The school summer holidays may be upon us but hundreds of children in Croydon are returning to the classroom during August.

Literacy and numeracy classes are held fortnightly to help youngsters who are about to start secondary schools.

And there are also opportunities for gifted pupils to work on topics otherwise outside their reach.

More than 500 pupils aged 11 who need extra help with English and maths are attending special literacy and numeracy summer schools which are providing intensive, focused work in a fun and creative atmosphere.

The summer schools, which offer educational trips and fun activities as well as classroom based instruction, help children to get off to a flying start in their secondary schools.

The sessions are usually targeted at pupils who did not attain Level 4 in their Key Stage 2 results in English and maths.

Meanwhile, 150 1014 year olds are at Croydon's summer schools for gifted and talented pupils.

The gifted and talented schools are running a full programme of activities designed to enrich and extend the educational provision of the youngsters.

Pupils, selected by teachers in primary and secondary schools, will undertake a variety of activities including art, drama, dance, humanities, creative writing and maths.

All courses are run by highly experienced teachers working in partnership with experts, including writers, artists and actors and supported by community groups.

The purpose is to stretch these children, enrich their educational experience and work with materials and in situations that they would not normally encounter until later.

Croydon's cabinet member for education, Councillor Louisa Woodley said: “Making sure that children get the best possible start to secondary education is a key priority.

“The summer schools are not only developing and extending pupils' knowledge but are helping them to form positive relationships with their new teachers and peers before they move to secondary school, therefore making the transition a lot easier for them.”