The BRIT School
What we do
School History
At The BRIT School, we believe in the power of creativity to shape the future. As the UK’s leading free school for performing and creative arts, we provide a dynamic and inspiring environment for young talent to thrive. Established in 1991 under the CTC programme, the school is funded by the British Government with support from the British Record Industry Trust (BRIT) and other charity partners and donations.
Based in Croydon, South London, we offer world-class training in Applied Theatre, Dance, Film & Media Production, Interactive Digital Design, Music, Music Technology, Musical Theatre, Production Arts, Theatre and Visual Arts & Design/Fashion, Styling & Textiles, alongside a strong academic foundation.
Our 14-19-year-old students are immersed in industry-level experiences, supported by expert teachers and professional mentors. Whether on stage, behind the scenes, or leading innovation in the arts, our graduates go on to make their mark in creative industries worldwide.
The school's motto is "Once BRIT – Always BRIT".
Are you passionate, bold, and ready to create? The BRIT School is where your journey begins.
Our Mission and Values
Our mission is to prepare young people for careers in the arts.
Stuart Worden, Principal
"We believe in creativity and that young people of all backgrounds should be able to develop their creative talent and craft and make a powerful contribution to society."
Creativity is crucial to the future of our economy and society. For over thirty years, The BRIT School has successfully nurtured creative skills in students from every type of background alongside a robust and full academic curriculum. And it does so for free.
If you choose to come here, you will be given the tools to carve out your career, the space to think and the environment to be you. This is a playground with professional boundaries where the raw talent of 14–19 year olds meets the nurturing expertise of world-class teachers.
The BRIT School revolutionises the lives of its students; just under 100% of all students who have graduated find work in a huge range of creative industries, or enrol for higher education. We are proud to be a Croydon school and equally proud to have national and international friends who support the school with professional and unique opportunities. As the Good School Guide states, “You’ll find BRIT graduates’ words, music, performance, directorial and backstage talents just about everywhere you look, from fashion shows to musicals, national theatre to community arts, in the UK and internationally.” This is a hardworking, fun, passionate school packed with dedicated individuals who love the creative and performing arts and recognise the importance of a thorough and robust education in all subjects. We believe in developing well rounded, articulate, kind and dynamic young people.
BRIT Mission
- To train and educate young people for future careers in Performance and Creative Arts and related industries.
- To provide a comprehensive and exceptional KS4, Post 16 general and vocational education that prepares students for a life in the arts.
- To provide a unique educational approach that has creative teaching and learning in its bloodstream and has a pastoral approach that focuses on the individual reaching their full potential.
- To celebrate the diversity of the educational needs, background, race, religion and sexuality of all within its community.
- To be a role model for other schools and organisations in its community work.
- To develop an active and highly effective alumni and maintain relationships with students beyond their years of attendance.
- To be a great employer and provide a dynamic culture of support for all staff focused on empowerment, skills development, and career progression.
BRIT Values
"I have never been to a school like this anywhere in the world; I think it’s that unique… it’s a very special place."
Tim Cook, Apple CEO
“Pupils love to learn here. From the moment they begin at BRIT, pupils respond positively to the school’s very high academic and behavioural expectations. This creates a school culture that simulates a professional workplace. Within this safe space, pupils know that they can be themselves and that they are free from prejudice.”
Ofsted Report 2024 to 2025
"You’ll find BRIT graduates’ words, music, performance, directorial and backstage talents just about everywhere you look, from fashion shows to musicals, national theatre to community arts, in the UK and internationally."
Good School Guide
The BRIT Family
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The BRIT School for Performing &
Creative Arts, Croydon -
Creative weekend centres working
in partnership with schools