Clare Harrod, 56, has been offered a Foundation Degree in Artistic Make-up and Special FX following studying Level 2 and Level 3 Hairdressing at the SMB College Group’s Stephenson Campus!
After recently completing her Level 3 Hairdressing course, and discovering her passion for producing creative looks, Clare applied for a Media Make-up course at Leicester College. To Clare’s surprise, she was offered a course two levels above what she was expecting.
“I really didn’t expect it. I was expecting to be put onto a Level 2 and start again due to my age.
“I feel very lucky, really really lucky that I’ve been offered this. I can’t believe it!”
Clare decided to take on a new challenge around the time of COVID-19, so, she got in touch with SMB College Group’s Stephenson Campus in Coalville, and began her creative studies with a Level 2 Hairdressing course back in 2020, when she was 54 years old.
Clare said that “It was really scary walking in that first day. I saw all these young people, but they all accepted me really well. Although I’m a lot older, they’ve been amazing. It’s been one of the best things I have done in a long, long time.”
“I really didn’t know what to expect and there were points where I thought ‘am I doing the right thing?’ which I think was because of the pandemic, but then when I did the historical-themed project, that was when I realised I was really in my element. No other job I’ve done has ever made me feel like that, so I can’t leave it now!”
Clare has completely impressed her tutors and always has gone above and beyond supporting her classmates. Hairdressing tutor, Julie Kerrigan, said that “Clare is an absolute pleasure and has inspired so many others with her infectious dedication to the course. She’s completely supportive and inspirational to others.”
Curriculum Coordinator, Karen Ratcliffe, added, “She’s proof that there’s no age limit to learning.”
At SMB College Group, we offer a wide range of courses at each of our campuses across Leicestershire, delivered on a full-time, part-time, evening, or an online basis.
No matter where you are on your education journey, discover your next steps with us!
Click here to discover our Hair, Beauty and Media Make-up courses.
Clare's work:
