Waters & Acland Ltd - Kendal

Steve B. M.

I've been a member of the on-line school for the past year and have just renewed my membership. The quality of the course (on discord), the tutor feedback and help, has far exceeded my expectations. There is a very positive and supportive on-line membership growing, so if you are looking to gain or expand your woodworking skillset in hand tool joinery, I can highly recommend this on line style of course.

David W.

The Waters and Acland Online Course is outstanding from both a teaching / learning and value for money point of view.
I started the course in May 2023 and the quality of my work has improved tremendously over the past 18 months. Learning to cut joints with the precision of a professional cabinet maker has been an absolute pleasure.
I would have loved to do the one year full-time course but I live 300 miles away. The projects for the online course are the same as the full-time course so it is equally challenging. The course tutor is always on hand to answer questions and the course discussion groups are active with lots of helpful advice and support from current students.

kishan P.

I signed up to the Waters and Acland school about a year ago, I wish I knew this was around sooner. Being apart of the school/community has progressed my wood working leaps and bounds. There is a very supportive online community, the Waters and Acland teachers have always replied to me within 24 hours on any issues or questions I may have even with my own bespoke projects. If you are looking to get a strong foundation I highly recommend signing up to any of there programmes. Clear concise videos, Live and very responsive teachers and discord community. This has also been very helpful as I am not a full time wood worker, it has be fantastic in allowing me to balance a job whilst still progressing very quickly. I will without a doubt be continuing my learning for foreseeable future.

Heather Z.

I trained at Waters & Acland back in 2017 and took the designer maker course. I am beyond blessed and grateful for my studies and training here with Will, Ollie, Graham, and Tim. I started my training not even understanding what "chuck- a- drill" was and ended with a skillset that provided me with "lead furniture fabricator" titles at various companies. Graham was my lead shop mentor/tutor. He had insane knowledge and teaching skills. What I remember most was how talented he was and how dedicated he was to each student, individually. Will and Ollie were really awesome design tutors helping each student master sketchup and rendering. Their course plan was perfect and I learned so much with each project we produced. Tim was working full time producing furniture at the time, but I remember how impressive his work was and was just in awe of his laminated lounge chair.
For anyone interested in this course, I would highly, highly recommend it. It was the best training/education I've received and so appreciated the small class size. The tutors were able to give so much attention and guidance to each student. I learned so much and have created a great living for myself all thanks to these four men!

The lake district is my home away from home. Hoping to come back soon and rent a bench or take another course!

sigurd R.

I was here for the 1 term Designer Maker Course in 2022; three highly enjoyable months of workshop training in beautiful surroundings. The W&A team is nothing short of outstanding – welcoming and knowledgable people who effectively improved my understanding and skills in the craft. I recommend to anyone wishing to learn woodworking, myself starting from zero. Here you'll learn from the masters.

Alison S.

I have just been on the 2 day make a box course and would highly recommend it. The facilities are fantastic and Pete was an amazing tutor we all made a beautiful box to take home and treasure. I am already planning to return to learn some more new skills.

kyle W.

I Attended the 12 month furniture designer/maker course in 2014 at 19Yo with no experience. Great mix of ages and skill levels attending the different courses. Incredibly well run, in depth course, with state of the art facilities. Great 1 on 1 tuition from Graham. Massively helped out by Will and Olly (the owners) during my time there and thereafter. Was able to start a job straight from the course. set me up with a great start in the industry and have gone on to set up my own business in 2020 (Kyle Fraser Furniture Ltd) and I am going into my 4th successful year. Still remain in contact and good friends with all the boys. Can not recommend highly enough!!!

Ali B.

I attended the 1 Week Make a Table (Lamination and Veneering) course in May 2024. I had very little experience with woodworking before the course and no experience with lamination or veneering. I learned a huge amount over the course of the week, which was down to the great tuition from Pete who was guiding us on the course. I also came away with a lovely piece of furniture that I will cherish forever. There was a really inspiring atmosphere within the school, I would recommend it to anyone interested in woodworking and furniture design, I look forward to returning in the future!