New College Swindon Hosts the First South West Skills Media Makeup Competition

On Wednesday 15^th April 2026, six colleges, including New College Swindon, Yeovil College, South Gloucestershire and Stroud College, Bath College, Weston College and the Isle of Wight College, competed in the Media Makeup competition to win first, second and third prizes.

Endorsed by World Skills, South West Skills (SWS) is a group of 17 Further Education Colleges in the South West working collaboratively to implement inter-college competitions with the primary objective of enhancing student skills, raising educational standards, developing personal skills, and preparing students for both employment and potential participation in World Skills UK competitions.

The competitors were briefed to create a look inspired by the Roaring ’20s. They had to design a Creative Fashion Hair and Makeup look suitable for the Catwalk.

Alexandra from Bath College came in first place, winning a £75 makeup voucher and kit, Grace from New College Swindon came in second place, winning a £50 makeup voucher and kit, and Edie from Isle of Wight College placed third, winning a £25 makeup voucher.

Amber from South Gloucestershire and Stroud College said, “Makeup means the world to me. I love to be able to express my talents and skills, and I hopefully will be able to go to uni here (New College Swindon University Centre) in September.”

There were three judges, all alumni of New College Swindon and now working on exciting projects in the industry. Our judges include Natalie Jane Mitchell who began her career with MAC Cosmetics before touring the UK with major theatrical productions including Ghost, Oliver!, Wicked and Mary Poppins; Jade Johnson, Luxury Bridal Makeup Specialist, has over 10 years’ experience high-end bridal beauty and Olivia Walker, Professional Makeup Artist, who after completing her BA in Advanced Makeup Training, began her journey working with international beauty brand Charlotte Tilbury. These alumni students are a testament to the talent and determination that New College Swindon encourages with the inspiration of dedicated expert lecturers.

Jane Davison, Assistant Principal of Quality and Education at NCS, said, “This is the second South West Skills the college has hosted, after Health and Social Care last year. We’re hosting another for Construction in June.” Jane was recently nominated for the ‘Quality Lead Award’. This nomination reflects the collective commitment behind the South West Skills Challenge.

Paul Turner, Curriculum Development Manager at Pearson, said: “I have witnessed amazing talent at the South West Skills Challenge Creative Hair and Make-up Competition hosted by New College Swindon – such creativity, technique and precision demonstrated by all the participants.”

Elouisa Baskerville, Media Makeup Lecturer, said: “It’s really brave to compete as you are putting yourself out there for judgment, but all of the students that took part rose to the challenge and should be very proud of the professionalism and refined work that they achieved.”

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