This year included the first ever graduates of MAs in Dance Theatre Practice and Performing Arts Educationas well as two students who originally started on LIPA’s 4:19 courses for young people.

Principle Mark Featherstone-Witty said: “When Paul and I created LIPA, there was no substitute for learning from the best. And by ‘the best’, we meant those who had done or were doing their work at a high level.

“Aside from our teachers who have done what they now teach, performing arts luminaries have been good enough to make their way here.

“This year we are delighted to recognise contributions from our new LIPA Companions and thank all of those who gave masterclasses.”

David Hutchinson, 21, from Stirling in Scotland, graduated with a 2.1 in Performing Arts and was chosen for a Philip Holt Award on recommendation of his peers.

He said: “LIPA has provided me with the technique in my own discipline as well as the desire to explore others.”

Jessikha Ellison, 21, from Wallasey, gained a First in Music, Theatre and Entertainment Managemen as well as the Young Presidents Prize.

She said: “LIPA has been the most fantastic three years I could have dreamed of and I have made some of the best friends.

“I am from Merseyside and there is no way I am leaving any time soon.”

Companions are selected from people in the music and arts industries who have had previous involvement with LIPA.

Many of them have held master classes for students of Liverpool’s Mount Street fame school.

Young, who shot to fame as the singer who stood up to Simon Cowell during Pop Idol in 2002, gave a talk there earlier this year when he visited Liverpool to perform a concert at the neighbouring Philharmonic Hall.

Since taking part in the TV reality show he has performed four sell-out tours and released four platinum albums, with his first double A-side single Evergreen/Anything Is Possiblebecoming the fastest selling debut in UK chart history.

As well as his acting role in the BBC film Mrs Henderson Presents, Young also appeared in the Royal Exchange Theatre's production of The Vortex by Noel Coward.