AN Enfield school which has risen above the challenges it once faced will now share the secrets of its success with others across the country.

Lea Valley High School, in Bullsmoor Lane, is one of just 100 schools to be given the honour of becoming a National Leader Support School by the National College for Leadership after successfully driving up standards in challenging circumstances.

The number of pupils eligible for free school meals is nearly four times the national average and has a "significant" number of children who are in care.

More than 50 per cent of students speak English as an additional language and many are not literate in their home language upon entry to the school.

Principal Janet Cullen will take on the role of National Leader of Education (NLE) and together with her staff will provide additional leadership to struggling schools of those becoming academies.

Ms Cullen said: "I am very proud to have the work of Lea Valley High School recognised in this way. Our students have made excellent progress which has been reflected in the upward trend of our examination results at all levels."

The scheme was set up five years ago and reports above-average improvements in exam results at both the support and client schools leading to the scheme being double from 500 to 1,000 by 2015 after winning over education secretary Michael Gove.

Toby Salt, deputy chief executive of the National College, said: "This is about the best school leaders helping the rest and the results speak for themselves. It’s fantastic that heads like Janet Cullen are looking beyond their own school gates and supporting others to help more and more pupils get the best start in life."