School of the Year 2025 - Groomphoria
We Are Proud to Announce: School of the Year 2025
We are delighted to share that our company has been awarded School of the Year 2025 at Groomphoria, one of the United Kingdom’s most respected and vibrant dog grooming events.
What is Groomphoria?
Groomphoria is a two-day dog grooming competition and industry gathering held annually in the UK. Created by Cheryl Howard, Costin Stoica and Shelley Houghton, the event brings together groomers from across the UK and abroad for:
- Professional grooming competitions across a wide range of classes
- Special awards that celebrate technical skill, creativity and excellence
- Educational seminars delivered by experienced judges and industry leaders
- A formal gala dinner and dance
- Exhibitor stalls and shopping opportunities
- Free spectator entry, helping to make the event accessible to the wider community
Groomphoria is more than a competition. It is a place where groomers come together to learn, connect and raise the standards of the profession.
Our Award: School of the Year 2025
Winning School of the Year is an exceptional honour. This award recognises training providers who demonstrate:
- High-quality education
- A supportive and encouraging learning environment
- Consistent student achievement
- A positive contribution to the dog grooming industry
We are genuinely grateful to have been recognised among so many talented and dedicated schools.
Heidi Wins the Leadership Award 2025
We are very proud to announce that Heidi Anderton, Principal of Absolutely Animals, has been honoured with the Leadership Award 2025. This award recognises exceptional guidance, commitment and influence within the grooming industry, all qualities that Heidi has demonstrated throughout her long and distinguished career.
Christine Wins Teacher of the Year 2025
We are delighted to announce that our head groomer and tutor, Christine Anderton, has been awarded Teacher of the Year 2025 at Groomphoria. This recognition reflects her exceptional skill, dedication and long-standing contribution to the grooming industry.
About Christine
Christine has been involved in the grooming world since she was three years old, when she first began helping in a salon. She entered her first grooming competitions in 2010 and has continued to build an impressive career ever since. Her passion for animals is evident in everything she does, and she is highly skilled in grooming both dogs and cats.
Christine has been part of Absolutely Animals almost from the beginning and has grown with the company year after year. Her commitment to excellence has seen her rise through the ranks of competitive grooming, ultimately earning a place on Groom Team England in 2023. She makes us incredibly proud.
Today, Christine serves as our manager, head tutor and head groomer. She is fully qualified to teach and assess, holds a full City and Guilds Level 3 qualification in dog grooming and is also qualified to teach and assess the dog walking course. Outside of work she is the proud owner of three Standard Poodles: Etti, Kendra and Aria.
Thank You, Groomphoria
We would like to express our sincere thanks to the Groomphoria organisers, judges and team for recognising our work. The event continues to inspire groomers and strengthen the industry each year.
We are equally thankful to our students, whose commitment and passion made this achievement possible. This award belongs to all of you.
We look forward to returning for Groomphoria 2026.
