The Birmingham Civic Society’s School Star awards initiative was developed during Lockdown. They were conceived to congratulate, promote and celebrate the truly fantastic work that is being done by Birmingham’s Primary and Secondary schools across the city to help those in real need. These projects are in addition to the curriculum, schools respond to the real and everyday needs of the communities within which the schools are based. We all know how valuable our schools are in community life and this award demonstrates that.
Every year we seek nominations and award school stars to schools doing wonderful things to help those in their communities.
The Birmingham Civic Society are very keen to continue their School Star initiative so that they can shine a light on the wonderful work that Birmingham’s Primary and Secondary schools continue to do to help others in our communities.
If you know of any activity going on at other Birmingham Schools that you think deserves to be celebrated please do get in touch and nominate your own School Star!
Find out more about our School Stars with our timeline of achievers below for each academic year since their inception.
Deanery CE Primary School won the School Star Award for raising nearly £3,000, promoting sustainability, and fostering community through a Junior PCSO scheme, festive postcards, student transition events, and donating over 750 books to children in need.
Find out more about their projects - Deanery CE Primary School
Eden Boys’ School Birmingham earned the School Star Award for running a foodbank, Second-Hand Uniform initiative, and Winter Gift Programme for the elderly and homeless. Students volunteer and fundraise, reflecting their STAR values of Service, Teamwork, Ambition, and Respect.
Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School, led by Mukunth Balasubramanian, received the School Star Award for the ‘Inspiring Minds’ programme, which enhances primary PSHE, supports disadvantaged students, and offers 11+ tutoring. The initiative earned a 2023 GSHA innovation award and received praise from over 140 headteachers.
Bellfield Junior School won a Birmingham Civic Society School Star Award for combating loneliness by hosting events like the ‘Christmas Community Meal,’ where 36 students served food and entertained 50 elderly guests, highlighting the importance of community involvement.
The Jewellery Quarter Academy won a Birmingham Civic Society School Star Award for supporting those in need through the Real Junk Food Project, providing laptops for online learning, and hosting coffee mornings for parents. As a Refugee Welcome School and Beacon for Holocaust education, they raise awareness of issues including antisemitism.
The City of Birmingham School received a Star Award for promoting exercise's benefits on children's mental health. During Children’s Mental Health Week, staff highlighted staying active, culminating in a 21-mile run by a team member to support Place2Be, a charity for young people's mental health, for which he raised £3,500 by running the London Marathon.
St George's School Edgbaston won a Star Award for their ‘Walk, Talk and Support’ initiative during Children’s Mental Health Week. The first walk involved over 50% of the school community and raised £2,175.69 for the Edwards Trust. This successful event has become an annual tradition that promotes mental health and eco-friendly travel.
