City & Guilds of London Art School has operated without public subsidy since the demise of the Inner London Education Authority in the 1980s. Whilst this has freed us from some of the standardising pressures that come with state funding, it has also meant that we rely for the bulk of our income on student fees.

Support from trusts and foundations, individuals and corporate partners is critical for the School to sustain its commitment to a teaching ethos and environment which nurtures the traditional, craft skills of making at the highest level and yet, wherever possible, make them accessible on the basis of talent rather than affordability.

We are therefore looking to build our bursary and scholarship support to be able to offer free or concessionary places for more students who could not otherwise afford our fees. Bursaries are vital to ensure that we can attract as diverse and vibrant a student body as possible. Student prizes and travel grants are other ways we can reward and support student achievement beyond the academic training they receive. We also look for support towards ongoing investment in teaching and student equipment so we can offer the best possible working environment for our students.

We are most grateful to all our past and present donors for their support and the capacity to understand the far reaching benefits they help us to achieve.

As a gesture of thanks for their generosity we like to offer donors (if they so wish): acknowledgement on the website and on the School’s annual report; and invitations to exclusive events such as private viewings, lectures and events such as Studio Suppers. Full scholarships or bursaries are named according to the donor’s wishes.

The School has close ties with many of the livery companies, and is particularly grateful to the Worshipful Company of Fishmongers which together with a few other Livery Companies, was instrumental in setting up the charitable structure to administer the School when it became independent in 1971.