Recent food hygiene inspections have revealed that seven Birmingham schools are failing to meet required standards. Conducted by local authorities and published on the Food Standards Agency website, these inspections assess schools on a scale from 0 to 5. Any score below 3—considered satisfactory—is classified as a failure.
While most Birmingham schools passed their hygiene checks, these seven have been identified as needing significant improvement as of June 18, 2026.
The schools, their locations, hygiene ratings, and latest inspection dates are as follows:
- Boldmere Junior School, Cofield Road, B73 5SD: Rating 2 (Dec 3, 2025)
- Bordesley Village Primary School, Emmeline Street, B9 4NG: Rating 1 (May 12, 2026)
- Cofton Primary School, Wootton Road, B31 4ST: Rating 2 (Sept 15, 2025)
- Colmers Farm Primary School, Leybrook Road, B45 9PB: Rating 2 (June 18, 2025)
- Harper Bell School, 29 Ravenhurst Street, B12 0EJ: Rating 1 (Apr 30, 2026)
- Mapledene Primary School, Mapledene Road, B26 3XE: Rating 2 (Sept 18, 2024)
- Welford Primary School, Welford Road, B20 2BL: Rating 1 (Sept 21, 2023)
In response to the inspections, caterers at some affected schools have outlined the steps being taken to address concerns. Bordesley Village Primary School’s caterers confirmed immediate corrective actions have been implemented and an Environmental Health Officer (EHO) review is forthcoming.
Cofton Primary School’s catering management acknowledged that food handling issues caused their low rating. They reported swift action to resolve the problems, including a management change, and are awaiting a reinspection.
Colmers Farm Primary School identified food handling and allergen control as their main issues. They improved fridge capacity by purchasing new equipment and introduced stricter processes to monitor allergen awareness. A follow-up visit from an EHO confirmed progress, and a reinspection has been requested.
Attempts to obtain comments from Boldmere Junior, Harper Bell, Mapledene Primary, and Welford Primary schools were made with no response at the time of publication.
These ratings serve as a crucial reminder of the importance of maintaining high standards in school food hygiene to safeguard the health of children.