Planning permission secures future of Birmingham school for vulnerable students

A Birmingham charity helping students reclaim missed chances at higher education has secured its Edgbaston base, thanks to retrospective planning permission backed by Marrons’ expert support.

Scholars School System – a registered charity and project of the UK Curriculum and Accreditation Body – provides education and career development opportunities to students from diverse and, often, disadvantaged backgrounds.

The charity moved into four floors of a high-rise building in Hagley Road with planning permission for office space and some educational use in 2023. However, as the facility continued to grow – enrolling more students and employing additional staff – a full change of use was required.

Shazina Taimoor, operations manager at Scholars School System, said: “We are absolutely delighted retrospective planning permission has been granted, allowing us to continue our important work in this vital location. We are proud to empower individuals and create opportunities for real, positive change in Birmingham and beyond.

“Our mission to provide equal access to quality education remains at the heart of everything we do. This decision ensures we can continue to offer a nurturing environment where students gain not only academic qualifications but also the skills and confidence they need to succeed in their careers.”

Sachin Parmar, planning director at Marrons, who led the proposals, said: “Scholars School System’s work is having a lasting impact on individuals and the local economy. We’re proud to have helped secure the future of such a remarkable educational institution that’s contributing significantly to the social and economic fabric of the area.”