An independent accredited training centre
We offer excellent courses in all aspects of beauty therapy, nails, make up, massage and holistic treatments, plus some aesthetic and level 4 training. Small groups ensure thorough and individual tuition. A professional and very friendly welcome awaits everyone attending.
The name ‘Cottage Training Centre’ was chosen to ensure students feel welcomed and comfortable in the friendly learning environment.
Why people train here
The Cottage Training Centre is an industry leader in beauty, massage, complementary and holistic training, because of the following.
Course lengths set by people who know the industry
Knowing the industry really well means the course durations are set to ensure that you are able to feel confident with your new skills.
Short courses to fit busy lifestyles
Flexible training and fast-track qualifications, plus refresher workshops for anyone wishing to renew their skills.
Excellent rates on one-to-one training
And in-house salon training for staff.
CPD points on all courses
Available on every course, including the refresher workshops.
Loyalty bonuses and discounts
Plus payment plans on courses over £500.
Free e-newsletter
The latest industry news, and course and workshop offers.
Excellent high quality product kits
The kit you train on is the kit worth working with.
Who teaches you
Lisa and Nicki run the centre and do the teaching between them.
We also have several therapists who run clinics offering a wide range of beauty, holistic and aesthetic treatments including laser and IPL - so you train in rooms where the work is really done.
Lisa and Nicki really look forward to welcoming you.
Lisa Bevis: IHBC, FHT, IIHHT, VTCT, ATL, Cert. Ed.
Read our questions page, and don't forget we have gift vouchers too.
What the certificates mean
Level 2, 3 and 4 - what they mean
The levels are national, not ours. They come from the regulated framework VTCT awards against, so a level 3 here is a level 3 anywhere.
- Level 2
- Where most people start. Broadly the standard of a good GCSE, and enough to work in a salon under supervision.
- Level 3
- Broadly the standard of an A level, and the one most employers and insurers treat as fully qualified. Several level 4 courses ask for it first.
- Level 4
- Above A level. Advanced and aesthetic treatments - lasers, needling, peels - where you normally need a level 3 behind you.
A short course marked Accredited sits outside that ladder: it is a skill you can insure and offer, rather than a step on it. Each course page says what it asks for before you start.
Courses you can start with no experience
VTCT (ITEC)
A national awarding body regulated by Ofqual - VTCT and ITEC are now one. Their certificates and diplomas are recognised by employers, insurers and professionals worldwide. We're an approved VTCT (ITEC) centre, so you can train and qualify here.
ABT
They accredit our short courses. ABT membership and insurance is recognised right across the UK industry, and their cover lets you offer the treatment to the public once you're qualified.
Cottage certificate
Everyone who trains to a competent standard gets one. The teaching is exactly the same whichever route you take, and you can upgrade a Cottage certificate to a VTCT one later.
4T Medical
We are an approved 4T Medical training provider, offering training in advanced skincare treatments such as microneedling, skin peels, radio frequency and more.
Ivanmed CryoPen
Lisa is also a trainer for Ivanmed, offering training in the CryoPen. This course is booked through Ivanmed.
CryoPen training on the Ivanmed websiteGetting insured to work on paying clients
- ABT accredit our short courses, and their cover lets you offer the treatment to the public once you're qualified.
- Some insurers and bodies - FHT and AOR among them - require VTCT qualifications specifically. Where a course offers the VTCT route, its page says so, and what the awarding body charges.
- Some treatments need another certificate before you can be insured for them - a lash lift needs lash and brow tinting first, for example. Each course page says what it asks for.
Before you book, ask the insurer you mean to use what they need for the treatment you want to offer. Not sure which course covers it? Send us a message.
Courses you can start with no experience