Starter and C&G Level 2 courses
Our courses
We have a range of start out courses varying in length to suit individual needs. Each course has the option of adding on the City and Guilds Level 2 qualification.
Whilst it is not compulsory to have an OFQUAL regulated qualification, we would advise that you get one.
We understand that not everyone is comfortable taking exams and assessment, which is why we give the option to just do the training. Students can always upgrade to a City and Guilds qualification at a later date if their confidence allows.
Why should you choose City and Guilds?
City and Guilds is longest established and most highly regarded qualification. The vast majority of qualified Dog Groomers hold a City and Guilds qualification.
There are 2 other boards that have recently come to the market, but these haven't stood the test of time. It is our belief that City and Guilds is the best.
With increasing regulation in the industry, you should ensure that you have an OFQUAL regulated qualification. As City and Guilds is the most well known, it is highly desirable to hold one of their qualifications.
7863-02 City and Guilds Level 2 Certificate for Dog Grooming Assistants
Although the qualification states that it is for Dog Grooming Assistants, we train all students to a Level 3 standard.
The benefit of choosing a private dog grooming school against a mainstream college is that you will be taught to groom dogs, on your own from start to finish, at a level 3 standard.
South Warwickshire Dog Grooming School provides all of the equipment you need for use on the course and supplies dog models for you.
We offer 3 packages
Gold 10 Days
£1800 (including VAT) without Level 2
£2300 (including VAT) with Level 2
Achieving Level 2 is compulsory before starting Level 3 so this is where you will start if wishing to achieve both at the same time (combined cost of Level 2 and 3 is £6000) This course can also be taken a standalone qualification which suited to people who have had work experience handling dogs (such as a vet nurse) or previous grooming experience. By the end of the course you will have learned how to groom a dog that comes to you and how to achieve breed specific styles. You will learn the whole process from trimming pads, claw clipping, ear plucking, bathing, drying, clipping and scissoring. You will learn about all the tools of the trade designed to make grooming easier. On day 1 you will learn how to do a fairly basic trim, like a Spaniel in a field trim and build up to doing dogs such as Schnauzers and Poodles. Your speed may not be the fastest after completing this certificate, but will come with the more experience you gain
Platinum 15 days
£2700 (including VAT) without Level 2
£3200 (including VAT) with Level 2
Over 15 days, you'll receive hands-on training with real dog models, learning essential grooming techniques tailored to various breeds and owner preferences. You'll master the entire grooming process, including trimming pads, claw clipping, ear plucking, bathing, drying, clipping, and scissoring. Additionally, you'll become familiar with all the essential tools designed to simplify the grooming experience. The Platinum Certificate will enhance your practical skills and significantly improve your efficiency, thanks to the extra training days.
Palladium 25 days
£3500 (including VAT) without Level 2
£4000 (including VAT) with Level 2
This is our most popular course. It is important to realise that the more training days you do, the more confident you will feel when you are on your own.
As a standalone qualification we provide 25 days of hands on grooming training with us giving you a good degree of confidence, whilst also achieving a nationally recognised qualification.
The majority of our students have taken this course on it's own and are now running their own successful grooming business. You can of course choose to continue onto the Level 3 Dog Grooming Diploma if you desire (although not everyone's budget stretches to this)
On day 1 we start you off with a fairly simple groom such as a Spaniel in a field trim. You will learn how to clip (including the different size blades), how to trim pads, clip claws and how to use scissors correctly (as well as bathing and drying your dog).
As you progress throughout the course we gauge your ability to do extra dogs and book them in accordingly. Some students have been able to do 4 dogs in a day by themselves (this is not the case in every instance, but we will assess what you would feel comfortable with).
You will cover a wide variety of breeds and learn how to trim to breed standard and how to adapt the styles to owners request.
Level 2 Assessment
The course culminates into assessments where you have to style a wool mix breed (e.g. Cockapoo, Cavachon) in 1 hour. and scissor a silky coated dog (e.g. Working Cocker Spaniel, Long Haired Dachshund) in 1 hour. You get extra time to bath and dry them.
There is also an online, multiple choice exam
The benefit of doing your assessments as South Warwickshire Dog Grooming School is that the Principal has City & Guilds Assessor status. This means that you can do your assessments with someone that you have come to know. Other schools have to get an external assessor to come in and this creates extra nerves and pressure doing them in front of someone you haven't met before.
If you wish to combine the Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications straight away. This can be achieved in 35 days hands on training plus some home study. The combined cost is £6,000 (inclusive of £1,000 VAT)
Taster Day/ Learn to Groom your Own Dog £165 (including VAT)
If you would like to see what it is like to be a student or even learn how to groom your own dog, this if for you.
