A Wandsworth primary school and secondary have been praised by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan for the ‘exceptional’ education they deliver.

Schools for Success, a new annual programme launched this year, was set up by the Mayor to recognise the achievements of schools across the capital.

Harris Academy Battersea, a coeducational secondary school and sixth form in Battersea Park Road, was selected alongside Trinity St Mary’s CofE Primary School based in Balham Park Road.

The two were the only schools in the borough selected out of just six per cent of London schools.

David Moody, principal of Harris Academy Battersea, said: “For a school that did a disservice to its community for such a long time, it is humbling to receive this award and a testament to everything that the students and staff have done to turn the academy round. The school has been ranked fourth in the country for the last two years and it is something of which everyone is incredibly proud.

“It is our job as teachers to have higher expectations for students than they might ever for themselves and to watch them achieve such high grades makes all the long hours and hard work worthwhile.”

The secondary is said to have had issues with ‘poor behaviour and low-quality teaching in too many classrooms’, but addressed that by introducing a centralised behaviour system and introduced increased classroom scrutiny to ensure consistency among staff.

As a result, this is said to have raised the standards at the school and helped contribute to their selection, going from bottom in the borough to top non-selective in the country for progress at both GCSE and post-16 levels.

Lynn Anderson, head teacher at Trinity St Mary’s, said: “I am delighted to receive this award on behalf of the school, which recognises all the hard work and achievements of the children and staff at Trinity St Mary’s.

“We are very excited to open the doors of our school to support and foster a positive working relationship with other schools across London.”

It is said the primary has a ‘large population of disadvantaged pupils, which is far higher than the local or national average’ and believed to have affected the children’s attainment and progress.

Steps which led to their recognition is said to have included staff having a ‘secure understanding’ of each individual child’s strengths and weaknesses, introducing reading carousels for raised engagement and enjoyment and extra after-school classes and Easter school sessions to support those with additional needs.

Trinity St Mary’s has been labelled as ‘exceptional’ for assisting children to achieve significant success.

Mr Khan said: “Congratulations to Harris Academy Battersea and Trinity St Mary’s for its outstanding achievements and for the hard work of its pupils and teaching staff.

“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 is part of the Mayor’s ambition to combat education inequality and improve the standards of children from all backgrounds across London.