Queen Elizabeth’s School in Barnet topped the list in The Times Parent Power 2025 league table, which evaluates schools across England based on GCSE and A-level examination results. The ranking separates fee-paying and state-funded institutions, highlighting schools that deliver high academic performance without charging tuition fees.

The annual analysis assessed examination outcomes nationwide, focusing on the proportion of top grades achieved by pupils at both GCSE and A-level.
According to the data, students at Queen Elizabeth’s School achieved A grades in 52.4% of A-level entries in 2025*, while 97.6% of results were graded between A and B*. At GCSE level, 95.5% of pupils achieved grades between 9 and 7, the highest bands under the current grading system.
Despite being state-funded, admission to the school remains highly competitive. Education analysts estimate that around 3,500 applicants compete annually for 192 available places, with candidates required to pass two entrance examinations.

Queen Elizabeth’s School counts several high-profile figures among its alumni, including spoken word artist George the Poet, Olympic sprinter John Otugade, and broadcaster and legal expert Robert Rinder.

The ranking also highlighted other high-performing state secondary schools across Greater London, many of which are selective grammar schools.

Top 10 State Secondary Schools in London (2026)
1 Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet
2 Wilson’s School, Wallington
3 St Olave’s Grammar School, Orpington
4 The Tiffin Girls’ School, Kingston upon Thames
5 Tiffin School, Kingston upon Thames
6 The Latymer School, Edmonton
7 Sutton Grammar School, Sutton
8 St Michael’s RC Grammar School, Finchley
9 Wallington High School for Girls, Wallington
10 Wallington County Grammar School, Wallington
Education experts note that the dominance of grammar schools in the rankings reflects continued strong academic outcomes at selective state institutions, amid ongoing debate in the UK over access, equity and the future of selective education.

Honoring Atatürk’s Vision for Education
During the ceremony, the words of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, were highlighted: “The greatest war is the war against ignorance.” Naming the school after Atatürk aims to provide Turkish children abroad with a role model and to guide them toward a bright and purposeful future.

Guests and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
The opening ceremony was attended by Enfield Leader Ergin Erbil, Enfield Council Member Bektaş Özer, President of the Council of Turkish Associations in the UK Kenan Nafi, and Enfield Atatürk School President Gürkan Sefer. Also present was Vatan Öz, editor of Avrupa Newspaper, recognized for his 30 years of support for education. Following the speeches, these dignitaries together cut the ribbon to officially open the school. Additionally, Arife Retvan, President of the UK Limasollular Association, presented an Atatürk portrait to President Sefer as a gift commemorating the opening.

Education and Mission
Enfield Atatürk School will provide Turkish language lessons, cultural education, and academic support for children in North London. The school prepares students for UK state examinations, including GCSEs and A Levels, aiming to strengthen both their academic success and cultural identity.

President Gürkan Sefer stated during his speech: “Our goal is to ensure that our children not only learn Turkish but also carry forward our cultural values. Following Atatürk’s vision, we aim to raise confident and conscious individuals.”

Location and Contact
Enfield Atatürk School T: +44 7535 113006

School President Türker Çakıcı reminded families of their responsibility: “Families, encourage your children to attend Turkish language classes. For nearly 45 years, we have worked to preserve the beauty and awareness of our native language. If children lose their language, they risk losing their identity. Language is not only a tool of communication but also the carrier of our traditions, values, and history.”

The Importance of Turkish Education for Children

Education experts and community leaders emphasize that maintaining Turkish as a spoken and written language among children in the diaspora is crucial. Mastering Turkish allows young people to communicate with older generations, understand their cultural heritage, and strengthen their sense of belonging. Studies also show that bilingual children often perform better academically, benefiting from enhanced cognitive and problem-solving skills.

Çakıcı added: “The more our children strengthen their Turkish, the better they understand who they are. A child who grows up without knowledge of their mother tongue often feels disconnected from their family roots. This is why Turkish schools abroad are essential—not only for education but also for the survival of our cultural identity.”

