Havering tops London school achievers list

Rental property-seekers pondering where to set up home in London could find many reasons for choosing Havering – but those with children may now be even more inclined to the area.

Government research has revealed that the eastern outer London borough has the greatest number of high-achieving school pupils of any borough in the capital, indicating the quality of its schooling.

As many as 14.3 per cent of Havering's schoolchildren were listed in the highest achieving category, topping even the result's of London's most affluent borough, West London's Kensington and Chelsea (14.1 per cent).

Scoring well above average, the results in the Havering area covered 65 primary schools and 18 secondary schools, spread across suburban towns such as Romford, Hornchurch, Upminster and Rainham.

The ratings were made as part of a programme from the Department for Children, Schools and Families, which is looking to monitor the regional spread of children signed up to the government's 'gifted and talented' scheme.

According to the Romford Recorder, cabinet member for children's services, Cllr Geoff Starns, said: "This shows we are doing well across the board. Not only do we need to focus on children who are not doing that well, but we also need to ensure all pupils fulfil their potential."

Published 9th January, 2008

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