Birmingham schools recognised for outstanding community impact at School Star Awards

Schools from across the city were celebrated at the Birmingham Civic Society School Star Awards, with awards presented during the Society’s annual awards ceremony at Birmingham Newman University in October.

Awards were presented by Guest of Honour Preet Gill MP, Member of Parliament for Birmingham Edgbaston, recognising the exceptional contribution Birmingham’s primary and secondary schools make to supporting local communities beyond the classroom.

Established by the Birmingham Civic Society’s Citizenship Committee, the School Star Awards were created to celebrate, promote and showcase the remarkable work schools undertake to support people in need. Alongside delivering the curriculum, schools respond to the everyday challenges facing their communities, providing practical help, encouragement and opportunities that make a real difference to local people’s lives.

The awards shine a spotlight on this often unseen work, while also encouraging and inspiring other schools to follow their example.

Oaklands Primary School recognised for supporting elderly residents

The first School Star Award of the evening was presented to The Oaklands Primary School in recognition of its community action supporting elderly residents through the provision of grocery hampers for those in need.

A special mention was also given to four-year-old pupil Abrish, who, alongside her mother, prepared twenty full-month grocery hampers for elderly residents in the area. The hampers were then passed to the school, enabling pupils and staff to identify those most in need. The initiative provided children with an opportunity to learn empathy and understand the impact that acts of kindness can have on others.

It was a powerful example of how even the youngest members of the community can make a positive difference.

Olive School celebrated for wide-ranging community support

The second Birmingham Civic Society School Star Award was presented to The Olive School, Small Heath, in recognition of a wide range of community-focused activities.

Pupils and staff prepared hampers containing festive treats, essentials and personal gifts for a number of local organisations, including Abbey Court Care Home, Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice, Hay Mills Fire Station, Birmingham Crisis Centre, St Basil’s Charity for the Homeless, As-Suffa Outreach and Migrant Help UK.

The school was also recognised for donations to its own food bank, as well as collections of clothing for St Basil’s and the Birmingham Crisis Centre, helping to provide warmth and practical support to individuals and families experiencing hardship.

In addition, pupils and staff prepared and distributed 120 hot meals to As-Suffa Outreach, offering nourishment and comfort to people facing difficult circumstances within the local community.

City Academy honoured for student-led food market

City Academy in central Birmingham was recognised with a School Star Award for its Food Market initiative, a project supporting both students and members of the wider community who are experiencing financial hardship.

A special mention was given to Raj Mann, who spearheaded the initiative.

Having grown up in a highly deprived background, Raj was determined to ensure that no student at the school would go hungry. Recognising that, for many students, a school meal may be the only hot meal they receive each day, he helped establish a Food Market led by student leaders.

The initiative receives donations from a range of organisations, including supermarkets and takeaway businesses. Student leaders collect, sort and package the food before opening the Food Market every Friday to students and residents across Birmingham city centre. Demand for the service remains high, with large queues of students and community members regularly attending.

The school is also planning to expand the Food Market to include clothing and unclaimed lost property from the four schools within the trust. These items will be washed and made available free of charge for students, parents and local residents.

Lordswood School for Girls recognised for community commitment

The final School Star Award of the year was presented to King Edward VI Lordswood School for Girls for its extensive programme of community-focused activities.

The school regularly organises food bank collections in support of local charities, including Birmingham City Mission Foodbank and Salma Foodbank. It also operates its own Star Awards programme, encouraging and recognising volunteering activity among pupils who support people in need across the community.

Nominations open for future school stars

The Birmingham Civic Society is committed to continuing the School Star Awards to highlight the extraordinary contribution Birmingham’s schools make to supporting others.

Anyone can nominate a School Star. If you know of a primary or secondary school in Birmingham undertaking activity that deserves recognition, Birmingham Civic Society would love to hear from you.

Nominations can be submitted through the Society’s social media channels or by emailing info@birminghamcivicsociety.org.uk.