A South Auckland school once written off for disruptive behaviour has taken top honours at the Prime Minister's Education Excellence Awards.

Decile one Manurewa Intermediate was placed under statutory management in 2008 because of severe disruptions, including one of the country's highest rates of vandalism.

Today the school boasts an above average attendance rate.

Principal Iain Taylor told Mike Hosking they made the remarkable turnaround by setting high expectations of both students and staff.

Education Minister Nikki Kaye announced the Prime Minister's Education Excellence Awards on Tuesday night at a ceremony in Auckland.

"Manurewa Intermediate School has radically changed the lives of all its students, engaging them in learning across the board," she said.

Other winners of awards for excellence in teaching and learning went to Invercargill Middle School, William Colenso College and Halswell School.

LISTEN ABOVE AS MANUREWA INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL IAIN TAYLOR SPEAKS TO MIKE HOSKING