Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust

QEST is a charity that transforms the careers of talented and aspiring makers by funding their training and education, creating pathways to excellence and strengthening the future of the UK’s craft sector.

Celebrating 35 years of impact in 2025, the Charity has granted £7.2 million to almost 900 craftspeople working across the UK in 130 craft disciplines. QEST also inspires the next generation of makers by offering them opportunities to develop hand skills, meet professional craftspeople, and explore creative careers through their Crafting Tomorrow programme.

QEST is delighted to announce that 22 grants have been awarded this spring. Together, they provide over £200,000 to support exceptional makers in advancing their craft through training and education. The recipients include 16 Scholars, 3 Emerging Makers, and 3 Apprentices working across a wide range of disciplines such as furniture making, heritage joinery, embroidery, ceramics conservation, signwriting, and more.

These grants are made possible through the generous support of QEST’s donors. The next grant round will open on 9 July and close on 13 August. Grants are available for education and training, with Scholarships up to £18,000, Emerging Maker grants of up to £10,000, and up to £12,000 towards an apprentice’s salary.