From September 1, every school in England will get individual attendance targets. The Department for Education will contact schools that miss them. Education minister Paul Waugh says every school has a role to play.
Grace Matthews, 19, who lost most of her hands and legs to meningitis, won Channel 4's The Piano at Birmingham Symphony Hall, bringing the audience to tears.
Archbishop Ilsley Catholic School and Moseley School will begin September in special measures after Ofsted found both failing to provide an acceptable standard of education.
Smestow School in Wolverhampton, once rated among worst in UK, celebrates huge exam improvement with grade 5 passes in English and maths up from 31% to 47%.
West Bromwich Albion have paid tribute to former midfielder Quevin Castro, who has died at the age of 25. The club expressed devastation and offered condolences to his family and friends.
A West Midlands university has hit back at claims its degree courses are 'pointless', defending their value and student outcomes.
Morrisons will open 1,000 fully-funded apprenticeships in September, offering young people a two-year path into retail management and craft roles.
E-ACT Shenley Academy scored 13/40 in The Telegraph's school rankings, among Birmingham's worst. Yet Ofsted found pupils happy and safe, with a new headteacher driving change.
Essex women's cricket players launch monthly YouTube storytelling sessions to boost literacy among primary pupils during the National Year of Reading.
Prime officially renews Sterling Point for season 2. Creator Megan Park teases deeper storylines. Expected release mid-to-late 2027. Cast likely returns.
Planning consent secured for a new single-storey teaching block at Buarth y Capel in Ynysybwl, with six classrooms, solar panels, and a new car park. The project is due for completion by the end of 2027.
SIPPs are popular but complex. AJ Bell research reveals common questions on contributions, access, tax, transfers, and costs—here's what you need to know.
Sandwell ranked 10th worst in England for GCSE grade 7 or above at 13.1%, new data reveals. Stoke-on-Trent was 8th worst at 11.9%.
Eloise Bakewell, 21, graduated from Edge Hill University with a BSc in Psychology and plans to pursue a Primary PGCE, crediting volunteering and a trip to India for her newfound confidence.
Students across the Black Country achieved outstanding GCSE results, with many securing top Grade 9s, reflecting hard work and resilience after pandemic disruptions.
West Grantham C of E Secondary Academy students celebrate GCSE results, with Srihari Manimaran achieving nine 9s and distinctions, and the school noting above-average progress across subjects.
The Ramsey Academy in Halstead achieves its strongest GCSE results since before Covid, with a 23% rise in Grade 5+ in English and maths, marking a major improvement journey.
Notley High School in Braintree has achieved its best-ever GCSE results, with a 10% rise in students gaining Grade 5 or above in English and maths, and top students securing scholarships and Cambridge dreams.
Magnus C of E Academy GCSE results are the strongest in a decade, with a 15% increase in top English and Maths grades and multiple subjects above 90% pass rate.
Chase High School in Westcliff celebrates a 10% increase in Grade 4 and above in triple science, with top students achieving multiple Grade 9s and 8s.
The Hart School in Rugeley reports record GCSE results, with more students earning Grade 8s and 9s than ever before, including 47 Grade 9s in photography and strong English passes.
Birmingham pupils celebrate GCSE results on August 20, with King Edward VI High School for Girls reporting 87% of students took at least 10 GCSEs and one achieved 12 straight grade 9s.
Mayflower High School in Billericay reports a 3% increase in GCSE English and maths passes at Grade 4 or higher, with 7% more students achieving Grade 5 or above.
The Department for Education has written to all mainstream schools with individual attendance targets for 2026-27, urging them to expand extracurricular clubs and enrichment programmes to boost pupil attendance.
The West Midlands recorded the lowest GCSE pass rate in England in 2026, with 68.2% of entries achieving grade 4 or above, according to official data.
Lisa Capper MBE, CEO of Sandwell College, advises students on GCSE results day to stay calm, explore all options, and avoid panic decisions.
The Department for Education confirms action to reduce compulsory GCSE resits in England after a UCL study found they harm teenagers' mental wellbeing.
Birmingham pupils receive GCSE results today. Education experts urge students not to compare grades, as grade boundaries shift and freebies are offered across the region.
The Department for Education has confirmed school absence rules for illness from September, with each mainstream state school receiving a specialised target as illness accounts for 50% of missed days.
Wolverhampton Wanderers have completed the permanent signing of Welsh international midfielder Jordan James from Birmingham City, the club announced on Monday.