treatments with professional standards
Live training environment for learner development

Supporting Long-Term Success

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

Upskill & Stay Ahead

Short, intensive CPD courses for working professionals
Training in advanced aesthetics, lashes, nails, and more
Accredited by VTCT, Qualifi, and industry partners
Ideal for salon owners and freelancers seeking growth

Meet the experts behind Debut. Our dedicated team of educators, business professionals, and beauty specialists who are here to guide you.

Carla Hales
CEO
Leads Debut with a dedication to excellence in beauty education and training. With years of industry expertise, she drives Debut's mission to empower future professionals.
Charlotte Hughes
Director of Teaching and Learning
Designs and leads Debut’s curriculum. A passionate educator who brings energy, insight, and innovation to every classroom, helping learners unlock their full potential.
Bobbie Hales
Director of Finance and Funding
Oversees strategy, finance, and data at Debut. Combines sharp analysis with a deep passion for learner success, while managing our Stanford-le-Hope site and functional skills programme.
Kersti Harding
Director of Business Development
Leads business development, community outreach, and funding partnerships. A former learner turned director, she’s committed to building opportunity through meaningful education.
Linda Edwards
General Manager & Safeguarding Lead
Manages safeguarding, learner welfare, and quality compliance. A dedicated support lead who ensures every learner feels safe, supported, and set up for success.
Poppy-Ann Lowe
Marketing Manager
Heads up marketing, events, and digital content. Blends creativity and strategy while teaching marketing courses and supporting aesthetics and private diploma learners.
Nikki Henry
Sales and Recruitment Manager
Former learner turned tutor, she now guides new learners through recruitment and training. Passionate about helping others grow in confidence and build their careers.
Luisa Pozza
Quality Improvement Manager
Ensures quality in teaching and assessment across all centres. Combines hands-on tutoring with compliance work to maintain high standards and learner satisfaction.
Jenny Dobson
Finance Manager
Keeps Debut’s finances running smoothly across academies and salons. A long-time team member who brings dedication, accuracy, and heart to everything she does.
Frankie Hales
Content Creator
A qualified content creator and beauty professional, she blends creativity with technical knowledge to craft standout visuals that support learner engagement and marketing.
Danni Gore
Head of Aesthetics
A skin specialist with 14+ years of expertise, she teaches advanced aesthetics at Debut, sharing deep knowledge in skin health, rejuvenation, and anti-ageing treatments.
Janine Gildersleve
Director of Hertford
Franchise owner of Debut Hertford and senior tutor. Delivers a wide range of beauty and aesthetics courses, combining real-world salon experience with a love for teaching.
Sarah Chidley
Director of HB Academy
With 20+ years in beauty, she runs her own training academy under the Debut brand. Passionate about helping students grow skills, confidence, and careers in the industry.
Michaela Davis
Beauty Tutor
Beauty tutor passionate about semi-permanent makeup and supporting 16–19 learners. Loves helping students grow in skill and confidence through current, real-world training.
Emma Sinkins
Workplace Development Tutor
Hair tutor and assessor with 18 years’ experience. Has worked with top brands like L’Oréal and GHD, now focused on mentoring the next generation of stylists in the workplace.
Lucy Portway
Attendance & Pastoral Support
Supports learners with attendance, wellbeing, and accessibility. Brings a background in pastoral care and is passionate about creating inclusive, supportive learning spaces.
Charlotte Locke
Director of Hertford
Co-owner of Debut Hertford. A dedicated tutor and mentor, she delivers Level 2–4 courses and helps learners grow into confident, skilled professionals in hair and beauty.
Melanine Carr
Beauty Tutor
Teaches apprenticeships and massage with a passion for skincare. Combines cruise ship and spa experience with advanced qualifications in aesthetics and teaching.
Alex Duke
Hair Faculty Lead
Hair faculty lead with 20 years in the industry. Loves guiding students and tutors alike, helping everyone at Debut thrive in a supportive, high-energy learning environment.
Ellie Jones
Apprenticeship & Sales Co-Ordinator
Coordinates apprenticeships and employer partnerships. A former apprentice herself, she now helps others begin successful careers in the salon industry.
Ella Crowhurst
Customer Service Apprentice
Customer service apprentice supporting enquiries, operations, marketing, and exams. Brings energy and growth mindset to both Stanford-le-Hope and Brentwood academies.
Clara Barlow
Hair Tutor
Hair tutor with a lifelong passion for styling. Balances teaching with family life and brings warmth, experience, and joy to every lesson she delivers at Debut.
Kym Moody
Nail Tutor
Award-winning nail technician and tutor. Teaches NVQ Level 3 and bespoke masterclasses, sharing industry expertise with flair and precision across Debut’s academies.
Rosa Camacho-Soaje
Beauty Tutor
A beauty tutor specialising in nails, massage, and reconstruction. Teaches private and diploma courses while running her own business and dreaming of opening a retreat in Spain.
Samantha Decatris
Beauty Tutor
Started in salons at 16, later qualified as a teacher. Now mentors future beauty professionals at Debut while raising two daughters and pursuing her Level 5.

Learner Of The Week

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.

Want to start your journey? Get in contact today
98%Of Learners say their qualifications met their career needs
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Advanced Aesthetics Course

90%Of Graduates Secure Jobs In The Beauty Industry Within 6 Months

Former Beauty
Student

"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!"

Tilly Callums

What our clients say about us.

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