Brit School Announces Northern Expansion to Former Car Park in Bradford
The world-renowned Brit School, celebrated for launching the careers of global superstars including Adele and Amy Winehouse, has confirmed the location for its highly anticipated northern campus. The new facility will be constructed on the site of the former Jacob's Well car park in Bradford, situated near the city's Interchange transport hub. This strategic expansion represents a significant investment in creative arts education outside of London, bringing the institution's prestigious training model to West Yorkshire.
From Parking Spaces to Performance Spaces: A Transformative Project
Originally announced in 2023, the project will establish a free-to-attend creative arts college catering specifically to 500 students aged 16 to 19. Bradford Council has finalised the sale of the land to the Department for Education, enabling the development to proceed. While initial plans targeted a 2026 opening, the revised timeline now anticipates welcoming the first cohort of pupils in 2028. The curriculum will be distinctly vocational, focusing on practical skills in music and music technology, live performance, production arts, film and media production, and digital design.
The British Phonographic Industry (BPI), the UK's recorded music trade body, will lead the initiative. Dr Jo Twist, Chief Executive of the BPI, expressed enthusiasm about the progress: "Substantial groundwork has been underway since our successful bid announcement in summer 2023. We are thrilled to reveal more details, particularly our excellent central city location. Positioned at the core of West Yorkshire's creative cluster, Bradford boasts a dynamic community with a profound passion for culture and creativity."
Building on Regional Talent and Cultural Momentum
Local leaders have warmly welcomed the development, highlighting its potential to nurture homegrown talent. Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader of Bradford Council, emphasised the district's demographic and cultural strengths: "Bradford possesses one of Europe's youngest populations, and our tenure as UK City of Culture in 2025 vividly demonstrated the extraordinary talent within our youth. This new specialist college will magnificently enhance our already outstanding cultural offerings."
She added: "It will provide our young people with access to world-class training and invaluable industry networks. I eagerly anticipate witnessing the future stars who will emerge from our city. The council is collaborating closely with all partners, and this advancement underscores our steadfast commitment to ensuring every young person receives training that aligns with their unique talents."
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, described the college as a "gamechanger" for aspiring creatives across the North. She pointed to the recent Grammy successes of Brit School alumni like Olivia Dean and Lola Young as evidence of the institution's impact. "These achievements illustrate what is possible when innate talent is coupled with the right educational foundation and support. I am delighted that young creatives in West Yorkshire will now have identical opportunities to hone their skills, pursue their ambitions, and showcase their talents on a global stage," Brabin stated.
The Brit School's existing London campus has a formidable reputation for cultivating artistic excellence, with notable graduates also including Raye. This northern expansion aims to replicate that success, transforming a disused urban space into a beacon for creative education and industry development in the heart of Yorkshire.
