- England: Department for Education Apprenticeship Statistics
- Scotland: Skills Development Scotland Modern Apprenticeship Statistics
- ONS Business Population Estimates
- ONS Annual Business Survey (Turnover)
- HMRC Employment Statistics
Data Period: 2015/16 - 2023/24
Last Updated: 2025
Summary
This report presents official government apprenticeship data for the hairdressing sector across England and Scotland from 2015/16 to 2023/24.
England (2023/24)
Apprenticeship starts
1,010 more than 2022/23
Scotland (2023/24)
Apprenticeship starts
201 more than 2022/23
Advanced Apprenticeships
Completions (2023/24)
510 more than 2021/22
Business Population
Hair & beauty businesses (2024)
4,520 more than 2020
Key Figures
England:
- 2015/16: 18,170 starts
- 2023/24: 7,350 starts
- Change 2015/16 to 2023/24: -10,820 starts
- Change 2022/23 to 2023/24: +1,010 starts
Scotland:
- 2015/16: 967 starts
- 2020/21: 284 starts
- 2023/24: 606 starts
- Change 2020/21 to 2023/24: +322 starts
Completion Rates:
- Advanced Hair Professional completions in England: 130 (2021/22) to 640 (2023/24)
- Scotland completion rates: 61% (2020/21) to 76% (2023/24)
- Scotland 2023/24 rate equals all-sector average for the first time in data series
1. England Apprenticeship Data
Annual Starts (2015/16 - 2023/24)
| Academic Year | Starts | Year-on-Year Change | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015/16 | 18,170 | - | - |
| 2016/17 | 17,330 | -840 | -4.6% |
| 2017/18 | 13,010 | -4,320 | -24.9% |
| 2018/19 | 11,390 | -1,620 | -12.5% |
| 2019/20 | 8,140 | -3,250 | -28.5% |
| 2020/21 | 6,900 | -1,240 | -15.2% |
| 2021/22 | 7,910 | +1,010 | +14.6% |
| 2022/23 | 6,340 | -1,570 | -19.8% |
| 2023/24 | 7,350 | +1,010 | +15.9% |
Source: Department for Education, Apprenticeship and Levy Statistics
2015/16 - 2023/24:
- Highest number in data series: 18,170 (2015/16)
- Lowest number in data series: 6,340 (2022/23)
- Most recent year: 7,350 (2023/24)
- Total change from highest to most recent: -10,820 starts (-59.6%)
2017/18 - 2020/21:
- Largest single-year decrease: -4,320 starts (2017/18, -24.9%)
- Total change across period: 13,010 to 6,900 starts
2021/22 - 2023/24:
- Range: 6,340 to 7,910 starts
- Most recent year-on-year change: +1,010 starts (+15.9%)
Completions by Apprenticeship Standard
| Standard | 2021/22 | 2022/23 | 2023/24 | 3-Year Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hairdressing Professional (ST0213) | 3,930 | 3,180 | 2,900 | -1,030 |
| Advanced Hair Professional (ST0214) | 130 | 420 | 640 | +510 |
| Barbering Professional (ST1273) | N/A | 10 | 30 | New standard |
Source: Department for Education, Apprenticeship Achievement Rates
Data Note
Barbering Professional (ST1273) was introduced in 2022/23. First full-year completions data available from 2023/24.
