A Coulsdon primary school won national recognition at the House of Commons for being one of the best performing schools in the country for disadvantaged pupils.

Oasis Academy Byron, in St David's, was named Primary Regional Champion for London prize at the Pupil Premium Awards 2017 in the House of Commons.

The academy accommodates children aged between four and 11.

Pupil premium money is provided to schools by the Department for Education to raise the ability level of 'disadvantaged' pupils, described as those who have been adopted, been in care or are entitled to free school meals.

There are 22,000 schools across the UK which get the funding but only 23 finalists were selected.

At Oasis Academy Byron the money provides an experienced teacher who can work in small groups or one to one with the children to help overcome the gaps in their learning.

The school said effective learning materials are purchased to help encourage the pupils’ learning, especially in reading and mathematics. In last year’s SATs tests, 85 per cent of the children at the Academy who receive pupil premium funding achieved the expected level in reading, writing and maths compared to 39 per cent of disadvantaged pupils nationally.

Principal Clare Wingrave said: “We are truly honoured to receive this award today on behalf of everyone at the Academy. We are a team and a family, and it is only thanks to the dedication and commitment of our teachers and support staff that our pupils achieved such fantastic results last year; I am very grateful to all of them.

“At Oasis Academy Byron we care passionately about the progress of every child, and strive to give them the opportunities that they need and deserve. It is a real boost to us all to have won this award, and to reiterate the importance of this work.”

John Murphy, CEO of Oasis Community Learning, added: “At Oasis we have a mantra, ‘raising the bar, and closing the gap.’ Raising the aspirations of all of our pupils, and supporting those children who face additional challenges to learning to close the attainment gap with their peers.

“Oasis Academy Byron has time and again shown exceptional educational practice, driving up progress for everyone, regardless of background or ability. The wider Oasis family is very proud of what they have achieved.”