South Warwickshire Dog Grooming School is only 21 miles from Solihull and is therefore the ideal location for your dog grooming course.

Join the hundreds of people that have kick-started their dog grooming career by doing their dog grooming course at our school based in the heart of Stratford upon Avon.

If you are searching for dog grooming courses that will empower you to confidently start your own business or work for someone else, then this dog grooming school in Warwickshire is the perfect choice for you.

We believe the best way to master dog grooming is through a hands-on approach with real dogs. You can watch countless videos or complete various correspondence courses, but true proficiency comes from practical experience in a dog grooming school.

From day 1 you will be grooming your own dog model from start to finish. Don’t worry if you haven’t groomed a dog before. Our expert and highly qualified teachers are right by your side guiding you through each step.

We offer dog grooming courses in a friendly, relaxed environment, ensuring that both our students and their canine companions remain calm throughout the training.

Study your Dog Grooming Course at your own pace in a relaxed environment.

Decide how many days you want to do each week as we can work around you. The advantage of learning at the South Warwickshire Dog Grooming School is that we can get you up to speed as quickly as you want to do it. Many other schools and colleges only offer the qualification on limited timetables during term time.

South Warwickshire Dog Grooming Academy has exceptional facilities. We provide high quality equipment for you to try during your dog grooming course. We can also arrange discounts for you at the major dog grooming suppliers.

Practice on a wide range of breeds.

Dog owners love bringing their dogs to South Warwickshire Dog Grooming School. They get a cheap groom and sometimes say that students do a better job than other groomers they have been to. They always rebook and gush to their friends about the quality of the groom. It is high testament to the level of training that you will receive and you will feel super proud of the owner’s praise once you have groomed them.

We have dog models from Giant Schnauzers and Standard Poodles to Chihuahuas and Dachshunds (and everything in between).

Our Courses

We provide a variety of dog grooming courses for you to explore. Our in-house certificates will equip you with all the essential skills needed for dog grooming and related business aspects. If you possess a creative flair but prefer to avoid exams and written assignments, you can rest assured that you will receive comprehensive training but without the added stress of assessments and homework.

If you would love to learn to dog groom and would like to achieve the City & Guilds Dog Grooming Qualifications, these are also available at the South Warwickshire Dog Grooming School. We offer City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate for Dog Grooming Assistants and the City & Guilds Level 3 Dog Grooming Diploma.

In house courses for people who are extremely nervous doing assessments

OFQUAL regulated entry qualification

OFQUAL regulated full qualification. The 'full bells (or should we say dog) and whistle' dog grooming qualification

Teeth Cleaning is an excellent add on to your business. Did you know good, regular teeth cleaning can add up to 3 years to a dog's life?

Would you like to chat?

Call Sam on 01789 294585 – we can’t talk during training hours but leave us a message and we will get back to you at the end of the day.

Alternatively email Sam or WhatsApp us.

Your Dog Grooming Course tutors are:

Samantha Knight

Your Dog Grooming Course tutors: Samantha Knight

Sam is the Principal at the school. She has City and Guilds Level 3 Diploma, AET Teaching Qualification and is a qualified City and Guilds Assessor.

Sam has a Springer Spaniel and a Patterdale Terrier.

Sarah French

Your Dog Grooming Course tutors: Sarah French

Sarah is a teacher and also the Salon Manager. She has the City and Guilds Level 3 Diploma and AET Teaching Qualification.

Sarah has a Working Labrador called Charlie you comes to school everyday.

