The construction of the National Film and Television School (NFTS) campus in Beaconsfield has officially broken ground. This £21 million project is expected to open to students in January 2027. At the groundbreaking ceremony, producer Barbara Broccoli named the school's new building the "Cubby Broccoli Building" in memory of her late father, Albert R. "Cubby" Broccoli, the producer renowned for bringing the James Bond film series to the screen.
Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli said in a joint statement: "Our father, Cubby Broccoli, deeply believed in craft, collaboration and the art of storytelling. It is deeply meaningful to see his name so closely linked with the National Film and Television School, which shares these same values and is dedicated to nurturing the talent of the future. The school plays a vital role in the industry, and we are honoured to witness this important moment in its history."
The newly named teaching building will play a central role in the campus development, providing on-campus accommodation for the first time, enabling students to live on the Beaconsfield campus. The building will contain nine fully accessible, dedicated bedrooms, with all accommodation costs fully covered by the "Access to Living Bursary," which was launched with the support of screenwriter Jack Thorne in June 2025. This campus development will also introduce new courses in costume design, hair and makeup, and virtual production, further expanding the teaching portfolio.
Jon Wardle, Director of the National Film and Television School, stated that the campus development benefits from significant government investment and the generous donations of numerous supporters. The UK government has previously committed £10 million in funding for the project as part of its Creative Industries Sector Vision. Other donors include Banijay, Buckinghamshire Council, Channel 4, ITV, Sky, Sony Pictures Entertainment, among others. Netflix has also donated £1 million for refurbishment, which will establish a "Netflix Lounge" within the expanded campus, serving as a creative hub for student collaboration and networking.
