Bexhill College: Nurturing Global Music Talent with a Maltese Connection

Imagine this: a school in the UK, nestled in the picturesque town of Battle, East Sussex, is quietly churning out some of the biggest names in music. You’ve probably heard of Adele, the 15-time Grammy winner, and Raye, the rising star who’s collaborated with everyone from Charli XCX to Stormzy. They both hail from this unassuming school, Bexhill College.

But how does a small college in the UK have such a significant impact on the global music scene? And what does this have to do with Malta, you might ask? Well, buckle up, because we’re about to look the fascinating story of Bexhill College and its connection to our little island.

Bexhill College, a state-funded further education college, might not look like much from the outside. But step inside, and you’ll find a musical powerhouse. The college’s performing arts department is renowned for its high standards and nurturing environment. It’s no surprise that it’s produced some of the biggest names in music.

Adele, full name Adele Laurie Blue Adkins, attended Bexhill College after completing her GCSEs at the BRIT School in Croydon. She studied there from 2005 to 2006, honing her craft and preparing for her debut album, ’19’.

Raye, whose real name is Rachel Keen, also attended Bexhill College. She studied there from 2013 to 2015, during which time she started posting her music on SoundCloud. Her talent was quickly noticed, and she went on to sign with Polydor Records in 2014.

So, where does Malta fit into all this? Well, it turns out that Bexhill College has a long-standing connection with our island. The college has been sending students to Malta for work experience and cultural exchange programs for years. Many of these students have gone on to pursue careers in the arts, bringing with them the skills and experiences they gained in Malta.

One such student is Jake Gosling, a Grammy-winning producer who has worked with the likes of Ed Sheeran and One Direction. Jake spent a summer in Malta as part of his studies at Bexhill College, working at the now-defunct 35 South recording studio in Msida. This experience, he says, was invaluable in shaping his career.

“My time in Malta was incredible,” Jake told us. “It was a real eye-opener, and it taught me so much about music and the industry. I’m grateful for the opportunity to have worked there.”

Bexhill College’s influence extends far beyond the UK. The college has partnerships with institutions all over the world, including here in Malta. Local students can benefit from these partnerships, gaining access to world-class teaching and opportunities to study and work abroad.

For instance, students from the Malta School of Performing Arts can apply to study at Bexhill College as part of an exchange program. This gives them the chance to study in a renowned performing arts department and gain valuable international experience.

Back in Malta, the influence of Bexhill College can be seen in the thriving local music scene. Many Maltese musicians have studied or worked with Bexhill College alumni, bringing a touch of that UK magic to our shores.

As Bexhill College continues to churn out global music stars, the question on everyone’s lips is: who’s next? With the college’s Malta connection showing no signs of waning, could the next big thing in music hail from our little island?

, of course. But one thing’s for sure: the future looks bright for both Bexhill College and Malta’s music scene. With continued collaboration and support, who knows what stars we might see rising from our shores?

So, keep your eyes peeled, Malta. The next Adele or Raye could be just around the corner.