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Our
approach
Our approach brings together traditional heritage craft, practical learning and progression.
StoneMind programmes are centred on real stone carving, masonry and conservation skills.
Participants use professional tools and natural materials, working through projects that build skill, confidence and independence over time.
We mainly work with people aged 16+, including those who are NEET, have SEND or SEMH needs, have experience of the criminal justice system, or have found more conventional routes into education and employment difficult. We also work with schools, alternative provision, charities and community organisations when our practical approach is a good fit.
We adapt the way we teach to the people in front of us, while keeping the standards of the craft high.
Our aim is to help participants build genuine skills that can lead on to further training, qualifications, heritage work, construction or employment.
Tom Brown
Tom Brown is a Master Stone Carver, qualified teacher, co-founder and Director of StoneMind Studio, with extensive experience teaching traditional stone carving and working with young people in practical and alternative learning environments, including SEN and SEMH settings.
He holds a Distinction in Historic Stone Carving from City & Guilds of London Art School, a First Class HND in Historic Stone Restoration from Bournemouth University, a 2:1 BA in Education from the University of Brighton, and a PGCE with Distinction and QTS.
Tom is a QEST Scholar and a member of the Master Carvers Association. Over the past fifteen years, he has taught traditional stone carving and led education through London Stone Carving Ltd, the company he founded and directed for more than a decade.
His work can be found on major heritage buildings including the Royal Albert Hall and Pitzhanger Manor in West London. At StoneMind, he combines master-level craft knowledge with an accessible, hands-on approach to teaching.
Grace Standley
Grace Standley is co-founder and Director of StoneMind Studio, with substantial experience working with young people in SEN and SEMH settings.
Her own experience of not fitting comfortably within conventional education has shaped a strong interest in practical, creative and alternative approaches to learning.
She spent three years working in a Forest School setting and undertook around four years of psychodynamic study and training, including advanced Level 4 study, developing a deeper understanding of behaviour, relationships and emotional development.
Grace has also worked in kitchen design, bringing experience in practical design, planning and working closely with people to turn ideas into something tangible.
At StoneMind, she works across programme delivery and organisational development, leading much of the operational, safeguarding, partnership and funding work. She is also developing her own carving practice and plans to begin a master-led apprenticeship in traditional stone carving in January 2027.
Educational
Ethos
We believe practical ability deserves the same value and seriousness as academic achievement.
Our teaching is structured, progressive and rooted in real craft practice. Learners are expected to build skills over time, solve problems, work accurately, develop independence and take pride in producing work to a high standard.
We support SEND, SEMH, NEET and vulnerable young people through clear routines, careful scaffolding and appropriate adaptation, while maintaining meaningful expectations and the integrity of the craft.
Our aim is not simply to engage learners for a session, but to help them discover practical strengths, develop genuine competence and see where those skills could lead through qualifications, further training, heritage crafts, construction or employment.