Next closes all 500 UK stores for Boxing Day
Next confirms a huge change, closing all its UK shops on Boxing Day. Discover which major retailers are closing and which will open for festive sales.
Next confirms a huge change, closing all its UK shops on Boxing Day. Discover which major retailers are closing and which will open for festive sales.
Birmingham City Council announces longer hours at all five household recycling centres from December 21 to January 31. Plan your visit and book online.
Pupils at Larchwood Primary in Brentwood are shaping their school's future as junior governors, digital leaders, and eco champions. Discover how these roles build citizenship.
Malvern College head Keith Metcalfe stars in a hilarious Mission Impossible parody to announce the end of term. Watch the two-minute festive film now!
Discover the exclusive list of Birmingham primary schools rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted. Parents must submit applications by January 15 for September 2026 intake.
The Department for Education confirms a £50m free school in Walsall, creating 1000 places. Windsor Academy Trust will deliver the project, which faces local opposition over its Reedswood Park site.
The winter solstice marks the shortest day on December 21. Discover when your city will see sunsets after 5pm again and the Met Office's snow forecast. Read more.
A planned 150-place special school in Shirley, Solihull, has been cancelled after the government redirected £3bn to create specialist places in mainstream schools. Council leader expresses disappointment.
Sainsbury's confirms Christmas 2025 opening hours and festive Aldi Price Match deals. Find your local store times and how to feed six for £2.30 per person.
Morrisons confirms festive opening hours for 2025, with stores closed Christmas Day. Plus, discover new 'Club 60' café offers providing affordable meals for over-60s.
A teenager from St Peter's Catholic School in Solihull has been arrested and bailed over alleged indecent images. Police and school are cooperating as the investigation continues.
A teenager from St Peter's Catholic School in Solihull has been arrested and bailed over indecent images allegations. Police and school confirm safeguarding is priority. Contact us.
Grimsargh St Michael’s C of E Primary School receives a £25,000 parish council grant to kickstart a £100,000 playground transformation, aiming for a more inclusive, nature-rich space for local children.
The executive headteacher of two Birmingham nursery schools is absent as the council conducts a confidential internal process. Both schools remain open.
The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026 crowns the West Midlands' top state, independent, and comprehensive schools based on latest exam results. Discover which local schools excelled.
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.
UK households can claim up to £10 for electricity used on Christmas Day via Uswitch's Power Hours scheme. Sign up by December 21 to secure the refund as energy bills are set to rise.
Year 8-10 students from Mayflower High School in Billericay excelled at a French netball tournament, gaining professional coaching and building team spirit. Discover their inspiring journey.
Plan your post-Christmas shopping. Aldi, M&S, Home Bargains and more confirm Boxing Day closures. Check the full list of affected retailers and their festive hours.
Pubs in England and Wales could stay open until 1am for the 2026 World Cup under a Labour proposal. The plan aims to boost trade and the economy during the tournament.
The Department for Education has broken its silence on a controversial £50m free school in Walsall, defending its process after criticism from MP Valerie Vaz. Read the full story.
A group of 40 GCSE Spanish students from Mayflower High School in Billericay have returned from a four-day immersive trip to Murcia, Spain. The 'no English' rule saw their confidence and language skills soar ahead of April exams.
Chill Wine Bar in Tettenhall, owned by ex-Wolves defender Mo Camara, applies to extend hours to 1am while council investigates noise complaints. Licensing committee decides Dec 9.
Explore the historic childhood home of Anne Hathaway in Stratford-upon-Avon this festive season. Discover winter opening times and plan your visit to this enchanting 15th-century cottage.
City of Wolverhampton Council approves £2.6m to expand Colton Hills Community School, creating 79 new Year 7 places by 2027 to cope with significant local demand.
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.
Over 320 primary school children in Carmarthenshire have been trained as Young Sports Ambassadors, contributing 1000+ volunteer hours to inspire peers and build active communities. Discover how to get involved.
Tesco's Fruit & Veg for Schools initiative, now supporting over 500 schools, is hailed as 'life-changing' for improving children's health, concentration, and behaviour in disadvantaged areas.
Plan your festive shopping in Birmingham. Bullring & Grand Central reveal extended hours for Black Friday and Christmas, plus special festive events. Check the full schedule now!
Walsall MP Valerie Vaz questions the controversial Reedswood Park free school project, citing accessibility issues and a 'covid VIP lane' selection process. Discover why this £50m investment faces local opposition.