Bradford to get BRIT School North
Performing arts college that's spawned superstars to open in city
Last updated 20th Aug 2023
Bradford's been chosen at the home of The BRIT School North, which is being planned by the people behind the original campus in Croydon in London.
That's spawned a host of music stars including Adele, Amy Winehouse, Jessie J, Leona Lewis and Katie Melua.
But also presenters and actors including Hollywood A-lister Tom Holland (aka Spider-Man).
The college which will cater for youngsters between the ages of 16 and 19 with an interest in performing arts, film and TV and production will open in the city by 2027.
The idea, which has won backing from the Department for Education, has been put forward by the BPI - which represents UK record labels.
Dr Jo Twist OBE, Chief Executive of BPI said: “We are delighted with this decision and it is a positive signal that Government recognises the critical importance of creative and specialist creative arts education.
“The UK is a world-leader in music and across the creative industries and if we want this to continue, we must invest in talent and the highly transferable skills needed for a competitive economy. This school will not only focus on producing our next generation of performers, but crucially, train young people with the important technical qualities needed for our industries to thrive and provide them with opportunities that they otherwise might not be able to access.”
YolanDa Brown OBE DL, Chair of BPI said, "This is excellent news and it comes as the BPI celebrates its 50th year, which makes it all the more special. We know that young people have moved to London and the South East to specifically attend creative schools like the BRIT School and ELAM, and this approval means they will no longer have to do this.
"Creating opportunity and access to creative education really is a huge driver for us all in the music industry, not only because it’s the right thing to do but because it’s vital to ensure our future talent pipeline consists of young, diverse individuals who can find joy in the output of their creative practice and also contribute to the continued growth of our industries.”
Secretary of State for Culture, Lucy Frazer said, "For more than thirty years, the BRIT School has been nurturing the next generation of creative talent - producing some of the most influential and successful performers and artists of our time. The new school in Bradford will give even more young people the opportunity to develop their skills and maximise their potential, while creating a pipeline of talent for our thriving creative industries.”
Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin said, "This is a fantastic win for the North and supports our ambition to ensure opportunities for all, no matter where you’re from or where you live.
"The build up to Bradford UK City of Culture 2025 has already started to inspire the next generation of artists.
"And now, with West Yorkshire becoming the home of BRIT School North, more young people can follow in the footsteps of our world-class homegrown artists, from the likes of Mel B and Corinne Bailey Rae to the Kaiser Chiefs."
Sophie Jones, BPI Chief Strategy Officer, said, "This approval marks the culmination of months of hard work to deliver our ambitions to extend specialist creative education to a diverse cohort of students, providing talented young people with opportunities to pursue a creative career, and diversifying the talent pipeline for the BPI and our members.
"I am absolutely delighted and pass my wholehearted thanks to the Government for recognising the passion and vision behind this bid. This is only the beginning, we can’t wait to get started and to continue this work with our key partners to bring the new school to reality.”
Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council, said, "This is brilliant news for the Bradford district and will help cement our place as a creative powerhouse. There is a huge creative and cultural buzz around Bradford right now. We are preparing to be the UK’s City of Culture in 2025 and will soon celebrate the opening of Bradford Live, a new 4000 capacity live music venue in the old Odeon cinema.
"I am delighted that the BPI has decided Bradford would be the perfect location for their new school. It is a great decision on their part. There is enormous talent in our young, energetic, diverse population and this can bring them life-changing opportunities.
"It’s exciting to think about the future stars of music, art, film, TV and dance from our region. This school will help them to fulfil their dreams.”