The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) is a performing arts higher education institution in Liverpool, founded by Paul McCartney and Mark Featherstone-Witty and opened in 1996. It is a member of the Federation of Drama Schools.
The Education Guardian has previously ranked LIPA No. 1 in the UK for several of its degree courses, and it is regularly ranked as one of the top 10 specialist institutions.
In September 2003, LIPA launched LIPA 4–19, a part-time performing arts academy for 4-to-19-year-olds. LIPA established a primary free school in 2014 and a sixth form free college in 2016, both of which are due to shut on 22 July 2026.
Contents
History
Formation
LIPA was founded by Paul McCartney and Mark Featherstone-Witty. McCartney had known since 1985 that the building which had housed his old school, the Liverpool Institute High School for Boys, was becoming increasingly derelict after the school's closure and wished to find a productive use for it; Featherstone-Witty had set up the Brit School in London and was looking for an opportunity to open another school. McCartney and Featherstone-Witty were introduced to each other by record producer George Martin. The process of setting up the facility and the school took seven years and cost £20m.
1996–today
LIPA was opened by Queen Elizabeth II on 7 June 1996, and marked its 10th birthday in January 2006 with a performance at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall and a new book, LIPA – The First Ten Years in Pictures, written by Featherstone-Witty.
LIPA was designated as a higher education institution (HEI) in 2006. As a performing arts HEI, LIPA is attended by the highest number of international students in the UK. LIPA has been awarded the Gold Standard from Investors in People – the only HEI to have achieved this level in the UK. LIPA also has the highest concentration of Fellows and Associates recognised by the Higher Education Academy.
In March 2012, LIPA announced that it had purchased the former building of the Liverpool College of Art for £3.7 million, to expand its teaching accommodation. Building work started on the Art School in 2014, and was completed in August 2016.
Featherstone-Witty resigned as LIPA secretary in March 2015.
In November 2025, LIPA announced it had secured a £2.5 million office to be turned into a new performance and digital innovation hub, scheduled to open in Spring 2026.
Schools
Under the Free School programme, LIPA opened a primary school nearby in 2014, and a Sixth Form College in September 2016. The school is due to close in August 2026.
Academics
LIPA offers 20 full-time BA (Hons) degrees in a range of fields across the performing arts, as well as three Foundation Certificate programmes of study in acting and popular music. LIPA offers full-time, one-year master's-level degree courses in Acting and Costume Design and Making.
A 2017 survey of students who graduated in 2014 showed that 91% were in work, and 83% of those were working in the performing arts.
Companions
LIPA does not issue its own degrees, so rather than issuing Honorary degrees like other British universities, it awards "Companionships" to individuals in recognition of their contributions to the world of art and entertainment. Prospective companions often visit LIPA to give masterclasses to students, or to participate in question and answer sessions.
Companionships awarded by the institution are:
2001: Joan Armatrading +; Benny Gallagher; Malcolm McLaren
2002: Stephen Bayley; Anthony Field; Thelma Holt; Tony Wilson
2003: Barbara Dickson; Anthony Everitt; Nickolas Grace; Andy McCluskey
2004: The Bangles; Ken Campbell (actor); Tim Firth; Terry Marshall; Arlene Phillips; Willy Russell; Jon Webster
2005: Guy Chambers; Robin Gibb; Alec McCowen; Tim Wheeler
2006: Lynda Bellingham; Sir Ken Robinson; Jörg Sennheiser; Terence Stamp; David Stark
2007: Anita Dobson; Alan McGee; David Pugh; Ralph Koltai; Steve Levine; Ben Elton
2008: John Hurt; Trevor Horn; Cathy Dennis; Ann Harrison; Nitin Sawhney; Lea Anderson
2009: Will Young; Joe McGann; Pippa Ailion; John Fox; Richard Hudson; Natricia Bernard; Tony Platt
2010: Alan Moulder; LaVelle Smith Jnr; Dave Pammenter; Christopher Oram; Jonathan Pryce; Heather Knight; Midge Ure; Mark Summers was also presented as an Honoured Friend.
Notable alumni
Leanne Best, film and television actress
Alyssa Bonagura (2009) American singer/songwriter
Gabrielle Brooks, actress
Jan Burton, music producer
Peter Caulfield, actor
Circa Waves, indie rock band (Joe Falconer, Sam Rourke)
Clean Cut Kid, indie pop band
Crawlers, indie rock band
Dan Croll, singer-songwriter
Mike Crossey, music producer and mix engineer
Douglas Dare, singer-songwriter
The Daydream Club, music duo
Mark Franks, singer in The Overtones
Fickle Friends, indie pop band (Natassja Shiner, Sam Morris)
Mads Hauge, songwriter and producer
Kate Havnevik, Norwegian singer-songwriter
Her's, indie rock duo
Dag Holtan-Hartwig, Norwegian singer-songwriter
Lynette Howell Taylor, producer A Star Is Born (2018 film)
Holly Humberstone, singer-songwriter
David Hutchinson, founder and Artistic Director of Selladoor Worldwide