Pupils get hatful of skills

The London based milliners who have a shop in Rye High Street have offered a work placement to two students from the school.

They are Isabella Woodcock, a textiles, art and photography student who currently wants to study Fashion Design at a further level of education and Jessica Lench, a textile, art and business student who is hoping to explore Fashion Marketing at university.

Ken White from Herald & Heart said: “This philosophy surrounding the need for placements within industry is one that Herald & Heart have supported since the business was young and based in London.

“Herald and Heart have a strong history in supporting local colleges. When we were London based we had a constant stream of work placements from Kensington and Chelsea College and The London College of Fashion. Many of these students have gone on to successful careers in fashion and millinery.

“Since the re-expansion of our business and move to larger workrooms, which happily coincides with the arrival of The Rye Studio School, we are now in the position to offer help and support to students wanting a start in fashion and after seeing the excellent courses offered and high calibre of students in Rye it was a natural step for us to offer placements.”

Jo Townshend, Head Teacher at Rye Studio School, said: “It is so exciting to be working in partnership with many employers but especially Herald and Heart. They are such a fabulous company with a great ethos who support up and coming talent.

“The younger students gain basic employability skills whilst the eldest become key members of a working team either locally or in London.

“These allow students to gain experience in creative placements whilst working towards their traditional qualifications of BTecs and A Levels at the Studio School, building their CV with a portfolio of contacts and an important creative industries network.”

Ken White said: “Herald & Heart are eager to contribute to the development of Rye’s young talented individuals

“We feel passionate about British fashion and manufacturing which has always been a world leader and anything that we can do towards helping to nurture local talent and launch careers, for us is both rewarding and inspiring.

“This emerging relationship between education and industry within Rye is greatly beneficial to all parties involved, especially the gifted individuals who are aiming to continue in their love of arts after Rye Studio School and placements.”