Eight schools in Barking and Dagenham have picked up awards in this year’s Mayor of London ‘healthy living’ programme at City Hall today.

Four got ‘gold’ standards from Mayor Sadiq Khan And four received silver for promoting healthy eating, physical activity, emotional health and wellbeing and social and health education.

The schools focus on more than just teaching the three Rs, getting children to make their own decisions about their health which research shows leads to higher academic achievement.

“They play a key role in children’s development,” the Mayor said. “Pupils’ wellbeing is vital to building a healthier future. These winning schools are promoting the importance of good health and active lifestyles.”

‘Gold’ winning schools included Barking Abbey, Ripple Primary, Marks Gate Juniors and Manor Infant.

‘Silver’ winners included Henry Green Primary, Eastbury Community, Gascoigne Primary and St Vincent’s Catholic Primary.

More than 2,000 schools are registered in the scheme, with 202 reaching gold standard, 565 silver and 1,140 bronze.