Dudley College Student Wins Ragdale Hall Spa ‘Student of Excellence 2018’

A talented beauty therapy student from Dudley College in the West Midlands has been crowned Ragdale Hall Spa – Student of Excellence 2018, at a coveted awards ceremony held at the venue last night (Tuesday 13th March 2018).

Sophie Roberts, 20, from Kingswingford, West Midlands, took top prize after competing alongside 10 other finalists at Ragdale Hall Spa in Leicestershire.

The winner’s prize includes a full-time beauty therapist position at Ragdale Hall Spa – the UK’s Best Destination Spa* – as well as a Ragdale Hall Spa Day for two, £500 on completion of one year’s service, winner’s trophy and certificate, an Advanced Beauty Therapy Training Programme and an ELEMIS gift pack.

Putting Sophie and the other finalists through their paces during the final held on Sunday 4th March was an established panel of judges made up of Ragdale’s Senior Beauty Supervisors and ELEMIS Sales Manager, Giulia Oakes. The finalists were required to carry out a one-to-one verbal interview, a theory knowledge test paper and two treatments including, a 40-minute manicure and a 50-minute full body massage.

On being presented with her award and prizes, and scooping a job at Ragdale Hall, Sophie said: “I’m absolutely overwhelmed – this really is a dream come true.

“The journey from start to finish has been so rewarding, having learnt so much and having made some amazing friendships along the way. I faced some challenging competition from the other finalists, but I’m thrilled to say I came out a winner. This is such a proud moment for me, and I simply cannot wait to start my career at Ragdale – what an opportunity!!”

Allison Garner Personnel Director at Ragdale Hall said: “Now in its third year, the competition has firmly established itself and the standard at this year’s competition was incredibly high, which made selecting the winner and runners up extremely difficult.

Sophie really shone during the final and demonstrated a high standard of therapy and professionalism. Her timings were on point, and she showed such great enthusiasm and ambition. Huge congratulations to Sophie, and to every one of this year’s finalists.”

Sophie will join an elite team of more than 130 professional beauty therapists when she begins her prize-job role at the spa this summer.

Close runners up in this year’s competition were Charlotte Wainwright from North Warwickshire and Hinckley College, and Katie Gorst from Halesowen College.
Each also secured a full-time Beauty Therapist position at Ragdale Hall along with an evening meal for two at the hall, runner up trophy and certificate, £200 on completion of one year’s service and a £40 treatment voucher.
Students from colleges granted ‘Ragdale Hall College of Excellence’ status are eligible to enter the Ragdale Hall Spa Student of Excellence Awards.

Allison went on to say, “we work closely with many colleges around the UK to develop and nurture beauty students, as they could be our therapists of the future. Of these colleges there are 27 which have been granted ‘College of Excellence’ status, having met our strict training criteria.

“One of the many great benefits of being a College of Excellence is they are able to enter our annual Student of Excellence competition – which for both students and colleges alike, is an excellent opportunity to have a look around Ragdale Hall, speak to our current therapists and see what it takes to work in a busy, professional environment. As a College of Excellence, colleges also benefit from a college evening and priority for work experience.

“The rewards on offer – for both the winner and runners up – show Ragdale’s commitment to supporting and developing this new talent. It’s also a fantastic opportunity for those who are successful to have the best start possible to their careers in the beauty industry.

Sophie, Charlotte and Katie faced tough competition from eight other finalists, including:
Sarah Anderson, Oxford International College of Beauty Kayla-Lynn D’Oliveria – Tresham College Laura Jackson, Peterborough Regional College Ingrida Jonikaite, Peterborough Regional College Lauren Marioni, Oxford International College of Beauty Friday Merrills, Derby College Amelia Walker, New College Stamford Jessica Wilson, Derby College

*The Good Spa Guide Awards 2017

For more details, images or to discuss a press visit, please contact:

Natalie Gudger – PR & Marketing Manager

T: 01664 433059

E: nataliegudger@ragdalehall.co.uk