BRIT School planned for MediaCity, could be here by 2013

Glee. what BRIT school is like. probably.

Former education secretary Lord Baker has revealed there are plans for a Performing Arts & Technology school at MediaCity, modelled on the BRIT School in Croydon.

The BBC reports that the plan is still in its 'early days', but Lord Baker has said it would be "very sensible" to have a similar centre based in Salford Quays.

London's BRIT School Alumni includes Adele, Amy Winehouse, Jessie J, Katie Melua and Imogen Heap.

Speaking at the BRIT Schools 20th Anniversary, Lord Baker, who is behind initiatives to create new university technical colleges (UTCs) said;

"I'm very hopeful that, under this new type of college, we're going to establish a new Brits School...We've looked at what you've done because you've found a way to make it successful...I hope we might have that going within two years."

He said Media City Salford would be a good location "because the BBC is going there and it's becoming a big cultural centre".

BRIT School, Croydon

There are few details at the moment, although the BBC says the school would be run separately from the BRIT School and could be aimed at 14 to 19-year-olds, like the one in London. (full article here).

The BRIT School in Croydon is funded by the Government with support from the British Record Industry Trust. It maintains an independent status, is selective in its intake, and focuses on education and vocational training for the performing arts, media, art and design.

If the plans do go ahead, the new BRIT School will be in good company - MediaCity is already home to a new Salford Uni base, and Oasis Academy MediaCityUK (formerly Hope High school) should move into its new building nearby in 2011.

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