New Brit School for young performers is being launched in the North to train the next stars
A NEW Brit School for young performers is being launched in the North to train the next generation of stars like Adele and Amy Winehouse.
Ministers hope the performing arts academy will allow 500 16 to 19-year-olds to blossom into the superstars of tomorrow.
Alumni from the original Brit School in Croydon, South London, have sold more than 250million albums and racked up 15 Brit awards.
Plans for the new free school in Bradford were submitted by music industry body the BPI.
It will be inspired by BRIT School in Croydon, south London, launched in 1991 with Adele being the most famous former pupil.
Speaking about her time there, she said: “They were by far the best four years of my life ever. Everyone was amazing. It was so supportive.
“I was encouraged to learn to write my own music which is what I do today and is one of the reasons why I am so successful.”
Previous students also include Jessie J, Spiderman actor Tom Holland and former X Factor winner Leona Lewis.
The free school will be one of 650 across the country attended by 350,000 pupils.
The announcement comes as Ministers this week set out the next wave of free schools targeting areas in need of places in disadvantaged areas of the country.
Zayn Malik, Bradford-born ex-One Direction star, said: “Growing up in Bradford without many resources, I know first-hand the struggle and what a life changing difference this would directly make for these young people.”
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said: “My home city of Liverpool is famously the home of the Beatles, Mersey Beat and many more stars.
Whether on stage, on screen, or behind the scenes, the north is full of creative talent.
“This announcement will mean more young people will be able to reach their potential and follow in their footsteps, at the new BRIT School in the north.
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.”