Supporting the Next Generation

Hornsey Atatürk School provides a full educational pathway—from early childhood classes to preparation for UK state examinations such as GCSEs and A Levels. These qualifications allow Turkish students to enter universities on equal footing with their peers in Britain, often with additional advantages.

A Message to Europe’s Turkish Families

While Hornsey Atatürk School has been serving London’s Turkish community since 1965, its story carries a wider lesson for Turkish communities across Europe. Preserving the mother tongue is a shared responsibility. By investing in Turkish education, families ensure that their children remain bilingual, culturally confident, and better prepared for both academic and professional life.

As Çakıcı concluded: “Our mission is to keep Turkish alive, to teach it, and to pass it on. Turkish education is not only a duty to our children but also a promise to our ancestors and future generations.”

Contact Information
Hornsey Atatürk School (Hornsey School for Girls)

TEL: 07727 616227

HORNSEY ATATÜRK OKULU (Hornsey School for Girls)

Türker Çakici- Zeliş Özakınsel
HORNSEY SCHOOL FOR GIRLS INDERWICK ROAD, HARINGEY, LONDON N8 9BG
07958338868
londonataturkschools@hotmail.co.uk

 Cllr Tim Leaver, Deputy Leader of Enfield Council, said:
“We’re pleased to see the beaver family doing so well, and even more excited to be able to welcome the public into the heart of the enclosure. This expansion supports our wider ambitions for nature recovery and sustainable flood management across the borough.”

 Peter Brammall, Principal and CEO of Capel Manor College, said:
“Seeing the beaver family thriving here in Enfield is incredibly inspiring. For our students, staff, and visitors, it shows how rewilding projects can transform landscapes, enrich education, and reconnect people with nature right on their doorstep.”

This project forms part of the Enfield Chase Landscape Restoration initiative, one of the largest rewilding programmes in London, reconnecting communities with nature and helping combat the effects of climate change.

To view a short film that explains the Enfield Beaver programme and our collective goals for the project, visit our YouTube channels.
[[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2iu2FFzPTY]] 

Enfield Council introduced a pair of beavers to Archers Wood in Forty Hall Estate in March 2022.

This was the first beaver reintroduction programme in London since the capital’s beavers became extinct more than 400 years ago. In September 2023 the first kit was born. There are now two adults and six kits.The London Wildlife Trust, in partnership with the Mayor of London, is supporting projects which will enhance and restore London Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation, to deliver targets related to the London Environment Strategy. These sites make up London’s wildlife network and are a core focus when taking action to rewild and recover nature in the city

About Capel Manor College

Capel Manor College is London’s environmental college, offering a diverse range of full and part-time courses in further and higher education for young people and adults. We embrace and promote inclusivity in land-based careers.The College plays a vital role in the green agenda for the capital, equipping the next generation of land-based sector workers with the skills and knowledge needed to help preserve and protect London’s wildlife, national parks, and green spaces.If students are looking for the next step after school, considering a career change or want to further their existing skills, they are taught by exceptional, industry-experienced tutors and gain renowned qualifications valued by land-based employers across the world.As part of their studies, our students have the unique opportunity to obtain real-world experience and help take care of the College’s estates, gardens, farm, zoos and commercial businesses. 

The Council and Metropolitan Police officers will be carrying out weapon sweeps across the borough. 

Cabinet Member for Community Cohesion and Enforcement at Enfield Council, Cllr Gina Needs, said: “Knife crime is a serious issue that demands a united response. Enfield Council is proud to work hand-in-hand with the police, schools, youth services and local businesses to educate, safeguard, and protect. Together, we’re sending a strong message that carrying a knife is never the answer.”

These steps form part of Enfield Council’s broader strategy to tackle youth violence, support families and promote community safety across the borough.

For further information on Knife Crime Awareness Week in Enfield visit: https://www.enfield.gov.uk/services/community-safety/knife-crime-awareness-week Follow Enfield Council on social media to see officers in action during the week: https://x.com/EnfieldCouncil and https://www.facebook.com/EnfieldCouncilUK

National Knife Crime Awareness Week is a national event that highlights and celebrates the efforts of charities, police forces, youth professionals, parents, carers, and individuals who are working to reduce knife crime and make a positive impact on young people's lives. Visit: https://www.knifecrimeawarenessweek.org.uk/

Where can young people seek help?

