About Us

The Gemini Beauty Academy is a small registered private training establishment, offering a range of training courses through one of the largest awarding bodies for beauty, nails and complementary therapies, VTCT (Vocational Training Charitable Trust), we also hope to offer City and Guilds qualifications in the near future.

Our tutors are highly experienced trainers, qualified teachers and qualified therapists and nail technicians with extensive depth and breadth of knowledge in their individual fields of specialism. Tutors are friendly and approachable with a passion to see students achieve high standards of professionalism and skills to equip them for employment.

Angela Wheat of Gemini Beauty and Denise Wright of The Denise Wright Nail Academy have joined forces and are now able to offer a wide range of beauty, nail services and complementary therapy courses. Training takes place at two sites, one in Larkfield at Gemini Beauty, the other at our satellite centre, the Nail Academy in Hartley, near Longfield, Kent. Both centres are located in quiet residential areas and offer modern facilities specifically created for beauty, nails and complementary therapies.

The key to any student's success is a passion to learn and the desire to have an interesting and rewarding career along with teachers who are passionate about the subjects they teach and offer a supportive and flexible approach to learning.

Gemini Beauty Academy offers a variety of short intensive training courses from one day to several months as a flexible training solution for self-motivated students who are either unable to attend a traditional full time college course, wish to fast track into the field of beauty therapy or prefer a more personal approach to learning. Unlike many F.E. colleges and many other training schools Gemini Beauty Academy offer either one-to-one or small group sizes of no more than 6 students.

Students can learn at their own pace, selecting the type of course that suits their needs. On successful completion of a course students are able to transfer their skills and knowledge to commence another course gradually building up units of qualifications until they have achieved their long term goal. Courses are available on Mondays, evenings and some Saturdays/Sundays.

We offer three types of training at the Gemini Beauty Academy.

1. Gemini Beauty Certificates (GBC) which are suitable for;
   • Individuals who want to commence a foundation course in beauty therapy, or nail technology.
   • A refresher course (tailored for individual needs).
   • Complete a course for continuous professional development.

These are particularly suitable for therapists who have either been out of the industry for a while and want to update their skills or are nervous of carrying out specific treatments e.g. Electrolysis, electrical face, waxing and body treatments.
We recommend a trade test to identify which skills require more development than others and then formulate an individual training programme and action plan.

2. VTCT courses are internationally recognised qualifications either NVQ or VRQ, comprising of practical and theoretical workshops to develop underpinning knowledge and practical skills along with home study which forms a portfolio of evidence for exam board comprising of assignments, work sheets and case studies followed by practical and written examinations held at the Academy on specified dates. These qualifications will allow graduates to work in a variety of venues within the beauty industry, including salons, health farms, nail bars, cruise liners, spas and as self-employed therapists.
3. We also offer an introductory day course in fibre glass, acrylic or gel techniques for nail technology as foundation to a formal NVQ or VRQ qualification.

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us;
Beauty and complementary therapies training - 01732 842279 or 07749 589414
Nail technology training - 01474 707077
We are happy to discuss your requirements and arrange a free introduction.

Our staff

Angela Wheat:

IHBC, IIHHT, City & Guilds, MIFHB, MBIAE, DRE, Cert. ED. D32, D33 Assessor, D34, Internal Verifier, Examiner and Consultant.

Angela is a highly experienced beauty and complementary therapist who has worked in the beauty industry for the last 31 years. Her extensive depth and breadth of knowledge and experience has enabled her to undertake a variety of roles within the beauty industry which include: working as a Therapist, Salon manager, Teacher, Author, Assessor and Examiner both in private and public sectors. Angela's experience includes running a large beauty and complementary therapies department comprising of 5 salons and 20 staff in a Kent F.E. college, where she developed the department's reputation for offering high quality training and helped to establish its position as one of the top colleges in the South East of England.

