Why Choose Debut?


Choosing the right training provider is just as important as choosing the right course.

At Debut Academy, we're committed to helping every learner achieve their career goals through high-quality education, practical training and personalised support.

Whether you're starting your first qualification or looking to develop new professional skills, our experienced tutors will help you build the confidence, knowledge and practical experience needed to succeed.

We proudly deliver professional training across:

  • Beauty Therapy
  • Hairdressing
  • Barbering
  • Aesthetics
  • Marketing
  • Teaching & Education

From your first enquiry through to qualification, our team is here to support you every step of the way.

Message us through our contact form for more information.

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Apprenticeships

Government-Funded Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are an excellent way to gain recognised qualifications while earning a salary and building valuable workplace experience.

If you're employed by a salon, business or employer willing to support your training, you may be able to complete your qualification through a Government-funded apprenticeship.

Benefits include:

  • Earn while you learn
  • Gain real workplace experience
  • Achieve an industry-recognised qualification
  • Receive support from both your employer and tutor
  • Develop practical skills employers value
  • No course fees for eligible learners

Apprenticeships are available across selected Hair, Barbering and Beauty qualifications.

Message us through our contact form for more information

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Study Programmes

Government Funding for 16–18 Year Old Learners

If you're aged between 16 and 18, you may be eligible for fully Government-funded training.

Message us through our contact form for more information

This funding is designed to help young people gain recognised qualifications and practical skills before entering employment or progressing within their chosen industry.

Our team can explain your options and help you choose the right pathway.

Eligible programmes may include:

  • Industry-recognised qualifications
  • Practical training
  • Work experience opportunities
  • Functional Skills or GCSE support (where required)
  • Workshops and enrichment sessions
  • Career guidance and learner support
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Advanced Learner Loan

Advanced Learner Loans for Adults (19+)

If you're aged 19 or over and want to gain a Level 3 qualification or above, you may be eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan.

This Government-backed funding allows you to study now and only begin repayments once your income exceeds the repayment threshold.

  • To be aged 19 or over
  • To meet residency requirements
  • Valid identification
  • A National Insurance number

Message us through our contact form for more information

Advanced Learner Loans can be used for selected Level 3 and above qualifications.

Unlike many loans, eligibility is not based on your credit score.

To apply you'll usually need:

Our team can explain whether this funding option is suitable for you and guide you through the application process.

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Private Funding

Private Course Funding & Flexible Payment Options


Not every course is Government funded, but that shouldn't stop you investing in your future.

We offer a wide range of privately funded professional courses with flexible payment options available on selected programmes.

Message us through our contact form for more information.

Our courses are delivered by experienced industry professionals using leading brands and modern training facilities.

Private funding is ideal for learners who want to:

  • Start training immediately
  • Study short professional courses
  • Learn new skills
  • Upskill or change careers
  • Complete specialist qualifications

Contact our team for current course fees, available start dates and payment plan options.

Private Funding

Private Course Funding & Flexible Payment Options


Not every course is Government funded, but that shouldn't stop you investing in your future.

We offer a wide range of privately funded professional courses with flexible payment options available on selected programmes.

Message us through our contact form for more information.

Our courses are delivered by experienced industry professionals using leading brands and modern training facilities.

Private funding is ideal for learners who want to:

  • Start training immediately
  • Study short professional courses
  • Learn new skills
  • Upskill or change careers
  • Complete specialist qualifications

Contact our team for current course fees, available start dates and payment plan options.

ELCAS Funding
Enhanced Learning Credits (ELCAS) Funding

If you're currently serving in the Armed Forces or have recently left the military, you may be eligible for Enhanced Learning Credits Administration Service (ELCAS) funding to support your professional development.

ELCAS funding is designed to help Service Personnel gain nationally recognised qualifications and develop new skills for career progression, both during and after military service.

At Debut Academy, we offer a range of ELCAS-approved courses that can help you achieve your career goals in industries including Aesthetics, Beauty, Hair, Barbering, Marketing and Teaching.

Who is Eligible?

You may be eligible for ELCAS funding if you:

  • Have completed at least 6 years of eligible service (Lower Tier funding)
  • Have completed 8 years or more of eligible service (Higher Tier funding)
  • Meet the Ministry of Defence eligibility requirements
  • Are applying for an approved qualification at Level 3 or above

Funding is available for approved learning providers and approved qualifications listed on the official ELCAS website.

Funding Available

Depending on your length of service, you may be able to claim:

  • Up to £1,000 per claim (Lower Tier)
  • Up to £2,000 per claim (Higher Tier)

Eligible learners can make up to three funding claims during their lifetime, subject to the ELCAS scheme rules and eligibility criteria.

Before You Apply

Before submitting your funding application, you should:

  • Obtain approval from your Line Manager and Education Staff
  • Check that both your chosen course and learning provider are ELCAS approved
  • Submit your online claim at least 15 working days before your course starts
  • Present your Claim Authorisation Note (CAN) to Debut Academy before your course begins
  • Be prepared to make a minimum personal contribution of 20% towards the total course cost

Our team is happy to help you confirm whether your chosen course is eligible before you begin your application.

Why Choose Debut Academy?

As an approved training provider, we're committed to supporting Service Personnel throughout the funding process. From selecting the right qualification to understanding your eligibility, we'll guide you every step of the way to make your transition into further education as straightforward as possible.

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Application Process

1. Submit Enquiry

2. Admissions Review

3. Call / Interview

4. Offer Issued

5. Deposit Paid

6. Enrolled

Is your course full?


Don't worry. We operate a fair waiting list process. If a space opens up, you will be the first to be contacted.

What happens before you start?


Before you start, you will recieve:

  • Welcome Email
  • Key Dates
  • Kit Info
  • Pre-course Reading

Integrated Careers Support

Beginner (Level 2)

Advanced (Level 4+)

Business Owner / Freelancer

Stand out to top employers.


We will help you build a professional CV and visual portfolio that perfectly highlights your new qualifications, hands-on salon experience, and unique skills to make sure your application gets noticed.

Walk in with confidence.


From what to wear to how to answer tricky questions, we provide 1-on-1 interview coaching and practical 'trade test' preparation so you are completely ready to impress salon owners.

Be your own boss.


Dreaming of opening your own salon or going freelance? Get practical, industry-specific advice on registering as self-employed, securing insurance, finding clients, and marketing your new beauty business.

Book Careers Appointment

What our clients say about us.

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

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Education, Expertise, and Empowerment

Turn A New Leaf
With Debut

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