Inquiry puts spotlight on London schools

The inquiry, which will cover both primary and secondary schools, will look at issues including standards, the availability of school places and future investment.

Tony Sewell, a former teacher and chief executive of Generating Genius, a charity that helps black and mixed-race boys achieve educational success, has been asked to scope the format and key issues of the inquiry and a chair and formal panel will be announced shortly.

The inquiry will run for 10 months with an interim report due to be published in February and a final report next autumn. 

Johnson said: "Academic excellence and social confidence should belong to all children, regardless of their background.

"Some schools have cracked the magic formula that brings out the best in every child, regardless of their ability, and helps them reach their full potential. 

"We’ve got amazing schools that push some of the most disadvantaged kids into excellent universities and professions, while others harvest an intake of enthusiastic kids who steadily lose momentum and ambition.

"I want our inquiry to ask some tough questions and help cultivate in all our schools the positive energy, discipline and ambition our children deserve."

Key issues are set to include how best to support schools to continue to drive up standards, meeting demand for places at popular schools, increasing investment in school buildings and supporting the growth of academies and free schools.

The inquiry has received the backing of Education Secretary Michael Gove.

"I know how passionate the mayor is about making opportunity more equal," he said. "And I know that he wants every penny we spend on education used as efficiently as possible – devoted to great teaching. 

"That's why I am so enthusiastic about this review and want to work with Boris so we can ensure every school in London is as good as the best."