London Challenge

The London Challenge was a school improvement programme launched by the UK's Labour Government in 2003.[1] The policy document "Transforming London Secondary Schools" set out the aims of the programme, which was designed to create a "step change" in the performance of London secondary schools.[2]

The initiative has been credited by Ofsted and others for a significant improvement in London's state education system.[3] More recent studies have identified the London Challenge as one factor in several that contributed to significant enhancements in pupil outcomes.[4]

The London Challenge programme was initially aimed at secondary schools and was intended to run until 2008. However, it was subsequently extended until 2011, and expanded to include primary schools, and two additional City Challenge areas; Greater Manchester and the Black Country.[5][6]

  1. ^ Brighouse, Tim. "Local Authorities and the London Challenge". London Councils. Retrieved 26 June 2015.
  2. ^ "Transforming London Secondary Schools" (PDF). National Archives. DFES. Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 April 2013. Retrieved 26 June 2015.
  3. ^ "London Challenge". Ofsted. Archived from the original on 24 November 2014. Retrieved 27 June 2015.
  4. ^ Baars, Sam; Bernardes, Eleanor; Elwick, Alex; Malortie, Malortie; McAleavy, Tony; McInerney, Laura; Menzies, Loic; Riggall, Anna (27 June 2014). "Lessons from London Schools: investigating the success" (PDF). CfBT Education Trust. CfBT Education Trust. Retrieved 30 May 2022.
  5. ^ Kidson, Marc; Norris, Emma. "Implementing the London Challenge" (PDF). The Joseph Rowntree Foundation. Retrieved 27 June 2015.
  6. ^ "City Challenge: For World Class Education" (PDF). National Archives. DfES. Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 April 2013. Retrieved 4 July 2015.