The BRIT School in London has helped produce some of the United Kingdom’s most successful performers, including singers Adele, Amy Winehouse and Raye, as well as actor Tom Holland, best known for playing Spider-Man.
The state-funded school, which offers free education, has also seen recent success through former students Olivia Dean and Lola Young. At the 2026 Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, Dean was named best new artist, while Young won Best Pop Solo Performance for her hit “Messy”. Both artists were also recognised at the Brit Awards.
Chris McInnes, deputy head of music and a former teacher of the two artists, described their achievements as “incredibly humbling”. He said the school does not take credit for students’ success but focuses on creating an environment where talent can develop.
Around 1,500 students aged 14 to 19 study at the school, following the standard UK curriculum, including GCSEs and A levels, alongside specialist training in performing and creative arts.
Daily activity reflects its creative focus. Students rehearse in studios, practise performances and collaborate across disciplines. In one session, a group rehearsed a number from the musical “Six”, while keyboardist Luke Crown, 18, and singer Naomi Simon, 19, prepared for a concert in May.
Luke Crown described the school as a unique place to study popular music at an intensive level. Naomi Simon said it had already provided her with a major opportunity, having performed in a choir supporting Raye on a recent album. She added that the absence of fees made such opportunities accessible to students from less affluent backgrounds.
The school receives about 80% of its funding from the state, with the remainder coming from private supporters, according to headmaster Stuart Worden. He said access to the arts should not depend on financial means and emphasised the importance of diverse voices in creative industries.
Founded in the early 1990s in Croydon, south London, the school has operated for more than three decades. Its reception area displays images of former students working across the entertainment sector, from film production to major international events.
Chris McInnes said many former students remain active in the industry years after leaving. He recently organised a reunion of graduates from a decade ago and noted that many continue to build careers regardless of their level of fame.
Several high-profile alumni have spoken positively about their time at the school. Adele described it in a 2022 BBC Radio 4 interview as “such a melting pot of every single type of teenager” and “absolute heaven”. During the 2020 lockdown, Tom Holland delivered online acting classes for students from his home.
Teachers emphasise both talent and professionalism. Chris McInnes said students are encouraged to be reliable, respectful and collaborative, noting that personal conduct is as important as ability in the industry.
Students are also required to explore a range of artistic styles rather than focus on a single genre. Staff recall standout moments from former pupils, including Adele’s performance at an end-of-year show, which left a lasting impression on audiences.
The BRIT School continues to combine academic study with creative training, positioning itself as a leading pathway for young people seeking careers in music, film and the wider arts.
