Stories

Mon, 20 Jul 2026

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 Former academy pupil offers students free haircuts

Razwan Amin set up his barbers after leaving Erdington Academy and wants to help people with the cost of living.
Amin's offer aims to help students' mental health and confidence by providing them with a haircut they wouldn't normally be able to afford. He has partnered with the school's Parent Teacher Association (PTFA) to refer eligible students. The initiative was inspired by Amin's own experience growing up in a low-income household, where he relied on free school meals and struggled to get haircuts due to financial constraints. Amin hopes his offer will not only provide practical support but also inspire students to pursue business careers. "A simple haircut can really help a child's mental health – it raises their confidence and eagerness to learn," he said. The PTFA has praised Amin for his initiative, saying it is helping to address the cost of living issues faced by families in the area. "This link with Razwan is so powerful... he shows them that they can go from our school and make it in the real world," said Nicki Kansara, chair of the PTFA. Several students have already taken advantage of Amin's offer, including his own son Esa, who said it has made him feel more confident. "Razwan went to Erdington Academy and now he's a successful businessman, so he makes me realise I can be successful as well," Esa said.