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5 Best Beauty Schools in London (2026)

Independently ranked by our review of ratings, reviews and reputation · How we chose

Vespera Quill
By Vespera Quill, Expert in Local Experiences and Cultural Analysis · ✓ Data verified July 2026 · 8 min read

Retraining for a beauty career, or adding a skill you can charge for, is a real investment of money and months. The beauty schools in London below sit within a tight 4.7-to-5.0 rating band, but the review counts behind them range from 184 up to 1,639, and that gap tells you far more about track record than the stars alone.

Short answer: The most-reviewed beauty school in London is The Beauty Academy London Bridge, holding a perfect 5.0 across more than 1,639 Google reviews, the largest base of any school here. Close behind sit London School of Beauty & Makeup (4.7, 386 reviews) for full VTCT career diplomas and (AOFM) Academy of Freelance Makeup (4.8) for makeup artistry. Short accredited courses start around £150, £600, while a full VTCT Level 2 beauty therapy diploma runs roughly £1,500, £3,500 in 2026.
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How London's Beauty Schools Stack Up

# Business Rating Reviews Best for
1 The Beauty Academy London Bridge 5.0 ★ 1,639 Short accredited courses View ›
2 London School of Beauty & Makeup 4.7 ★ 386 Full VTCT diplomas View ›
3 (AOFM) Academy of Freelance Makeup London 4.8 ★ 237 Makeup & hair artistry View ›
4 Ray Cochrane Beauty Aesthetics Academy 4.7 ★ 262 Aesthetics up to Level 5 View ›
5 Kevin Fortune Hair Styling Academy 5.0 ★ 184 Session & afro hair View ›
5 Best Beauty Schools in London (2026)

Our five picks, reviewed

The Beauty Academy London Bridge logo
#1 Overall🕑 Open 6 days/wk

The Beauty Academy London Bridge

5.01,639 Google reviews

The Beauty Academy runs its South London training centre a short walk from London Bridge station, on Bermondsey Street. It teaches accredited short courses across nails, lash and brow, skincare, waxing, massage and make-up, from classic and Russian volume lashes to acrylic and gel nail extensions. Classes are small and hands-on, with a firm grounding in health, safety and current UK industry practice. The centre is set up for people who want a specific, job-ready skill without committing to a year-long diploma.

What people praise

  • Patient, clear instructors who explain each technique thoroughly (Kerry is praised by name again and again)
  • Strong focus on health, safety and up-to-date UK industry standards
  • Beginner-friendly, welcoming classroom atmosphere
  • Hands-on practical training that builds confidence quickly
  • Covers nails, lashes, brows, skincare, waxing, massage and make-up

Worth knowing

  • Focused short courses rather than long diploma programmes, so a full skill set may mean booking several
  • Closed Sundays
Reputation scorecardrank in London
Rating5 / 5
Review volume1,639 · 97th
Confidencevery high
Recency3 weeks ago
Info completenesssite · phone · hours
✓ VerifiedSource: Google

Our take: The most-reviewed beauty school in London by a wide margin, and it holds a perfect rating across all of them. For accredited short courses in nails, lashes, brows and skincare, it is our safe default.

Website0800 999 2277 Directions

139-143 Bermondsey St, London SE1 3UW, UK

London School of Beauty & Makeup logo
#2🕑 Open 5 days/wk

London School of Beauty & Makeup

4.7386 Google reviews

London School of Beauty & Makeup, established in 1995 and formerly known as LSBM, is a Barbican-based school offering internationally recognised beauty therapy and aesthetics qualifications. Its programmes run from VTCT and CIBTAC Level 2 and 3 beauty therapy diplomas through to Level 4 laser and IPL, microneedling and chemical peel courses. Teaching pairs classroom theory with hands-on treatment practice on modern equipment. The school leans towards students building a full career rather than picking up a single technique.

What people praise

  • Experienced, patient tutors (Carol and Belgin are praised by name)
  • Modern equipment and strong learning resources
  • Welcoming to career-changers and students whose first language is not English
  • Structured VTCT diplomas that leave students feeling industry-ready
  • Support and opportunities offered after graduation

Worth knowing

  • Full diplomas are a bigger time and cost commitment than a short course
  • Closed weekends
Reputation scorecardrank in London
Rating4.7 / 5
Review volume386 · 87th
Confidencehigh
Recency5 weeks ago
Info completenesssite · phone · hours
✓ VerifiedSource: Google

Our take: The busiest name on the list by review count, and the strongest pick for a full VTCT or CIBTAC career diploma. It sits at #2 on a slightly lower rating than the very top, but the depth of feedback is reassuring.

