Brocks replaces Harborne Kitchen as UCB training restaurant
Brocks, a University College Birmingham training restaurant, will open at the former Harborne Kitchen site, headed by ex-Simpsons chef Matt Nicholls.
Category : Education
Birmingham schools issue 9,697 term-time holiday fines
Birmingham schools issued 9,697 term-time holiday fines this year, with 2,590 in July. A new government attendance crackdown could increase penalties.
Rod Stewart Final Encore 2027: Birmingham date and tickets
Sir Rod Stewart announces his final tour, The Final Encore, with a Birmingham show at Utilita Arena on May 4, 2027. Tickets go on sale October 2.
New Vocational GCSEs confirmed with 2029 start date
The Labour government has confirmed new Vocational GCSEs will replace Technical Awards, with first subjects available from September 2029, alongside a core of English, maths and science.
Birmingham schools trust £10m in debt to be split into seven
The Arthur Terry Learning Partnership, £10m in debt, will be split into seven smaller trusts after a DfE deal, following strikes at 20 schools.
Birmingham school opens nursery for two-year-olds
Lift Four Dwellings Primary in Quinton opens 'The Nest', a new nursery for two-year-olds, with outdoor play and early learning, funded by government money.
Severn Trent welcomes 168 apprentices and graduates
Severn Trent has welcomed 168 new apprentices and graduates, its largest-ever graduate intake, with 68 graduates and 100 apprentices across 40 programmes.
Sian Brooke: Blue Lights role increased police respect
Lichfield-born actress Sian Brooke says playing officer Grace Ellis in BBC's Blue Lights gave her greater respect for police, as series four premieres September 29.
HMRC to start paying £70 average pension top-ups
HMRC will begin paying lower earner pension top-ups from 2024/25 tax year over coming months, with average £70 annual payments for around one million people.
Birmingham schools to limit sausages and serve vegetables in every meal
Birmingham schools must cut sugary desserts, limit fried foods, and add vegetables to every main meal under new national school food standards from September 2027.
School changes meal deals after prices double
Crestwood School in Kingswinford introduces new package deals and removes high-priced items after parents and a councillor complained about doubled meal prices.
Birmingham tops West Midlands school rankings, 31st nationally
Birmingham ranks highest in the West Midlands for school quality but places 31st nationally, with 74.6% of pupils achieving grade 5 or above in English and maths.
Leicester Shine Night Walk 2026: 10k route, landmarks, 30% off
Cancer Research UK’s Shine Night Walk returns to Leicester on October 17, 2026, with a 10k route past landmarks like Leicester Cathedral. Early sign-ups get 30% off with code SNWAUG26.
Raisins vs sultanas vs currants: differences explained
Raisins, sultanas and currants are not the same. Each dried grape has unique flavour, texture and baking uses. Learn the key differences and best ways to use them in your kitchen.
School uniform crackdown confirmed by Andy Burnham
Andy Burnham confirms new school uniform rules in England, closing a loophole on branded items. Caps: three items for primary, four for secondary pupils.
State Pension Age Rise to 67: Who Is Affected?
The UK state pension age is rising to 67 by April 2028. People born after April 1961 will wait longer to retire, affecting millions in their 50s and early 60s.
Birmingham school demolition plans recommended for approval
Birmingham Council recommends approving Welsh House Farm School demolition and rebuild, citing significant benefits outweighing limited adverse impacts.
Schools to crack down on term-time holiday fines
Schools in England will enforce term-time holiday fines more strictly after the Government set individual attendance targets, meaning parents face higher risk of penalties this year.
£395 State Pension Rise for Pre-2016 Retirees
Basic state pension set to rise by £395 to £10,010 from April 2027, driven by 4.1% wage growth under the triple lock, as confirmed in the October Budget.
Wolverhampton schools get £2m for 200 new pupil places
City of Wolverhampton Council is spending over £2m to create 200 new pupil places, with £1.725m approved for extensions at Moreton School and Aldersley High School to meet rising demand.
JLR launches first fully electric Range Rover in Solihull
JLR has unveiled the Range Rover Electric, its first fully electric luxury SUV, built at its Solihull plant with new battery lines and staff reskilling.
Six new school rules in England from September 2026
From September 2026, six new school rules take effect in England, including attendance targets, free school meals expansion, and a cap on branded uniform items, saving parents up to £50.
West Midlands schools get new 'exceptional' Ofsted ratings
Five West Midlands schools start September with Ofsted's highest 'exceptional' ratings, including E-ACT North Birmingham Academy and Queen Mary's High School.
will.i.am in tears hailing Sir Tom Jones a 'gift' on The Voice
will.i.am broke down in tears on The Voice UK, calling Sir Tom Jones a 'gift' as the 85-year-old singer reflected on his enduring voice.
Birmingham tops West Midlands GCSE table, Wolverhampton 57th
Birmingham ranks 26th nationally with 74.6% GCSE grade 5+ passes, leading the West Midlands. Wolverhampton places 57th of 70 cities with 69.9%, according to new data.
Birmingham school term dates 2026-2027 revealed
Birmingham City Council schools start autumn term on 1 September 2026. See full term dates, half-term breaks and Easter holidays for 2026-2027 across the West Midlands.
Shard End novelist Keiran Goddard on film adaptation and homecoming
Keiran Goddard's novel 'I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning' was adapted into a film that won the Audience Award at Cannes. The film was shot in Shard End, where Goddard grew up, and premieres in the UK in December.
Mike Tapp MP: GCSE results don't define success
Mike Tapp MP congratulates Dover and Deal students on GCSE results, highlighting improved outcomes and alternative routes like apprenticeships and V Levels for all.
Stoke-on-Trent 8th worst in England for GCSE results
Stoke-on-Trent ranked eighth worst in England for GCSE results, with just 11.9% achieving grade 7 or above, data shows.
Morrisons to hire 1,000 apprentices in DWP-backed scheme
Morrisons will take on 1,000 apprentices by 2030 under the Proper Jobs: Fresh Start Programme, starting September, in partnership with the DWP.
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