School admissions are now open for the next academic year. If your child is due to start secondary school in Aug 2027, apply by 31 Oct 2026 All the details you need are here: School admissions Find information about applying for a school place for your child in Leicester.

Women experiencing homelessness in Leicester are set to be counted in a new and more inclusive way as the city takes part in the National Women's Rough Sleeping Census for the first time. Running from 21 to 27 September 2026, the Leicester Women's Rough Sleeping Census aims to build a more accurate understanding of women's experiences of rough sleeping and hidden homelessness across the city. It's being coordinated by Action Homeless on behalf of the Leicester Women's Network, and in partnership with Changing Futures, Leicester City Council, and a range of organisations supporting women facing multiple disadvantage. Organisers say that traditional rough sleeping counts often fail to capture the experiences of women, many of whom avoid sleeping in visible locations because of concerns about safety, violence and exploitation. Instead, women may move between temporary arrangements, stay in unsafe accommodation or remain in abusive situations, meaning they can remain hidden from official homelessness statistics. The Leicester Women's Rough Sleeping Census help local agencies to better understand the extent and nature of women's homelessness and identify gaps in support. Eilidh Stringer, Funding and Communications Manager at Action Homeless, said: "Women's homelessness is too often hidden from view. Many women take significant steps to avoid sleeping visibly on the streets, which means their experiences may not be captured through traditional rough sleeping counts. "This census offers an important opportunity to better understand the reality of women's homelessness in Leicester and ensure that future services and support are shaped by evidence.” Cllr Elly Cutkelvin, deputy city mayor and the city council’s lead for housing said: “We welcome the opportunity for Leicester to take part in this relatively new census, and to support Action Homeless and others with this important piece of work. “Along with our partners, we will use the information it provides to ensure that the services being provided across the city are meeting the needs of women experiencing homelessness in the city, and if they aren’t – what changes or additional resources do we need to achieve this.” The Women's Rough Sleeping Census was first introduced nationally in 2022 and is led by Solace Women's Aid and Single Homeless Project (SHP). Information gathered in Leicester will contribute to national data and help build a clearer picture of women's homelessness across England. During census week, women who meet the census definition will be invited to complete a confidential survey. Findings will then be analysed, providing valuable evidence to inform future housing, health and safeguarding priorities. The project will be supported by homelessness services, outreach teams, domestic abuse and violence against women and girls (VAWG) organisations, health providers, community groups and faith organisations. Local organisations are being encouraged to support it by promoting the census, offering safe spaces for women to take part, helping with outreach activity and contributing to learning and recommendations after the census. It is hoped that the findings will provide the strongest evidence to date on women's rough sleeping and hidden homelessness in Leicester, helping services better respond to the needs of some of the city's most vulnerable women. LCC News - Published on Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Fifteen new recruits have joined Leicester City Council as housing apprentices – including a care leaver, a former member of the Armed Forces, a participant from the Women In Construction scheme and a candidate from Leicester to Work, which supports unemployed people. The new apprentices – who range in age from 16 to 42 - will learn the skills needed to help keep the city’s 18,500 council houses in good repair. They will train as electricians, property maintenance operatives, gas and heating engineers, and an apprentice vehicle technician. Their apprenticeships range in length from three to five years, after which they will gain qualifications and join a team of approximately 300 council craftspeople working across Leicester. Deputy city mayor for housing, economy and neighbourhoods, Cllr Elly Cutkelvin, said: “I’m very pleased to welcome these new recruits from a wide range of backgrounds to the council. We have a large stock of council houses in Leicester, and a skilled and well-trained workforce to look after them. “Our apprenticeship scheme helps to provide a solid skills base and underlines our commitment as a housing provider. It’s fantastic that we are able to contribute to the local economy by offering these quality employment opportunities.” New apprentice Liam Middleton, who will train as an electrician, said: “I Joined the Army when I was 17, where I completed a City and Guilds qualification in electrical installation, then I left and did other things for about 10 years. I applied for a position of electrician apprentice at Leicester City Council because I wanted to get back on the tools and become fully qualified. “The support and career opportunities here are fantastic. Everyone has made me feel welcome, so now I’m looking forward to meeting my mentor and becoming part of the Leicester council team and providing a service to the community.” Assistant city mayor for communities, adult learning, jobs and skills, Cllr Mustafa Malik, added: "We are proud to value and invest in people, regardless of their starting point. By welcoming our latest cohort of apprentices, we continue a strong tradition of developing local talent and equipping them with the skills needed to serve and strengthen our Leicester community." Every year, the city council runs a free Women In Construction scheme to give women who are interested in learning housing repair and craft skills the chance to try them out. Find out more at www.leicester.gov.uk/about-council/jobs-and-careers Find out more about employment opportunities across the city at the Leicester Employment Hub website: leicesteremploymenthub.co.uk LCC News - Published on Thursday, September 17, 2026

