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.
Lloyds Bank, with over 28 million customers, has closed 17 branches this November. See the full list of affected locations and the wider trend of UK bank branch closures.
The executive headteacher of two Birmingham nursery schools is absent as the council conducts a confidential internal process. Both schools remain open.
Discount retailer Poundland announces 68 store closures across December and early 2026, affecting around 1,000 staff. Full list of locations and reasons behind the restructuring revealed.
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.
Poundland is shutting around 30 branches as part of a major restructuring. See the full list of locations closing in December and January, including Melton Mowbray and Bexhill.
More than 500 bank branches have disappeared from British high streets in 2025. See the full list of closures and check your area with our interactive map.
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.
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.
Lloyds Banking Group announces 44 branch closures for 2026 as customers move online. Find the full list and see what support will be available for affected communities.
Lloyds Bank confirms 40 branch closures in 2026, including Birmingham's Harborne, citing a shift to digital banking. See the full list of affected locations.
Halifax announces 14 bank branch closures across the UK in 2026, citing a shift to digital banking. Birmingham's Bearwood branch among those shutting. Full list inside.
NatWest is closing six high street branches on December 31, 2025, citing a shift to digital banking. Community pop-ups and mobile services will support affected customers. See the full list.
Poundland is closing five more shops across the UK this month, launching 'everything must go' sales. Find out the full list of locations and closing dates here.
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.
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.
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.
Plan your journeys as National Highways announces overnight closures on the M6, M5, and M42 this week for essential maintenance. Check the full schedule here.
Congleton High School in Cheshire is closed for a deep clean following a flu-like illness outbreak causing high student absences. Remote learning is in place.
Alconbury C of E Primary School receives a £1,500 donation from David Wilson Homes to fund its new forest school area, enhancing outdoor learning for pupils.
A 15-year-old boy has tragically died after becoming unwell on a school bus in Dunfermline. Police are investigating the unexplained death as the school offers support.
Endeavour School in Brentwood faces disruption as a DfE construction project fails. MP Alex Burghart vows to intervene. Support local festive businesses.
Royal expert Jennie Bond reveals Prince George's secondary school for 2026 is likely decided. Discover how Kate Middleton balances royal duties with parenting.
Poundland announces the closure of 16 stores in England by the end of 2025 as part of a major restructure. Full list of locations and dates revealed.
Scope charity shop chain closes two more UK branches this week, adding to over 50 closures this year. Discover the impact on communities and the charity's future.
Five people, including three teenagers, hospitalised after a chemical spill at Biddulph High School. Emergency services secure the site. Read the latest updates.