Which British boarding schools are best for Textiles?
Following on from our recent blog about Art, here is some information about the British boarding schools that are best for Textiles.
Bryanston School
The Don Potter Art School here offers an exceptional creative environment where pupils can explore various artistic media, including textiles as well as drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography and printmaking. Renowned for its strong emphasis on the creative arts, Bryanston nurtures its pupils’ imagination and originality, encouraging them to push artistic boundaries and develop their own unique styles. Highlighting this high standard of artistic education, one recent graduate took their passion for design to the next level by securing a place at the prestigious fashion school, Institut Français de la Mode in Paris. At Bryanston Prep younger pupils also have opportunities to express their creativity. Recently, they participated in a whole-school fashion show, where they showcased weeks of hard work and dedication. Each pupil designed and crafted wonderful garments featuring bold colour schemes, intricate textures, and striking patterns. The event was a true celebration of their imagination, craftsmanship and artistic flair.
King’s Ely
Fashion and Textiles is thriving here, with students winning national and international competitions. Three textile studios in the modern, purpose-built facility are flooded with light and filled with an array of wonderful creations which have graced the catwalks and exhibition spaces of Ely, Cambridge and London. From the smallest detail to the grandest design, students produce innovative work. Inspired by a team of highly experienced teachers, there is a desire to push creative boundaries, exploring the full potential of materials, composition and form. Fashion and Textiles is a popular specialism, with excellent results achieved at GCSE and A Level. Places at first-choice university and higher education settings are consistently secured, with The London College of Fashion and Central Saint Martins being popular destinations each year. The studios are open to pupils for supervised sessions at lunchtimes, in the evenings and at designated weekends. All are welcome, including those not studying for an exam in Fashion and Textiles, ideal for any international boarders keen to learn how to use a sewing machine, apply a heat transfer to material, or how to embellish and elevate fabric from the ordinary to the extraordinary.
Sedbergh School
Thanks to flexibility within the AQA curriculum, pupils here can explore fashion as a creative discipline, making Fashion Design a popular choice for those aspiring to careers in the industry. In Year 12, pupils dive into hands-on textile work, mastering sewing techniques using the department’s extensive collection of machines. They also learn the art of felt-making and gain insight into traditional weaving techniques through visits to nearby Farfield Mill to observe textile artists at work. Inspiration comes from venturing further afield too: in London, the V&A Museum brings the history of costume and design to life; in Paris, the Dior House offers a breathtaking look at decades of couture mastery, and a recent highlight was an unforgettable trip to New York during Fashion Week, where students soaked up cutting-edge street style and emerging trends in one of the world’s most vibrant fashion capitals. Alongside design skills, pupils develop a strong foundation in life drawing, refining their understanding of human structure and form – essential for any aspiring designer. With exposure to diverse locations, cultures and creative influences, students leave the course with a wealth of inspiration, ready to shape the future of fashion.
Sidcot School
Within the Fashion and Textiles department here, whether students dream of becoming fashion designers or textile artists, or are simply looking to express their creativity through fabric and design, they benefit from a nurturing environment where ideas come to life. With a proven track record of direct entry to top fashion and textile courses in the country, including Central St Martins, The London College of Fashion, Ravensbourne, and Kingston, former students have featured in Vogue as up-and-coming young designers. From the very first lesson, students are immersed in a hands-on, practical approach to fashion and textiles. They learn about design, pattern cutting and making, to give a strong background to highly commercial outcomes showcased at an end-of-year fashion show. Sidcot’s exceptional textiles and arts facilities cover traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology, allowing students to explore techniques like screen printing, embroidery, garment construction, and digital fabric design. These facilities, together with the industry experience of high-calibre teaching staff, result in the high standard students attain throughout their courses and exam results, from KS3 textile products to GCSE and A Level studies.
We hope this quick guide to which British boarding schools are good for Textiles is helpful, and look forward to hearing from you, so we can help you find the right one for your child.
