Britain's Most Powerful Launchpad for Global Stardom: The Brit School's Role in Shaping Grammy Winners
The 65th annual Grammy Awards, held in Los Angeles last weekend, saw a plethora of British talent taking to the stage, with several winners having once walked the halls of a comprehensive school in Croydon, south London. Among them were Olivia Dean, Lola Young, FKA twigs, and Raye, all of whom attended the prestigious Brit School in Selhurst.
The institution, which was established in the 1990s with a focus on the performing and creative arts, has become Britain's most potent launchpad for global stardom. A list of alumni reads like a who's who of British talent, boasting names such as Adele, Amy Winehouse, Jessie J, Tom Holland, Leona Lewis, and Loyle Carner.
While it may seem obvious that students destined for greatness are the ones who are going to thrive at institutions like the Brit School, teachers claim that spotting the next big thing is often not about identifying specific characteristics. "I don't think so," says Stuart Worden, a teacher at the school since 1994 and its principal since 2012. "What Olivia, Raye, and Lola have in common is that they all, from quite an early age, wanted to write about the things that matter to them."
This focus on nurturing students to find their own voice is at the heart of the Brit School's mission. As Worden notes, "The next bit is up to them." The school aims to provide young people with the tools and support necessary to express themselves authentically.
One key aspect of this approach is the emphasis on kindness and openness to emotion. "If you allow people to be kind and open to emotion, that creates possibilities," Worden says. This value is instilled in students from an early age, allowing them to develop a strong sense of self-worth and confidence.
The impact of this ethos can be seen in the achievements of past pupils. Former Brit school students have sold almost 300m albums, racked up over 70bn streams across online platforms, and won dozens of high-profile awards such as Grammys, Baftas, Oscars, Oliviers, and Brits.
Worden highlights the importance of diversity within the institution, citing figures that show 40% of its 1,450 students are from global majority heritage, 50% come from income-deprived backgrounds, and a third have a SEN diagnosis. This commitment to inclusivity, he believes, creates opportunities for students who might not otherwise exist.
As Raye, one of the Grammy winners last weekend, pointed out earlier this year during an acceptance speech, "Music is supposed to be about telling people that they're not alone." The Brit School's focus on nurturing unique voices and perspectives ensures that its alumni are well-equipped to share their stories with the world.
The 65th annual Grammy Awards, held in Los Angeles last weekend, saw a plethora of British talent taking to the stage, with several winners having once walked the halls of a comprehensive school in Croydon, south London. Among them were Olivia Dean, Lola Young, FKA twigs, and Raye, all of whom attended the prestigious Brit School in Selhurst.
The institution, which was established in the 1990s with a focus on the performing and creative arts, has become Britain's most potent launchpad for global stardom. A list of alumni reads like a who's who of British talent, boasting names such as Adele, Amy Winehouse, Jessie J, Tom Holland, Leona Lewis, and Loyle Carner.
While it may seem obvious that students destined for greatness are the ones who are going to thrive at institutions like the Brit School, teachers claim that spotting the next big thing is often not about identifying specific characteristics. "I don't think so," says Stuart Worden, a teacher at the school since 1994 and its principal since 2012. "What Olivia, Raye, and Lola have in common is that they all, from quite an early age, wanted to write about the things that matter to them."
This focus on nurturing students to find their own voice is at the heart of the Brit School's mission. As Worden notes, "The next bit is up to them." The school aims to provide young people with the tools and support necessary to express themselves authentically.
One key aspect of this approach is the emphasis on kindness and openness to emotion. "If you allow people to be kind and open to emotion, that creates possibilities," Worden says. This value is instilled in students from an early age, allowing them to develop a strong sense of self-worth and confidence.
The impact of this ethos can be seen in the achievements of past pupils. Former Brit school students have sold almost 300m albums, racked up over 70bn streams across online platforms, and won dozens of high-profile awards such as Grammys, Baftas, Oscars, Oliviers, and Brits.
Worden highlights the importance of diversity within the institution, citing figures that show 40% of its 1,450 students are from global majority heritage, 50% come from income-deprived backgrounds, and a third have a SEN diagnosis. This commitment to inclusivity, he believes, creates opportunities for students who might not otherwise exist.
As Raye, one of the Grammy winners last weekend, pointed out earlier this year during an acceptance speech, "Music is supposed to be about telling people that they're not alone." The Brit School's focus on nurturing unique voices and perspectives ensures that its alumni are well-equipped to share their stories with the world.
seriously though, it's awesome that they're focusing on kindness and openness to emotion - those skills will take you way further than just being able to sing in tune 
and 40% of students coming from global majority heritage? that's actually pretty cool 
. I mean, look at all those Grammy winners who went through their doors - Olivia Dean, Lola Young, FKA twigs, Raye... they're all killing it on the music scene right now! And its not just about musical talent, the school's focus on kindness, openness to emotion and self-expression is really inspiring 
. I love how they emphasize the importance of finding your own voice and supporting each other. It's like they say, "the next bit is up to them" but with a supportive environment like that, it's almost impossible not to succeed 
. Plus, their commitment to diversity and inclusivity is amazing - 40% of students are from global majority heritage? That's insane! 
They're really making sure everyone has an equal chance to shine.
. It's all about giving students a platform to express themselves authentically, rather than trying to force a certain image or style. The emphasis on kindness and openness to emotion helps create a culture of support and inclusivity that truly sets them up for success.
. By having students from different backgrounds and income levels, they're exposing themselves to different perspectives and experiences that can shape their art.
. And it's not just about the talent itself, but also the values and ethos that are instilled in students from a young age.
I'm loving how the Brit School has been like a launchpad for these talented artists! It's amazing to think about all the successful winners who've come from such a specific school 
And I'm definitely here for the diversity aspect - it's like they're actively trying to create a space where everyone feels welcome 
. We didn't have any of this special programs or focus on kindness and emotion, but we still managed to make music and perform just as well if you ask me! Remember when Adele used to sing at the pub with her mates? That was the real beginning for her talent 
. I think it's great that they're teaching kids about self-worth and confidence now though. But back then, it was all about hard work and dedication 
. Anyway, I'm glad to see British artists killing it on the global stage 
Olivia, Lola, FKA twigs, Raye... they're all shining bright!!! 
And can we talk about how awesome the school's focus on kindness and openness to emotion is? 
The diversity aspect is also everything!!!