Simon Marks has received a gold award in London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s Healthy Schools scheme.

Syed Gilani, healthy school co-ordinator at the Hackney primary said, “It was an absolute pleasure to accept this award, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to healthy eating.”

The school introduced salad bars, juices and smoothies to the lunch menu to encourage better eating habits.

As a “Daily Mile” school, each class walks or jogs a mile a number of times a week. More children cycle to a school and participation in physical activities at break have increased by 27 per cent. 

The school is also monitoring air quality in the vicinity to increase awareness of pollution and promote sustainable travel.

Headteacher Gulcan Metin Asdoyuran said, "We are thrilled to be the first and only school in Hackney to receive the Gold Healthy Schools award. To be recognised for our efforts is wonderful. Health and Wellbeing is very important at Simon Marks and it has been wonderful to see all our children and staff enjoying our many initiatives”