Fashion Retail Leaders Celebrate 20 Years of the Fashion Retail Academy

Yesterday, we welcomed leaders across the fashion retail sector to the House of Lords for an exclusive event marking 20 years since the founding of the Fashion Retail Academy. The evening celebrated two decades of progress, the people who made it possible and the future of fashion retail education.

About The Evening

The event was hosted by Lord Rose, Chair of EG Group and former CEO of Marks & Spencer. Lord Rose played a key role in the FRA’s creation in 2005 and became its first Patron in 2024. 

Kim Longman, Chair of Governors for the FRA’s parent charity, Education For Industry Group, highlighted the vital role of founding partners, Marks & Spencer, Experian, Arcadia, F&F and Next, in establishing this unique public-private enterprise.

Guests also heard how today's leading retailers, including Primark, Harrods, ASOS, Next, TK Maxx and River Island, have contributed to the FRA's 20th Anniversary Scholarships and Bursaries Fund. The fund will help ensure that opportunities to study for a career in fashion retail remain accessible to all, regardless of financial background. 

Our Progress

Since opening with just 50 students in 2005, this FRA has grown into a sector-leading institution. This September, more than 4,000 students enrolled across EFI Group programmes, joining the 27,000 graduates trained over the past 20 years.

In 2025, the FRA can be proud of:

• A 99% pass rate 
• 93% of graduates are either in employment or continuing study within six months of completing their course
• A 30% increase in undergraduate degree applications

These results demonstrate the continued demand for our specialist industry-led education and the success of our students.

A Message From Our Principal

Lee Lucas, CEO and Principal of the Fashion Retail Academy, said: “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.”