On 3rd December 2015, Secretary of State for Education, Nicky Morgan MP, officially opened the University of Birmingham School. The School, the first of its kind in the UK, opened its doors to Year 7 and Year 12 pupils in September 2015. Chair of Governors, Michael Clarke, and University of Birmingham Registrar and Secretary, Lee Sanders, spoke at the official opening, welcoming Ms Morgan and thanking staff and students for their work in establishing the school as one of the leading schools in the City of Birmingham.

Officially opening the School, Ms Morgan said that the ‘work that sets this school off is its emphasis on character, the character and virtues that Professor James Arthur has championed at the University of Birmingham.‘

School Principal Michael Roden spoke to guests about the successes that the School has achieved already, including over 10 applications per place for Year 7 intake in September 2016.

Guests at the opening were treated to speeches from pupils, including members of the debating team, Year 7 pupils who performed a spoken word piece, and Year 12 pupils who spoke about the focus on character that runs through the curriculum.