Support for Education and Training

In common with other Livery Companies, the Cordwainers Company was, in the early and middle ages, responsible for the governance and quality control of its trade in the City of London. Another important responsibility for the Livery Company was the education and training of craftsmen through the system of apprenticeships.

This early involvement in education and training has continued to the present day. As a founder member of the at City and Guilds of London Institute in 1878, the Company is represented on the Council of that Institute, and also the Council of City University where it presents prizes and a bursary annually to students in the Music Department. The Company is also a member of the Livery Companies’ Vocational Educational Group (LOGVEC) which encourages support for colleges and schools throughout the London area and in the widest sense.

Most significantly, this Company together with the Leathersellers’ Company established the Leather Trades School in Bethnal Green in 1887. This became the Cordwainers Technical College in 1913, and later the Cordwainers College located in Hackney. Throughout its existence, the College had a reputation for excellence, keeping abreast of changes in technology and for running comprehensive courses in footwear design and manufacture and the design and production of associated leather goods and saddlery. It also attracted outstanding students, not only from the United Kingdom but worldwide. The Cordwainers College merged with and became known as Cordwainers at The London College of Fashion in August 2000. More details of the Company's support for education and training at particular establishments can be found on the following pages.

Cordwainers at The London College of Fashion

Capel Manor College

London Guildhall School of Music and Drama

College of Art & Design, University of Northampton

City & Guilds of London Institute

City University

Dorton House School, Sevenoaks, Kent

Royal Free Hospital Medical School and Nursing Directorate