West Dean - The Edward James Foundation

Who we are

West Dean College of Arts and Conservation is an internationally recognised College, part of the Edward James Foundation, a charitable educational trust located on the 6,400 acre West Dean Estate in beautiful West Sussex countryside near Chichester.  As well as being a respected educational institution specialising in practice-based arts and conservation, the historic house and collections, the stunning grounds and gardens are open to the public, and the year round events and exhibitions make West Dean truly unique.

Our culture and values

West Dean is a unique place to work and visit, combining an internationally recognised centre for arts, design, craft, and conservation with award-winning public gardens, historic collections, and a working estate.

In Sussex, our campus is set within the 6,350-acre West Dean Estate in the South Downs National Park. It is home to West Dean College, renowned gardens that attract thousands of visitors each year, heritage glasshouses, a kitchen garden, and tranquil parkland walks. The estate also includes a Tapestry Studio and historic staterooms that host events, exhibitions, and private functions.

The Edward James Foundation Ltd, which operates West Dean, is a charitable educational trust dedicated to preserving heritage, championing creativity, and providing world-class education in arts, craft, design, and conservation across its Sussex and London campuses.

In London, our Bloomsbury campus is home to the prestigious KLC School of Design, offering students access to inspiring studio spaces and is surrounded by world-class museums, galleries, and theatres.

Together, our two campuses bridge countryside and city life, offering a rich mix of education, heritage, hospitality, and visitor experiences. Working at West Dean means joining a community that values

creativity, craftsmanship, sustainability, and inclusivity, while playing a part in safeguarding and sharing one of the UK’s most distinctive cultural institutions.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

West Dean College values the diversity of its staff and students. We aspire to be a fully inclusive and representative employer and do not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, faith or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership. We strongly encourage applications from suitably qualified candidates from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join our teams at West Dean College.