Preet Kaur Gill MP congratulates local schools for recognition from Education Secretary

Preet Kaur Gill MP visits one of the commended schools, Lordswood Boys’ school

• 12 schools in Edgbaston have been identified as amongst best in country for supporting achievement of disadvantaged pupils.

• These schools are encouraged to share their best practice to set up every child in Birmingham Edgbaston to achieve and thrive.

• The government to build on progress in schools and drive national renewal.

Today (9^th February), Preet Kaur Gill, MP for Birmingham Edgbaston, has congratulated 12 schools in her constituency on their ‘excellent outcomes’ for disadvantaged pupils, ranking in the top quartile nationally.

The schools commended include:

·       Barford Primary School, North Edgbaston

·       City Road Primary School, North Edgbaston

·       St Paul's School for Girls, North Edgbaston

·       Chad Vale Primary School, Harborne

·       St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Harborne

·       King Edward VI Lordswood School for Girls, Harborne

·       Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Primary School, Harborne

·       Lordswood Boys' School, Harborne

·       Hillcrest School and Sixth Form Centre, Bartley Green

·       St Peter's Catholic Primary School, Bartley Green

·       Lift Four Dwellings Primary, Quinton

·       Woodhouse Primary Academy, Quinton

Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, wrote to the headteachers, to congratulate staff and pupils on their dedication and hard work to deliver high attainment in the 2024/25 academic year.

It comes as the government seeks to strengthen its Universal RISE programme, a service providing high-quality resources, promoting effective practice and facilitating collaboration to create a self-improving school system.

Last year saw significant improvement in schools, with crumbling buildings rebuilt, more teachers in classrooms, and attendance recovering across the country.

But with more to do, the Education Secretary has asked the schools to support the work of West Midlands’ RISE networks, partnering with other schools across Birmingham Edgbaston and continue their focus on disadvantaged pupils.

Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, said: “Congratulations to the teams at the 12 schools in Edgbaston.

The schools’ performances place them among the very best nationally, and this is a significant achievement.

 “This success reflects the dedication of the staff and the hard work of pupils. It shows what can be achieved when ambition and commitment come together.

“The schools’ achievements demonstrate what is possible, and I look forward to working with the team as we strive together to raise standards for all.”

Preet Kaur Gill MP for Birmingham Edgbaston, said: “As a former children’s services manager in the city, I know how much educational outcomes matter and how transformative great schools can be in a child’s life. No child should ever be written off or left behind.

“I’m incredibly proud of the work these 12 schools are doing. This recognition reflects the dedication of their staff, leaders and communities, and the difference they are making for children every single day.

“As the MP for Birmingham Edgbaston, I look forward to working closely with our schools to share best practice locally and ensure every child, whatever their background, gets the best possible start in life.”

It comes ahead of the upcoming Schools White Paper, which will set out how the Government will change schools to set up every child to achieve and thrive, including pupils with SEND and white working class children.