Don’t just take our word for it! This is what our students have said

I've recently completed the Level 3 Dog Grooming course at South Warwickshire Grooming School and it was a fantastic experience from start to finish. Sam was kind, helpful, patient and incredibly knowledgeable - she really made learning enjoyable and gave me the confidence to grow my skills. Not only is South Warwickshire Grooming school a brilliant place to learn but The Pooch Patch is a wonderful place to bring your dogs to be groomed. I would highly recommend both to anyone looking to study dog grooming or simply wanting their dogs to be cared for by the best.
Sinead Bowen
Cannot recommend South Warwickshire Dog Grooming School enough. I completed my City & Guilds level 3 here and felt very supported throughout the course. I learned so much and am now confident and ready to start my own dog grooming business! Sam is very patient and approachable, a great teacher! Thanks so much Sam and also Sarah who is wonderful and so helpful.
Laura Smith

Completed my level 2 course here and I enjoyed every minute. Starting with zero experience Sam and Sarah are amazing teachers who have taught me all aspects of dog grooming and now will go on to start my new career. The environment is calm, relaxed and the new facility is really well planned out. Would highly recommend.

Joshua Linforth

I can highly recommend South Warwickshire Dog Grooming School .. i have learnt such a lot from Sam and her team. I passed my City and Guilds level 2 and 3. I have now opened up my own dog grooming salon

Thank you

Sharon Byrne

Frequently asked questions

Do I need any dog grooming experience before I start the course?

No, you don't. Everyone has to start somewhere. The course will be tailored to you and your specific needs. Passion for dogs is the only prerequisite

Do I have to do the course full time?

We train Monday to Friday 10am to 4.30ish. Whilst we do expect you to attend for a full day you do not have to do it 5 days a week. You can do it as little as 2 days a week.

Do I have to provide my own dogs?

No South Warwickshire Dog Grooming School has a large client base of people willing to provide their dogs (in return for a cheaper groom). The dogs breeds we have range from Giant Schnauzers to Long Haired Chihuahuas and lots in between.

When do the courses start?

The courses run throughout the year and are ongoing. We have students doing different courses and at their own speed, so there is no set start day to the courses.

Do I need to buy my own equipment?

No we provide everything you need whilst on the course. You will need to buy equipment when you are ready to set up but we can get you discount with all of the major suppliers. We can also let you know where to source second hand equipment from too.

Will I feel confident to set up my own dog grooming business after the course?

All students are different. The majority of students go on to starting a successful business after their course. The more days you do at school will make you more confident as you are getting to practice on a bigger variety of dogs. Also the more training you do will improve your speed meaning you could be grooming 3-4 dogs a day at the end of a course rather than just 1-2 at the beginning.

Is there any ongoing support after the course?

Yes we are only a phone call away if you need to ask any questions.

How do I book?

When you have decided which course and the days you would like to do either phone 01789 294585 or send an email to sam@southwarwickshiredoggroomingschool.co.uk You will need to pay a 20% (non-refundable) deposit to secure your dates and the balance a month before the course. Payments can be made my bank transfer or credit/ debit card.

Is there any funding available?

Depending on your circumstances and where you live, you might be able to obtain some funding. Call Sam on 01789 294585 for further information.

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes you can set up a payment plan with us, but please note that we require the full amount before starting your course.

Is it all practical dog grooming or is there online study?

The days you book with us are the days that you will be in school learning practical dog grooming. If you are doing the City and Guilds, you will be given workbooks and a textbook to complete theory in your own time.

For Fluff's Sake!

Dealing with Common Dog Grooming Issues at Home

Grooming is an essential part of caring for your dog, contributing not only to their appearance but also to their overall health and happiness. While many owners enjoy bonding...

Read More

Understanding Dog Coat Types and How to Groom Them

Dog coats are more than just fluff and fashion—they’re a vital part of a dog’s health, comfort, and identity. Whether you're a grooming student or a devoted pet parent,...

Read More

Starting a Dog Grooming Business: A Step-by-Step Guide

Dogs are truly cherished companions across the UK and Ireland, and as pet ownership rises, so does the demand for professional grooming services. If you adore dogs and have...

Read More

Top 10 Skills Every Dog Grooming Student Should Master

Dog grooming is more than suds and scissors—it's a blend of artistry, empathy, and technical know-how. Whether you're training future professionals or helping pet owners understand the craft, these...

Read More

Groomers Gallery