HAIRDRESSING students are set to be a cut above thanks to a new salon which has opened on their campus.

City of Oxford College has linked up with hairdressing chain Francesco Group to run a new salon at its Oxpens Road campus. It is open to the public and prices start at £3.

Students are now in training at The Graduate Salon, including Wantage’s Sophie Rusher, 17.

She said: “As soon as you walk into the salon it feels like a professional environment and it is great to be working directly for paying customers. It feels much more like you are working in a business than training at college. We are working under the direction of existing graduates, so you are learning new techniques all the time. “Even between clients there is so much to watch and pick up.”

Salon manager Debbie Weresch said: “This will give students a real chance to work in a commercial environment. Some are lucky to have work placements but for those who don’t have those placements, it is invaluable.

“There is only so much that can be learnt in a classroom and this will give them the chance to learn while doing.” Francesco Group Education is training the students, taking a level three diploma in hairdressing.

College principal Ian Francis said: “This new partnership will equip our students with the contemporary skills and expertise demanded by the industry, as well as giving them experience of working in a high-end salon environment.

“As such it will enable them to get ahead of the competition when it comes to securing employment.”

He said integrating learning with a business “is narrowing the skills gap between education and employment to ensure students are work-ready when they complete they studies”.

Francesco Group Education training manager Craig Davies said: “The Graduate Salon is an excellent place for students to prepare for their career on the salon floor.”

“We are delighted to combine our industry-endorsed, commercial training knowledge with the educational expertise of the college.”