The School is located on a single site in a pleasant and historically interesting part of South London, where eighteenth-century housing predominates. Its location is both central (less than one mile from the Houses of Parliament) and convenient (two minutes from Kennington underground station). It stands on the corner of an attractive, tree-lined, residential square and occupies a complete terrace of six eighteenth-century houses in Kennington Park Road, together with a group of purpose-built studios which surround an attractive courtyard garden. The site as a whole possesses considerable charm and generates an informal and friendly atmosphere. It is convenient for many of London’s major galleries and museums and within walking distance of the Imperial War Museum and many other major cultural attractions.
Total student numbers vary between one hundred and sixty to one hundred and seventy, most of whom are full-time. There is a very generous staff to student ratio and ‘classes’ are small – a provision which is increasingly rare in higher education. This means that all students receive intensive tuition and the individual attention that would be unlikely in larger institutions. Because the School is entirely located on one site, students continually meet their counterparts from the other study areas and this encourages a continuous exchange of ideas and debate. The ambience is arguably unique – in which the small size, informality and lively atmosphere combine to create a community of working artists.
Central to the School’s philosophy is the concept of the artist-teacher. All teaching staff are employed part-time and are therefore able to pursue their independent careers alongside their teaching. Their experience and professional distinction is invaluable in many ways but not least to the extent that in Conservation and Carving, in particular, the contacts they provide will often facilitate the progression of graduating students into professional life. Also, since a number of these staff operate their own businesses, they may themselves be first destination employers.
The School is administered by a Board of Trustees to which its Academic Board reports on a termly basis. The Trustees are concerned with academic and financial matters affecting the institution as a whole. It remains independent with charitable status and since 1971 has been supported mainly by tuition fees. It does, however, receive direct assistance from the Fishmongers’ Company and generous contributions from other City of London livery companies, charitable foundations, trusts and private individuals.