Website020 7776 9766 Directions

1st Floor, 18-19 Long Ln, Barbican, London EC1A 9PL, UK

(AOFM) Academy of Freelance Makeup London logo
#3🕑 Open 5 days/wk

(AOFM) Academy of Freelance Makeup London

4.8237 Google reviews

(AOFM) Academy of Freelance Makeup is a makeup and hair artistry school based at Perseverance Works on Hackney Road, with sister academies in Dubai and New York. Its courses range from six-week complete pro programmes to shorter foundation, bridal and SFX modules, backed by graduate work placements and free aftercare masterclasses. Students get real industry exposure, including placements at Fashion Weeks in London, Paris and Milan. It suits both newcomers and working professionals refreshing their skills.

What people praise

  • Intensive, well-structured makeup and hair programmes
  • Real industry access, including Fashion Week placements in London, Paris and Milan
  • Knowledgeable tutors who give generous, detailed feedback
  • Helps students build a strong, varied portfolio
  • Valued by working professionals wanting a refresh, not just beginners

Worth knowing

  • Focused on makeup and hair artistry rather than broad beauty therapy
  • Courses are fast-paced and intensive
Reputation scorecardrank in London
Rating4.8 / 5
Review volume237 · 76th
Confidencehigh
Recency4 months ago
Info completenesssite · phone · hours
✓ VerifiedSource: Google

Our take: We place AOFM third: its 4.8 rating edges Ray Cochrane's 4.7 even on a few hundred fewer reviews. If makeup and hair artistry is your goal rather than beauty therapy, it is the specialist to beat.

Website020 7434 4488 Directions

Hangar 7, Academy of Freelance Makeup, 25 Hackney Rd, Perseverance Works, London E2 7NX, UK

Ray Cochrane Beauty Aesthetics Academy logo
#4🕑 Open 5 days/wk

Ray Cochrane Beauty Aesthetics Academy

4.7262 Google reviews

Ray Cochrane Beauty Aesthetics Academy has trained beauty and aesthetics students from its Baker Street base since 1954. It covers VTCT qualifications from Level 2 beauty therapy and nail technician courses up to Level 4 and 5 aesthetics, laser hair removal, chemical peel, microneedling, microblading and non-surgical skin rejuvenation. Fast-track combined courses let students earn Level 2 and 3 together in a matter of weeks. Recognised qualifications and generous hands-on practice are the draw.

What people praise

  • Fast-track combined Level 2 & 3 courses that compress qualifications into weeks
  • Knowledgeable, dedicated tutors (Pembe, Miglena and Maria are named)
  • Clean, well-equipped rooms in a central Baker Street location
  • Helpful, no-pressure admin and enrolment team
  • Recognised VTCT qualifications with plenty of hands-on practice

Worth knowing

  • The fast-track pace and strict standards may not suit everyone
Reputation scorecardrank in London
Rating4.7 / 5
Review volume262 · 82th
Confidencehigh
Recency4 weeks ago
Info completenesssite · phone · hours
✓ VerifiedSource: Google

Our take: Ranked #4 by a whisker, the rating is a touch below AOFM's despite a slightly larger review base. For the full aesthetics ladder up to Level 5, few London schools go deeper.

Website020 7486 6291 Directions

75 Baker St, London W1U 6RE, UK

Kevin Fortune Hair Styling Academy logo
#5🕑 Open 5 days/wk

Kevin Fortune Hair Styling Academy

5.0184 Google reviews

Kevin Fortune Hair Styling Academy is a Shoreditch studio dedicated to the art of session hair styling for fashion, television, red carpet and film. Led by Kevin Fortune with Martin managing the courses, it runs short masterclasses from three days to three weeks, including a well-regarded programme in afro and textured hair. Groups are small, personal and international. This is a specialist hair academy rather than a broad beauty or aesthetics school.