Childline provides a telephone counselling service for children and young people in danger and distress. Tel: 0800 1111 (24-hour free helpline).

CrimeStoppers provides an anonymous freephone number for callers who have information about crime in the UK. Tel: 0800 555111.

 
Meet the newly elected Youth Councillors: 

Omari Green – Chace Community School
Jeneba Musa – St Anne’s Catholic High School for Girls
Vihansa Lokuge – Enfield County School
Ada Hayvaci – Dame Alice Owen’s School
Absa Thiam – Chace Community School
Ender Oztoprak – Enfield Grammar School
Layla Jalal – Oasis Academy Enfield
Perrez Ampofo – Latymer School
Fardowsa Mohamed – Ark John Keats Academy
Sultan Asmin Ersoy – Oasis Academy Enfield
Olivia Morgan-McKay – Oaktree School
Akira O’Garro – Chace Community School  
Jamie Harris – Chace Community School
Melis Yuce – Latymer School
Rachelle Lopoua – Edmonton County School
Tolga Celikkalkan – Chace Community School
Salah Yahya- Laurel Park School
Dea Khdhir – Laurel Park School
Zera Yesiltas- Laurel park School
Rachel Isufi – Southgate School

The council’s priority is to ensure that every child in Islington, regardless of their background, has access to a high-quality education in a sustainable, well-resourced school. Some Islington schools face sustainability challenges, in common with large numbers of schools across London, in particular driven by low and declining pupil numbers. The proposals to close these two schools is the last resort, after all other options to deal with their sustainability challenges have been exhausted.

St Jude and St Paul’s Church of England Primary School has a 46% vacancy rate and the lowest pupil numbers of any primary school in the borough. Highbury Quadrant Primary School is more than half empty and is operating with a long-standing budget deficit. The long-term trend of declining pupil numbers, combined with the way schools are funded nationally, makes it increasingly difficult for these schools to continue operating and to provide their pupils with the high-quality educational experience they deserve.

The Executive Committee will make a decision on the reports’ recommendations on April 24. If the decision is made to close a school, the council will provide dedicated support to help parents and carers find the right school for their children. Nearby schools have enough places to accommodate all pupils without increasing class sizes to unsustainable levels.

Cllr Abdul Abdullahi, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services welcomed today’s announcement, commenting “It’s fantastic that three schools in Enfield will benefit from the Mayor’s new Greener Schools program, saving schools a significant amount of money and investing in clean energy. Children and families in Enfield are benefitting from the policies being introduced by the Labour government and the Labour Mayor of London, and it’s brilliant news that Enfield is again included in the pilots of these new schemes. 

Enfield is home to some of the Labour Government’s most exciting new schemes that will fulfill our mission of breaking down barriers to opportunity. Carterhatch Infants School and St Matthew’s Church of England Primary School are both pilot adopters of Labour’s new Universal Free Breakfast Clubs. Together with the Mayor of London’s Free School Meals scheme this scheme means that Primary School aged children will be entitled to two free meals a day. Cllr Ergin Erbil met with Bridget Philipson recently, and was able to tell her what a difference this will make to children in Enfield, boosting attendance, increasing attainment and saving families up to £450 a year. On top of this, two of the new school-based nurseries being rolled out by the Government will be in Enfield, in Honilands Primary School and Ark John Keats Academy. Labour’s plans for 30 government funded hours of childcare from September will also save families up to £7500.

Locally, Enfield Labour is also working hard to break down barriers to opportunity for our young people, which is why our balanced budget included £88.5 million to look after our most vulnerable children and young people in the community and £13.5 million to improve school buildings and facilities and to increase provision for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).”

The first round created great results for our communities through thousands of pounds in funding. Examples of previous projects include the provision of long-term bicycle loans and cycling lessons, as well as the creation of a community mural, funding of a new art club, weekly theatre classes for disabled people, creation of new sensory rooms in primary schools, all delivered in Edmonton.

