Two schools have received funding to help pupils with the transition from primary to secondary school.

Eastbury Community School, in Barking, and Jo Richardson Community School, in Dagenham, have each been given a £50,000 grant from the mayor of London to help with their stepping stones project.

The scheme aims to support vulnerable pupils in adjusting to life at secondary school by providing them with the opportunity to attend a summer school, as well as transition lessons and a peer mentor - an older pupil who is trained up as part of the programme.

David Dickson, Eastbury’s headteacher, said: “I am extremely grateful to the Mayor of London for this additional funding, and to all of the staff who are making sure that our pupil benefit from the project.

“The summer schools and additional activities are building the confidence, and accelerating the progress of children who, through no fault of their own, fell behind in their studies before joining Eastbury Community School.”