Newcastle College’s Hair and Beauty students were named Best Overall College at the Association of Hairdressers and Therapists (AHT) North East regional finals, following an outstanding day of success across multiple competition categories.

The regional final was held at FED Brewery in Gateshead, bringing together talented learners from colleges across the region to compete in a wide range of hair and beauty disciplines.

Newcastle College students delivered exceptional performances throughout the day, securing multiple podium finishes and 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 strong representation 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 create an injury, alongside a third-place finish 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 sixth place in bridal current trend – a highly competitive category that saw her progress to the national finals in Blackpool.

The results highlight the breadth of talent across Newcastle College’s Hair and Beauty provision, with students demonstrating high levels of creativity, technical skill 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 give students the opportunity to test their skills in a live, competitive environment, judged by industry specialists.

The AHT regional competition is widely recognised as an important platform for aspiring hair and beauty professionals, helping students develop industry-ready skills while gaining valuable experience and recognition.

Our winners were:

  • 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