The Leader of Enfield Council, Cllr Ergin Erbil, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for our local voluntary and community groups. We want the funds to go towards a range of exciting programmes that will create a real difference in Edmonton – be it through activities for young people, creating fun and safe spaces, or providing jobs and skills training. There are lots of possibilities and this fund can make them a reality.

“Meridian Water is about so much more than building 10,000 homes. The project is benefiting local people in Edmonton with new homes, job opportunities, skills academies, community spaces, and community funding.”

Visit the Meridian Water website for more information on how to apply for Community Chest Round Two.

The Meridian Water team will be hosting a webinar on Thursday 1 May to answer any questions and help people with applications. In the meantime, if you have any queries about Community Chest, email the Meridian Water team at meridianwater@enfield.gov.uk.

Family Hub Navigators and Outreach Workers help families to access the right support they need.

Speaking after the launch, Cllr Abdul Abdullahi, Enfield Council's Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: "We're committed to supporting families and young people across the borough.

"Our dedicated teams have helped us achieve a network of five family Hubs across the borough. These hubs are more than just buildings – they are safe, welcoming spaces where families can access the support they need at the right time.

"I’m proud of the joint work we do with our partners and communities to achieve these services, ensuring we reach those who need us most.

“This new hub model ensures families benefit from a consistent, coordinated offer that is accessible, inclusive, and designed around their needs.”

Enfield is one of 75 local authorities selected for the Department for Education’s Family Hubs and Start for Life programme, receiving more than £4.3 million in funding since 2022 with further £1.5 million secured for 2025/26.

The programme’s impact has already been felt, with thousands of families accessing services across the hubs and 93% of parents reporting a positive impact on their wellbeing and parenting.

Families can find out about support available from Family Hubs through the Council’s dedicated webpage. For further details visit: https://www.enfield.gov.uk/services/children-and-education/youth-and-family-hubs

Ayhan Korkmaz, the Education Attaché of the Turkish Consulate in Almaty, played a pivotal role in the realization of this project. During the inauguration ceremony, Mr. Korkmaz warmly greeted the students and faculty, expressing his enthusiasm for the initiative. He encouraged the participants to embrace the opportunity to learn not only the Turkish language but also to immerse themselves in the rich and diverse culture of Türkiye. "Learning a language is not just about words and grammar; it's about understanding the people, their history, and their way of life," Mr. Korkmaz emphasized.

The introduction of the Turkish language course at KazNARU aligns perfectly with KazNARU’s mission to provide a comprehensive and well-rounded education to our students. In today's globalized world, proficiency in multiple languages is an invaluable asset. 

It opens doors to new opportunities, fosters cross-cultural understanding, and enhances employability. By learning Turkish, our students will gain a competitive edge in the job market and be better prepared to engage in international collaborations.

Moreover, the cultural exchange facilitated by this initiative extends beyond the classroom. KazNARU envisions a range of activities and events that will allow students to experience Turkish culture firsthand. These include cultural festivals, guest lectures, film screenings, and culinary events, all designed to provide a holistic learning experience. 
Such activities will help our students appreciate the nuances of Turkish culture and create lasting connections with their Turkish peers.

Vice rector Dr. Rafis Abazov highlighted that the opening of the Turkish language course at KazNARU marks a new chapter in our university's commitment to internationalization and cultural exchange. He said “we are grateful to the Turkish Consulate in Almaty for their unwavering support and look forward to the positive impact this initiative will have on our students and the broader university community. As we embark on this exciting journey, we invite our students to seize this opportunity to broaden their horizons, deepen their cultural understanding, and build a brighter future for themselves and our nations.”

Enfield Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Cllr Abdul Abdullahi, said: “I warmly welcome the funding towards our ongoing provision to parents and caregivers in the borough. Our priority is to ensure all children are given the opportunity for a healthy, happy start and parents feel they have the assistance and encouragement from professionals to support their children’s development at the critical early stages.”

The funding comes at an important time for Enfield Council. The Council has recently prepared its new draft Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2024-30, which will be debated at the Full Council meeting on Wednesday, 22 January.

