Brixton Finishing School has now opened applications for its 2026 Summer School.

The eight-week training programme aims to develop the next generation of diverse talent and equip 50 people with the skills and confidence they need to enter the workplace.

The programme will run in a hybrid format, combining online learning with in-person sessions hosted across London. It will include more than 50 masterclasses, mentorship, coaching and direct exposure to leading industry practitioners.

The initiative is part of Brixton Finishing School’s ongoing mission to address the long-standing diversity issue in the advertising, marketing and communications industry. Breaking down barriers to entry, the Summer School aims to provide new talent with the exposure needed to enter the industry.

Unlike many other traditional entry routes to the industry, the Summer School does not require CVs or cover letters. Instead, candidates are selected based on potential with a focus on individuals from underrepresented and non-traditional backgrounds.

“The marketing and advertising industry continues to face a structural talent challenge. Rising living costs and reduced entry-level opportunities have narrowed access, limiting the diversity of thought the industry depends on to remain competitive. Our programmes are designed to remove those barriers and connect high-potential talent with meaningful career opportunities,” says Ally Owen, Founder of Brixton Finishing School.

At a time when young people are struggling to find work and unemployment has risen above the UK average, the programme addresses the need for alternative pathways into work.

To help provide students with financial support and address practical barriers to entry, Brixton Finishing School has launched The Finishing School Foundation, a sister charity providing financial support to participants not in education, employment or training (NEETs), including living cost grants, relocation assistance and access to mental health and neurodiversity services.

A network of industry partners, including The Trade Desk,  Bauer Media Group, JCDecaux, Edelman, The Romans, Kurt Geiger, Coty, Diageo and Merlin Entertainments, are supporting the Summer School via teaching, mentorship and the creation of dedicated entry-level roles for graduates. In 2025, three in five participants secured employment following the programme.

Breaking down barriers to the industry to build a more inclusive future, the Summer School programme opens the doors to a new wave of fresh talent. 

To find out more, please click here.