Parent information 

Request for Local and Community Support by Parent

As a body of families and pupils that frequently use the Great North Leisure Park, the community gym, lido, bowling, cinema and restaurants - not to mention the food bank - I would like to ask for comments and signatures to reconsider its demolition.

The current plan for a replacement leisure centre and pool has come in as 'cost prohibitive' and is now under review, and the suggestion is that the families and young people should in the future use facilities along the public high roads instead of the safe, purpose provision, suitable for all ages and abilities that the current leisure park provides. 

In December, Barnet Council's Strategic Committee rejected the application to demolish the facility and replace it with 8 high rise block, up to 25 stories high, comprised of c.1500 homes. This only offered 21% affordable homes (at an 80% discount of full market rate) and zero social housing or emergency rental accommodation.

However, the developer has put forward its application to the London Mayor in a bid to overturn the decision. This decision regarding the development will be by the Mayor alone and he can choose to ignore any opinions of the GLA or the Local Council - Barnet.

There are two things to ask of the parent community if they wish to press for a better housing development scheme, that meets the needs of new and existing residents and retains a leisure offering on the site.

1. As a priority, add comments to the GLA planning portal.

It takes a few minutes and is a multiple choice selection with optional comments box.

https://glaplanningapps.commonplace.is/planningapps/25-0213-FUL

2. Add a signature to the ongoing campaign established by Our North Finchley, a resident run organisation.children

Their comprehensive website and ongoing activities have been pivotal to raising awareness of this enormously damaging private development on land owned by Barnet Council. The petition link is at the bottom of this page giving details of the concerns.

https://ournorthfinchley.org/?page_id=441

With thanks 

Nikki parent of Year 9 Student at CCF

Join us for the Tech Mentor No-Code Hackathon on Sunday 11th January 2026, from 10 AM to 4 PM

The Tech Mentor No-Code Hackathon is a hands-on, team-based virtual event where students will have the chance to:

- Build their own app to solve a real-world challenge, with no code needed.

- Develop essential skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity.

- Create a portfolio of work they can showcase for jobs, apprenticeships, or university applications.

- Explore the wide variety of career opportunities in tech, from app development to green energy.

- Work in a safe, supportive environment where mistakes are part of the learning process.

And this is all from the comfort of their own home! This event is open to students aged 14–18 (Years 10–13 / S3–S6 / Northern Irish Years 11–14) and is designed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of their experience with technology. Here’s what they can expect:

- The hackathon will be fully online via Zoom, running from 10am to 4pm (UK GMT).

- Students will work in teams to tackle a surprise real-world challenge using no-code platforms.

- They’ll be guided by experienced mentors who will support them throughout the day.

- Each participant will receive a certificate of participation

- The cost is £15 per student, which covers platform and administration costs.

Winners from this hackathon will be invited to the National Finals on 11th July 2026, where they’ll compete for:

- 1st Place: £1,000 for the winning team and £100 to each winning team member’s school.

- 2nd Place: £750 cash prize for the team.

- 3rd Place: £500 cash prize for the team.

Students will be allocated to random groups on the day to keep the competition fair and enhance your networking experience! This is a chance for you to meet likeminded students beyond your school environment and start building your Tech Network!

Spaces are limited, so I encourage you to share this opportunity with your students and encourage them to register early to avoid disappointment.

REGISTER YOUR PLACE TODAY HERE

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can contact us via our form at https://techmentor.org.uk/contact

We appreciate your ongoing commitment to shaping your students’ futures. This hackathon offers an exciting chance for them to dive into the tech world, learn new skills, and enjoy the experience along the way.

I look forward to seeing your students there!

Warm regards,

Ms. Joanne Sheldon

Head of Technology and Media

Tech Mentor (Part of Mentorverse)

Explore the success stories within Mentorverse: 

- Medical students: https://medicmentor.org/successful-student-journeys-reviews/

- Dental students: https://dental-mentor.org/successful-student-journeys-reviews/

- From Secondary School Student to Medical Scholarship Student: a step-by-step guide on getting into medical school successfully: https://medicmentor.org/become-a-medic-mentor-student-2/

Website: https://techmentor.org.uk/

Enquiry Form: https://techmentor.org.uk/contact