Location for Brit School-inspired college confirmed

A creative arts college inspired by the world famous school which has produced talents like Adele and Amy Winehouse will open on the site of a former car park in Bradford.

The British Phonographic Industry (BPI), which runs London's Brit School, announced in 2023 it would open a facility in West Yorkshire for 500 pupils aged 16 to 19.

On Friday, Bradford Council announced the school would open on the Jacob's Well car park site near Bradford Interchange after it sold the land to the Department for Education.

Although the school was initially primed to open in 2026, it now expected to welcome its first pupils in 2028.

The free-to-attend college will offer a vocational curriculum including music and music technology, performance, production arts, film and media production and digital design.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said the college would be spearheaded by BPI, the trade body for the UK's recorded music industry.

Dr Jo Twist, BPI chief executive, said: "There's been a lot of work going on behind the scenes since we announced the success of our bid in the summer of 2023.

"We're delighted to now be sharing more about this project including our fantastic central city location.

"Sitting in the heart of West Yorkshire's creative cluster, Bradford is home to a vibrant community who are passionate about culture and creativity."

Recent alumni of the Brit School include Olivia Dean, Lola Young and Raye.

Bradford Council leader Susan Hinchcliffe said: "We're really excited to have this new specialist college opening in Bradford to further build on our cultural offer, which is already second to none.

"It will mean our young people have access to world-class training and great industry networks.

"I can't wait to see some of the stars of the future who make their names here in our city."

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