West Midlands' Best Secondary Schools for 2026 Revealed
The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide has ranked the top secondary schools in the West Midlands for 2026. Discover which schools in Birmingham, Solihull, and Stratford made the prestigious lists.
The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide has ranked the top secondary schools in the West Midlands for 2026. Discover which schools in Birmingham, Solihull, and Stratford made the prestigious lists.
Essex Police announce a zero-tolerance Christmas campaign against drink and drug driving, with targeted patrols and stern warnings about losing your licence, job, and life.
A new Community Litter Hub opens in Wickford, Essex, supporting volunteers tackling litter. In its launch clean-up, over 300kg of waste, including hazardous materials, was removed from just 500 metres of roadside.
Jake Bedson, the new manager of Brentwood Theatre, discusses his vision to modernise the venue and turn it into a creative hub for the whole of Essex. Listen to the full interview.
Discover the top-performing state secondary schools in Birmingham for 2024/25, ranked by Attainment 8 scores. See which schools are excelling in GCSE results.
Students at Mayflower High School in Billericay have been recognised for completing the demanding Duke of Edinburgh's Gold Award, placing them in an elite national group. Read about their community impact and the MP's celebratory visit.
Witham MP Priti Patel visited Vaycay Luxury Travel to donate toys for Home-Start Essex's Christmas campaign, supporting local families in need. Find out how you can contribute.
A former Premier League and England footballer was arrested at Stansted Airport on suspicion of attempted rape. He has been released on bail until February 2026.
Dudley Council faces a £56m SEND funding black hole despite a national budget change. Discover the local crisis and what the future holds for special needs provision.
Dudley Council awaits answers on a £56m SEND funding deficit despite a new national policy. The financial 'bomb' could still push the authority towards effective bankruptcy. Read the latest.
Campaigners call for four-day school week trials in England and Wales to address teacher workload and retention crisis. Could a shorter week boost wellbeing and results?
A mother speaks out after her daughter's manipulative abuser, Charles Benson-Clark, is jailed for 6.5 years. Read her powerful message and learn how to get support.
A shocking report reveals 25 Birmingham families lied on school applications, with places revoked. Council considers a dedicated fraud officer amid rising cases.
Discover the West Midlands secondary schools achieving exceptional GCSE results, including state schools outperforming expectations. See the full league table data.
St Alphege CE School in Solihull achieves top Ofsted rating just years after being told to improve. Discover how leadership and community transformed this West Midlands school.
The Girls Inspired programme in Essex is helping vulnerable young women escape unhealthy relationships and criminality through sport and mentoring. Discover how this initiative creates positive change.
Discover how Nazila Husanovic-Gladwyn uses her lived experience to support families and improve mental health services at Essex NHS Trust. Learn about this vital role making a real difference.
Local author Sylvia Kent returns to Phoenix FM's Book Club, sharing Essex writing groups and November book recommendations. Hear her interviews at phoenixfm.com.
Discover the inspiring winners of the 2025 Billericay Community Awards. These local heroes and businesses were honoured for making the town a better place to live and work.
MP Marie Goldman advocates for a legal ban on smartphones in schools after hearing from teachers and parents about the damaging impact on children's mental health and learning.
Nearly 7,000 Lancashire secondary students explore AI, cybersecurity and robotics through innovative MEGA Hubs programme. Discover how this initiative bridges the digital skills gap.
Hertfordshire law firm HAB Law partners with charities Tender and Dignify, donating £50,000 for 20 educational workshops in secondary schools to prevent domestic abuse and promote healthy relationships.
Discover the six West Midlands schools celebrated in the Muddy Stilettos 2026 guide for their outstanding ethos, facilities, and nurturing environments.
Alliance Manchester Business School celebrates its 60th anniversary by launching a book calling for business schools to tackle society's biggest challenges, from climate change to inequality.
Four Rotary clubs in Shepway have donated £12,000 to local schools over three years, supporting underprivileged children with essentials like uniforms and school trips. Discover how this community partnership works.
Discover the Birmingham and West Midlands schools that shaped famous stars like Ozzy Osbourne and J.R.R. Tolkien. Did any attend your local school?
TOWIE stars Joey and Frankie Essex pay tribute to their uncle Greg Essex following his sad passing. Read their heartfelt Instagram messages.
Two Loughborough Schools Foundation staff ran the Run Leicester Half Marathon, raising over £1,000 for disability charity Menphys. Discover how they smashed their fundraising goals.
Strictly Air Ambulance 2026 is set for March 14 at the Brentwood Centre. The Essex & Herts Air Ambulance charity event features celebrity judges and dancers, aiming to surpass last year's £58,000 raised. Book tickets now!
220 young musicians from South Wales schools delivered a spectacular performance at the Music for Youth Proms. Discover how this initiative empowers the next generation.