Nine schools have received letters of praise from a Government minister and money for helping the academic achievements of their most disadvantaged pupils.

Schools minister David Laws wrote to seven Wandsworth primary and two secondary schools in the borough.

The primary schools have each been awarded £1,000, while the secondary schools both received £5,000.

The seven primaries are Brandlehow, Furzedown, Griffin, St Anne's, St George's, St Mary's RC and St Mary’s CofE.

The secondary schools are Graveney and Ark Academy Putney.

Mr Laws wrote: “The reason you have been selected is that you are one of the most improved schools in the country in terms of the attainment and value added progress of your disadvantaged pupils since 2011.”

The council’s education spokesman, Councillor Kathy Tracey, said: “This is testament to the inspired leadership of the borough’s headteachers and school governors and the determined efforts of teachers and teaching assistants.”