A successful programme run by a secondary school in Forest Gate has resulted in another two more pupils winning scholarships at prestigious colleges.

Malachi Castro and Charles Morton will leave Forest Gate Community School to study A Levels at the City of London School, after earning their places through a bursary scheme.

The pair were accepted after submitting a written application, attending an interview at the school and sitting the entrance exam.

The City of London School is more than 500 years old and is normally only open to fee-paying students.

Notable alumni include former prime minister H H Asquith and world-renowned scientist Peter Higgs.

Malachi, 15, from Forest Gate, said: “I wanted a better quality of opportunity that most people will never be given and I want to try and seize it with both hands.

“It was never something I considered I would be able to do, but the college will be able to give me opportunities in life I would have never thought I would have a few years ago.”

Malachi and Charles hope by attending the school, they will be able to achieve entry to MIT and Oxford universities respectively.

Charles said: “Teachers at Forest Gate really helped me throughout the application process at the City of London School and they also made me believe this was something I could actually achieve.

“Getting an offer from the college has motivated me even more than I was already, it has made me want to do everything I can to ensure I do my best.”

The prestigious colleges programme has seen students leave Forest Gate Community School for the best independent schools in the country including Eton College and Winchester College.