Seven primary schools across Waltham Forest have been commended as “exceptional” by the Mayor of London under a new scheme.

Ainslie Wood, Mayville, Newport, South Grove, St Patrick’s, Whittington and Woodside primary schools have all been singled out for praise under the Schools for Success programme.

The scheme, which also saw secondary Walthamstow School for Girls come in for praise, celebrates schools that are achieving academic success with an emphasis on disadvantaged or vulnerable students.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: 'London has some of the best schools in the country, and Schools for Success shows the huge difference good quality teaching can make to pupils who started off behind in their studies.

“By sharing best practice with other schools across the capital, we can help every young Londoner reach their full potential, and ensure no child is left behind.”

Schools for Success was launched by city hall this year in a bid to tackle education inequality and increase standards for all London schoolchildren.

Julie Maltwood, deputy head teacher at South Grove Primary, said: “South Grove Primary School has been recognised in the Schools for Success Awards, because it is very aware of the varying needs of every individual child.

“Challenging target setting is a key part of this process, and monitoring and evaluation against these targets is essential.

“The governors and I are extremely pleased and proud of the school’s achievements and it is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the staff at South Grove to ensure that every child achieves their very best.”