New “A Level” for dog grooming is launched

A NEW national dog grooming qualification – equivalent to an A Level – has been developed by a Lymm-based business, working alongside the Open College Network West Midlands.
The Level Three Diploma in Dog Grooming is regulated by Ofqual and recognised in the UK’s national education system.
It has been developed by Four Paws Groom School, which has three branches in Cheshire, alongside the Open College Network.
Four Paws director Fern Gresty started the business eight years ago and launched the Groom School after failing to find a dog groomer who matched her expectations.
Sarah Mackay joined her in 2015, focussing on quality assurance and developing the existing course alongside the Open College Network West Midlands.
Her success led to her becoming a partner and director at Four Paws.
Together, Fern and Sarah hope to inspire students into following their dreams to work with animals while raising industry standards.
Sarah said: “Before this there was only one other UK qualification relating to dog grooming which required students to complete exams and a level 2 qualification first.
“We wanted to be mindful of the cost to students and so our course does not require a pre-entry qualification and may appeal to more adult learners who have been out of education for some time.”
More details can be found at www.fourpawsgroomschool.co.uk or http://www.opencollnet.org.uk/qualifications/all-qualifications/dog-grooming.