The Strategy has three pillars, one of which is “Start Well: thriving children and young people”.  This is accompanied by four key priorities which are to support children to thrive in the early years and to be ready for their school or education setting; to improve nutrition, oral health and physical activity among children and young people; to support children and young people to maintain good emotional wellbeing and mental health; and to deliver early interventions and empower young people and families to seek out preventative healthcare.

During the talk, Dr. Efeoğlu-Özcan expertly critiqued current studies on Turkish youth language, highlighting the gaps in research and stressing the importance of employing corpus linguistics methods to understand the true nature of language evolution. Her compelling arguments opened up new possibilities for sociolinguistics and language teaching, showing how technology and data-driven research can reveal fresh insights into the way young people are shaping the future of Turkish.
Attendees left with a deeper understanding of the unique role youth play in the linguistic landscape, as well as the potential for corpus-based analysis to transform both academic inquiry and educational practices. The evening’s discussions were complemented by a selection of delicious traditional Turkish refreshments, creating a warm and engaging cultural atmosphere alongside the academic exchange.

Yunus Emre Enstitüsü - London extends its sincere thanks to everyone who joined the event and contributed to its success. We look forward to hosting more exciting and impactful seminars in the future as part of the Young Scholar Seminar Series.
As Yunus Emre Institute London continues its mission of promoting cultural exchange and understanding, the event served as a platform for dialogue and exploration, transcending geographical boundaries and fostering connections between diverse communities. 
For more information about upcoming events and initiatives, please visit yeelondon.org.uk
 

· More support for families
· A crackdown on profiteering
· Stronger regulation for better placements for children

Labour is announcing changes that will empower social workers, and all those that work with children, to take action against children’s placements providers that deliver subpar standards of care at sky-high costs to councils and focus the system on early intervention. It comes as local government spending on looked after children has ballooned from £3.1billion in 2009/10 to £7 billion in 2022/23, with social workers all too often burdened by heavy caseloads, struggling to deliver the help that children and families need before problems escalate.

Enfield Labour’s Cllr Ergin Erbil said, “Looked after children in Enfield deserve high quality care – and taxpayers must be given value for money. That’s what these reforms are all about.

“Labour is fixing the foundations of a broken children’s social care system after years of neglect and ballooning costs under the Conservatives. Today, we are spending far too much money on crisis-level intervention, and some of the most vulnerable children are being failed. That has to change and the work of change has begun.

“Labour will crack down on care providers making excessive profit, tackle unregistered and unsafe provision and ensure earlier intervention to keep families together and help
children thrive.”

Across the country, the number of children in care has risen 5% over the last 5 years to 83,632 across England in the year to March 2024. According to analysis by the Local Government Association, there are now over 1,500 children in placements each costing the equivalent of over £0.5 million every year, while the largest 15 private providers
make an average of 23% profit. New rules will require key placements providers - those that provide homes for the most children - to share their finances with the government, allowing profiteering to be challenged. Increasing financial transparency will ensure the providers that have the
biggest impact on the market don’t unexpectedly go under and leave children without a
home.

There will also be a “backstop” law to put a limit on the profit providers can make, that
the government will introduce if providers do not voluntarily put an end to profiteering.
Not-for-profit providers and those backed by social investment are being called on to
come forward to set up homes to strengthen the system.
To protect quality and safety in children’s homes, Ofsted will also be given new powers
to issue civil fines to providers, working more quickly to deter unscrupulous behaviour
than with existing criminal powers.
More widely, the government is beginning the process of rebalancing the whole
children’s social care system in favour of early intervention, giving every family the legal
right to be involved in decisions made about children entering the care system.
Further plans for funding for children’s social care including investment in preventative
services, are set to be laid out in the coming weeks in the upcoming Local Government

Finance Settlement.
Other key measures set to be delivered include:

