Student Testimonials

Choosing where to study is a big decision, and hearing from people who’ve been there can make all the difference.

At OICB, students join us from all over the world and from all walks of life—some straight from school, others changing careers or building on their existing skills. Here, they talk honestly about their time at the college, the qualifications they gained, and what came next.

Their experiences reflect the supportive environment, high standards, and hands-on training we aim to provide every day.

Student testimonials

  • As the parent of a recent graduate, I commend Erika Oswin and her team. The standards are high and the care is exceptional—my daughter felt welcomed, safe, fully prepared, and ready to begin her beauty therapy career.

    Tiffany Woelfel

    USA
  • Thank you for supporting Rhian through her CIDESCO course and helping her secure a role at Titanic Spa in Linthwaite. We appreciate your ongoing support and wish the college continued success.

    Bob & Chris Stark

    Cyprus
  • Our daughter switched from A‑levels to study CIDESCO/CIBTAC at OICB. She excelled in her studies, won CIDESCO Student of the Year (2014), and is now perfectly poised to progress in a spa management career. We highly recommend the college.

    Mr & Mrs Coad

    UK
  • We chose OICB for our 16-year-old daughter. The caring, family-run college offers safe, comfortable accommodation and high-standard training. Our daughter is thriving and we would recommend OICB wholeheartedly.

    Mrs Karen Philips

    UK
  • We’re proud of Maddy’s success. Her CIDESCO training was first class—with knowledgeable, supportive tutors. She’s gained confidence, made friends, and discovered the joy of a profession she genuinely loves.

    Mr & Mrs Brunt

    UK
  • My mature daughter decided to change career and chose OICB privately over a local college. In 10 months, she gained CIDESCO and CIBTAC, found a job at Virgin Active, made lifelong friends—and she loves every day of her work.

    Mrs Hudson

    UK
  • Thank you to Heidi and all the staff for supporting my daughter Annie through CIBTAC and CIDESCO exams. She passed with flying colours, secured placements and a full-time role at the Randolph Hotel, and the investment has been truly worthwhile.

    Mrs Devaney

    UK
  • Since graduating, my daughter Ruth has achieved so much. She now owns her own salon, employs four therapists, and uses the superb training she received at OICB every day. I thoroughly recommend this college.

    Mari Fleming

    UK
  • I’m the proud mother of Bea Dickman. She studied at OICB, graduated with CIBTAC & CIDESCO diplomas, and found a job straight away. OICB is fun, friendly and professional—it proved you don’t need university if you follow what you love!

    Esperanca Dickman

    UK

Karime Gonzales Ordenes 

CIDESCO International Beauty Therapy Diploma

“To start studying again at 40 was a huge decision… I met many wonderful people… I recommend OICB with love and gratitude.”

 

Hitomi Oishi

CIDESCO International Beauty Therapy Diploma

“I got my dream job… The tutors definitely help you. Anyone who wants a job like me should join OICB for the best training.”

 

Ruth Smith

NVQ Level 3 Beauty Therapy

“Doing all the treatments every day ensured my skills were perfected. I qualified feeling confident and ready for the beauty industry.”

 

Charlotte Chenery 

VTCT Level 3 Beauty Therapy

“The course is intense but so interesting… I felt really well prepared—and had already been offered a job before I qualified.”

 

Amelia Richmond 

VTCT Level 2 & 3 Beauty Therapy

“Definitely recommend this college. Once completed, you’re very employable because of the high standards OICB teaches you!”

 

Alfie

“I have created so many amazing memories and friends here that I will cherish forever. The best staff and tutor team ever!”

 

Caitlin

“My OICB experience played a huge role in shaping my career by providing me with knowledge, skills and experience. I have made friends for life. The knowledge of our tutors is unmatched and cannot be found elsewhere. OICB has built my confidence to pursue a professional career in beauty. Thank you for all your support!”

 

Lilli

“Thank you to OICB for giving me this opportunity to start my dream career. Within these two years, I have managed to challenge myself and grow confidence within myself I didn't know I had. The experience was enjoyable and I have made friends for life!”

 

Ann W

“I have been a client of the OICB Student Salon for about 10 years. / have regular weekly treatments which are little short of sheer luxury. The students are professional, friendly and work to a high standard of excellence. All treatments are monitored by an experienced member of staff, who are there to answer any questions from both students and clients. Heidi, the director of the college, has an excellent and highly qualified team of staff and are friendly and helpful at all times. / highly recommend the college.”

