Robyn Bennett

Students across Barnet achieved strong GCSE results, with 82% attaining a standard pass of grade 4 or above, compared with 67% nationally and 71.7% across London. Bishop Douglass Catholic Secondary School reported several top-grade performances, including Sum-Ying Fung’s four grade 9s, four grade 8s and three grade 6s. Headteacher Michelle Henderson and Barnet Council cabinet member Pauline Coakley Webb praised the dedication of students, staff and the wider school community. Barnet Education and Learning Service is offering guidance on further education, employment, training, apprenticeships and wellbeing support.

Brent Council welcomed the Government’s commitment to reform gambling laws by scrapping the “Aim to Permit” rule and requiring planning permission for new adult gaming centres and vape shops. The council says the changes would give local authorities greater power to control the concentration of gambling venues, protect vulnerable residents and improve high streets. Brent, which has more than 80 gambling venues, has campaigned with other councils and mayors for reform and declared a Gambling Harms Emergency in July 2026. A borough-wide strategy is expected later in the year.

Brent Council has partnered with Co Wheels, alongside Enterprise, to expand car-sharing services after Zipcar’s withdrawal from the UK market. The scheme aims to give residents a flexible alternative to car ownership while reducing congestion, parking demand and privately owned vehicles. Co Wheels vehicles are already available in Brondesbury Park and Queens Park, with further expansion planned.

Harry Aikines-Aryeetey will headline a free open day at Harrow Leisure Centre on September 12, celebrating the completion of a £1.4 million refurbishment. The Team GB sprint relay athlete and three-time Commonwealth Games medallist will give a talk and lead a fitness masterclass, while football freestyler Jamie Knight will run interactive sessions. Activities will include swimming, soft play, group exercise classes and family entertainment. The upgrades, delivered through Everyone Active’s new 10-year partnership with the London Borough of Harrow, include a refurbished gym, expanded ladies-only gym and larger exercise studios. Some sessions require advance booking.

A rare group of medals awarded to Private J.R. Venning for service with the City Imperial Volunteers during the Second Boer War has been reunited with his descendants after more than a century. Sold by Kinghams Auctioneers, the group exceeded its £100–£200 estimate, achieving a £4,600 hammer price and more than £6,000 including the buyer’s premium. The collection includes a Queen’s South Africa Medal with four campaign clasps, a miniature dress medal and an Edward VII Territorial Force Efficiency Medal.

A list of recent planning applications submitted to Islington Council, covering tree pruning and removals, commercial alterations, signage, shopfront replacement, window and door replacement, a rear extension, and amendments to previously approved plans. The applications span addresses across north and central London and include individual planning reference numbers.

Haringey Council is offering a range of free or low-cost summer activities for children and young people, including football, cooking, forest school, theatre, tennis and wheelchair basketball. The nationally funded Holiday Activities and Food programme provides eligible 5- to 16-year-olds receiving benefits-related free school meals with activities and nutritious meals. Some events require advance booking or a small fee, and families can consult the council’s online events calendar for details.

Enfield Council has registered a large set of planning applications across Enfield, London and nearby Barnet. Proposals include redevelopment of 891 Green Lanes with shops and eight flats, new residential blocks, care homes, medical facilities, housing conversions into HMOs, home extensions, dormers, tree works and conservation-area alterations. Major schemes include 22 flats on Cockfosters Road, 12 additional flats at Oliver House, a 95-bed care home on The Ridgeway and works connected with Meridian Water and National Grid infrastructure.

A detailed list of recent planning applications submitted to Barnet Council includes proposals for new dwellings, home extensions, garage conversions, roof alterations, tree works, and compliance submissions for previously approved developments. Projects span multiple areas across Barnet, Edgware, Hendon, Finchley, and other North London neighbourhoods, covering both residential and commercial properties. The list provides addresses, brief descriptions of planned works, and reference numbers for each application.