• New powers for Ofsted to investigate multiple homes being run by the same
company, acting on the recommendations made in response to the vile abuse
uncovered at the Hesley group of children’s homes.
• Delivery of the manifesto commitment to introduce a consistent child identifier,
making sure information can be shared between professionals so they can
intervene before issues escalate.
• The requirement for every council to have ‘multi-agency’ child safeguarding
teams, involving children’s schools and teachers, stopping children from falling
through the cracks.
• The requirement for all local authorities to offer the Staying Close programme – a
package of support which enables care leavers to find and keep
accommodation, alongside access to practical and emotional help, up to the
age of 21, ending the cliff-edge of support many experience at 18.
• A new duty on parents where if their child is subject to a child protection enquiry,
or on a child protection plan, they will need local authority consent to home
educate that child.

Trophies, certificates and prizes were presented by the Cabinet Member for Health & Social Care, Cllr Alev Cazimoglu, during two school assemblies to a selection of children who made an extra effort to earn points during the game.

The Cabinet Member for Health & Social Care, Cllr Alev Cazimoglu, said: “BTS has far exceeded our expectations in its popularity in Edmonton resulting in a far greater number of people getting active this summer. It was great to see how excited the schoolchildren were to learn about their successes at the trophy presentation and how enthusiastic they remain to get outdoors, play and have fun.’

“BTS is an example of one of the many innovative ways Enfield Council is bringing positive change to help nurture and improve the health of our residents.”

BTS Edmonton was funded by London Marathon Active Spaces, Canal & River Trust, and the National Lottery via Sport England. It was delivered by Intelligent Health.

Since the completion of BTS, the Council alongside its partners has worked together to continue its success by providing a series of events and activities to encourage residents to get outdoors.

Coming soon will be a healthy eating campaign, delivering healthier food options to local people and helping independent convenience stores to play their part within their communities. Sign up to Enfield Council’s Health and Wellbeing newsletters to be the first to find out more.

You can find all the details about the game on the BTS website: https://beatthestreet.me/edmonton/

 
Enfield's secondary schools have also witnessed significant improvements in behaviour. Statistics show an 86% decrease in the number of permanent exclusions in Enfield since 2017/18, from 57 to eight in 2022/23.
 
The Cabinet Member for Community Cohesion and Enforcement at Enfield Council, Cllr Gina Needs, said: "The Department for Education's data on permanent exclusion rates is a testament to the positive work being done in Enfield. Early identification and support for children who need additional help are crucial in preventing the drastic measure of permanent exclusion."
 

The Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Cllr Abdul Abdullahi added: “The low permanent exclusion rates in Enfield are a result of the effective collaboration between school-based support services who have helped to identify young people who require additional support and have fostered trusted relationships with schools and school leaders.”  

Cllr Abdul Abdullahi, Enfield Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “The Ignite Awards evening is more than just a ceremony – it is an event where we can celebrate and give thanks to the talented young people making an impact within the communities in Enfield.

“I would also like to give special thanks to our Young Leaders who made this possible and for their support in encouraging the next generation of youth to inspire, achieve and believe in themselves. As a Council, we hope an initiative like this will positively influence all our young people across the borough.”

Over 70% of the young people nominated for awards were participants in the Enfield Inspiring Young Enfield (IYE) Mentoring to Succeed programme, which has been funded by the Mayor of London’s New Deal for Young People initiative.

The IYE mentoring programme has provided life-changing support to these young people, equipping them with the tools and confidence to navigate challenges and seize opportunities. Through this structured 12-week initiative, participants aged 11 to 21 (and up to 25 for those with SEND) have received tailored mentorship t. They’ve been empowered to develop critical life skills, build resilience, and cultivate a positive sense of self-worth.

The award winners:  

360 Award: Emiliano Negoita, Johnathan Hart and Krim Altinawe

Emiliano, Johnathan and Krim have turned their life around for the better, showing great resilience within challenging circumstances, and have made a positive change personally and for the community.

Inspiring Sunshine: Stephanie Frimpong

Stephanie is always positive and innovative with a bright smile that encourages a growth mindset for everyone around them.