 

Catherine P

“I'm very impressed with the standard and treatments by the students at OICB. The students are without exception, polite and competent. Respectful to their models and tutors and responsive and receptive to feedback. A hidden gem of relaxation. Thank you.”

 

Celia B

“I've been going to the OICB Student Salon for a few years and it is always a pleasure to go and be a model. The students are all friendly, professional and their training seems excellent. The tutors are always available to give guidance and advice to the students whilst they are practising their gained skills on the models. / always come away from there relaxed, de-stressed and feeling fab. I'm glad I found this gem of a place!”

 

Helen H

“I have been coming to the OICB Student Salon for about 20 years. The students have, without exception, been attentive and professional and many have developed excellent people skills. The students are well supported by the teaching staff who are encouraging and supportive and give clients the confidence to know they will be well cared for by the students. The quality of treatments is very good and not rushed which is why I have continued to come whenever I can over the past 20 years.”

 

Holly P

“I really enjoyed my time at OICB, a challenging course that filled me with confidence and knowledge to become the beautician I've always wanted to be. Thank you!!”

If you’re unsure where to start or would like to be connected with other students seeking accommodation, our admin team is here to help.

Maria Simonazzi

CIDESCO International Beauty Therapy Diploma

“It was my first time in the UK but the whole college team made me feel like home… I passed all my exams with excellent results and won the CIDESCO Student of the Year award.”

 

Valaria Bordyuzhenko 

CIDESCO International Beauty Therapy Diploma

“Exceptional teachers and my hard work resulted in my 100% CIDESCO score—the first perfect score at OICB in 26 years!”

 

Iyanu Okusanya 

CIDESCO International Beauty Therapy Diploma

“It was quite challenging… I was very pleased to receive the ‘Special Achievement Award’… I’m proud to be an OICB graduate—they helped build my confidence.”

 

Annabel Crane

VTCT Level 3 Beauty Therapy

“I adored my time at OICB… it’s the best decision I’ve made. My knowledge of the industry is far greater than if I’d studied anywhere else.”

 

Oana Coser 

VTCT & CIDESCO Beauty Therapy Qualifications

“Studying at OICB was the best thing ever! The college gave me confidence… my qualifications are recognised all over the world.”

 

Llona P

“What a hidden treasure the Student Salon is at OICB! As a pensioner I felt indulging in occasional beauty or wellness treatments were a thing of the past and then I discovered the Student Salon. It begins with the trainers - they guide the students with gentle authority and explain procedures with technical precision. I feel in safe hands as the students demonstrate the skills learnt with caring professionalism. It's been a privilege to have played a modest part in their journey towards a new and fulfilling career.”

 

Jean A

“My experience at O/CB for over 10 years has been an extremely positive one. From the new intake to the more experienced students the standard has been consistently high. The students are trained to behave professionally both in their appearance and treatment of the clients. It is clearly a positive learning environment with evidence of excellent pastoral relationships between tutors and students. The high standard of training is evident from the level of positions the students go on to take up.”

 

Jo B

“I have been a client of The Skincare Clinic for over 20 years. During this time I have been fortunate to have attended many sessions in the student salon, enjoying a variety of treatments from manicures and pedicures to facials, body massage and the more advanced electrical techniques. I have found the level of experience to be very high from those college students. The expert instructions and tutelage they receive is reflected in their positive, professional attitude and quality of treatment.”

 

Kamila J

“I just wanted to express my heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to complete my Level 3 beauty therapy under your guidance. Your support and encouragement have played a huge role in my journey and I truly appreciate the knowledge and experience I have gained along the way. Wishing you all the best with future students, I have no doubt they will benefit just as much as / have. Thank you again for everything!”

 

Katie S

“Love learning here! Really boosted my confidence in beauty and pushes myself to be an even better beauty therapist. The teaching & learning here is very advance and really different to the last college / went to. I have gained more knowledge being here and I know / will get a good qualification at OICB. They really go in depth with everything we learn in Level 3. wish I went to O/CB to do my Level 2! If you want a good education & qualification go to OICB, I really recommend.”

 

Kulwinder K

“I have been a model for the students for over 25 years. The college has a strikingly supportive and happy environment. I always look forward to the student sessions as these are consistently high quality treatments. Over the years I have loved seeing the students gain the professional poise at OICB to successfully achieve in any high standard setting!”

 

Need help or advice?

If you’re unsure where to start or would like to be connected with other students seeking accommodation, our admin team is here to help.

Real students stories

Our graduates go on to build rewarding, successful careers. Read their stories and discover how OICB helped shape their futures.

Ready to take the next step?