Celebrating a Decade of Future Thinking in Textiles Education
By Dawn Foxall, The Textiles Skills Centre
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This year marks a special milestone: both Future Minds and the Textiles Skills Centre (TSC) celebrate their 10th anniversaries. A decade ago, both platforms set out with a bold vision—to shape education for the future, empower teachers, and inspire the next generation of learners. Today, we’re proud to reflect on the extraordinary impact made in classrooms, staffrooms, and studios across the UK and beyond.
At the Textiles Skills Centre, our mission has always been simple yet powerful: to empower teachers with the confidence, knowledge, and creativity to pass on to their students. Over ten years, we have built a thriving community of educators who continue to transform textiles teaching.
Impact in the Classroom
From CPD workshops and mentorship to innovative online courses, the TSC has touched thousands of teachers and, through them, tens of thousands of students. The ripple effect is visible in rising student grades, greater subject take-up, and renewed teacher confidence.
As one teacher put it:
“Joining the Textiles Skills Centre family has not only made a huge impact on my teaching but also my life… My pupils were excited to learn new techniques, GCSE uptake increased, and results improved by three grades. The confidence I gained was unforgettable.”
— Jane Peters, Teacher, Shrewsbury
Face-to-Face Workshops
We’ve trained more than 2,000 teachers at live workshops hosted in schools and universities across the UK, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi. These events are more than training days—they’re hubs of inspiration, networking, and creative renewal.
“I cannot recommend the face-to-face courses enough… Without TSC, I don’t think I would’ve coped with setting up a department. It’s felt like a treat and ‘me time’ in my career.”
— Angela Walker, West Midlands
Online Learning, Anytime
Accessibility matters. That’s why our on-demand online courses provide flexible learning for teachers at every stage—from ECTs (early career teachers) to experienced practitioners.
“As an ECT with no textiles background I was nervous… I cannot explain how much these courses have helped me. I feel excited to teach my GCSE class with confidence!”
— Lizzie Mayall
For many, these courses have directly improved student outcomes and creativity, making textiles the highest performing subject in some schools.
Teacher Programmes and Mentorship
Through initiatives like the ‘Become a Great Textiles Teacher’ (BAGTT) programme, supported by ASET funding, we’ve trained and supported over 400 teachers. Alongside this, our mentorship programme has paired more than 200 teachers with experienced mentors who share advice, resources, and encouragement.
“Mentoring helps me stay motivated, reflect on my own practice, and connect with the wider teaching community. Better teaching means a stronger future for textiles education.”
— Nicky Simpson, TSC Course Developer
“Making the transition from D&T to Art & Textiles was daunting, but mentorship gave me the confidence and resources to make the change. My students are now more engaged, and the subject has a real buzz again.”
— Leena Chauhan, Leicestershire
A Growing Legacy
In ten years, TSC has grown into the UK’s largest textiles teaching community, with:
10,000+ educators connected online
2,000+ teachers trained face-to-face
hundreds of online learners annually
thousands of students inspired through classroom impact
Our work shows that when teachers are equipped and inspired, whole schools and communities benefit.
Looking Ahead
As both Future Minds and the Textiles Skills Centre celebrate ten years, we’re not just looking back, we’re looking forward. The next decade will bring even greater challenges and opportunities: sustainability, digital innovation, AI, and future-focused careers in textiles. Together, we’ll continue to support educators in preparing young people with the creativity, skills, and resilience they need.
Here’s to another decade of inspiring creative minds and shaping a sustainable future for textiles education.
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