What people praise

  • Exceptional, generous mentoring from Kevin, with Martin keeping courses running smoothly
  • Calm, encouraging teaching that suits nervous beginners and working pros alike
  • Genuine expertise in afro and textured hair, plus session styling for fashion, TV and film
  • Small groups with plenty of one-to-one time
  • Students travel internationally to train here

Worth knowing

  • A hair-styling specialist, not a general beauty or aesthetics school
  • The smallest review base of the five (still strong at 184)
Reputation scorecardrank in London
Rating5 / 5
Review volume184 · 71th
Confidencehigh
Recency4 months ago
Info completenesssite · phone · hours
✓ VerifiedSource: Google

Our take: It carries a perfect 5.0, but we rank it #5 on proven volume, not quality, its review base is the smallest here. Choose it for session and afro-textured hair, where it genuinely specialises.

Website020 7871 3057 Directions

6 Heneage St, London E1 5LJ, UK

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How we score

Every number on this page is computed from public Google data on the date shown, not from opinion or payment. Rating is the school’s live Google star average. Review volume is how many students have rated it, ranked against other London beauty schools. Confidence weighs the rating by that volume, so a 4.7 from hundreds of people counts for more than a 5.0 from a handful. Recency reflects how recently students are still leaving reviews. No school can pay to change these numbers.

How much do beauty courses cost in London? (2026)

Fees vary far more than the venue does. What you pay depends on the level and length, the awarding body (VTCT, CIBTAC, ITEC or a CPD certificate), how much one-to-one time you get, and whether a professional kit is included. Rough 2026 ranges:

JobTypical price
Short accredited course (1-3 days: lashes, nails, brows)£150, £600
Foundation / express make-up course£400, £1,200
VTCT / ITEC Level 2 Beauty Therapy Diploma£1,500, £3,500
VTCT Level 3 Beauty Therapy Diploma£2,000, £4,500
Combined Level 2 & 3 Diploma£3,000, £6,000
Level 4 aesthetics (laser & IPL, microneedling or chemical peel), each£1,200, £2,800
Professional makeup & hair artistry course (multi-week)£3,000, £6,500

Ranges compiled July 2026 from published course fees at leading London beauty academies (including The Beauty Academy, London School of Beauty & Makeup and Ray Cochrane) and UK course directories. Always confirm the current fee, the awarding body and what the kit includes before you enrol.

Training across London

The schools above train students across central and east London, from London Bridge and Bermondsey to the Barbican, Marylebone and Baker Street, and out to Shoreditch and Hackney. Looking for a beauty school near me? Every listing below shows a live phone number and directions, so you can visit the nearest campus before you commit.

What to ask before you enrol

  • Which awarding body issues the qualification, VTCT, CIBTAC, ITEC or a CPD certificate, and is it recognised by insurers?
  • How large are the classes, and how much one-to-one practical time will I get?
  • Is a professional kit included in the fee, or bought separately?
  • Do I need to bring models for practical assessments?
  • Are payment plans or finance options available?
  • Do you offer placement, portfolio or career support after the course?

Frequently asked questions

How did you choose these beauty schools?

We started from every beauty school in London with a public Google presence, then ranked by rating, review volume, consistency and recency. See How we score above.

Are these rankings paid?

No. Rankings come from the public Google data in the scorecard. A business can pay to be a Featured Partner, which adds a badge and top placement, but that never changes another school’s score or position on the underlying data.

How often is this updated?

The data carries a verified date (July 2026 on this page). We refresh listings periodically so ratings and review counts stay current.

Are these qualifications recognised and insurable?

The diploma schools here teach nationally recognised VTCT, CIBTAC and ITEC qualifications, which most insurers accept for professional practice. Shorter CPD-accredited courses vary, so confirm with your insurer and the school before you enrol.

How long do beauty courses in London take?

It depends on the course. Short accredited courses run from one to a few days, full VTCT diplomas take several weeks to a few months, and fast-track combined courses compress Level 2 and 3 into a matter of weeks.

The bottom line

For accredited short courses, The Beauty Academy London Bridge is the safe default on sheer proven track record. If you want a full career diploma, look to London School of Beauty & Makeup or Ray Cochrane; for makeup or session hair, AOFM and Kevin Fortune are the specialists. Whichever you pick, confirm the awarding body and that the qualification is insurable before you pay.

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