Local Student Balances Hair and Beauty Studies with Figure Skating

March 10, 2026 Off By

From Classroom to Ice Rink: Lucy Ellerton’s Dual Pursuits

Lucy Ellerton, a student enrolled in the 14–16 Hair and Beauty provision at Bradford College, is managing to balance her academic studies with a competitive figure skating career. This year, Lucy has participated in events linked to the Olympics, demonstrating her commitment to both her education and sport.

Discovering a Passion for Skating

Lucy’s interest in figure skating began after watching her younger sister take lessons and through inspiration from social media. She explained that her initial choice to study Hair and Beauty was a personal decision without a clear plan for her future career. However, skating quickly became a significant passion.

Lucy said, “My mum’s friend introduced my little sister to ice skating, and I already wanted to try it after seeing videos of a skater I admired. So, when my sister started lessons, I decided to join her.”

Development and Support at Bradford College

According to her tutor, Lucy has experienced notable growth in confidence since starting her course. Initially quiet during the college’s open day, she has since become more outgoing and developed strong friendships.

The college has also provided support to help Lucy manage her training and competition schedule alongside her studies, including allowing time off for competitions.

Future Plans and Upcoming Competitions

Looking ahead, Lucy plans to continue her studies in Maths and English while focusing on advancing her skating skills. Currently attending two lessons per week, she aims to increase her training intensity and improve her performance.

Lucy is preparing for several upcoming competitions, including solo events, inclusive skating contests, and International Skating Union (ISU) competitions. She expressed her ambition to achieve a gold medal in her next competition.

Advice for Aspiring Skaters

Sharing her experience, Lucy encouraged others interested in skating to persevere through initial challenges. She acknowledged that the first lessons might be difficult but emphasised the importance of persistence and the social benefits of the sport.