Terri Drummy, an experienced skin specialist from Islington, has been named a finalist in the UK Hair and Beauty Awards’ skin specialist category, which recognises excellence and innovation. Organisers noted the high standard of this year’s entries, while Drummy expressed pride in the recognition. She runs Rejuvenation Hub, a clinic offering non‑invasive skin and wellness treatments, and is studying advanced skin science.

A community dance event in Wembley showcased Indian classical and Gujarati folk dance styles, drawing around 150 attendees. Organised by the Navya School of Dance and held at Ark Academy, the programme featured about 40 performers and received strong audience feedback. Prominent local figures attended, and the event included community stalls offering educational services, traditional clothing, cuisine and arts-related items, highlighting cultural engagement and local participation.

A 12-year-old Barnet student, Marco Ruggieri, created an affirmation card deck aimed at helping young people manage anxiety and social pressures. School leaders at Belmont, Mill Hill endorsed the cards, praising their child-centered language and usefulness in encouraging conversations about emotions. Inspired by his own struggles and a young entrepreneurs bootcamp at Mill Hill School, Marco designed a 52-card set written in teen-friendly language, now available for purchase.

Islington is recognised for the sixth consecutive year as the top inner London borough in the Healthy Streets Scorecard, reflecting ongoing efforts to enhance street safety, green spaces and environmental sustainability. The council’s initiatives include Liveable Neighbourhoods projects, expanded school street schemes, new public spaces, added trees and green areas, and increased cycling training and infrastructure. Council leaders emphasise the role of these improvements in supporting cleaner air, climate adaptation and healthier communities.

Barnet Council is expanding its community safety initiatives after receiving an additional £500,000 in government funding to tackle antisemitism and strengthen social cohesion. The two-year programme includes school-based education efforts, community leadership development, targeted workshops with Jewish and Muslim communities, and recruitment of two new council officers. The Metropolitan Police will launch a new Community Protection Team in the borough, while Barnet partners with a national project to gather resident feedback on community cohesion.

Recent planning applications submitted to Harrow Council include numerous proposals for residential extensions, garage conversions, rear and side additions, roof alterations, and changes of use across various neighbourhoods such as Pinner, Stanmore, Wealdstone, Kenton, and Harrow Weald. Submissions range from modest single‑storey extensions to larger structural changes including new access points, agricultural building approvals, and amendments to previously approved plans. The notice also highlights the Public Notice Portal as a central resource for accessing statutory local planning information.

A series of recent planning applications submitted to Enfield Council are listed, detailing proposed extensions, conversions and changes of use at multiple residential properties across Enfield, Barnet and nearby London areas. The article also highlights the Public Notice Portal, explaining its role in providing access to statutory public notices published by local newspapers.

Five schools in Brent will receive £1.5 million in upgrades under the council’s School Asset Management Programme, including radiator replacements, new windows and extensive roof repairs. Most work will take place over the summer to minimise disruption, with major repairs at Donnington Primary continuing until December. The programme reflects Brent Council’s commitment to improving school facilities and providing safer, more suitable learning environments.

Brent Council approved a £3.25 million investment to upgrade Vale Farm and Willesden Sports Centre, aiming to modernise facilities, expand fitness spaces and enhance accessibility. Officials emphasise the role of leisure centres in promoting health, inclusion and community activity. Improvements will proceed while centres remain open and form part of a broader strategy to support long-term wellbeing and sustainable infrastructure across Brent.

A two-day softball cricket competition at Finchley Cricket Club brought together 29 schools to promote cricket, particularly among girls as the Women’s T20 World Cup began. Local MP Sarah Sackman and representatives from Middlesex cricket bodies attended to support the event. Akiva School won the mixed competition and Manorside Primary claimed the girls’ final, with Penelope from Manorside named player of the match. Participants received school-branded shirts, and the club offered free junior taster sessions. Asda supported the event with refreshments for players.