With Angela's depth and breadth of knowledge and experience, along with her passion for the industry and her reputation for high quality training makes her supremely placed to run her own training Academy, where she provides quality professional flexible training programmes for people who wish to become therapists, or graduate therapists who wish to develop their skills to meet the needs of the expanding and developing beauty and complementary industry.

Following training Angela is happy to continue to support students with advice and guidance, including advice and guidance on equipment and stock suppliers etc. for students setting up their own business.

Denise Wright:

Cert. ED, D32, D33 Assessor, D34, Internal Verifier, Examiner and Consultant. Cidesco, City & Guilds, NSI Educator, Author.

Denise is a highly experience nail technician and therapist with over 20 years in the industry. Denise has been British Nail Technician of the year 13 times, holds a world ranking and is a Salon owner, Examiner, Consultant, NSI National Educator and now Co-ordinator for National Nail Competitions. Denise is at the forefront of Nail technology training in this country helping to set National Standards. Denise brings to teaching her extensive wealth of knowledge and experience, along with her calm flexible approach; she instils confidence and inspires students to achieve their full potential. Denise offers verbal advice and support to all ex students throughout their career. Denise has produced a range of DVDs whilst working with product companies and Habia.

Claire Bowler:

Cert. Ed. D32, D33 Assessor, D34, Internal Verifier, Examiner Cidesco, City & Guilds.

Claire is an experienced beauty therapist and nail technician, tutor and examiner and busy salon owner who also works as an independent internal verifier for quality assurance purposes.

Past Students Testimonials

Jemma Martinez: Hot Stone Massage Day Course (2009)

“I enjoyed every aspect of my training course. Angela is an excellent teacher, with fantastic knowledge; it has been a pleasure to learn from her. She puts you at ease and is very approachable; I would highly recommend training with her to other people.”

Paula Kay: Manicure and Pedicure Course (Level 2 Certificate in Nail Treatments (2009)

“My training course exceeded my expectations. Angela is an excellent teacher; she is very good at explaining things. I would definitely recommend her to people and I am going to return to take further courses.”

Hopi Ear Candles (2009)

“Thoroughly enjoyed my course Angela is an excellent teacher with a wealth of knowledge and patience.”

Cosmetic Tanning Course (2009)

“Angela is an excellent teacher who explains things very clearly, is happy to answer any questions and is able to put you at ease.”

Heidi Barker: Beauty therapist

“I was fortunate to have Angela as my tutor for both level 2 and level 3. Her skill and dedication was a major factor in my achieving distinctions throughout my course.”

Terry Turner: Salon Owner

“I was a senior manager in a business environment and planning a complete career change. Giving up a lucrative career meant that I wanted to get the very best re-training so that I could maximise my chances of future employment in the Health & Beauty industry.

In searching for the highest standards of education in the field of Beauty, I explored many avenues including fast tract extremely expensive courses in London.

I investigated and selected the Health & Beauty course lead by Angela Wheat and can honestly say that I felt suitably challenged by the high standards expected of the students. Aiming for the highest standards gave me confidence that I had picked the very best course available and with Angela's considerable experience, support and guidance passed with flying colours.

I would absolutely recommend any of the courses lead by Angela. You will graduate feeling confident in the knowledge that you have received the very highest standard of training and support.”

Sarah Wheat: Nail Technician

“I can highly recommend Denise as a tutor, her practical approach, calm manner and supportive nature enabled me to develop my skills and inspired me to progress to more advanced nail techniques. Now as a fully qualified level 3 nail technician I am able to use my skills to pay my way through university.”

Training Courses

Courses start at different times within the year. Their flexibility allows them to fit around a family or work life so that you can earn while you learn.

N.B. Fees must be paid a minimum of 2 weeks prior to course commencing. Tuition fees are not refundable. In the event of cancellation an alternative date will be offered to candidate.

