Eight schools in Newham are among the first to receive the Mayor of London’s Gold Club award.
The award recognises primary and secondary schools in the capital who have achieved exceptional outcomes with pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds.
It looks at exam results from the previous year, focusing on pupils who receive free school meals and whether they are doing as well as the national average.
Out of the 3,000 schools in London, only 111 gained the award, which they will retain for a year.
It recognises the different circumstances that schools face and the individual approaches they take.
Headteachers were presented with a certificate at City Hall as part of the London Education Conference.
Paul Underwood, the headteacher of St Winifride’s catholic primary school said:
“We try to make sure children on free school meals achieve the same as other children.
“Because we have achieved this, we were asked to share our expertise with other schools in London.
The other primary schools in the borough to achieve the award are St Helen’s, Tollgate, Gallions and Curwen.
Brampton Manor Academy were rewarded for their work with secondary school pupils, as were Little Ilford and Plashet schools.
Mr Johnson said: “Our finest schools recognise the importance of competition, rigour, creativity, discipline, and progression on the basis of academic merit.
“I want to support the best schools and teachers to share their good ideas through my Excellence Fund and the Gold Club scheme.”
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