Selfless Soul Award: Karnell Fletcher

This award honours young caregivers like Karnel for their extraordinary compassion and dedication to caring for others. Karnel has shown selflessness, resilience, and unwavering commitment, serving as a beacon of inspiration for their remarkable contributions to the well-being of their loved ones.

Sporting Achievement: Finley Willis

Finley has excelled or made an outstanding contribution or achievement in a sporting activity.

The Shield Award: Quincy Abnett-Boothe

Quincy is a young individual in Enfield who exemplifies excellence, leadership, and positive influence. Quincy is nominated for outstanding achievements across various fields, inspiring others with their talent, dedication, and commitment to making a difference.

Young Creator Award: Hannah Orevba

Hannah has inspired others through her creative arts: Physical Art, Fashion, Animation, and Graphic Design.

Young Volunteer Award: Aylward Academy – IYE Health and Social Care Mentoring Programme

Aylward Academy has positively impacted the local community, which has contributed to the well-being of others.

Youth Worker of the Year: Minhaz Rahman

Minhaz embodies the skills, knowledge and values of a dedicated youth worker to make sure that young people have the right opportunities to learn and develop.

“We will continue to work with headteachers, teachers and parents to instill a determination in our young people to realise their full potential.

“This day is a very exciting time for all but can be a nerve-racking experience for a few. There are a lot of choices for pupils after GCSEs - for any students unsure of their next steps, Enfield Council offers excellent support to help young people decide on their next steps.  
 
Results for the four students:

Amelie
Computer Science - 8
English Language - 6
English Literature - 7
Geography - 8 
Mathematics - 8 
Science Double Award 9,9 
French - 9
Psychology - 8
 

Eloise
English Language - 8
English Literature - 8
Geography - 8
History - 9
Mathematics - 8
Science Double Award 9, 8
PE - 9 
Textiles - 8
 

Nitya
Computer Science - 9
Design and Technology - 8 
English Language - 7
English Literature - 7
History - 9
Mathematics - 8 
Science Double Award -9,9
Spanish - 7 
 

Pearl
Computer Science - 5
English Language - 8
English Literature - 6
Geography - 7
Mathematics - 7
Science Double Award 7, 7
Spanish - 6
Textiles – 6
 

Fellow pupil Sarwar Foyez is heading to University College London to study mathematics after achieving three A* grades in maths, further maths and chemistry. His parents cried when he broke the news to them, but he “kept it composed” himself. Sarwar paid tribute to his experience at the sixth form, which allowed him “to get that deeper, burning passion for maths”. At UCL he said he plans to “develop my mathematical capabilities and broaden my horizon for maths and see where that takes me.”

At Central Foundation Boys’ School, Seyam Muhaimin said he’s “leaning towards” a career in finance after gaining an A* in business and As in both maths and computer science. After a gap year he may head to LSE or King’s College London. “I didn’t do computer science for GCSE, and I came to this school and started to do it because I knew there was a future in technology,” he said.

“But in my first lesson I remember I didn’t understand a single word. I went to the Head of Year and I told him, ‘Sir, I can’t do computer science,’ and he told me to give it two or three weeks. But I put in the hard work and got support from my teachers, and I got that [result]. I’m very thrilled.”

Meanwhile, Charlie-George Linley will be starting a general engineering degree at Sheffield University after gaining two A*s in physics and maths and an A in computer science. “I’m very pleased,” he said. “I was quite nervous about it – it's gone quite fast honestly because I’ve been having fun this summer. I knew I was off to university, this morning at 8am because I checked my UCAS and confirmed my offer, but I didn’t know what grades I got until I came here.”

Deputy Mayor Cllr Jackson said: “I was delighted to join students celebrating their achievements today. Speaking to them reminded me that behind every set of results is a story of personal triumph, lots of hard work and dedication. I’m incredibly proud of every one of Islington’s students and look forward to hearing how they’ve continued to go from strength to strength as they make their way in the world. Congratulations to all!”

Cllr Michelline Safi-Ngongo, the council’s Executive Member for Children, Young People and Families, said: “Once again, I’ve been impressed by the sheer dedication and ambition of our students. I’d like to congratulate every single student – and recognise the brilliant supportive network of teachers, parents, and others who have helped them on their way.

