What a performance: BRIT School pupils rehearsing their lines – Ofsted inspectors found the school to be ‘Outstanding’ in all aspects
After its first inspection for 10 years, Ofsted say the performing arts school in Selhurst has its pupils “set up for success”
The BRIT School is outstanding.
Well, we already knew that the performing arts-focused secondary in Selhurst, the place where the likes of Adele, Amy Winehouse, Jessie J, Raye and Tom Holland all went to school, was really quite exceptional.
Today, the BRIT School has had its status confirmed by Ofsted, whose inspectors rated it as “Outstanding” in all five categories of their latest report.
The Ofsted report is bittersweet, though, as the school is facing a funding crisis, with a multi-million-pound budget shortfall.
“The Ofsted report shouldn’t surprise anyone who has stepped foot into The BRIT School,” said former pupil Jessie J in a note of congratulations for the school.
Good old girl: former BRIT pupil Jessie J
“As soon as you enter you feel the attention to detail, the dedication and the energy that’s poured into the students and the school. That’s love.
“Let’s keep raising money for this wonderful school and its incredible students and teachers. It’s magical.”
The BRIT School was the country’s first state performing and creative arts school when it opened in 1991 (inspired by the Hollywood movie Fame). It now has 1,500 pupils, aged 14 to 19. The school – which has charitable status – “invests in the future of the UK’s cultural wealth by nurturing young artistic talent from all backgrounds and teaching the skills needed by the rapidly growing creative industries”, the BRIT says.
“The BRIT School has delivered above and beyond its remit over its 33-year history and has become world-renowned for its free performing, creative and digital art training.
“Underpinning an arts and core curriculum is a values-led space where young people are given a voice, believe in social action and give back to others using art as a force for good. Last year, The BRIT School ran collaborative arts projects reaching thousands of community members from Croydon to the Isle of Wight, from hospices to local primary schools.”
But the school says there is an urgent need for funding to keep it at offering education this level, with a £3.2million annual shortfall outside of government funding.
‘Set up for success’: the BRIT School has a ‘culture that simulates a professional workplace’ said Ofsted
The Ofsted inspection took place at the BRIT School in November, the first visit by inspectors since 2014.
The school was judged as “Outstanding” by inspectors who said its pupils are “set up for success”.
The Ofsted report says: “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. The school helps pupils to learn together and to develop leadership skills. These qualities are role-modelled by students in the sixth form, who exhibit responsibility, teamwork and empathy. 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.”
‘The biggest of recognitions’: Josh Berger, chair of trustees
Josh Berger, the chair of the school’s trustees, said: “This is the biggest of recognitions.
“It is the highest praise for all of the work and dedication of every member of the team, every student, parent, trustee and supporter.
“I’ve known, since I came here in 2019, that this was an outstanding school and it is immensely rewarding that this has been recognised by Ofsted. On behalf of the board and everyone who supports the school – congratulations. It is a colossal achievement and we want to continue this incredible work of transforming students’ lives.”
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