A group of our Sixth Form students visited Moseley Road Baths, site of a large re-development project run by Galliford Try, one of the UK's leading construction groups. The Baths are over 100 years old and being re-developed into a community library and swimming pool to meet the needs of local residents, with great care and attention being considered at every stage of the project to preserve this listed building’s history.

Students visited the working construction site to see the different careers in action, meeting Project Managers, Site Managers and Quantity Surveyors. They also learnt about the wider professions in the sector, from commercial lawyers to the designers and architects. Finally they discussed the various pathways into construction careers and weighed up the pros and cons of apprenticeship and university routes.

One of the main aims of the visit was to encourage more students to consider a career in one of the biggest growth sectors in the region. Before the visit only 30% of students were considering a career in construction, but after the visit this had changed to 100%. Every student also said they had discovered there were far more jobs in construction than they had previously thought and agreed they had a much better understanding of the careers and routes into the profession.

Last week, four members of our Tigers group had the fantastic opportunity to take part in a fishing trip at Foxhills Fishery. Archie, Joseph, Harrison and Mohammed were selected to represent the group, and they could not have been a greater credit to themselves and the school.

From the moment we arrived, all four pupils embraced the experience with enthusiasm, curiosity and a fantastic attitude.

One of the real highlights of the day was seeing Harrison, the only experienced angler in the group, take on a completely different role. Throughout the trip, he was a kind, supportive and incredibly helpful leader, regularly sharing his knowledge and helping the others without ever being asked.

One moment in particular really stood out. After Rehan landed a catch, Harrison called across the pool:

"Well done Rehan, that was an amazing catch, mate!"

It was brilliant to hear such genuine encouragement and excitement for someone else’s success. Harrison showed fantastic leadership and demonstrated just how much can be achieved when we support and celebrate one another.

The other three pupils took to fishing like a fish to water - excuse the pun! They embraced every part of the experience, from catching their first fish and helping their friends, to gathering around and cheering someone on when they had a bite. At other times, they were simply happy to sit quietly, enjoy the surroundings and take in the experience.

The photographs really capture just how much the day meant to them. For some, it was the excitement of catching their first ever fish; for others, it was the opportunity to learn something completely new, spend time outdoors and enjoy a different experience alongside their peers.

Days like this are about so much more than fishing. Experiences such as these create lasting memories while helping pupils develop confidence, patience, resilience, teamwork and consideration for others. They provide opportunities for pupils to challenge themselves, learn from one another and discover new interests in an environment outside the classroom.

And, of course, there was one particularly important achievement to celebrate...

Everyone caught lots of fish!

It is clear that the trip made a lasting impression, with Harrison and Archie already organising a return visit for this weekend!

When you see Archie, Joseph, Harrison or Rehan around school, please take a moment to congratulate them. They are extremely proud of what they achieved - and rightly so.

A huge well done to all four pupils, who were a real credit to themselves and to the school.

This academic year brings a new form of competition to Barr Beacon with the introduction of Matrix Trust school fixtures. Throughout the year, our pupils will have the opportunity to represent the school in regular sporting fixtures against other schools within the Matrix Academy Trust. The autumn term sees the introduction of netball for our Year 7, 8 and 9 girls, while our Year 7, 8 and 9 boys will compete in basketball.

This week marked the opening fixtures for our girls’ netball teams, with all three-year groups travelling to Smestow for their first Matrix Academy Trust fixtures...and what an opening week it was...

Our Year 7s got us off to a fantastic start with a 13–0 win. For all of the girls, this was their first opportunity to represent Barr Beacon in a competitive netball fixture, and they did themselves and our school proud. The Year 8s continued the strong start with an impressive 19–2 win. The girls worked brilliantly together across the court, showing excellent communication and teamwork in both attack and defence. Finally, our Year 9s rounded off the week with a fantastic 33–2 win. The girls played with confidence, moved the ball well and worked hard for one another from the first whistle to the last. 

It was fantastic to see so many of our girls representing Barr Beacon and enjoying competitive netball. All three teams demonstrated excellent teamwork, commitment and sportsmanship, with the fixtures played in a really positive spirit between the two Matrix Trust schools. A huge well done to everyone who played and represented the school. Three wins from three is a brilliant way to launch our new Matrix Trust fixtures!

We’re looking forward to seeing our pupils continue to represent Barr Beacon with pride throughout the academic year. If you see any of the pupils below, please congratulate them on their participation and results. 

