Monday 5 February 2018
13:20 -13:50
Mark founded LIPA in 1995, with Sir Paul McCartney as Lead Patron. LIPA is small (c.800 undergraduates) and collaboratively teaches all the skills needed to create an event (there are over 50 of these each teaching year).
Despite its youth, LIPA attracts the largest percentage of international students (in relation to size) of any UK creative and performing arts higher education provider, and draws students from across the UK (although there’s a northern strength). Students from 84 countries have attended since its inception, and graduates have won over 80 awards and accolades, both nationally and internationally. 92% of graduates work in the area of their choice four years after leaving.
Mark founded the LIPA Primary School, the LIPA Sixth Form, and now wants to start a high school. The learning journey is his passion. He supports a broad-based school curriculum, which puts him at odds with the EBacc, against which he has campaigned, with many others, since it was announced.
Previously, Mark founded The BRIT School, with Sir Richard Branson as the Project Champion. Once again, this now well-known 14 – 18 school covers skills in performing and making performance possible. Well-known singer graduates include Adele, Katy B, Leona Lewis, Katie Melua, and Amy Winehouse.
Photograph credit: Anthony Brown.