Croydon’s schools are topping the science table after they were granted new awards that reflect their teaching ability.

The borough now has 21 primary schools that have Primary Science Quality Marks, higher than any other authority in the country.

The mark is given to primary schools that show they understand the importance of teaching science and have the ability to deliver lesson plans that exceed national benchmarks.

Councillor Tim Pollard, cabinet member for children, families and learning, said: "Science is all around us – it’s what makes the modern world such an exciting place to be.

That’s why science education is so important, because it means that young people get a grasp of how technology and the natural world work."

Croydon is also celebrating the culmination of a two-year partnership with the Wellcome Trust which has helped promote science teaching in schools.