The Factory Flyover phase will see 60 metres of new railway built with contractors expected on site early next year. The Great Central Railway is about to embark on the biggest and most complex section of its ambitious Reunification project so far. The award-winning Midland’s heritage line is set to build another sixty metres of brand-new infrastructure at a cost of around £3.5m, as part of its plan to create an 18-mile living transport museum. A tender process has begun which should see a contractor appointed before Christmas, with work expected to begin on site in early 2027. An elevated concrete viaduct above a factory car park and a new bridge across Railway Terrace Road in Loughborough should be in place before the end of the year. “This is a hugely significant moment for us,” said GCR General Manager Malcolm Holmes. “We’re actually building two sections of the Reunification project at the same time. The new bridge and viaduct will add to the three pieces of Reunification already built, taking our total investment in the project so far to £8.5m, the vast majority being contributed by supporters around the world. It’s their passion which has helped us get this far." The Reunification project will restore 500 metres of lost railway track, reconnecting the surviving Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire sections of the Great Central Railway for the first time since the intervening track was torn up in the 1970s. Significant progress has already been made, with a new bridge spanning the Midland Main Line at Loughborough, the restoration of a historic canal bridge and the complete replacement of a road bridge. Once complete, the reunited railway, supported by vintage bus connections, will create a major visitor attraction spanning Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire. It is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to the East Midlands, support around 150 jobs and generate an estimated £250 million for the regional economy over 30 years. Andy Fillingham of the Great Central Railway (Nottingham) said, “Earlier this year we hosted Flying Scotsman and Tornado together and we could see the appetite everyone has for completing the link and running trains along 18 miles. This project was once described as impossible and while there is much more to do, these next two stages, being built at the same time, will prove we are as committed as ever to finishing it!” After the Factory Flyover stages around £18m is required to complete the railway, rebuild locomotive sheds and prepare for the link up. Donations to the project are welcome at www.gcrailway.co.uk/unify where you can also read regular progress updates and videos from GCROFFICIAL on YouTube. FU Media

Leicester’s Iconic Hotel Enters a New Era with Bold Rebranding Under New Management This evening, we went to the hotel's opening launch and were very impressed with the quality and ambiance of the rooms and the food offerings. The historic Grand Hotel Leicester has now reopened after a bold reimagining, as it officially joins The Unlimited Collection. The hotel will become the 8th property to open globally under The Unlimited Collection, joining a growing portfolio of culturally rich, one-of-a-kind hotels in Dublin, Edinburgh, Vietnam, and Singapore. Each hotel in the collection is carefully selected for its unique story and strong connection to its local surroundings. Under the rebrand, the hotel will deliver a high-quality experience, blending theatrical guest moments with the city’s unique character, marking an exciting new era for one of the city’s most iconic properties. Located on Granby Street, the hotel offers a convenient and professional base for business travellers and visitors alike. The hotel is just a short walk from Leicester Railway Station, with excellent access to local transport links, cultural landmarks such as the Phoenix Arts Centre and Turkey Café, and a growing mix of independent shops, restaurants and coworking spaces. As the only 1900s-built hotel in the city, The Grand Hotel has long been a symbol of Leicester’s architectural and cultural heritage, hosting guests such as His Royal Highness The King and Queen Mother, as well as Winston Churchill. Inspired by art Deco glamour and Leicester’s theatrical legacy, the hotel’s transformation will blend historic character with contemporary hospitality, offering guests a deeply immersive experience that honours the past while meeting the expectations of today’s traveller. The building’s Art Deco features and cultural significance in Leicester make it a standout landmark that reflects the city’s rich history. The reopening of The Grand Hotel Leicester will play an active role in the city’s ongoing regeneration, supporting the vibrancy of the city centre while creating new local employment opportunities across hospitality, events and food and beverage. The hotel is committed to working closely with local suppliers, producers and creatives. The hotel features 104 individually designed rooms, blending period character with modern luxury, including two grand and 19 premier rooms, with each space showcasing distinctive design touches that reflect both the building’s heritage and the vibrancy of modern Leicester The hotel also offers extensive characterful spaces for meetings and largescale events, including The Kings Hall, notably the city’s largest historic ballroom, which can accommodate up to 300 guests and is renowned for its art deco grandeur. These flexible event spaces and bespoke wedding services make the hotel a key destination for both business events and private celebrations. Granby Street 73, Leicester, England, LE1 6ES Telephone 0116 214 9257 All Pictures by Leicester Media Online

