Two talented students from East Lancashire Learning Group (ELLG) have been crowned winners of the Andrew Barton London Education (ABLE) End of Year Project Competition 2025.
Olivia Hodgson, from Nelson and Colne College, and Olivia Walsh-Tyrer, from Accrington and Rossendale College, impressed judges with their creativity and technical abilities in this high-profile, national contest.
This incredible achievement comes just months after ELLG joined the Andrew Barton London Education (ABLE) programme – a prestigious, two-year scholarship that runs alongside traditional hairdressing qualifications.
The ABLE programme equips students with advanced cutting, colouring, and styling skills, building their confidence to be salon-ready upon graduation. Since its launch, the scheme has supported over 1,000 hairdressing students across the UK, helping shape the next generation of industry professionals.
Andrew Barton, celebrity hairdresser and founder of ABLE, said: “A huge congratulations to our two ABLE winners. Olivia Hodgson for her creative take on the classic bob, and Olivia Walsh-Tyrer for her incredible cut and colour transformation! We loved the edgy twist Olivia Hodgson gave to the bob. We were blown away by the before and after from Olivia Walsh-Tyrer”
This success highlights the outstanding training and support ELLG provides its hairdressing students, made possible through strong industry links and unique opportunities designed to prepare learners for successful futures.
Joanne Halliwell, Head of Division for Hair, Beauty, and Aesthetics at ELLG, said: “We are so proud of both Olivias. Their hard work and creativity truly paid off in this competition. Our partnership with the ABLE programme means our students get industry-level training from day one – and this win shows how ready they are to shine in the world of professional hairdressing.”
Aspiring stylists can start their own journey to success by enrolling on an ELLG hairdressing course, gaining the expertise needed to thrive in the industry.
To find out more about Hairdressing and beauty courses at ELLG, visit our website here.
