In an effort to keep some of London's most "vulnerable and deprived" students from turning to a life of crime, three Croydon schools will be taking part in a new summer break project.

The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan announced today that £750,000 would be spent to implement the 'Stepping Stones' initiative in 15 schools.

Of those, Harris Academy South Norwood, Meridian High School, The Archbishop Lanfranc Academy were all selected and have already begun implementing the project.

Stepping Stones targets students considered vulnerable due to either poor attendance, low attainment. or gang involvement, and looks to give them a head start in making the transition from primary to secondary school.

London Assembly Member and Croydon woman Fiona Twycross welcomed the news.

“The transition between primary and secondary school can be a difficult and testing time for some children," she said.

"However, with the extra helping hand that the Stepping Stones programme and summer school provides, it can also empower the most vulnerable young Londoners to make the leap to a
higher level of academic and personal independence."

The project will comprise of a two-week summer school of educational and teambuilding activities to help year 7 students grow accustomed to secondary school before term begins. 

Morning sessions are typically focussed on improving core maths and English skills, followed by an afternoon teambuilding exercise concentrating on social skills and integration.

“Leaving primary school and starting secondary school is an important crossroads in any young Londoners’ life, but for some communities it can be a particularly crucial time where the decisions and paths taken can affect not only that child but their entire community," Mr Khan said.

“Stepping Stones offers help, advice and support to young people, giving them structure during the summer holidays – as well as sustained support during their first year of secondary school – a time when the most vulnerable can be led astray."