A special needs school in Shepherd’s Bush has received a bumper £100,000 award.

Queensmill School received the prize in the National Premium Awards, which looks at schools which have helped its disadvantaged pupils.

It was one of three from the area which won awards, with Brentford School for Girls and St Joseph’s Primary School, in Chelsea.

Queensmill School, which teaches kids on the autistic spectrum, was national winner in the special schools and alternative provision category. It inspired judges by demonstrating how much can be achieved with disadvantaged children and young people who have autism.

The Askham Road school works with the Institute of Education, University of London and other research partners to learn more about the benefits of sensory interventions with autistic pupils and other evidence-based activities to support all pupils.

The awards ceremony took place on March 25 and was hosted by TV presenter Nina Hossain. On hand to give out awards were deputy PM Nick Clegg and Minister of State for School David Laws MP.

Brentford School for Girls assistant head teacher Devisha Singh (l) and finance manager Brogen Thorpe (r) receive their certificate from David Laws
Brentford School for Girls assistant head teacher Devisha Singh and finance manager Brogen Thorpe receive their certificate from David Laws

Afterwards, Queensmill deputy head Freddie Adu said: "We are absolutely thrilled to receive this award and national recognition.

"This acknowledges the work we do for some of our most disadvantaged children. Not just autism, but also because of social economic background.

"We’re thrilled to have the extra money to do exactly the same thing for more children with similar needs.”

Brentford School for Girls, in Boston Manor Road, received £25,000 for its work with the Brilliant Club and aims to widen access to top universities for all pupils.

Through weekly tutorials with a PhD graduate, 12 of the school’s most able year eight girls, including four pupil premium pupils, started to gain the knowledge, skills and ambition required to secure places at top universities.

Devesha Singh, assistant headteacher, said: “The award is in recognition of the work we do in support of our students.

"We are proud to be award winners and we are looking forward to spending the money wisely to secure still further progress for our girls.”

St Joseph’s, in Cadogan Street, also received £25,000. The school has implemented strategies for more able pupil premium pupils which include experience of the secondary maths and literacy curriculum.

The school also works in partnership with the head of a local secondary school.

The deputy head leads intervention groups and the school also provides resources for home learning. More able pupils are given opportunities to work in small groups together, in keeping with the evidence on the positive impact of peer tutoring.