Health for Life celebrates 15 years of healthier Birmingham schools

Growing vegetables, learning to cook and getting active at break time: for thousands of Birmingham families, these habits started in the classroom thanks to Health for Life. The programme, funded by Mondelēz International and delivered by Services For Education, is celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2026.

First introduced in 2011, Health for Life in Primary Schools aims to make a sustained improvement in healthy lifestyles across Birmingham. It works with schools to engage their whole community, embedding healthy eating, growing, cooking and physical activity into school culture and the curriculum.

The reach has been remarkable. As Brum Hour reported following its 10th anniversary, the programme had involved 211 schools across the city and, with its community activities, reached more than 242,200 children and adults. Mondelēz International had invested more than £4.8 million, with delivery in partnership with Services For Education and The Conservation Volunteers.

Anniversaries have a habit of producing lasting legacies here. To mark ten years, three schools received grants. At Elms Farm Primary School in Sheldon, a £5,000 award created a brand-new outdoor fitness area, complete with a cross trainer, used by pupils at break and lunchtimes and by the wider community. "Our students absolutely love the new space already," said headteacher Emma Baxter.

At Hillstone Primary School, a grant created a permanent, fully equipped kitchen classroom, where pupils have been making omelettes, bread and homemade pasta sauces using produce from the school grounds. "Our students absolutely love the classroom," said headteacher Jason King.

Now a new round of support is on offer. To celebrate 15 years, schools that completed the programme in Cohorts 1 to 13 can apply for anniversary funding to develop their Health for Life work further, with three grants of £1,500 and three of £500 available. Applications close on Tuesday 1 December 2026, and projects will be judged on impact, sustainability, inclusion and value for money.

It is a quietly brilliant initiative, proof that healthy habits can be planted early and grow for years.

Schools can find out about joining the programme, and the anniversary grants, on the Services For Education website.