Oaklands College Barbering Students Shine at Concept Hair Learner of the Year Grand Final 2026

Oaklands College is celebrating the success of its talented Level 3 Barbering students who competed at the prestigious Concept Hair Learner of the Year Grand Final 2026.

Held on 19 March at Telford College in Birmingham, the national competition showcased the very best emerging talent within the hairdressing and barbering industry, recognising creativity, technical ability and professionalism from learners across the UK.

Following an incredibly competitive selection process with more than 3,000 entries, only 60 learners were shortlisted to compete in the live Grand Final. Reaching this stage alone is a significant achievement and reflects the dedication, passion and hard work demonstrated by students throughout their training.

Oaklands College is especially proud of finalists Jack, Ryan and Scott, who represented the College with confidence and professionalism on a national stage.

The event provided learners with valuable industry experience and the opportunity to showcase their skills alongside some of the country’s most promising young barbers and hairdressers. Throughout the competition, students demonstrated not only technical excellence but also creativity, resilience and a strong commitment to their craft.

As part of the experience, the students were also interviewed by Belinda Mindset and Pivot Point UK for their podcast, highlighting their achievements and giving them the opportunity to share their experiences within the industry.

Adding to the celebrations, Jack was awarded a day at the Wahl Academy, providing an exciting opportunity to further develop his skills with one of the industry’s leading brands.

Experiences such as the Concept Hair Learner of the Year competition continue to highlight the importance of participation, industry engagement and professional development for students studying at Oaklands College. Through opportunities like these, learners gain invaluable experience, build confidence and prepare for successful careers within the barbering and hairdressing industries.

Congratulations to Jack, Ryan and Scott on this fantastic achievement and for representing Oaklands College so brilliantly.