A quartet of schools in Hounslow have won entry to an exclusive Gold Club for those helping disadvantaged pupils flourish academically.

Lampton School and The Heathland School, both in Hounslow, Lionel Primary, in Brentford, and Grove Park Primary, in Chiswick, are among 95 schools across the capital making the grade in the scheme set up by London Mayor Boris Johnson.

The Gold Club was created last year to reward schools which have helped poorer students excel against the odds. The latest members were announced last Thursday (October 2) at an awards ceremony in City Hall.

Gold Club members are encouraged to share their winning formulae with other schools, by arranging visits and seminars, to help prevent children's backgrounds proving a barrier to their success.

Mr Johnson said: "The Gold Club is based on the belief that all schools can aspire to attain excellence for all their pupils, whatever their circumstances.

"London schools are already doing well when compared to the rest of the country, but each of our Gold Club schools is making even greater strides with its pupils.

"There is no one-size-fits-all approach to raising standards, but we hope other schools will be able to benefit as a result of seeing what others in the capital are doing to achieve academic excellence."

Lampton School's associate headteacher Jacquie Smith said: "I am very proud Lampton is being recognised in such a prestigious way, and a way that highlights the tremendous work the school is doing with all our students."