Kate Nash defends Brit School

Kate Nash has denied claims that the Brit School is full of "bratty wannabes".

The singer spoke out after walking away with the Best Female Solo Artist award at Wednesday night's Brits.

Critics accused organisers of deliberately highlighting graduates of the school, which benefits financially from the awards ceremony, and questioned whether Kate and Critics' Choice winner Adele had been given an unfair advantage.

"It stops kids getting into drugs and violence and gives them something to focus on," Kate told the Daily Star. "I'm so glad I went there. It's a free school and not full of bratty, bitchy wannabe-famous kids [whose] mummy and daddy have paid for them to get on TV."

Asked about her win, she replied: "I'm really happy. Winning has cemented something for me. It was the award I most hoped to have a chance of winning. It's a special category but I think I connect with people 'cos I have a sense of humour in what I write."