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Become the Next Abbey England Scholar
At Abbey England, we believe the future of British saddlery and leathercraft lies in the hands of the talented makers, craftspeople and innovators shaping the industry today. That's why we created the Abbey England Scholarship—to invest in the next generation by providing funding, training, mentoring and industry recognition to those with the passion and ambition to develop their craft.
Whether you're beginning your journey, refining traditional skills or building a career in leatherworking or saddlery, this scholarship is designed to help you take the next step with confidence. More than just financial support, becoming an Abbey England Scholar means joining a growing community dedicated to preserving craftsmanship, encouraging innovation and celebrating excellence.
If you're ready to invest in your future, we'd love to hear your story.
NEW THIS YEAR
Five Categories. One Scholarship. Your Opportunity.
We want everyone to feel that the Abbey England Scholarship is for them.
That's why, for 2026, we're introducing five categories — making it easier for you to showcase your work, whatever area of leathercraft, design or making you're passionate about.
Equestrian
For makers working within the equestrian world, from saddlery and bridles to accessories, equipment and innovative ideas for horse and rider.
Fashion & Leathergoods
For those creating in the world of fashion and leather goods, including bags, belts, footwear, accessories and other wearable pieces.
Pets
For makers creating products for our four-legged friends, from collars and leads to accessories, equipment and innovative designs for pets and their owners.
Design
For creative thinkers and makers who are developing new ideas, designs, techniques or products and bringing something fresh to the world of leathercraft.
Miscellaneous
Can't see your work in the categories above? Don't worry — this one is for you.
If your project doesn't neatly fit into Equestrian, Fashion & Leathergoods, Pets or Design, we still want to hear from you. Your work could be completely unique, cross over multiple areas or simply be something we've never seen before.
There's a place for everyone.
Every Category Has a Winner
One Overall Winner
Each of our five category winners will receive:
🏅 An Abbey England Scholarship Certificate
A certificate recognising your achievement and commitment to your craft.
📣 PR & Promotion
We'll share your story and work through Abbey England's channels, helping you gain valuable exposure and recognition.
🧵 A Place at Our Workshop
Enter for your chance to win! Each lucky winner will receive a place at our exclusive Masterclass workshop with a Frances Roche on 19th November 2026.But that's not all...
From the five category winners, one overall winner will be selected as the 2026/27 Abbey England Scholarship Winner.
£500 Prize
plus £250 towards course expenses
That's £750 of support to help you develop your skills, invest in your education and take the next step in your journey.
Which category will you enter?
Whether you're an experienced professional, a student, an apprentice, an independent maker or simply someone with a passion for creating — we want to see what you can do.
Don't worry about whether you're "good enough". Don't worry about whether your work fits the traditional idea of leathercraft.
If you have a passion for your craft and a story to tell, this scholarship is for you.
Five categories. Five winners. One overall winner.
Could 2026/27 be your year?
Who Can Apply?
The Abbey England Scholarship is open to individuals who are passionate about developing their skills and building a future within the saddlery or leathercraft industry.
We welcome applications from people at all stages of their journey, including:
Apprentice saddlers
Leatherworkers and leathercraft makers
Students and trainees
Independent makers and small business owners
Anyone committed to learning, developing their skills and preserving traditional craftsmanship
The Abbey England Scholarship is about recognising potential as much as achievement. If you're committed to developing your skills and making a positive contribution to the industry, we'd love to hear how this opportunity could help you take the next step.
Not sure if the scholarship is right for you?
We'd encourage you to apply. We're looking for potential, passion and commitment just as much as experience.
What We're Looking For
We're looking for someone who demonstrates:
✔ Passion for their craft
✔ Commitment to learning
✔ Creativity
✔ Pride in quality workmanship
✔ Ambition for the future
Meet Our Previous Scholars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Winning the Abbey scholarship has been fantastic for me, its helped me to make new connections with other leatherworkers and to push myself more. I'm used to sort of hiding in the shadows, so to become a recognised has been a bit daunting and weird, but also good in that I do need to learn to be more out there. At the moment I'm focusing on my harness training, rather than developing my business. But once I've passed my exams, and qualified 🥳 then I will start to use what I've learnt and build my business.
The scholarship funds have been invaluable for my harness work, it really isn’t a cheap endeavour to make a full set of harness, so being able to order hardware and leather with the funds, especially for collection in Walsall when I've been there for courses, has made a big difference. The Abbey teams have been brilliant, both at Head Office and Walsall, everyone is so helpful. I highly recommend applying to any leatherworker out there, even if you don't win, the invite to the workshop is brilliant, I've learnt lots from the ones I've attended, and they're a great opportunity to meet other leatherworkers too.'
Clare Chapman 2025 Abbey England Scholarship winner.
'Winning the Abbey England scholarship in 2023 had such a big impact on my career - it brings with it the opportunity for increased, industry-specific visibility, opportunities for skills development and a deeply supportive network that lasts long after the scholarship year. I know that I can go (and have gone!) to the team at any point with any queries about stock and tools and they are quick to respond on a personal level.
The team really go above and beyond to get your name out there further in the industry and the financial support is a great opportunity to invest in tools and materials that are essential to emerging designers and leatherworkers getting ahead. Above all, I would say that the longevity of that network and support system is what makes this scholarship so special - and that's down to the people who run it. They have been an amazing and crucial support to myself, Walsall and the successful campaign to save Walsall Leather Museum - I can't thank them enough!'
Lauren Broxton 2023 Abbey England Scholarship Winner
Why Abbey England?
