HAHA College Celebrates ‘Good’ Ofsted Rating Across All Areas
Posted on March 11, 2025
We are thrilled to announce that HAHA Training Ltd has achieved a ‘Good’ rating in our first Ofsted inspection, conducted in October 2024. The inspection team found HAHA College to be ‘Good’ across all assessment categories – a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff, apprentices, and employer partners.
Our First Inspection Success
As a relatively new independent training provider, having held a direct contract to train apprentices since September 2022, we are especially proud of this achievement. The comprehensive inspection evaluated our provision across five key areas: Quality of Education, Behaviour and Attitudes, Personal Development, Leadership and Management, and Apprenticeships – with all areas receiving a ‘Good’ rating.
What Ofsted Discovered About HAHA College
The inspection report highlighted numerous strengths of our apprenticeship programs. According to the inspectors, our apprentices:
- “Benefit from training in a high-quality learning environment with resources which replicate those of a professional commercial salon”
- “Develop the practical skills they need for the hairdressing industry securely and quickly”
- “Become confident and competent at working with clients and take great care with the standard of customer experience they provide”
- “Become highly employable, positive ambassadors for the training academy and hairdressing industry”
Industry-Led Training
The inspectors noted our strong industry connections and how these benefit our apprentices: “Leaders collaborate well with employers and industry professionals to support apprentices develop the skills they need to work in the sector.”
Our approach to teaching was also recognized: “Educators teach apprentices effectively to help them identify and correct mistakes… This ensures they develop a deep understanding of their skills and areas for development.”
Beyond Technical Skills
We’re particularly pleased that the inspection acknowledged our commitment to apprentices’ personal development:
“Apprentices benefit from a good personal development programme. Educators start all sessions with useful ‘hot topics’ which help apprentices to widen their understanding of current affairs and society.”
The report also highlighted how we encourage apprentices to contribute to their communities through charity events and outreach to local schools during National Apprenticeship Week.
Career Opportunities
Our focus on career preparation was recognized too: “Apprentices benefit from useful careers advice from educators. Apprentices understand what training and qualifications they can do at the end of their course and in the future.”
The report mentioned our industry trips, including visits to cruise ships and Salon International trade shows, which help apprentices explore the wide range of opportunities available in the hairdressing sector.
Our Growing Community
At the time of inspection, HAHA Training Ltd had 80 apprentices studying across three programs:
- 41 apprentices on Level 2 Hair Professional
- 24 apprentices on Level 3 Advanced Creative Hair Professional
- 15 apprentices on Level 2 Barbering
With nearly half of our apprentices aged between 16-18, we’re proud to be supporting young people at the start of their careers in the hairdressing industry.
Looking to the Future
While celebrating this achievement, we remain committed to continuous improvement. The inspection highlighted three areas for development which we are already addressing:
- Enhancing leadership oversight to improve quality systems
- Ensuring all apprentices fully understand the risks associated with radicalization
- Supporting apprentices to study English and mathematics earlier in their programs
Steve Churcher, Owner of HAHA Training Ltd, commented:
“We are delighted with our first Ofsted inspection result. The ‘Good’ rating across all areas reflects our commitment to providing high-quality training that prepares apprentices for successful careers in hairdressing. I’d like to thank our dedicated staff, supportive employers, and hardworking apprentices who made this achievement possible. This is just the beginning of our journey, and we look forward to building on these strong foundations.”
Join Our Success Story
If you’re interested in becoming part of our thriving learning community – whether as an apprentice or an employer partner – we’d love to hear from you. Our next enrollment period is open, and we welcome applications throughout the year.
Contact us at 02392 666151 or email info@hahatraining.co.uk to discuss how we can support your hairdressing career or help you develop new talent for your salon.
