Plans for new showbiz school in the North to find 'the next Adele'

Plans for new showbiz school in the North to try and unearth ‘the next Adele’ announced by ministers with the performing arts academy in Bradford modelled 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 modelled on the Brit School in Croydon, South London, whose pupils have 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 see a ‘pipeline of talent going into the creative industries’, she said. ‘They are growing at one and a half times 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 will be free to attend and open to more than 500 16- to-19-year-olds. It will offer pupils a specialised creative curriculum, including subjects such as dance, music, theatre and production arts.

It has been supported by industry leaders such as Sony Music Entertainment UK, Universal Music UK and Warner Music UK.

Ms Frazer said: ‘We’ve seen the success of the Brit School in Croydon, producing national superstars. I think it is really exciting that we’ve got another opportunity, up North, to do exactly the same.

‘What we want to do is ensure that people can fulfil their dreams, their aspirations, and they’ve got somewhere to do that. That’s what Brit School North is going to be all about.’

Ms Frazer was speaking from Sydney, Australia, where she will be supporting the Lionesses in today’s World Cup final.

Actor Tom Holland, who’s famous for playing Spiderman alongside Zendaya, attended the Brit School

The singer Adele (pictured here at 18) attended Brit School of Performing Arts in Croydon

Adele receiving the BRIT Award for Album of the Year in 2022

Asked what music she listens to, she said that she has an ‘eclectic playlist’, adding: ‘There’s quite a lot of Queen, and quite a lot of Elton John.’

Asked if she agreed with Education Secretary Gillian Keegan, who came in for criticism last week after she told A-level pupils to remember that in ten years’ time, people ‘won’t ask you anything about your A-level grades’, Ms Frazer said: ‘I do think academic study is very important.

‘It teaches you those vital skills that we all need – to process information, learn how to express things concisely. Those are universal skills that are always important.’ West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin said that the school announcement is a ‘fantastic win for the North and supports our ambition to ensure opportunities for all, no matter where you’re 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’ programme. The new schools will target areas in need of school places and opportunities, officials said.

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