“Results day is also a time to reflect on next steps and what the future holds. Our Progress Team, a dedicated team of careers advisors, are on hand for anyone who’d like to see what their options are, including job opportunities and further training. They are a vital part of our commitment to ensure every young person has the best start in life and is given every opportunity to thrive.”

Any students looking for guidance on their next steps is encouraged to contact the council's Progress Team of friendly career advisors, who can provide essential support, advice, and information. They can assist with securing places at college, training courses, or job opportunities. Contact the Progress Team throughout the summer at progress@islington.gov.uk or on 020 7527 7031.

Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today. To start, what factors do we need to take into consideration in a decision to make a career change, and how should people approach this decision?

Interviewee: Any decision to pursue a career change could be driven by many factors but most important - a desire for new challenges and personal growth. There might be a scenario when we realize that while we could be comfortable in our current role, we weren’t fully leveraging our potential or would like to explore something else. Well, we need to develop a strategic vision and conduct a thorough self-assessment (SWOT analysis) to understand our strengths, weaknesses, and passions. I research various industries and roles to identify opportunities that aligned with my students’ skills and aspirations. In addition, networking with professionals in those fields and seeking mentorship were crucial steps that helped them to gain insights and confidence in their decision to transition.

Interviewer: How can an MBA program play a role in facilitating your career change?

Interviewee: The MBA program can instrumental in your career transition. Let’s take an example of MBA at Kazakh National Agrarian Research University (KazNARU). Interviews with many students suggest that it provided them with a comprehensive understanding of different business functions, which was essential as they were sometimes moving into a completely new field. The curriculum covered areas such as finance, marketing, operations, and strategy, giving them the versatile skill set needed to adapt to their new career. Additionally, the program offered specialized courses and electives that allowed them to focus on project management skills that are transferable across many fields. Beyond the academic learning, the MBA also expanded their professional network, connecting them with industry experts, alumni, and peers (such as Coca Cola company, Food masters, Turkish partner companies, etc.) who provided valuable advice and opportunities.

Interviewer: Can you share an example of how the skills acquired during your MBA have been applied in a new career?

Interviewee: One notable example of MBA at KazNARU is when my students led a real life project to optimize a supply chain processes. The operations management and supply chain courses from our MBA program were directly applicable. We used the analytical tools and methodologies learned during the program to conduct a thorough analysis of the current processes, identify bottlenecks, and implement improvements. The leadership and communication skills honed during the course of study of MBA at KazNARU enabled them to effectively manage their project teams and gain buy-in from their key stakeholders.

Interviewer: What challenges did your students usually face during their career transition, and how did your MBA help them to overcome them?

Interviewee: One of the biggest challenges for any person’s career change is building credibility and gaining acceptance in a new place or an industry or a team or a new city. The MBA at KazNARU helped bridge this gap by equipping them with relevant knowledge and demonstrating their commitment to professional development. The program also emphasized soft skills such as leadership, teamwork, and inter-personal communication, which are crucial in any industry. Through group projects, presentations, and case studies, the students developed the confidence to navigate unfamiliar territory and effectively communicate their ideas. Moreover, the strong alumni network and career services provided by the MBA program offered mentorship and partnerships for example, between Kazakh and Turkish companies.

Interviewer: In your opinion, what is the long-term value of an MBA for professionals considering a career change?

Interviewee: The long-term value of an MBA for professionals considering a career change is multifaceted. Firstly, it is in providing a solid foundation in business principles, making individuals versatile and adaptable to various roles and industries. Secondly, it is in developing strategic and critical thinking skills acquired during the MBA study that enable young professionals to tackle complex challenges and drive innovation in their new careers. Third, an extensive network of alumni, faculty, and industry connections very often offers ongoing support and opportunities for collaboration and career advancement. Additionally, an MBA diploma signals to potential employers a commitment to continuous learning and excellence, enhancing one's marketability and competitiveness. Overall, an MBA equips professionals with the knowledge, skills, and network to successfully navigate in domestic and international labor markets.