A former headteacher of Deptford Green School has been knighted for his role in guiding it to numerous successes over his 20-year tenure.
Sir Keith Ajegbo, who retired last year, has been decorated by the Queen for achieving remarkable exam success at the Lewisham school whilst driving it to attaining specialist school status.
Steve Bullock, Mayor of Lewisham, on hearing the news, commented: "The Knighthood is thoroughly deserved. Keith was a fine headteacher - energetic, passionate about his pupils and hugely talented."
Deptford Green School, which has specialist status as a humanities college, specialises in English, Drama and played a pioneering role in the development of Citizenship as a subject.
Sir Keith, said: "We have created a very successful multi-ethnic school and were one of the first to include Citizenship as a specialist subject. Our links within the community are excellent, but the school's success with exam results is probably the most notable achievement."
Deptford Green is part of the successful Crossways Federation of schools, including Addey and Stanhope School, Crofton Secondary and Catford High School and the Crossways Sixth Form Academy.
Mr Ajegbo now sits on the Government's External Advisory Group, which makes recommendations for the education of 14-19 year olds.
He is also currently working on a review for Bill Rammell, Minister for Higher Education, on whether it should be compulsory to teach pupils about British cultural and social history.