Jewellery Foundation Programme 2026/27: Application Guidelines and FAQs
1 Overview
1 - 2 Who can apply?
2 How to I apply
Step 1: Get informed before applying
Step 2: Application formats
Step 3: Supporting documentation
3 – 5
Step 4: Application form details
5 – 6 FAQs
Overview
The Jewellery Foundation Programme is a free, full-time, 10-month accredited training course designed by the Goldsmiths’ Centre. It is ideal for individuals aged 18+ who are passionate about jewellery-making and ready to begin their journey in the industry.
If your household income is £60,000 or lower or you receive government benefits, you may be eligible to financial assistance through a Jewellery Foundation Programme Support Grant.
Applications close on Sunday 3 May 2026, 5pm.
Assessment dates: Tuesday 9 June or Wednesday 10 June 2026
Course dates: Monday 7 September 2026 until Thursday 1 July 2027
Need help?
Email applications@goldsmiths-centre.org or call our team on +44 (0)207 566 7650
Who can apply?
You are eligible to apply if you:
are aged 18 and over by 7 September 2026.
have recently completed your A-levels or T-levels, or equivalent, or are a candidate eager to begin your journey in the jewellery industry.
live in the UK or are able to relocate to London/the Southeast for the duration of the course. We are unable to offer student visas to nonUK citizens as we are not a licensed student sponsor.
can attend the Goldsmiths’ Centre on a full-time basis – Monday to Friday, up to 7 hours a day, for 10 months.
have GSCE Grades 9-4 or above in Mathematics and English. Nonstandard qualifications are also invited.
can demonstrate your skills and potential through a portfolio, including sketchbooks or 2D/3D work.
This section details how to apply and which documents you will need to support your application. Incomplete applications will not be assessed.
Step 1: Get informed before applying
Read this Guide; or attend one of our Open Days (optional). For further information, please visit www.goldsmiths-centre.org/jewellery-foundationprogramme
Step 2: Applications formats
You can apply for the Jewellery Foundation Programme either via:
a. our online application form, which can be accessed via any standard web browser on a computer, tablet, or smartphone; or
b. a video captured on your camera phone or computer, submitted via a Vimeo or YouTube link (set to private or unlisted), Google Drive or Dropbox, and emailed to applications@goldsmithscentre.org
See our FAQs for a step by step guide on how to best capture your submission.
Step 3: Supporting documentation
Gather all your support documents and label them with your first and second name e.g. first name_last name.
Photo: A recent photo or a selfie, depicting head-and-shoulders (jpg or png formats, min 1.5MB and max 2MB.
CV: Word or PDF, max 2MB.
Portfolio: 8 – 12 pages (Pdf/Word, max 6MB, or hard copy)
Personal statement: up to 800 words (written or video).
Hard copies of portfolios must be delivered to and collected in person from: Jewellery Foundation Programme, The Goldsmiths' Centre, 42 Britton Street, London EC1M 5AD.
Hard copy portfolios will be retained until the selection process is complete, which may take several months. You will need to collect your portfolio in person, as we are unable to return it by post.
Step 4: Application form details
Complete all sections of the online application form as follows:
Section 3: Contact information
Your name, date of birth, home address, email address, mobile number.
Please provide your parent or guardian’s mobile number if you are under 18 at the time of applying.
Section 4: Education and Training
Section 5: Personal Statement
Please state all qualifications for GCSE and above. For qualifications still in progress, please enter your predicted grades.
Should you not have any formal qualifications, please detail any training you have that may support your application.
Write (or record) up to 800 words using the following prompts:
Introduction: Who are you?
Study interests: Materials, short courses or design interests.
Experience: any work experience, volunteering or related activities.
Hobbies: What inspires you outside education?
Ambitions: Where do you hope this course will lead you?
Tip: show your passion and motivation, not just your achievements.
See our Personal Statement Guide for application tips: www.goldsmithscentre.org/jewellery-foundation-programme
Section 6 - 7: Portfolio, CV and Portrait Image
Submit a well-curated portfolio that shows your potential. It should include:
Sketches, 2D/3D designs, or photos of physical work.
Development stages (e.g.
Section 8: Goldsmiths’ Centre Support Grants
Section 9: Availability and Support
sketchbooks, process photos)
Projects or creative tasks (school or personal)
See our Portfolio Guide for application tips: www.goldsmiths-centre.org/jewelleryfoundation-programme
A Support Grant can be used towards travel or living costs, once you have been accepted onto the programme and have completed your probationary period.
The grant amount depends on your circumstances:
Up to £3,700 (incl VAT) grant if your household receives government benefits and financial support, or if you travel outside of Zone 6 to the Goldsmiths’ Centre.
Up to £1,500 if your household income is £80,000 or lower, and you live within Zone 6 in London.
Further details, visit: www.goldsmithscentre.org/apply-for-grants/foundationprogramme-support-grants
Shortlisted applicants must attend one fullday assessment in person at the Goldsmiths’ Centre, 42 Britton Street, London EC1M 5AD.
Interview and Assessment dates: Tuesday 9 June or Wednesday 10 June 2026
You will complete:
Creative and technical exercises (drawing, teamwork or benchwork)
A short 20-minute interview
A written reflection activity We assess soft skills such as teamwork, problem solving, listening and resilience.
Section 10: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Survey
Please note that if you cannot attend either date, your application may not be considered.
Before submitting your application, you must complete a short anonymous EDI survey to help us improve accessibility and fairness. This survey will not impact your application.
Section 11: Declaration You will need to confirm that all information provided is accurate, you can attend the full course in person and that you are a UK resident.
Your personal data will be stored in line with the Data Protection Act 1998 and GDPR. It will not be shared with third parties without your consent.
FAQs
Is it possible to apply in other ways than the written application form?
Yes, you can submit a simple video captured on your camera phone or computer by following the steps below:
Step 1: Decide the format: Before you start filming, familiarise yourself with the questions in the application form and how you can best present your case through video.
Step 2: Write your script: Start by introducing yourself and then film a response to each question / section of the application form citing the number of each section in the application. Make sure your film is no longer than 30 minutes in total.
Step 3: Rehearse: It’s important to know what you’re going to say in your video, so write a short script and rehearse what you are going to say beforehand until you’re completely comfortable. You may want to enlist the help of a friend or family member. Make sure to speak clearly and slowly and let your personality shine through.
Step 4: Shoot your video: You don't need to buy or hire expensive equipment to create your video. You can simply use the camera on your smartphone (although you will need a tripod, something to prop your phone onto or a friend to film you) or a computer. 5
Set aside a few hours so there’s no time pressure – you’ll want to do as many takes as necessary to get it right. You should always film in a welllit, indoor location with as little background noise as possible. Don’t film against a window; rather use it as natural side lighting. Do some test runs first to make sure the lighting is bright enough and the audio is clear on speakers and headphones – it can also be invaluable to have a friend record with you to get an alternative perspective.
Step 5: Submit your video application: Once you've saved your video in a common format such as MOV, MP4 or AVI, you can share your file via WeTransfer, Google drive or Dropbox. You can also upload your video as a hidden video on YouTube or Vimeo and provide us with the link to applications@goldsmiths-centre.org