Young people and their families are invited to attend Leicestershire’s biggest SEND information event of the year. ‘Have-a-go’ activities including ‘emoji cold cookery’, music creation and stone decorating will feature at the bumper event from 5 - 7.30pm at County Hall, Glenfield, on Thursday, September 24. Around 35 different organisations which support children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families are expected to attend. They include groups promoting sports, dance and arts, care providers and the Specialist Teaching Service. Staff from Leicestershire County Council’s Young Carers and Family Help and Youth and Justice services will also be on hand to talk about what they do. Tim Browne, interim director for education, inclusion and SEND said: "We run local offer roadshows throughout the year, but this one is particularly special as there is a real focus on engaging and involving our children and young people. There will be fun activities available, as well as a wealth of information and a chance to talk directly to providers about support services they offer." Further information about SEND Local Offer roadshows can be found at the Facebook Local Offer Leicestershire County Council News - Tuesday, 15 September, 2026

A major new employment support programme has been launched across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to help disabled people, people with health conditions and those facing other barriers to find and stay in work. Funded by the Department for Work and Pensions, Connect to Work is offering free personalised support to people who want to work but need extra help to get there. Currently around 92,500 working-age residents across the area are economically inactive. Of these 36,300 are off work with long-term sickness. Led by Leicester City Council, Connect to Work is being delivered in partnership with Leicestershire County Council and Rutland County Council. Twin Employment & Training and Intuitive Thinking Skills – organisations experienced in helping people improve their lives through education, job skills, and specialised support - have been commissioned to help deliver the service. Connect to Work aims to help people build confidence, develop skills, find suitable employment and succeed in the workplace. Support includes one-to-one advice, job searching and applications, and ongoing support once employment begins. Specialist support is also available for people whose health conditions or disabilities make it harder to find and keep work. Cllr Mustafa Malik, Leicester City Council’s assistant city mayor for communities, adult learning and jobs & skills, said: "We are delighted to be leading the Connect to Work programme which will help people to build their confidence to overcome barriers, develop skills and access opportunities that are right for them. This will creating lasting benefits for individuals, employers and communities. Inderjit Lahel, Leicestershire County Council’s assistant director for adults and cultural services said: "Connect to Work is already showing positive results, with several people securing employment through the county's scheme. Our dedicated team provides tailored support to people looking for work, and to businesses seeking suitable candidates. We look forward to helping many more residents and employers through this programme." Connect to Work is open to people aged 18 and over who want to work and who are disabled, have a health condition, or face significant barriers to employment. In exceptional circumstances, support may also be available to some 16 and 17-year-olds. More information about eligibility and how to access support is available on the Leicester Employment Hub website The programme is scheduled to run until 2030. LCC News - Published on Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Blood pressure monitors can be borrowed by adults for free under a new council initiative launched in libraries across Leicester. The city council has made 100 devices available for loan across all city libraries, and members can borrow them free of charge for up to three weeks at a time. It is estimated up to 24,000 people living in Leicester could have high blood pressure and not know it. Around one in three adults in England are affected by the condition. High blood pressure could cause health conditions such as heart attacks, strokes and heart failure. The condition is treatable through lifestyle changes – such as eating a healthier diet or quitting smoking – or with medication. The free loan scheme aims to encourage more people to check and monitor their blood pressure levels. The equipment is quick and easy to use at home. Cllr VI Dempster, assistant city mayor for health, said: "The only way for a person to know their blood pressure is to get a blood pressure check. People with high blood pressure usually have no obvious symptoms and feel fine, but the condition is a major risk factor for serious health conditions. “Knowing your blood pressure could be the first step to reducing your risk of heart attack or stroke. This free loan scheme aims to make it as easy as possible for people to check and monitor their own levels, quickly and easily at home.” The local scheme has been developed by the city council’s public health team and libraries service to make borrowing a blood pressure monitor from a city library is as simple as borrowing a book. If you’re not already a library member joining is quick and easy too. The new blood pressure monitor loan scheme launches on Wednesday 23 September with a public drop-in at Leicester’s Central Library, from 10am until midday. LCC News - 16th Sept 2026

M&S have now confirmed that they will not be reopening the Food hall store which they had been operating from for more than 16 years. Laura Arnold, regional manager at M&S, said: “Over the past few months, we have been assessing the damage caused by the fire at Thurmaston Shopping Centre and sadly, our store will now permanently close. We know this is disappointing news for local customers and I’d like to thank everyone who has shopped at the store over the past 16 years and all of our colleagues."

