Education
Education is one of the five pillars of the Worshipful Company of Coopers, a leading supporter of education for over 500 years.
We currently support two dynamic educational institutions, The Coopers’ Company and Coborn School in Upminster, Essex, and Strode’s College in Egham, Surrey. Both educational establishments are historically linked to the Company and each year we offer the opportunity for senior students to become apprenticed to the Master. We also support students, and former students up to the age of 25 years with bursaries and other forms of financial assistance. There is an extensive network of alumni, many of whom belong to the Company as Freemen and Liverymen, and we actively welcome applications from all past students and staff of both institutions.
The Coopers’ Company and Coborn School
The Coopers’ Company and Coborn School is an 11-18, non-selective, co-educational highly successful state school. It frequently tops national polls in terms of academic achievement and excels nationally in a wide variety of sports. The school’s roots stem from the amalgamation of the Nicholas Gibson Free School founded in 1536, and the Prisca Coborn School for Girls founded in 1701, both situated in the East End. The school has been on its present site in Upminster since 1971. The Company currently appoints 5 of the 16 members of the school’s governing body, as well as trustees which serve on the Board of Foundation governors. They have responsibility for the school site and facilities.
Strode’s College
Strode’s College is a co-educational sixth form college within the Windsor Forest Colleges Group. It offers an exceptional sixth form learning experience within a flourishing environment, and prides itself on supporting students to realise their full potential. Along with Windsor College it offers a wide range of A-levels, BTECs and T-levels, with first-rate success in all these areas. The Coopers’ Company has been the Trustee of Henry Strode’s Charity, thanks to a legacy bequeathed by Henry Strode in 1704, and provides two Trustees, for the Strode’s Foundation.
The Education Committee is committed to fostering and strengthening the links between our educational establishments and the Company, as well as exploring the Company’s role in relation to wider educational objectives within our local community, and areas historically connected to the Company.