The world-famous Brit School, known for producing stars like Adele and Amy Winehouse, is set to open a new campus in Bradford on a former car park. The London-based creative arts college announced in 2023 plans to establish a facility in West Yorkshire for 500 students aged 16 to 19. Bradford Council has now confirmed the school will be built on the Jacob's Well car park site, near Bradford Interchange, after selling the land to the Department for Education.
Initially expected to open in 2026, the school is now projected 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 college will be spearheaded by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), the trade body for the UK's recorded music industry. BPI Chief Executive Dr Jo Twist 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: “The Bradford district has one of the youngest populations in Europe and our successful year as UK City of Culture 2025 showed what an incredible amount of talent those young people have. 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.”
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, added: “This new college is going to be a gamechanger for young creatives across the North. BRIT School stars like Olivia Dean and Lola Young, who dominated at the Grammy’s this past weekend, show what can happen when talent is given the right education and support. I’m thrilled that creatives in West Yorkshire will get those same opportunities to develop their skills, back their ambition and take their talent to the world.”
