Membership questions, answered.

You must attend one of the schools or colleges in the Mercers’ cluster and apply via your school/college.

Speak with your School Liaison Officer (SLO) for the Guild, who will be a member of the school/college staff; if you do not know who this is, ask your Head of Year, Head of Careers Guidance, or a senior member of school staff. Your SLO will be able to explain the application and admission process. The Guild’s School Court Assistant (SCA) will also be involved with the application, selection, and admission process. Pupils/students nominated by their school for the apprenticeship scheme need to be supported by the SLO and SCA, as well as having their application supported by a parent/guardian.

The Guild application form needs to be accompanied by a copy of your FULL birth certificate, a copy of your CV and a personal statement setting out why you want to join the apprenticeship scheme, what you hope to get out of it, and what you might contribute to the Guild once you have converted to become a full Guildman.

After four years, you will be invited to convert to a full Guildman. You need to submit an essay—your ‘Apprentice Piece’—on any aspect of the City of London. It should be between 1,000 and 2,000 words and must include a list of sources. You should discuss the subject of your essay with your Apprentice Master about six months beforehand. You are then eligible to gain the Freedom of the City of London by servitude.

The Guild welcomes applications for direct entry as a Guildman from alumni of the Mercers’ Cluster schools and colleges who are over the age of 19. There is no upper age limit.

Your initial Guild application, accompanied by an up-to-date CV, must first be formally approved by the Court. You can then apply to become a Freeman of the City of London by redemption. This can be a lengthy process and requires nomination by two Guildmen who are also Liverymen; the Guild can help you with this.

Once all formalities are complete, you will be admitted to the Freedom and to the Guild at ceremonies on the same afternoon at Guildhall. Guildmen are asked to contribute to the wider Guild community and support its aims, and the Guild can assist Guildmen who wish to become Liverymen. Contact the Membership Clerk for more information and details of current costs and fees.

This is by invitation from the Guild Master, and usually only offered to Head teachers and Principals of the schools and colleges in the Mercers’ cluster, and/or their School Liaison Officers.

As an apprentice, you are bound in the Chamberlain’s Court at Guildhall in the City of London and sign your Indenture certificate, along with a parent/guardian and your Apprentice Master. Afterwards, on the same afternoon, you make your Guild Declaration at the Guild’s Membership Court, also held at Guildhall.

As a Guildman or Honorary Guildman, you are granted the Freedom of the City of London in the Chamberlain’s Court at Guildhall. Afterwards, on the same afternoon, you make your Guild Declaration at the Guild’s Membership Court, also held at Guildhall.

The dress code is smart, with jacket and tie for gentlemen. Pupils/students should dress as they would for a job or university interview.

Please see the City of London Corporation website.

It is best to use public transport; details about how to find Guildhall can be found on Guildhall’s website: https://www.guildhall.cityoflondon.gov.uk/find-us

Note: The Chamberlain’s Court is accessed from Aldermanbury.