Saddlery and Shoemaking

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Saddlery at London's environmental college

The British leather industries are growing at an exponential rate, with an estimated annual growth of £195 million and an estimated turnover of £1.14 billion. The success of these industries relies on superior quality, innovation and highly-skilled individuals.

Our leatherwork courses are taught through practical demonstrations and workshops in our dedicated studio, helping to provide students with the hand skills needed to pursue a career with a variety of employers such as luxury leather goods makers, equestrian suppliers, the British Army and fashion designers.

Find a course you love

Part-time

The Worshipful Company of Saddlers Certificates

Full-time

Access to HE Diploma in Shoemaking

Full-time

The Worshipful Company of Cordwainers Diploma in Saddle, Harness and Bridle Making

Everything you need to know about studying with us

We empower young people to follow their passions by offering a range of courses and supporting young people and their families in the important transition from school to college. You benefit from:

  • The opportunity to work outdoors and in real-life environments
  • Internationally recognised qualifications
  • Inspiring, training facilities
  • Opportunities to enter national competitions
  • Professional career guidance
  • An alternative to the traditional school setting

Charlie landed skills that matter

I really enjoyed the making aspects of my course. I now make bespoke leather goods for private clients and other companies, and I have also launched my own business selling made-to-order collections using leather sourced from British tanneries. Charlie studied saddlery during his time at Capel Manor College.

Career prospects

Master saddler

Master saddlers are trained, skilled and qualified to make and repair saddlery, ensuring a high quality of workmanship.

Harnessmaker

Harnessmakers craft harnesses and similar equipment for horses. They cut, assemble and join leather and other parts of the harness, following customer specifications regarding colour, thickness and size.

Loriner

A loriner makes and sells bits, bridles, spurs, stirrups and the minor metal items of a horse’s harness, together with the saddle tree.

Find us

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  • By bus: 157, 358, 410, 249, 432, 322, 417, 3, 363, 202 and 931

    By rail: Served by Crystal Palace Station (from Victoria, London Bridge and Dalston Junction)

  • By car: The Campus is situated just off junction 25 of the M25 and the A10 Southbound

    By rail: Served by Turkey Street Station (from Liverpool Street Station), the College is approximately 20 mins walk from Turkey Street

    By bus: Buses 217 and 317

  • By bus: Jevington Way, Alnwick Road, and Mottingham Way stops are within five minutes' walk of the Campus

    By rail: Mottingham station is a 23 minute walk from the Campus, with regular services to London Charing Cross, London Bridge, Cannon Street and Dartford

    By car: Mottingham Campus is located on Mottingham Lane, just two minutes’ drive from the A20 Sidcup Road/South Circular Road roundabout

  • By tube: The Campus is very well served by tube stations on various lines including Regent’s Park (Bakerloo line), Great Portland Street (Hammersmith & City, Circle and Metropolitan lines), Baker Street (Hammersmith & City, Circle, Jubilee, Metropolitan and Bakerloo lines) and Camden Town (Northern line)

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Upcoming event

Saturday 22 June

Open Day

Explore your local campus from 10am to 3pm:

  • Meet our tutors and discuss courses
  • Apply for September 2024
  • Explore your local campus