A major road has been closed this morning in the city. Upperton Road, Leicester is currently closed between Wilberforce Road and the Roundabout with Western Boulevard due to a Road traffic collision. We have no details on any injuries at this time. Please avoid the area if possible. Pictures Supplied

Police are appealing for witnesses and information after a man was stabbed on a canal towpath in Glen Parva. The incident happened at around 2.30pm on Friday (11 September) on the towpath behind New Bridge Road, close to the junction with Leicester Road. The victim, a man in his 30s, was attacked by two men and sustained a puncture wound to his body and cuts to his arm and face. He was taken to hospital for treatment and discharged the same day. No arrests have been made and enquiries into the incident are continuing. Detective Constable Emma Firmstone, the investigating officer, said: “I’d like to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time and saw what happened. “I’d also like to speak to anyone who has footage of the incident or saw someone acting in a manner that caught their attention. I’m sure there will have been people walking along the towpath that afternoon and anything you can tell us could help us.” You can pass on information by visiting https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ and quoting reference 26*546520 Alternatively call 101. Leicestershire Police News - Published: 12:19 15/09/2026

The Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most Rev Dame Sarah Mullally, visited the Leicester Royal Infirmary on Saturday 12 September as part of a pastoral visit ahead of a special service at Leicester Cathedral. During her visit, Archbishop Sarah met the Trust's Chaplaincy team and chaplaincy volunteers at the hospital's Spiritual Centre before visiting Ward 31, where she spoke with patients and frontline colleagues. Kartar Bring, Head of Chaplaincy at the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, said: "It was a privilege for UHL to be part of the Archbishop of Canterbury's diocesan visit, and we were delighted to welcome her to the Leicester Royal Infirmary. "Archbishop Sarah met members of our chaplaincy team and volunteers, and it was an honour to showcase how our dedicated multi-faith and belief chaplaincy service supports patients, families and colleagues across our hospitals. "Drawing on her previous experience as Chief Nursing Officer for England, she shared valuable insights into the role chaplaincy plays in delivering holistic, person-centred care, supporting staff wellbeing, and the opportunities and challenges facing the NHS." During her visit to Ward 31, Archbishop Sarah spoke with patients and their families, asking about their care, listening with compassion, and providing words of comfort and a place in her prayers. George Taylor, a patient on ward 31, was visited by Archbishop Sarah. Matt Tutt, his son-in-law, said: "George is coming to the end of his life, so having that support network within the hospital means a lot for the family. We were quite surprised that the Archbishop was coming to visit him; it's nice when times are difficult to have that extra support." Before entering ordained ministry, Archbishop Sarah trained and worked as a nurse, holding a number of clinical and senior leadership roles within the NHS. She served as Chief Nursing Officer for England from 1999 and was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 2005 in recognition of her outstanding contribution to nursing. During an address to UHL colleagues and chaplaincy volunteers, she said: "It's important for me to say thank you for all you do. I recognise that what you do is not always straightforward, it is not always easy, but I know that you continue to do it with grace and professionalism and that you continue to make a difference to so many people. "I have always been convinced about the intersectionality of faith and health, and the fact that if someone is unwell it impacts their faith. Also, if someone is recovering, faith can assist that recovery." Following her visit to the Leicester Royal Infirmary, Archbishop Sarah attended a special Choral Evensong at Leicester Cathedral, marking the centenary of the Cathedral and the Diocese of Leicester. The Rt Revd Martyn Snow, Bishop of Leicester said: “It was lovely to see how warmly everyone welcomed the Archbishop over the weekend. There was a real sense that her visit was a source of encouragement to all those she met. At the hospital, staff were clearly impressed by her depth of knowledge and understanding of the challenges they face. “She engaged with patients, chaplains and volunteer chaplains with remarkable ease and warmth, reflecting her considerable experience in this field and her genuine commitment to listening to and supporting those she encountered.”