For generations, Abbey England has been proud to support the saddlery and leathercraft industries by supplying premium materials, trusted tools and expert knowledge to makers across the UK and beyond.
As a business built on craftsmanship, we understand the skill, dedication and passion that go into every piece created. That's why we're committed to supporting the next generation of makers, helping to preserve traditional skills while encouraging innovation and creativity for the future.
The Abbey England Scholarship is more than funding—it's an investment in people. By supporting talented individuals as they develop their craft, we're helping to ensure these industries continue to thrive for years to come.
Ready to Apply?
This is your opportunity to invest in your future, develop your skills and become part of a community dedicated to preserving and advancing the craft of saddlery and leatherworking.
If you have the passion, ambition and commitment to take the next step, we'd love to hear your story.
Applications close: 31st October 2026
Become the Next Abbey England Scholar
Apply Now
Become the Next Abbey England Scholar
At Abbey England, we believe the future of British saddlery and leathercraft lies in the hands of the talented makers, craftspeople and innovators shaping the industry today. That's why we created the Abbey England Scholarship—to invest in the next generation by providing funding, training, mentoring and industry recognition to those with the passion and ambition to develop their craft.
Whether you're beginning your journey, refining traditional skills or building a career in leatherworking or saddlery, this scholarship is designed to help you take the next step with confidence. More than just financial support, becoming an Abbey England Scholar means joining a growing community dedicated to preserving craftsmanship, encouraging innovation and celebrating excellence.
If you're ready to invest in your future, we'd love to hear your story.
NEW THIS YEAR
Five Categories. One Scholarship. Your Opportunity.
We want everyone to feel that the Abbey England Scholarship is for them.
That's why, for 2026, we're introducing five categories — making it easier for you to showcase your work, whatever area of leathercraft, design or making you're passionate about.
Equestrian
For makers working within the equestrian world, from saddlery and bridles to accessories, equipment and innovative ideas for horse and rider.
Fashion & Leathergoods
For those creating in the world of fashion and leather goods, including bags, belts, footwear, accessories and other wearable pieces.
Pets
For makers creating products for our four-legged friends, from collars and leads to accessories, equipment and innovative designs for pets and their owners.
Design
For creative thinkers and makers who are developing new ideas, designs, techniques or products and bringing something fresh to the world of leathercraft.
Miscellaneous
Can't see your work in the categories above? Don't worry — this one is for you.
If your project doesn't neatly fit into Equestrian, Fashion & Leathergoods, Pets or Design, we still want to hear from you. Your work could be completely unique, cross over multiple areas or simply be something we've never seen before.
There's a place for everyone.
Every Category Has a Winner
One Overall Winner
Each of our five category winners will receive:
🏅 An Abbey England Scholarship Certificate
A certificate recognising your achievement and commitment to your craft.
📣 PR & Promotion
We'll share your story and work through Abbey England's channels, helping you gain valuable exposure and recognition.
🧵 A Place at Our Workshop
Enter for your chance to win! Each lucky winner will receive a place at our exclusive Masterclass workshop with a Frances Roche on 19th November 2026.But that's not all...
From the five category winners, one overall winner will be selected as the 2026/27 Abbey England Scholarship Winner.
£500 Prize
plus £250 towards course expenses
That's £750 of support to help you develop your skills, invest in your education and take the next step in your journey.
Which category will you enter?
Whether you're an experienced professional, a student, an apprentice, an independent maker or simply someone with a passion for creating — we want to see what you can do.
Don't worry about whether you're "good enough". Don't worry about whether your work fits the traditional idea of leathercraft.
If you have a passion for your craft and a story to tell, this scholarship is for you.
Five categories. Five winners. One overall winner.
Could 2026/27 be your year?
Who Can Apply?
The Abbey England Scholarship is open to individuals who are passionate about developing their skills and building a future within the saddlery or leathercraft industry.
We welcome applications from people at all stages of their journey, including:
Apprentice saddlers
Leatherworkers and leathercraft makers
Students and trainees
Independent makers and small business owners
Anyone committed to learning, developing their skills and preserving traditional craftsmanship
The Abbey England Scholarship is about recognising potential as much as achievement. If you're committed to developing your skills and making a positive contribution to the industry, we'd love to hear how this opportunity could help you take the next step.
Not sure if the scholarship is right for you?
We'd encourage you to apply. We're looking for potential, passion and commitment just as much as experience.
What We're Looking For
We're looking for someone who demonstrates:
✔ Passion for their craft
✔ Commitment to learning
✔ Creativity
✔ Pride in quality workmanship
✔ Ambition for the future
Meet Our Previous Scholars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Winning the Abbey scholarship has been fantastic for me, its helped me to make new connections with other leatherworkers and to push myself more. I'm used to sort of hiding in the shadows, so to become a recognised has been a bit daunting and weird, but also good in that I do need to learn to be more out there. At the moment I'm focusing on my harness training, rather than developing my business. But once I've passed my exams, and qualified 🥳 then I will start to use what I've learnt and build my business.
The scholarship funds have been invaluable for my harness work, it really isn’t a cheap endeavour to make a full set of harness, so being able to order hardware and leather with the funds, especially for collection in Walsall when I've been there for courses, has made a big difference. The Abbey teams have been brilliant, both at Head Office and Walsall, everyone is so helpful. I highly recommend applying to any leatherworker out there, even if you don't win, the invite to the workshop is brilliant, I've learnt lots from the ones I've attended, and they're a great opportunity to meet other leatherworkers too.'
Clare Chapman 2025 Abbey England Scholarship winner.