London has the lowest proportion of underperforming schools in the UK

London has the lowest proportion of underperforming schools in the country, new figures reveal today.

Just 6.9 per cent of schools in the capital fell below the government’s tough ‘floor standard’ based on GCSE results, against a national figure of 12 per cent.

The capital also boasts twelve of the 20 top performing schools in the country with Wembley High Technology College ranked second and Harris Academy Battersea fourth.

The rankings are based on the government’s new ‘Progress 8’ measure which highlights how well students have improved during their time at school.

Merton, Brent, Barnet, Westminster and Harrow were named as boroughs where pupils made the most progress between leaving primary school and taking their GCSEs.

The figures reveal that nationally the attainment gap between disadvantaged secondary pupils and their peers has narrowed since last year.

School standards minister Nick Gibb said: “Academic standards are rising thanks to our reforms and the hard work of teachers, with 1.9 million more children in good or outstanding schools than in 2010.”

He added that more disadvantaged pupils are studying core academic subjects, ensuring they have the knowledge and skills they need to make the most of their lives.

Mr Gibb said: “London’s schools – driven by the performance of the country’s leading free schools and academies – continue to lead the way on raising school standards in England.

“The results of putting power in the hands of headteachers are clear for all to see.”

He praised the Harris Academy Chain for transforming underperforming schools by rejecting educational fads and “changing the education landscape.”

He added: “These schools epitomise the government’s drive for higher standards in schools, particularly for those pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds.”