Historic day as classes start at pioneering School

The very first pupils to be taught at the pioneering University of Birmingham School began classes today (Thursday) as term started for year seven and lower sixth formers. The School, the first 11-18 university training school in the country, is housed in a purpose-built facility on the University's Selly Oak campus and draws its pupils from across the city. It is academically non-selective for pupils aged 11-16. On Thursday morning, 150 year seven students from Selly Oak, Hall Green, Small Heath and Ladywood entered their brand new building, alongside 200 sixth formers, to begin their secondary education. The School's vision is to create a diverse learning community which reflects the city of Birmingham and transform the lives of its pupils by raising aspirations. Pupils will benefit from a wide range of opportunities, including access to facilities, expertise and research at the University of Birmingham itself. The School will grow to its full capacity of 1,150 pupils by 2020.