The BRIT School - Ofsted Outstanding In All Five Categories

The BRIT School in Croydon receives 'Outstanding' Ofsted judgement in all categories stating “Pupils love to learn here”.

There is an urgent need for funding to keep it at this level - a £3.2m annual shortfall outside of Government funding - to provide world class training and life-changing opportunities to every young creative.

In November 2024, The BRIT School was visited by Ofsted inspectors for the first time since 2014 for a Section 5 Inspection to see how BRIT delivers its mission to prepare young people for careers in the arts through its unique and world-class curriculum - and for free.

The School was judged as Outstanding in all five categories and reported that “students are set up for success”.

Ofsted said:
“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.”

Stuart Worden, The Principal said:
"Five outstanding judgments in all categories — I'm incredibly proud of all the students and staff at The BRIT School for this achievement. We all live and breathe the values of BRIT. We make uncompromising decisions that enable our talented students to flourish through professional experiences, quality teaching and a safe environment. Our mission has always been to transform young artists' lives because we believe creativity makes the world a better place. The need for this work is growing as is the critical need for funding to deliver it.”

Josh Berger CBE, Chair of Trustees of The BRIT School 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 student’s lives.”

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.

The BRIT School has a keen focus on the careers of our students and ensures the 250 plus productions and events a year are of high quality. Its goal is to set students up for success and Ofsted noted we have "a school culture that simulates a professional workplace" and notes the Production Art course curriculum "follows a timetable that mirrors a professional working day." This course is supported by eight technicians, all experts in their fields and the investment in this area has resulted in an impressive full cohort of students entering work or further education at universities on leaving The BRIT School. The course is also supported by the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation.

At the 30th Anniversary of The BRIT School Andrew Lloyd Webber recorded a message saying:
“The BRIT School is one of the greatest success stories of our culture in Britain today. It’s extraordinary in the breadth of training that it gives and all of the disciplines necessary for working in the arts.”

Notable alumna Jessie J said of her alma mater:
“The Ofsted report shouldn’t surprise anyone who has stepped foot into The BRIT School. 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 School also prioritises pupils’ mental health with a pastoral care team, counsellors and a SEND provision (Additional Education Needs) to support young people. This wrap-around care for nearly 1500 artists is costly on a state school budget and the school is reliant and grateful for its supporters — from parents and individuals to corporates, trusts and foundations.

A parent of a current Year 12 student said:
“Many congratulations to all the staff at BRIT. We are new parents to the school and so impressed with everything about BRIT - staff enthusiasm and knowledge, lesson content, productions, exhibitions, student support and all the industry experience both in and outside of

BRIT plus all the extra info and links and opportunities sent to students and parents in newsletters. It is great that it has all been recognised by OFSTED, fantastic!”

Ofsted said:
“By the end of their time at the school, students in the sixth form are equipped with the industry knowledge and learning behaviours that they need to be successful.”

In a survey undertaken in 2021, the school identified that 60% of alumni were working in the creative industries, with 40% building their careers in other sectors including education, health and social care and business. With a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, the School has 40% of students from Global Majority heritage and 47% from low income households. Globally, students from the School have been responsible for selling a total of over 250m albums, billions of streams and winning 22 BRIT Awards, 21 Grammys, 2 BAFTAS, 2 Oscars, a Laurence Olivier Award, a UK Theatre Award and a London Evening Standard Award. The School has also been awarded with Quality in Careers Award and a Platinum ArtsMark, as well as being recognised as a Heritage Music site with a PRS for Music Black plaque - the first ever given to an educational establishment.

Arts subjects in state secondary schools have declined by up to 26% in recent years which threatens the UK’s ability to nurture young, diverse creative talent and the UK’s creative talent pipeline. The cost-of-living crisis is now making it harder to break into the creative industries. This is why The BRIT School ensures every young person attends for free regardless of their background. However, to be able to continue to provide our world class training, facilities and life-changing care and opportunities to every young creative we welcome, each academic year we must raise £3.2m (the equivalent of £2,200 per student) over and above our government funding. We need support — from industry, individuals passionate about access to arts education, and Government — to remain free and to continue this level of impact long-term.