Prize books help city school

Young writers of the future are finding inspiration thanks to the Evening Standard London School Awards.

Pupils at Mulberry School for Girls in Tower Hamlets decided the £ 7,000 they received as one of last year's four winners should be spent on 1,350 reading books for their library.

The head, Dame Marlene Robottom, said: "There is always the chance pupils will be inspired to write themselves."

Mulberry won for outstanding achievement in difficult circumstances, while others won for sheer academic excellence. The awards, now in their sixth year, celebrate the achievements of London's best schools, and tomorrow we will announce this year's winners.

They will share a £20,000 prize, with two primary schools each receiving £3,000 and two secondary schools getting £7,000 apiece, reflecting their larger pupil numbers.

Education Secretary Charles Clarke today gave his backing to our awards. He said: "They do more than celebrate the very best in schools throughout the capital. They encourage all schools to do better."