A school dedicated to children with special needs has opened a new hair salon called The Hair Hive. Located in the Bee Hive, the sixth form center of Northgate School in Northampton, this initiative aims to provide students with valuable experience in a real working environment.
One student shared her excitement, stating that she had never considered a career in hairdressing before but now “really loves it.”
The concept for the salon originated a decade ago when a hairdresser in nearby Kingsthorpe closed its doors and generously offered the school a sink. Over the years, Northgate School managed to raise funds to purchase a hairdressing chair, and an online retailer contributed £1,000 to help equip the facility.
Now, The Hair Hive is reaching out to the local community to attract clients. Executive Head Teacher Sheralee Webb emphasized the importance of the salon in building students’ confidence and enhancing their customer service and hospitality skills. “We don’t use any chemicals or allow cutting, but it’s fantastic for them to engage with people from outside, discuss what they’re doing, and share their interests,” she said. “These are skills they can apply in the hairdressing industry. We hope to expand and explore the beauty side as well.”
Stylist Tracy Forsyth has been working closely with the students to develop their skills. “In recent weeks, we’ve focused on shampooing techniques and plaiting,” she explained. “Molly has become our plaiting expert—she’s really nailing it—and Cameron is enthusiastic about blow-drying.”
Seventeen-year-old Cameron expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “It inspires me a lot to do curling and straightening, as well as the washing and drying process. I think it’s gone really well, and I’ve loved it.”
Molly, also 17, shared her newfound passion for hairdressing: “I had never thought about it before, but since I’ve started, I really love it. I enjoy braiding hair and have been practicing on myself.”
With The Hair Hive, Northgate School is not only equipping students with practical skills but also fostering confidence and a sense of community engagement.
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