Platform One is celebrating its 25th academic year of delivering music and creative industries education on the Isle of Wight.
The Newport-based provider was established with a mission to create opportunities for aspiring musicians and artists without them having to leave the Island.
What began with a BTEC National Diploma in Music has since grown into a well-established creative education hub, offering everything from Saturday RockSchool for 12 to 16-year-olds through to BTEC diplomas, undergraduate degrees and Masters level study.
Courses are delivered through longstanding partnerships with the Isle of Wight College and the University of Chichester.
Over the past quarter of a century, Platform One has helped nurture a generation of Island talent, with former students going on to careers in live performance, music production, artist management and video game composition.
Among its best-known alumni are members of internationally recognised acts including Wet Leg, Coach Party, Lauran Hibberd, Champs and Plastic Mermaids – all of whom have helped shine a spotlight on the Isle of Wight’s music scene.
Many former students continue to play an active role in the Island’s creative community. Strings Bar & Venue, one of the Isle of Wight’s best-known grassroots music venues, is run by Platform One alumni, while a number of recording studios across the Island are also led by former students.
Others have progressed into teaching roles in secondary schools on the Isle of Wight, with Platform One also employing a number of its own graduates.
Peter Pontin, Director of Platform One, has said:
“For 25 years, it has been a privilege to support the professional, creative and musical development of young people based on the Island.
“This would not have been possible without our dedicated and talented teaching team, many of which have been with Platform One since the beginning.
“We would also like to thank our academic and professional partners for their valued support.”
Platform One has also played a key role in the Island’s cultural landscape through its longstanding relationship with the Isle of Wight Festival, having worked with the event since 2002 to support emerging artists and provide industry-facing opportunities for students.
Continuing to expand its offer, the organisation launched a Sustainable Fashion programme in 2023, which has already featured 2 runway events and live industry briefs in collaboration with brands including Barbour and FatFace.
To mark the milestone anniversary, Platform One is set to announce a series of special events and activities over the coming weeks, including workshops, industry events and celebrations bringing together students, alumni and the wider creative community.
The programme will also create new opportunities for local bands, DJs, artists and creatives to get involved in events across the Island and gain experience in a variety of industry roles.
Celebrations will culminate in a 25th anniversary event at the end of May, with further details to be announced soon.
One of those degrees that means absolute crap in the real
World. The percentage of jobs is like a needle in an ocean.
What a sheltered attitude