School leadership and pupils are celebrating as it gained national recognition for being among the top 100 in the country for pupil progress.

Nick Gibb, Minister for Schools, wrote a letter congratulating South Grove Primary School, in Ringwood Road, Walthamstow.

The progress that children made, in results released last month from Year 2 to Year 6, is the best in Waltham Forest.

It had a value added of 102.9.

A total of 98 per cent of pupils achieved at least a Level 4 standard in reading and mathematics, and 93 per cent in writing.

Mr Gibbs wrote in the letter: “We want to ensure that every child progresses to the very best of their ability in reading, writing and mathematics so that they have the fluency in these subjects to enable them to succeed at secondary school and beyond.

“Your school is clearly putting great effort into achieving this.”

“Thank you for your work in continuing the drive towards high standards of educational achievement.”

South Grove was rated ‘good’ in its last Ofsted inspection released in April 2014.

Headteacher Julie Mallwood said: “This letter is testament to all the hard work, commitment and vision from leadership team, governors, staff, pupils and fantastic support from parents.

“We are really proud to have achieved this but continue to strive to improve the school and its educational provision for all of its pupils.”

Waltham Forest cabinet member for children, Labour councillor Mark Rusling, also offered his congratulations to the school.

He said: “I am delighted at the fantastic progress being made by pupils at South Grove.

“It is testament to a great deal of very hard work from teachers, governors and families.

“Our schools offer a high-quality education for all pupils, this national recognition shows that very clearly.”