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29 May 2025

A cut above! Edinburgh College students shine at national competition

Five Edinburgh College hairdressing and barbering students proved to be a cut above the rest as they picked up medals at the Association of Hairdressers and Therapists (AHT) national finals in Blackpool earlier this month.

The annual finals bring together students from across the UK to showcase their skills competing in various categories relating to hairdressing, barbering and beauty therapy.

After qualifying through regional heats earlier in the year, and joined by Edinburgh College lecturers, the students headed south to Blackpool’s Norbreck Castle Hotel to compete against talented students from up and down the country. 

After two days of intense competition, the students emerged victorious receiving accolades in the following categories:   

Brooke Anderson

·         Silver – Catwalk

·         Bronze – Vivid Styling

Theo Burns

·         Gold – Barbering Cut and Finish

Matthew Hoggan 

·         Silver – Current Barbering Hair and Beard

Rebecca Murdoch

·         Silver – Pre-Setting Dressing Long Hair

Larysa Jamieson

·         Bronze – Pre-Setting Dressing Long Hair


Edinburgh College Head of School for Hairdressing, Barbering and Beauty, Frances Bain said: “We are so proud of our student medallists and all of the Edinburgh College students who competed at the AHT finals. It is always a pleasure to see our students getting the opportunity to showcase their talents on a national stage. The impressive skills on display at the finals are testament to not only the hard work of the students but the lecturers that have supported them throughout their time studying with us. Well done, everyone!”