An assistant headteacher whose ideas helped see a dramatic rise in GCSE results has won a national award for his work.

Omar Deria, who works at Forest Gate Community School, has been awarded an Impact prize by education charity Teaching Leaders.

The charity runs a two-year Fellows programme, developing leadership skills in challenging schools, which Omar took part in.

Among the steps he introduced at the Forest Lane school were smaller tutor groups, peer mentoring and exam skill sessions.

He also introduced data tracking methods to monitor pupil progress.

Omar’s work culminated in the school’s results rising by 18 per cent last year, with 71pc of students gaining A*-C grades.

He said: “It has been an honour to work with Teaching Leaders who have supported me in my progress as a school leader.

“Working with strong, experienced and aspirational senior colleagues has helped us to become the best performing community school in Newham and I am grateful for their support and input throughout the process.”

Omar’s award was sponsored by educational publishers Pearson, whose vice president Jill Duffy offered words of praise.

She said: “It’s incredibly important to recognise and celebrate these achievements.

“The frontline of education, where a teacher and student come together, will always be where the most extraordinary things happen, every day.

“I would particularly like to congratulate Omar for truly inspirational achievements.

Omar has also been praised by the school’s headteacher, Simon Elliott, who said: “Without Omar and his innovative ideas and hard work the school would not have scored such incredible GCSE results.

“This award is extremely well-deserved.”