London Challenge was launched in 2003. Ofsted reported in December 2006 that London schools have improved ‘dramatically’ and the investment in London Challenge has helped schools and local authorities. London Challenge has been extended for a further three years to 2011.

The London Challenge is led by Diana Johnson, Minister for London Schools and Professor David Woods, Chief Adviser for London Schools. It is delivered in partnership with schools, the 33 Greater London local authorities, and all those working in education in the city.

Over the next three years, London Challenge will aim to achieve:

London’s outstanding students celebrated at student awards

London’s most talented students gathered last night at the London Student Awards, where winners across seven hard-fought categories celebrated their successes after being presented their prizes by Apprentice star Tim Campbell and BBC London’s Mike Ramsden.        

The glitzy student awards are held annually to celebrate achievement and reward the next generation of writers, scientists, artists and musicians throughout London’s secondary schools. The prestigious ceremony was hosted at the Science Museum by Diana Johnson, Minister for London Schools.  

This year’s winners, announced at the ceremony, are:

  • Music – Puneet Bhachu and Faye Greenwood, who wrote and performed a fun and engaging song about school life, win a recording studio experience, courtesy of Domino Recordings

  • Art and Design – Nilab Follad, who created a movie poster to promote her school, wins a day at a celebrity photoshoot, courtesy of PA Photocall

  • Drama – Simone Capp, who filmed a series of monologues depicting her fictional character’s struggle to get her life back on track, wins a behind-the-scenes Hollyoaks experience, courtesy of Lime Pictures

  • Creative Writing – Nicole Makomva, who impressed judges with her script that captivated the reader with a descriptive and often dramatic narrative, wins a professional film making session courtesy of the Barbican

  • ICT – Nurhan Abbud, who submitted a storyboard for a three-minute viral promoting the talents of her school and its students, wins a week’s work experience at Microsoft to take part in interactive sessions

  • Business and Enterprise – Jade Fox, Erin Patterson and Muno Abdulkadir, who identified methods of promotion for a new viral about Swakeleys School, focusing on the use of social networks, win a one-on-one meeting with Tim Campbell, winner of the BBC’s ‘The Apprentice’ courtesy of The Bright Ideas Trust

  • Science – Jothikka Amaralingam, who submitted a piece of work that highlights how her school could become a greener place by the use of solar panels, recycling bins and energy saving tips, wins a week’s work experience at a top communications agency.

The competition, which forms part of London Challenge programme, was open to all students across London in Years 9 and 10.

The next phase of London Challenge will extend the support available to primary schools, as well as continuing its successful work with secondary schools.

Download the London Challenge update here.

We produce a monthly newsletter which includes up-to-date information about the opportunities and activities on offer through the Challenge. Current and past editions of our newsletter can be browsed online. To subscribe, just email city.challenge@dcsf.gsi.gov.uk.