Strode’s has a special link with the Worshipful Company of Coopers, one of the older Livery Companies in the City of London. Henry Strode, the founder of the original Strode’s School, had been a Master of the Company and, in the early days, the Company administered the charity under which the former school was run. Today, the Coopers’ Company provides financial support for certain aspects of the College’s work and members of the Company attend the annual prize giving ceremony.
Every year, a Strode’s student is selected to be an Apprentice to the current Master of the Company. Traditionally, being an apprentice was the route to entering a livery company in the City of London. These days, however, you do not have to make barrels!
The duties of a modern apprentice are light. You stay connected with the Master, who acts as your mentor, during the four years of your Apprenticeship and you attend a number of social functions. Once you have served your apprenticeship, you will be given admission to the ‘freedom of the company’, and with this goes ‘freedom of the City of London’. Eventually you might be admitted to the Livery itself. The modern company focuses much of its work on fundraising and charitable work. More detail about the company is given on their website: https://www.coopers-hall.co.uk/
Michael Craig, a former apprentice, tells us what it means to him:
‘The Coopers’ Company consists of people in many different professions in the service industry; many work in London. Being someone who hopes to follow this path, I have found the help and advice I have received from my Master and other Liverymen invaluable. They have really helped me get a grasp of what I need to do in order to develop a career in the city. Also, by going to Coopers’ events, I have been well prepared for the atmosphere in these ‘corporate’ environments and have been able to adjust much easier when I have gone to do work experience at law firms. The Coopers are actively involved in a lot of charity work. This is something that is important to me and I hope to be able to get involved more as my apprenticeship goes on. I would think that anyone hoping to be an apprentice should share this aspiration. Finally, I would finish by saying that the Coopers are genuinely nice people, I’ve really enjoyed meeting them and working with some of them. Despite the evident age gap, I found being an apprentice socially rewarding.’
Applying for the Apprenticeship
Applicants should write a letter, no more than two sides of A4, addressed to Sinead O’Donoghue, Principal Sixth Form, stating why you think you should be considered for this position. You should include the following:
- – the subjects you are studying at Strode’s and your progress so far,
- – your academic and career ambitions, consideration of what you have contributed to the wider life of the College and your local community,
- – a statement about how you think you would benefit from this opportunity and why you should be chosen as the next Strode’s Apprentice.
Letters of application are invited, addressed to The Principal, to be emailed to the Principal’s Executive Assistant clare.botha@windsor-forest.ac.uk by 12.30 on Wednesday 3rd June 2026.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview on either Monday 15 June or Friday 19 June, so please make sure you are available on those dates before applying.
