Angela Lowry, the headteacher of cash-strapped Raddlebarn Primary school in Selly Oak, has left her role seven months after an investigation by The Dispatch revealed she had mismanaged school funds. Lowry had been on extended sick leave since October following the publication of a Birmingham city council audit report that detailed unusual purchases, including spending on her therapy cockapoo Hazel, and a failure to produce receipts. Although Lowry initially disputed the story in an email to parents, several filed complaints to the local authority about the findings.
School's Financial Situation Worsens
Parents were informed of Lowry's departure just after Easter, but many questions remain unanswered. Raddlebarn parent Gary Thomas, whose daughter has since moved to secondary school, initiated tribunal proceedings to force the council to release the full unredacted report. In the process, he uncovered "astonishing" details. Department for Education figures show that since the council appointed an Interim Executive Board (IEB), the school's revenue position deteriorated from -£129,000 in 2023–24 to -£405,000 in 2024–25. Spending on "professional services" — non-teaching costs — rose tenfold from £22,000 to £276,000 over the same period, compared to a national average of £36,000.
"I've still had no satisfactory explanation from BCC about why the school's deficit increased to almost £0.5m or why spending on 'professional services' rose to £276K," Thomas told The Dispatch. "These figures are extraordinary. I've asked for an independent forensic investigation of the school's finances but BCC say they have no plans for this."
Council Response
Birmingham city council said it "does not accept" that proper governance wasn't followed. A spokesperson added: "The financial challenges faced by schools are complex and are influenced by a range of factors, including declining pupil numbers, rising costs and historic financial pressures. The purpose of the IEB was to support the school in addressing these challenges and improving its long-term sustainability." Raddlebarn Primary School was approached for comment.
Warehouse in Digbeth at Risk
Meanwhile, the Warehouse on Allison Street, home to Birmingham Friends of the Earth (FotE), Voce bookshop and other offices, is at risk of demolition under proposals to improve railway services. Midlands Rail Hub Alliance (MRHA) last week launched a consultation on plans that could see 300 additional trains daily. Under previous plans, the Warehouse appeared unaffected, but the MRHA now wants to extend tracks from Moor Street and along Allison Street, demolishing the building and community garden to make way for a worksite. FotE CEO Karen Leach urged supporters to respond to the consultation, which ends on 28 August, in favour of saving the building. "After more than 50 years at the location, our priority is to make sure MHRA is aware of the strength of feeling," she said.
Grand Central Glare Causes Smoke
Firefighters were called to Grand Central Station on Friday after the sun reflecting from its mirrored surface caused Lime bikes and scooters to smoke. The glare from the building, which resembles crumpled tin foil, created a hotspot that affected electric machines. After moving them into the shade, firefighters monitored their temperature, which dropped. A Lime spokesperson said the smoke was "not due to an issue with our hardware." Passer-by Aamina Omar described walking under the hotspot as "being hit with some sort of tornado."
Quick Hits
- Birmingham Newman University topped a student survey across all categories combined.
- A man working on construction at Birmingham Children's Hospital fell to his death on Friday morning. West Midlands Police are liaising with the Health and Safety Executive.
- A mural of Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers eating orange chips appeared on the Classic Fryer chippy in Quinton.
- Prince Harry was seen playing pickleball in Birmingham for the Invictus Games; no sign of Meghan or the children.
Media Picks
Sarah Julian explores the legend of the Pigman of Cannock Chase, a rumoured half-man, half-pig hybrid from WWII. A YouTuber explores the abandoned Birmingham City Hospital, featuring art deco lamps and peeling Disney stickers.
To Do List
- Booker longlisted author Sian Hughes discusses her new novel 'No Such Thing as Monday' at Waterstones on Wednesday.
- Birmingham Indian Film Festival 2026 runs through 19 July at Midland Arts Centre, Cannon Hill Park.
