OUR ALUMNI

Where are they now? A brief selection of our alumni.

Welcome to Activate Alumni

Our students and graduates are the soul of what makes Rycotewood a centre of excellence. The Activate Alumni: Rycotewood Network celebrates the craft, creativity and achievements of our former furniture design and making students. We’re here to support you long after your time at Rycotewood, keeping you connected to the community, providing lifelong learning opportunities and offering ways to give back and inspire the next generation of designer-makers.

What is Activate Learning?

Activate Learning is an Ofsted-rated GOOD education group, made up of eight campuses across Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Surrey – including the City of Oxford College, where Rycotewood has been based since 2004.

Our group delivers Further Education, Higher Education, Apprenticeships, Adult Learning and award-winning online learning. If you’ve studied at Rycotewood – whether through a diploma, apprenticeship, foundation degree or honours degree – you’re part of Activate Alumni.

A legacy of craft and innovation

Since 1938, Rycotewood has trained and nurtured some of the UK’s most respected furniture makers and designers. From its founding by Cecil Michaelis to its evolution into a modern hub of design thinking and craftsmanship in Oxford, Rycotewood has always championed the value of skilled, meaningful work.

Whether you trained in traditional woodworking or graduated from one of our university-validated programmes, your journey is part of a legacy that spans more than 80 years.

Why join?

As a member of Activate Alumni: Rycotewood, you’ll gain access to a growing network of creatives, educators, makers and entrepreneurs who share your roots. You’ll also enjoy exclusive lifelong benefits:

Course discounts: Sharpen your skills or explore new ones through discounted Activate Learning courses.

Career support: Use our Grofar careers platform to access job listings, CV tools and personal development resources.

Alumni events: Reconnect at Rycotewood shows, exhibitions and maker gatherings.

Mentorship & volunteering: Share your insights with students through talks, workshops or mentoring opportunities.

Business & project engagement: Get involved with industry collaborations, exhibitions or live briefs run through the college.

On top of that, you'll be the first to hear about what’s happening in the Rycotewood world – whether that’s new projects, graduate stories or partnership opportunities.

Stay in touch

We want to keep the conversation going. Whether you’re working in a studio, launching your own practice, designing commercially or simply want to stay connected:

Fill out our alumni form to become an official member of Activate Alumni: Rycotewood.