Exeter Foundation styles youngsters back into education

A group of Exeter NEETs (young people Not in Education, Employment or Training) has been given a helping hand to get back into learning thanks to a £1,890 grant from the Exeter Foundation.

The funding has paid for equipment to enable eight young people to study a Level One Course in Hair & Beauty and Customer Service at Hair@TheAcademy, which is based at Exeter Royal Academy for Deaf Education.

As a result of this year’s course, seven students will now go on to a Further Education Course next year and one has been recruited to take part in an apprenticeship-style training scheme at Hair@TheAcademy.

The Exeter Foundation funding paid for tabards, cutting capes, scissors, hairdryers, straighteners, rollers, tongs, foot spas, nail lamps, nail files, towels and other salon equipment.

According to Department for Education figures published this month, there were around 1,300 (5.3%) 16-18 years old Not in Education, Employment or Training in Devon last year.

“Students who are disengaged at school often thrive in the salon environment and respond well to a vocational course aimed at their needs and interests,” says Mary Pugsley.

"This year’s group have performed beyond all expectations. They are such a lovely group of young people. I am phenomenally proud of them and will miss them next year,” she adds.

The Exeter Foundation is an organisation that supports various local charities and projects.

For more information visit www.exeterfoundation.org.uk