The Drapers' Company

In the early thirteenth century, a group of woollen-cloth merchants in the City of London came together for mutual support.

What began as a fellowship later became a trade guild and in 1364 a Royal Charter gave the Drapers’ Company formal recognition and the power to govern its own affairs. The Company is now one of the Twelve Great Livery Companies of the City of London with around 700 members who come from all walks of life.

Its involvement in the support of education is long and deep and is marked by a commitment to increasing access to opportunity and pushing the boundaries of innovation. The Company has been involved in founding schools and colleges since the sixteenth century, using funds donated by its members. In 1887 it supported the founding of The People’s Palace Technical Schools in East London to provide education to people from all backgrounds. This institution went on to become Queen Mary University of London.

In 2010 The Drapers’ Company became the Lead Sponsor of Drapers’ Academy with QMUL, and in 2014 it became the Lead Member of the Drapers’ Multi-Academy Trust. The Drapers’ Company provides governors for the Trust schools and Trustees for the Trust Board, grants significant charitable funding to the Trust, and also offers mentoring and careers advice. Pupils and students from the Trust schools are regularly invited to visit Drapers’ Hall.

More information about The Drapers' Company can be found on their website:

Visit the Drapers' Company website

Each year, our sponsors provide an end of year review detailing the activity and support they have deliviered for pupils and students within the Drapers’ Multi-Academy Trust schools and the local community. 

View the Sponsors Activity Report