We currently Accommodate participants from the age of 5 upwards for private 1-2-1 blacksmithing sessions. All our tutors have an extended DBS check in place and are experienced at teaching blacksmithing to children. Participants under the age of 11 are in control of the hitting and tool handling, but the blacksmith will manage the forge (fire) and handle the hot metal. Participants under 11 are taught on a 1-on-1 basis and must have a parent or guardian present at all times. We have worked in partnership with our insurers and put extensive Health & Safety policies and procedures in place, as well as providing specialist, high quality and well-fitted PPE.

We are currently developing children’s blacksmithing days at our forge, where we will have bookable, short slots throughout the day, on set dates in 2026. Details will be released on our Instagram and Facebook pages in due course (links can be found at the bottom of this page).

 The Quinnell School of Blacksmithing (QSB) is delighted to be collaborating with the British Artist Blacksmiths Association (BABA) to bring their dynamic craft to a younger audience.

BABA was founded in 1978 at QSB's home - Rowhurst Forge, Leatherhead - in the hope of reviving a rapidly-declining blacksmithing industry. Thanks to the energy, passion and vision of many remarkable blacksmiths and supporters, the story is a triumphant one, and blacksmithing is rising from the ashes to become a popular and sustainable craft once again.

Over many decades, the Quinnell family at Rowhurst Forge has been committed to educating young people. They work with schools, colleges, youth groups and therapeutic learning services, with a track record of hugely successful outcomes. BABA simultaneously ran a superb children's blacksmithing feature at its national and international events for many years, thanks to the dedication of a fastidious team of volunteers led by Robert and Carol Smith.

Both QSB and BABA are determined to ensure that children and young people can continue to access this engaging and inspiring craft. Forging hot iron is an elemental and fundamental process which can build confidence and offer great insight into many aspects of an educational curriculum. From maths and language to geology and art, blacksmithing really is a terrific way to illuminate the world for young enquiring minds. It has proved to be especially beneficial for those who find conventional classroom settings challenging.

The QSB team has worked incredibly hard over the years to gradually lower the age at which children can be included in 'have a go' blacksmithing sessions. Today, they are fully insured to offer participation to children aged five and over and all their staff have an extended dBS check. QSB will be sponsored and ran the mobile/roadshow blacksmithing offer for children and young people at the BABA 2025 Conference and AGM, which took place September 2025 at Museum in the Park, Stroud, Gloucestershire. In turn, QSB is immensely grateful to its insurers Eastlake & Beachell for their sponsorship of our Health & Safety signage for this activity, Gibbins of Suffolk for their sponsorship of children's special safety aprons, Gala Tent for their support towards 3 pop-up gazebos to keep everyone dry, and BABA Members who have kindly donated their time and facilities to make a selection of hand tooling.

Can you help?

We are currently fundraising and seeking sponsorship/support to expand our selection of specialist children’s tooling, equipment and custom-made PPE for the mobile aspect of the blacksmithing Roadshow programme which is run on a voluntary basis by QSB. We are also seeking funding to Contribute toward the extensive running costs of the programme to ensure we can Continue to offer it free to children and young people who would not normally be able to access such a Fascinating experience.

If you are excited by this blacksmithing adventure and would like to support it in some way, please talk to QSB Manager and children's forging event volunteer Tom Quinnell:: tom@fireandiron.co.uk or 01372 375148.

Your support will make a real and lasting difference in the lives of young people who often face barriers to opportunity - thank you.

Any donations, support or sponsorship offered will be very Gratefully received. Your name And/or logo will be publicised by us (unless you wish to remain Anonymous), via signage at our Leatherhead site, on our F&I and QSB social media platforms & websites, on any Promotional material relating to these events, and printed on the actual items that are sponsored or contributed towards (where possible).