Celebrating 20 Years of the Fashion Retail Academy at the House of Lords

On October 1st, leading figures from across the fashion retail sector joined us at the House of Lords for an exclusive event to celebrate 20 years since the founding of the Fashion Retail Academy, one of our four divisions.

About The Fashion Retail Academy

Part of the Education For Industry Group, the Fashion Retail Academy is one of the UK’s leading specialists in fashion and retail education and training. With a focus on practical, industry-relevant training, the Academy offers a wide range of courses and qualifications designed to prepare students for successful fashion and retail careers.

Highlights From The Event

The evening reflected on two decades of milestones through the Fashion Retail Academy's post-16 education and training model.

The event was hosted by Lord Rose, Chair of EG Group and former CEO of Marks & Spencer, who was instrumental in the Fashion Retail Academy’s founding in 2005, and became its first Patron in 2024.

Kim Longman, Chair of Governors at EFI Group, acknowledged the support from its founding partners, Marks & Spencer, F&F, Next, Experian and Arcadia, who brought the Fashion Retail Academy to life.

Scholarships And Bursaries

In recognition of the ongoing role industry partners play in the Fashion Retail Academy's success, it was announced that retailers including Harrods, Next, TK Maxx, ASOS, Primark and River Island have generously contributed to the 20th Anniversary Scholarships and Bursaries Fund.

This fund will be used to make sure opportunities to study for a fashion retail career are accessible for everyone, regardless of financial background.

Progress Over The Last 20 Years

The Fashion Retail Academy began in 2005 with just 50 students. Today, EFI Group has enrolled more than 4,000 students over the last year and has trained over 27,000 graduates over the last two decades. 

This year alone, the Fashion Retail Academy achieved:

• A 99% pass rate

• 93% of graduates work or continue study within six months of completing their course

• A 30% rise in applications for its undergraduate degrees

These statistics highlight the success and demand for the Fashion Retail Academy's specialist industry-led education. 

A Message From The Principal 

Lee Lucas, CEO and Principal of the Fashion Retail Academy shared:

“As we have approached this enormous milestone, it has been rewarding to look back at how far we have come, and all we have accomplished in our first 20 years. But, perhaps more importantly, it is a time to look forward to the next 20 years and our aspirations for the next generation of fashion retail talent – and the generation after that.  

“The industry has undergone a tremendous transformation over the last two decades, which will only continue in our ever-changing consumer landscape. Rest assured that the Fashion Retail Academy, and Education For Industry Group, will continue to support the sector by ensuring that every graduate leaves us ready to take on the challenge.”

We are extremely proud of all we have achieved over the past two decades. Thank you to everyone who has supported us on this journey - we look forward to building on our success together! Discover the ways that you or your business can support the Fashion Retail Academy to grow fashion's next generation.