2. Scotland Apprenticeship Data
Annual Starts (2015/16 - 2023/24)
| Academic Year | Starts | Year-on-Year Change | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015/16 | 967 | - | - |
| 2016/17 | 952 | -15 | -1.6% |
| 2017/18 | 824 | -128 | -13.4% |
| 2018/19 | 827 | +3 | +0.4% |
| 2019/20 | 610 | -217 | -26.2% |
| 2020/21 | 284 | -326 | -53.4% |
| 2021/22 | 589 | +305 | +107.4% |
| 2022/23 | 405 | -184 | -31.2% |
| 2023/24 | 606 | +201 | +49.6% |
Source: Skills Development Scotland, Modern Apprenticeship Statistics
2015/16 - 2023/24:
- Highest number in data series: 967 (2015/16)
- Lowest number in data series: 284 (2020/21)
- Most recent year: 606 (2023/24)
- Total change from highest to most recent: -361 starts (-37.3%)
2020/21 - 2023/24:
- Change from 2020/21 to 2023/24: +322 starts (+113.4%)
- 2023/24 level: 62.7% of 2015/16 level
Completion Rates
| Year | Hair Completion Rate | All-Sector Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015/16 | 65% | 76% | -11 pts |
| 2016/17 | 67% | 78% | -11 pts |
| 2017/18 | 67% | 78% | -11 pts |
| 2018/19 | 67% | 77% | -10 pts |
| 2019/20 | 64% | 77% | -13 pts |
| 2020/21 | 61% | 76% | -15 pts |
| 2021/22 | 63% | 72% | -9 pts |
| 2022/23 | 70% | 73% | -3 pts |
| 2023/24 | 76% | 76% | 0 pts |
Source: Skills Development Scotland, Modern Apprenticeship Statistics
Data Note
2023/24 is the first year in the data series where the hairdressing completion rate (76%) equals the all-sector average (76%). The hairdressing rate increased 15 percentage points from 2020/21 (61%) to 2023/24 (76%).
3. Advanced Apprenticeship Completions
England: Advanced Hair Professional Standard (ST0214)
| Metric | 2021/22 | 2022/23 | 2023/24 | Change 2021-2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Completions | 130 | 420 | 640 | +510 |
| % of Total Hairdressing Completions | 3.2% | 11.7% | 17.9% | +14.7 pts |
Source: Department for Education, Apprenticeship Achievement Rates
Scotland: Completion Rates by Time Period
| Period | Average Completion Rate |
|---|---|
| 2015/16 - 2019/20 | 66% |
| 2020/21 - 2021/22 | 62% |
| 2022/23 - 2023/24 | 73% |
The 2022/23 - 2023/24 average is 7 percentage points higher than the 2015/16 - 2019/20 average.
4. Demographics - England
Completions by Age Group - Hairdressing Professional (ST0213)
| Age Group | 2021/22 | 2022/23 | 2023/24 | Average % of Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16-18 | 2,720 | 2,360 | 2,230 | 76.3% |
| 19-23 | 610 | 470 | 420 | 15.4% |
| 24+ | 190 | 180 | 130 | 5.1% |
| Not Known | 410 | 170 | 120 | 3.2% |
| TOTAL | 3,930 | 3,180 | 2,900 | 100% |
Source: Department for Education, Apprenticeship Achievement Rates
Age Distribution:
- 16-18 age group: 75-77% of completions across three years
- 19-23 age group: 13-16% of completions across three years
- 24+ age group: 4-5% of completions across three years
5. Business Population and Economic Data
Hair and Beauty Business Population (UK)
| Year | Number of Businesses | Year-on-Year Change | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 2020 | 44,800 | - | - |
| 2022 | 48,425 | +3,625 | +8.1% |
| 2023 | 49,295 | +870 | +1.8% |
| 2024 | 49,320 | +25 | +0.05% |
Source: ONS Business Population Estimates, SIC 96020 (Hairdressing and other beauty treatment)
2020-2024:
- Total change: +4,520 businesses (+10.1%)
- 2024 represents highest figure in available data
Sector Market Size
Three official measurements provide different perspectives on sector size:
| Measurement | Value (Latest) | What It Measures | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consumer Spending | £9.10bn (2025) | Total market demand - all consumer spending | ONS Consumer Trends (COICOP 12.1.3) |
| Formal Business Turnover | £5.78bn (2024) | All VAT/PAYE registered businesses | ONS Business Population Estimates |
| VAT-Registered Only | £3.15bn (2022-23) | Businesses above £90k threshold | HMRC VAT Data |
Understanding the Three Measurements
The three figures measure different aspects of the market:
- £9.10bn (Consumer Spending): Total market including all spending on hair/beauty services
- £5.78bn (Formal Business): Turnover from registered businesses (49,320 businesses)
- £3.15bn (VAT-Registered): Only businesses above £90k threshold (14,900 businesses)
The gaps reflect legitimate below-threshold operators, measurement methodology differences, tips, and sector structure. See the Business & Economic Data report for detailed analysis.
