Plans for a new showbiz school in the north to try and unearth ‘the next Adele’ announced by ministers with the performing arts academy in Bradford modeled on London’s Brit School
The search is on for ‘the next Adele’ as ministers announce plans for a new specialist performing arts school in the north.
The new Brit School, in Bradford, will be modeled on the Brit School in Croydon, South London, whose pupils included Adele, Amy Winehouse, Jessie J and actor Tom Holland.
Alumni from that school have collectively sold more than 250 million albums and won 15 Brit Awards.
In an interview with The Mail on Sunday, culture secretary Lucy Frazer said she is looking for “the next Adele or Amy Winehouse.”
The plans are designed to allow a “pipeline of talent to enter the creative industries,” she said. “They’re growing one and a half times faster than the rest of the economy.”
The search is on for ‘the next Adele’ (pictured) as ministers announce plans for a new specialist performing arts school in the north
Singer Amy Winehouse (pictured) attended the famous showbiz school in Croydon
The Bradford Brit School is free to attend and open to over 500 16 to 19 year olds. It offers students a specialized creative curriculum, with subjects such as dance, music, theater and production arts.
It was supported by industry leaders such as Sony Music Entertainment UK, Universal Music UK and Warner Music UK.
Mrs Frazer said: ‘We have seen the success of the Brit School in Croydon, which has produced national superstars. I think it’s very exciting that we have another chance, in the north, to do exactly the same thing.
“What we want to do is make sure people can achieve their dreams and aspirations, and they have a place to do that. That’s what Brit School North is all about.’
Ms Frazer spoke from Sydney, Australia where she will support the Lionesses in the World Cup final today.
Actor Tom Holland, who is known for his role as Spiderman alongside Zendaya, attended the Brit School
The singer Adele (pictured here at age 18) attended the Brit School of Performing Arts in Croydon
Adele will receive the BRIT Award for Album of the Year in 2022
When asked what music she listens to, she said she has an “eclectic playlist,” adding, “There’s quite a lot of Queen and quite a lot of Elton John.”
When asked if she agreed with Education Secretary Gillian Keegan, who was criticized last week for telling A pupils to remember that in 10 years people will ‘not ask you anything about your A Levels’, Ms Frazer said: ‘ I think academic study is very important.
“It teaches you those vital skills we all need: processing information, learning to express things succinctly. Those are universal skills that are always important.’ West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said the school announcement is a ‘fantastic victory for the North and supports our ambition to provide opportunities for everyone, wherever you come from’. The build up to Bradford UK City of Culture 2025 has already started to inspire the next generation of artists.”
The announcement is part of the government’s plans to expand its “free school” program. The new schools will target areas in need of school spaces and opportunities, officials said.