The new head of a Trust in charge of two previously underperforming schools has hailed their rapid improvement.

Hampton High and Twickenham School both scored their best ever GCSE results this year, having joined the Richmond West Schools Trust (RWST) last November.

The two schools are working alongside high achieving Waldegrave School, voted Times Comprehensive School of the Year in 2016, and Teddington School, as part of RWST.

RWST's new Chief Executive John Wilkinson, who will remain executive headteacher at Teddington School, was appointed this week.

He said: “It is a testament to the hard work, dedication and passion of the school community at Hampton and Twickenham that rapid improvement has been made in such a short space of time.

“The Trust was started because we want to ensure all of the local children attend a successful school and have a choice.

“Our aim is to bring a focus on teaching and learning and the high standards of community education which have made Teddington and Waldegrave so consistently successful to Hampton and Twickenham.

“Philippa Nunn, Headteacher of Waldegrave, and I have worked closely together to establish the Trust and improve the schools and I am grateful for her continued support.

“Waldegrave and Teddington also achieved their best examination results this year which underlines the strength of our partnership.

“We have talented staff working together to drive up standards across RWST.

“Whilst we are obviously pleased with recent performances, we will continue to work towards our stated aim of having all schools in RWST either Good or Outstanding by 2019.”

Hampton High saw a remarkable 20 per cent improvement Grade 4 plus, the A*- C equivalent, in Maths and English, while Twickenham continued to improve following an 11 per cent jump last year.

Mr Wilkinson added: “At Twickenham, we were very fortunate to appoint a very talented headteacher in Assal Ruse whose relentless commitment to driving up standards has made a real difference to the school and the community they serve.

“We have also now recruited Rebecca Poole as headteacher at Hampton High, who will inherit a school that this year saw a 20 per cent improvement in GCSE results after its first year with RWST.

“With the continuing support of two successful schools in Teddington School and Waldegrave School both are well placed to continue their improvement."

Kathy Pacey, the former senior deputy headteacher, has been appointed Head of School at Teddington School.