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The Leathersellers’ Foundation
Leathersellers’ Review 2024–2025
Leathersellers’ undergraduate scholarships
“Giving scholars the opportunity to speak out and share their stories in front of the movers and shakers of the social mobility space is exactly what I was talking about when I mentioned the enrichment component of scholarship. You instil in us the confidence and understanding that what we have to say is important and of value; far beyond the monetary, the Leathersellers is the gift that keeps on giving.” God’sFavour Oluwanusin Student Grantee who spoke on a panel for Blackbullion
Our flagship Student Grants Programme continued to thrive in 2024–2025, with a slight reduction in student numbers reflecting an increase in the average grant awarded. We maintained our focus on supporting care-experienced students and those in significant financial need from amongst our school alumni. Following two years of dedicated network- building, spring 2025 saw a surge in applications; nearly 200 individuals applied for support for their undergraduate studies in 2025–2026, and the majority of these had experience of the care system. The breadth of backgrounds, life experiences, and aspirations among applicants is striking. We remain committed to deepening connections, seizing new opportunities, and sharing knowledge to strengthen and expand this vital programme for years to come.
63 students 44 universities across the UK £260,500 in direct student grants
Blackbullion scholarships event Autumn 2024 saw an innovative advocacy and information sharing opportunity for the Leathersellers in co-hosting an event targeted at corporate partners committed to supporting social mobility via scholarships. We were able to contribute not only by hosting the event at Leathersellers’ Hall, but also by providing speakers, some of whom shared their experiences of delivering scholarship programmes and others who were alumni who have thrived through the support awarded to them. Ticket purchases by corporate attendees enabled a donation of £1,000 towards the 2025 Student Grants Programme. Jack Petchey Foundation The first jointly-supported Jack Petchey and Leathersellers’ scholars received their grants this year, with five students being supported who had previously attended Sixth Form at a state school or college in London or Essex. Encouraged by the impact, the Jack Petchey Foundation pledged increased support for seven more students in 2025–2026. We’re excited to deepen this partnership. Added Value for students Having seen the benefits of, and enthusiasm for, the mentoring programme, but constrained by a limited capacity to manage it internally, we trialled a new approach this year by working with Adverse Childhood Experiences charity partner Power2. Their expertise lies in running a range of mentoring programmes for all ages, and so our students and mentors
joined a larger cohort for a set six-month programme combining group peer learning sessions, skills workshops and 1:1 matches. This allowed for greater professional interest matching, a tailored medical profession sub-group and both online and in-person opportunities. Sharing experiences Centring lived experience, we invited one of our current students to speak on a panel about the transformational impact of scholarships. At the Education dinner, care leaver Chris Wild shared his journey from childhood in care to becoming a passionate advocate for others. His story resonated deeply with attendees and we remain in close contact about the challenges within the sector. Related Single Year Main Grants To broaden our impact we funded seven charities working to improve educational outcomes for care leavers and children in care. These organisations offer tutoring, mentoring, creative learning and career development opportunities. Varying greatly in size and experience, we plan to bring them together in late 2025 to share insights, and will circulate volunteering opportunities to the Livery and Alumni Network.
Student grant recipient gender 2024–2025
Prefer not to say (4) 6.35%
Male (12) 19.05%
Female (47) 74.60%
Student grant recipient ethnicity 2024–2025
Ethnicity
Total
%
Black White Asian
22
34.92 20.63 17.46 12.70
13
11 8 6
Any other ethnic group
Mixed / Multiple ethnic groups
9.52 4.76
Prefer not to say
3
Grand Total
63
100.00
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