Bradford Brit School plans draw reactions from local musicians and educators

The BPI announced in 2023 it will open a Bradford Brit School for 500 pupils aged 16–19, with the first students expected near Bradford Interchange in 2028, and local musicians and educators say the campus may boost performance venues and industry links.

The British Phonographic Industry plans to open a Brit School campus in West Yorkshire that would take 500 pupils aged 16 to 19. The site is expected to be near Bradford Interchange and to welcome its first students in 2028. Local musicians and education professionals have responded with cautious optimism about what the school could bring to Bradford. Discussion focuses on performance venues, education options and connections to the music industry. Key details: - The BPI, which runs London's Brit School and organises the BRIT Awards and Mercury Prize, announced the West Yorkshire campus in 2023. - The planned Bradford site is expected to house 500 pupils aged 16–19 and to open to its first intake in 2028 near Bradford Interchange. - Local musicians quoted include Oliver Ripley, Jake Keating and Josh Booth, who said the school could attract more young people and activity to the city. - Educators and music professionals such as Sam Nicholls noted opportunities for grassroots venues like The Underground and Nighttrain and for links with Bradford Music Service and regional industry partners. - Commentators pointed out that many young creatives currently travel to Leeds or Manchester for specialist study, and the new campus would add a local alternative. Summary: Local musicians and educators say the planned Bradford Brit School could increase opportunities for performance, collaboration and industry contact in the district and city. The project is scheduled to take its first pupils in 2028, and supporters highlight potential benefits for grassroots venues and regional music development. Observers also note the challenge of matching London's concentration of industry resources while maintaining local support and partnerships.