Croydon school’s principal says success of Olivia Dean and Lola Young is a ‘brilliant celebration’ of free arts education
As the Grammy winners took to the stage in Los Angeles on Sunday night, one common thread emerged: many had once walked the halls of a comprehensive school in Croydon, south London.
British performers Olivia Dean, who won the prestigious gong for best new artist; Lola Young, who took home best pop solo performance for Messy; and FKA twigs, who won best dance/electronic album for Eusexua, all attended the Brit school in Selhurst. As did Raye, who earlier in the week received the Harry Belafonte best song for social change award for Ice Cream Man.
Since it opened in the 90s with a focus on the performing and creative arts, the Brit school has become Britain’s most potent launchpad for global stardom. The list of alumni reads like a who’s who of British talent: Adele, Amy Winehouse, Jessie J, Tom Holland, Leona Lewis, and Loyle Carner are among those who honed their craft within its classrooms.
Even artists who never attended the institution have referenced it, such as Ed Sheeran, who in his breakthrough track You Need Me, I Don’t Need You, cheekily rapped: “I will blast and I didn’t go to Brit school.”
