Philip Lawrence stabbing school is most improved in London

A notorious school has been hailed as the most improved in London, 14 years after its headmaster Philip Lawrence was stabbed to death.

Mr Lawrence, 48, was killed by Learco Chindamo, 15, as he tried to protect one of his pupil at the front gates of the Catholic school in December 1995.

Chindamo was a pupil at a nearby school. Now St George's School in Maida Vale has been named as the most improved in the city since 2005 and the fifth most improved in the country.

Gordon Brown has invited headteacher Martin Tissot to Downing Street this month to mark his success.

Mr Tissot, head of the mixed 600-pupil school for 11 to 16-year-olds since 2006, said their achievements meant the school could have a "new story".

He added: "I want to move away from the school being seen simply as the one where the headmaster was murdered. I have been at the school for three years now and we have made some important changes that are showing some great results."

A strict school uniform code, revision classes out of school hours and strict discipline mean
St George's is fast becoming over-subscribed.

The school is boosting computing facilities in a £14 million scheme and is set to take on another 150 pupils.

Chindamo was convicted of murder at the Old Bailey in 1996 and ordered to be detained indefinitely with a 12-year minimum tariff.