About Us

In April 2006, 14 schools in the South West of Birmingham joined together to launch Border Busters.

Originally known as the St. Thomas Aquinas Extended School Cluster, Border Busters was formed in response to a request by the Local Authority for all schools in Birmingham to become part of a local 'cluster' of schools.

The aim was that these clusters of schools linked to local agencies, businesses, voluntary groups and communities, would work together to improve the lives of children, young people and families living and learning in the cluster area.

Border Busters is unique because unlike many other Clusters in the city, it covers a large area. From Rubery to West Heath, Rednal to Bournville, Kings Norton to Weoley, you will find schools who are Border Busters. See a map of our area on the Contact Us page.

The name 'Border Busters' was imagined by Connie O'Brien who was in Year 5 at St. James' Catholic Primary School when she entered a competition to 'brand' the cluster. The name was chosen because it perfectly described our cluster, supporting many neighbourhoods to breakdown boundaries between each other and setting a new precedent for partnership working between schools, families, communities and the agencies who serve them.

Our Mission Statement

Border Busters aim to make a positive difference to the lives of children, young people, families and the wider cluster community by empowering individuals to achieve their highest potential and prosper in all areas of their lives.

We aim to achieve this by:

• Providing a varied menu of activities and study support both in and out of school.
• Providing opportunities for family learning and adult education.
• Providing parenting support and access to quality childcare.
• Encouraging and facilitating access to community facilities such as schools.
• Ensuring the routes of accessing specialist support are clear and simple.
• Ensuring extended services and activities are targeted, relevant and effective.
• Working in close collaboration with partners from all areas of the community in a positive, responsive and friendly manner.
• Supporting and encouraging its community to expand their horizons.