As we enter a new academic year, I’d like to highlight some recent achievements made by our brilliant local schools.

I’m pleased to see another set of fantastic GCSE, A-level and vocational results – all above the national average. I celebrated A-level results day with students at LaSWAP sixth form and it was great to hear about their exciting plans for the future!

During the summer, we hosted our very first Camden Arts Biennale in partnership with the University of Arts London.

The exhibition featured artwork developed by all Camden schools and at every key stage of learning. The event was a huge success and is a brilliant addition to our creative programme for local schoolchildren and students.

This year’s STEAM work experience week was also one of our most successful yet, with over 400 students taking part.

This programme is a great way of connecting young people to the many world-leading companies we have in Camden and helping give them skills for the future.

Our focus next year will be to get more businesses to take part, so we can offer our students even more valuable work experience opportunities.

Cllr Marcus Boyland says Camden Council is committed to Cllr Marcus Boyland is proud of the borough's above average exam results (Image: Camden Council)

This is also a great opportunity to look forward to the new school year. We’re continuing to implement our five-year local special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) strategy to improve the outcomes and experiences for children and young people with SEND.

As a borough, we are committed to supporting children and young people with SEND and one of our priorities this year is to continue to drive this work forward – including providing grants for local schools and ensuring more support is in place to meet the needs of children and young people with SEND.

Camden’s School Music Festival is also back next spring. Children and young people from across our primary, secondary and special schools are set to perform at the one of London’s most famous music venues, the Royal Albert Hall - not one to miss out on!

Parents and carers with children who just started Year Six are now also able to apply for a secondary school place for 2025. We know that can be a big decision, but there are several open days taking place at schools where you can find out more.

We’re proud of the quality of education, opportunities and support offered to students in Camden.

Our schools are ambitious, offering a tremendous range of opportunities for students. I encourage families to see what our schools have to offer. Visit camden.gov.uk/secondary-school-admissions for details.

  • Councillor Marcus Boyland is cabinet member for Best Start for Children and Young People at Camden Council.