Hair and Beauty students from Newcastle College have been named Best Overall College at a prestigious regional competition, following an outstanding day of success across multiple categories.
The North East regional final of the Association of Hairdressers and Therapists (AHT) was held at FED Brewery Gateshead, bringing together talented learners from colleges across the region to compete in a wide range of disciplines.
Newcastle College students delivered exceptional performances throughout the day, securing multiple podium finishes and ultimately achieving the highest overall score of any college in attendance.
Standout results included first-place finishes for Katie Clark in ageing make-up, Lee Wright in fantasy hair, Sophie Holden in fashion finish, Beth Cavan in bridal make-up, and Ana Dias in textured hair.
There was also a strong showing across other categories, with Kelsie McGlasson taking second place in ageing make-up, Maisie Hastings placing second in fashion magazine make-up, and Grace McElroy securing second place in the create an injury category, alongside third place for Eve Moan.
Further success saw Jessica Shefford take third place in bridal make-up, while Lilly Burridge and Sarah Spec placed third in create an image. Jess Richards achieved third place in authentic make-up, and Millie Swinney earned an impressive sixth place in bridal current trend - a highly competitive category that saw her progress through to the national finals in Blackpool.
The results reflect the breadth of talent across Newcastle College’s Hair and Beauty provision, with students demonstrating high levels of creativity, technical ability and professionalism across all competition areas.
Founded in 1963, the Association of Hairdressers and Therapists is a national network of educators and industry professionals dedicated to sharing best practice and supporting excellence in hair and beauty education. Its annual competitions provide students with the opportunity to test their skills in a live, competitive environment, judged by industry specialists.
The AHT regional competition is widely regarded as a key platform for aspiring hair and beauty professionals, helping students develop industry-ready skills while gaining valuable experience and recognition.
Newcastle College results:
- Jess Richards – 3rd place – Authentic Make-up
- Katie Clark – 1st place – Ageing Make-up
- Kelsie McGlasson – 2nd place – Ageing Make-up
- Lee Wright – 1st place – Fantasy Hair
- Millie Swinney – 6th place – Bridal Current Trend (progressed to national finals)
- Sophie Holden – 1st place – Fashion Finish
- Maisie Hastings – 2nd place – Fashion Magazine Make-up
- Grace McElroy – 2nd place – Create an Injury
- Eve Moan – 3rd place – Create an Injury
- Beth Cavan – 1st place – Bridal Make-up
- Jessica Shefford – 3rd place – Bridal Make-up
- Lilly Burridge & Sarah Spec – 3rd place – Create an Image
- Ana Dias – 1st place – Textured Hair