Year 7 Team: Sundri, Georgis , Rosalie , Simreet, Isabella , Alysha (pictured above in blue)

Year 8 Team: Anmol , Prabjot , Alice , Olivia , Leiyah , Avaani , Ivy , Alannah (pictured above in pink)

Year 9 Team: Demi , Francesca , Ruby , Lottie , Violet , Ayva , Angel , Felicity 

On Friday, we hosted our Macmillan Coffee Morning, and what a wonderful morning it was!

A huge thank you to all of the parents and families who joined us. It was fantastic to come together as a school community, enjoy some delicious treats and raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who attended, donated, and helped make the morning such a success. Your support makes a real difference.

On Monday 21st September, our Year 7 students had the fantastic opportunity to hear from Leah Chowdhry MBE , entrepreneur, charity fundraiser and English Channel swimmer.

Leah shared her inspirational journey, including the determination and resilience it took to swim the English Channel and raise an incredible amount for charity. 

Her powerful message encouraged our students to believe in themselves, overcome challenges, stay resilient and never give up on their ambitions.

A truly inspiring experience for our Year 7 students and a wonderful way to encourage them to think positively and aim high!

A brilliant day spent with our new School Prefects! 

Our prefects took on a range of outdoor challenges designed to develop teamwork, communication, leadership and problem-solving skills. It was fantastic to see them supporting one another, stepping outside their comfort zones and working together throughout the day.

A great start to their journey as School Prefects – we’re looking forward to seeing them put these skills into action and lead by example across the school! 

Barr Beacon School will be holding a series of Open Events for prospective pupils and parents to come and visit us. At our Open Events you will have the opportunity to tour the school and find of what it means to be a pupil at Barr Beacon School. 

Open Evening will take place on Thursday 10^th September 2026 5.30 - 8.30pm

Open Mornings will take place on Friday 11^th September 2026 9.10 - 10.10am and Friday 2nd October 2026 9.10- 10.10am. 

There is no need to book.

Celebrating Pupil Success at Barr Beacon School

We are once again incredibly proud of the exceptional results achieved by our Year 11 pupils this year.

It is always a privilege to celebrate the achievements of our young people, and this year we have seen some truly remarkable performances that reflect the dedication, resilience and commitment of our pupils, alongside the outstanding support provided by our staff and families.

A particularly exceptional achievement comes from Bethany, who achieved Grade 9s in every subject she studied. This is the first time in the school’s history that a pupil has achieved this outstanding result, and Bethany deserves enormous congratulations for this remarkable accomplishment.

We are also immensely proud of Krisha C., who achieved an incredible eight Grade 9s and one Grade 8 — an exceptional set of results.

Our congratulations also go to the following pupils, who achieved an average grade of Grade 8 or above overall:

Mohammed, Daniyal, Marcos, Archie, Cameron, Jamie, Finley, Asiya, Oliver, Freya, Arav, Gagandeep, Olly, and Tania.

We are equally delighted to celebrate the achievements of Rehaan, Eiliyah, Owen, Tania, Saud, Lola-Mae, Alexandra, Reiss and Charlie., who all exceeded their individual targets by considerable margins.

These achievements are testament not only to the hard work of our pupils, but also to the commitment of our teachers, support staff and parents and carers, who have worked together to ensure that our young people have been able to fulfil their potential.

Mrs Hibbs, Headteacher, said:

“I am always immensely proud of the achievements of our pupils, and this year’s results give us enormous cause for celebration. I would like to congratulate every member of Year 11 on the commitment, determination and hard work they have demonstrated throughout their five years at Barr Beacon.

“For Bethany to achieve Grade 9s in every subject she studied is an extraordinary accomplishment and a historic moment for our school. Krisha’s eight Grade 9s and Grade 8 are also an exceptional achievement, and I am delighted to celebrate their success alongside that of so many of their peers.

“However, examination results tell only part of the story. Whatever grades our pupils have achieved, I want every member of Year 11 to know just how proud we are of the young adults they have become. Their journey over the past five years has involved challenges, successes, friendships, growth and countless moments of hard work.

“Congratulations to the whole of Year 11. You have made us exceptionally proud.”

Mrs McLaurie, Deputy Headteacher, said:

“These results are a wonderful reflection of five years of hard work from our pupils and the entire Barr Beacon Community. We are incredibly grateful to our teachers, support staff and parents and carers for the contribution they have made in supporting our young people to reach this important milestone.

“We are delighted that many of our pupils will be returning to Barr Beacon for Sixth Form, while others will begin exciting new journeys elsewhere. Whatever path they choose, we look forward to hearing about their future successes.

“To all of our Year 11 pupils — wherever you go next, please remain ‘on the bus’.”

Congratulations to the whole of Year 11. We are immensely proud of each and every one of you and wish you every success, happiness and fulfilment in the next chapter of your journey.