Historical Formal Business Turnover:
- 2017: £5.02bn
- 2022-23: £5.78bn
- Change: +£0.76bn (+15.1%)
Source: ONS Annual Business Survey (formal business turnover only)
Employment Structure
| Employment Type | Number | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Self-employed | 202,000 | 51.8% |
| Employed | 188,000 | 48.2% |
| TOTAL | 390,000 | 100% |
Source: HMRC Employment Statistics (Hairdressers and Barbers)
Data Note on Classification
ONS classification 96020 covers "Hairdressing and other beauty treatment" as a single category. Official statistics do not separate hairdressing from beauty services. All business population, turnover, and apprenticeship data reflect this combined classification.
6. Cross-Sector Data - Scotland
Modern Apprenticeship Starts: Selected Sectors
| Sector | 2016/17 | 2023/24 | Change | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hospitality | 2,805 | 678 | -2,127 | -75.8% |
| Retail | 2,018 | 444 | -1,574 | -78.0% |
| Freight Logistics | 1,556 | 1,181 | -375 | -24.1% |
| Hairdressing | 952 | 606 | -346 | -36.3% |
Source: Skills Development Scotland, Modern Apprenticeship Statistics
All four sectors shown experienced decreases in apprenticeship starts between 2016/17 and 2023/24. Percentage decreases ranged from 24.1% to 78.0%.
7. Key Data Points
England
- 2015/16: 18,170 starts
- 2023/24: 7,350 starts
- Change 2015/16 to 2023/24: -10,820 starts (-59.6%)
- Change 2022/23 to 2023/24: +1,010 starts (+15.9%)
- 2021/22 to 2023/24 range: 6,340 to 7,910 starts
- Advanced Hair Professional completions: 130 (2021/22) to 640 (2023/24)
Scotland
- 2015/16: 967 starts
- 2020/21: 284 starts
- 2023/24: 606 starts
- Change 2015/16 to 2023/24: -361 starts (-37.3%)
- Change 2020/21 to 2023/24: +322 starts (+113.4%)
- Completion rate 2020/21: 61%
- Completion rate 2023/24: 76%
Business Sector Data
Market Size (Three Measurements):
- Consumer spending: £9.10bn (2025) - total market demand
- Formal business turnover: £5.78bn (2024) - all VAT/PAYE registered
- VAT-registered turnover: £3.15bn (2022-23) - businesses above £90k threshold
Business Population:
- Business population 2020: 44,800
- Business population 2024: 49,320
- Change 2020-2024: +4,520 businesses (+10.1%)
Historical Formal Business Turnover:
- Turnover 2017: £5.02bn
- Turnover 2022-23: £5.78bn
- Change 2017 to 2022-23: +£0.76bn (+15.1%)
Employment:
- Total employment: 390,000 (52% self-employed, 48% employed)
8. Methodology & Data Sources
Primary Data Sources
England Apprenticeship Data:
- Source: Department for Education, Apprenticeship and Levy Statistics
- Coverage: All apprenticeship starts and achievements by standard
- Classification: Hair and Beauty sector standards (ST0213, ST0214, ST1273)
- Data Quality: Official government statistics, published quarterly
Scotland Apprenticeship Data:
- Source: Skills Development Scotland, Modern Apprenticeship Statistics
- Coverage: All Modern Apprenticeship starts and completions
- Classification: Hairdressing sector Modern Apprenticeships
- Data Quality: Official government statistics, published annually
Business Population Data:
- Source: ONS Business Population Estimates
- Classification: SIC 96020 (Hairdressing and other beauty treatment)
- Coverage: UK-wide enterprise counts
Turnover Data:
- Source: ONS Annual Business Survey
- Classification: SIC 96020
- Coverage: UK-wide turnover estimates
Employment Data:
- Source: HMRC Employment Statistics
- Classification: Hairdressers and Barbers occupational category
- Coverage: UK-wide employed and self-employed counts
Data Scope
This Data Shows:
- Formal apprenticeship registrations and completions by year
- Official business population counts by year
- Reported turnover figures by year
- Registered employment status
- Completion rates by year and sector
This Data Does Not Show:
- Informal training arrangements
- Reasons for changes in apprenticeship numbers
- Separation of hairdressing from beauty within SIC 96020
- Non-apprenticeship training pathways
- Causes of business or apprenticeship trends
Data Verification
All data in this report can be independently verified through:
- Department for Education data portal: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/
- Skills Development Scotland statistics: https://www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk/publications-statistics/
- ONS Business Population data: https://www.ons.gov.uk/