Gemini Beauty Academy: Basic Beauty Courses

Manicure - One day course - £250 (with option to progress to National qualification)
Pedicure - One day course - £250 (with option to progress to National qualification)
Remedial manicure treatments - One day course - £150 (with option to progress to National qualification)
Warm wax - One day course - £250 (with option to progress to National qualification)
Hot wax - One day course - £250 (with option to progress to National qualification)
Roller wax - One day course - £250 (with option to progress to National qualification)
Eyelash and brow treatments - One day course - £250 (inclusive of kit)
Make-up - One day course - £250 (inclusive of make-up kit, with option to progress to National qualification) - Find out more...
Massage - One day course - £200 (with option to progress to National qualification)
Facial skin care - One day course - £150 (inclusive of kit)
Facial electrical - One day course - £250

Gemini Beauty Academy: Complementary Therapy Courses

Introduction to Indian Head massage - One day course - £150
Hot stones massage - One day course - £150
Hopi ear candles - Half day course - £100 - Find out more...
Cosmetic tanning - Half day course - £75 (plus kit)

Gemini Beauty Academy: Nail Technology Courses

Acrylic nails - One day course - £300 (inclusive of kit)
Gel nails - One day course - £300 (inclusive of kit)
Fibreglass nails - One day course - £300 (inclusive of kit)
Maintenance any system - One day course - £150 (for any system)
Sculpture - One day course - £300 (inclusive of kit)
Two colour gel - One day course - £150
Two colour acrylic - One day course - £150
Drilling - One day course - £150
Glitz and Glam - One day course - £150

Gemini Beauty Academy: Trouble shooting days

Trouble shooting - One day course - £150

This course is designed for any candidate who feels the need for some additional training or support to achieve success in any unit qualification.

VTCT qualifications

VTCT (Vocational Training Charitable Trust) internationally recognised qualifications include a range of NVQ or VRQ qualifications which are recognised by employers worldwide.

All candidates are required to pay £15 as a one off payment for a lifetime registration with VTCT. Please inform us if you are already registered with VTCT when applying for a course, we will require confirmation of your candidate registration number.

VTCT require the Diploma in Health, Safety and Security & Employment Standards as a mandatory qualification which may be studied either prior to undertaking any qualification or alongside any VTCT qualification in beauty, nail and complementary therapies (except for the Diploma in Anatomy and Physiology).

Course fees: include theory and practical tuition workshops, written assignments, work books, administration etc. VTCT registration fees are not refundable.

Assessment fee: of £50 for 3 hours or £70 for 4 hours is payable unless otherwise included in course fees.

On completion of self study work books etc. students will return for a half day for practical and written assessments/exams.

All candidates wishing to achieve a VTCT qualification will need to complete the following stages to gaining certification.

Stage 1: Initial training days

Stage 2: Complete portfolio of evidence comprising of written assignments, written testing, practical home case studies.

Stage 3: Practical assessments/exams, written multiple choice exam paper, oral questioning, submission of portfolio.

Level 2 Certificate in Facial massage & Skin Care VTCT - (D1121, D1120) - Click here for more details...
Level 2 Certificate in Nail Treatments VTCT - (VR08, VR09) - Click here for more details...
Level 2 Certificate in Wax Depilation VTCT - (D1052) - Click here for more details...
Level 2 Certificate in Swedish massage VTCT - (D1083) - Click here for more details...
Level 2 Diploma in Aromatherapy VTCT - (D1079) - Click here for more details...
Level 3 Diploma in Indian Head Massage VTCT - (D1061) - Click here for more details...

Other courses available on request include;
Level 3 Diploma in Electrolysis
Level 2 Nail technology acrylic and gel techniques
Level 3 Nail technology acrylic and gel techniques
NVQ/VRQ in Make-up diploma
Electrical facial training in galvanic and high frequency treatments

Gemini Beauty Academy: Testimonials

Trouble shooting - One day course - £150

This course is designed for any candidate who feels the need for some additional training or support to achieve success in any unit qualification.