Upper Cut gains Grade 1 status from the Adult Learning Inspectorate (ALI)
The Adult Learning Inspectorate has awarded Upper Cut grade 1 status yet again for its outstanding work-based training.

The report says: "Practical skills demonstrated by apprentices are good or very good and reflect commercial trends. Apprentices are well prepared for effective participation in a working salon and foundation and advanced modern apprentices develop a professional attitude towards their work. They set themselves challenging goals and work conscientiously to build on their experiences."

Upper Cut receives the Edge Award
Upper Cut has been crowned England's best small employer for practical learning by a Jamie Oliver & Simon Woodroffe-backed initiative, the Edge Employer Awards. Click here For a short video of the awards ceremony.

They received a £25,000 national award after beating hundreds of organisations across the country. Upper Cut has used this investment to create additional IT facilities and help trainees develop business and management skills with the help of Office Doctors.

Beacon Status awarded by the DfES
Upper Cut is the first hairdresser to receive this award. This highly sought after status is awarded to work-based learning providers that have demonstrated excellence in teaching and learning, supported by excellent leadership and management.

The award to Upper Cut was presented by Margaret Hodge, the Minister for Lifelong Learning, Further and Higher Education, at a ceremony in London. Beacon status is awarded to providers identified by the DfES for their excellent provision from inspection reports and LSC performance review. Beacons are expected to share their good practice and participate in collaborative activities.

L'Oreal Colour awards
Upper Cut has been a regional finalist for this prestigious award for the past six years running, winning the top regional prize in 2003.

Tribute from No.10
The Prime Minister Rt. Hon Tony Blair MP hosted a reception at Number 10 Downing Street to recognise the achievements and hard work of people from the learning and skills sector, and particularly those who work with young people.

"I am hugely impressed by the dedication and commitment of the people I've met today. They make a real difference to the life chances of young people - some of them from very disadvantaged backgrounds. The work they have been doing is the sort of thing we need to replicate across the country", said Tony Blair when he addressed Carol of Upper Cut and colleagues.

National Apprenticeships Small Employers Award
Over 460 people attended the ceremony at the London Hilton on Park Lane, hosted by four-times Olympic Gold Medallist Sir Matthew Pinsent CBE and Gold medal-winning cox Gary Herbert MBE.

National Apprenticeship Awards are designed to recognise employers who are successfully using apprenticeships to improve business performance, as well as celebrating the achievements of their apprentices.

Upper Cut won the Small Employers Award from over 1,000 entries. Skills Minister Phil Hope, speaking at the event, said: "We should be exceptionally proud of the young people here tonight who have made the most of some wonderful opportunities to learn while they earn and gain from truly excellent vocational training on offer from employers. These prestigious awards show how vocational training and apprenticeships play a huge part in getting our young people into good, sustainable careers."