Former pupils and teachers 'heartbroken' after Balsall Heath school goes up in flames

Former pupils and teachers were left heartbroken after seeing their old school building in Balsall Heath go up in flames. Dozens of firefighters rushed to the school, previously based in Hertford Street, at around 1.50pm on Monday, April 22.

West Midlands Fire service said yesterday that the inferno had broken out on the first floor and roof space of the 'void school building' which was engulfed in flames for hours. Black smoke was seen billowing into the sky. Clifton Road was closed in both directions while fire crews worked at the scene.

Teacher Dr Sarah Allen said today that the Victorian building was no longer in use - though the school itself still existed as Clifton Primary School where she works. She said staff and pupils had moved to a different site nearby.

READ MORE: Birmingham traffic live as severe school fire forces major road to remain closed

The acting co-headteacher wrote on social media platform X: "We are so sad to see our old Clifton building on fire. There are many of us who have happy memories of teaching here or being a pupil.

"I started teaching here in 1997 and Mrs Hemming in 1995. We have lots of staff children and parents who have memories.

"We are still Clifton Primary School, we just moved into a building round the corner. The old building has a special place in all our hearts."

Former pupil Kamran Shezad said he was heartbroken after seeing the damage caused by the fire. He said: "This is heartbreaking. My local primary school from 1987-91.

"Many wonderful memories of friends, teachers and the iconic building itself. The old Clifton School building has been in my sight my entire life, so this is devastating to see."

Another former pupil who later went on to the teach at the school said online they were "saddened" by the blaze. They wrote: "This video footage has saddened me this evening. I hold such lovely memories of going to the school as a child and later returning to teach as a NQT."

West Midlands Fire Service said yesterday: "Shortly before 1.50pm on Monday (22 April), we responded to Clifton Road, in the Balsall Heath area of Birmingham. Seven fire engines and a hydraulic aerial platform are currently in attendance at a fire affecting the first floor and roof space of a void school building.

"Crews from Highgate, Billesley, Bournbrook, Ladywood, Hay Mills and Aston stations continue to tackle the blaze. They are being supported by drone operations."

The latest update from West Midlands Fire Service was issued at 7.45pm last night. It read: "Four fire engines and two hydraulic platforms remain in operation at this incident as we continue to make progress extinguishing the fire.

"We are working to reduce our resources, and a plan is being formulated to reopen local roads."