A Merton school has been rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, making it one of the top performing schools in the borough.
Inspectors visiting Rutlish School sat in on lessons and spoke to students, teaching staff, governors and the local authority.
The inspectors noted that GCSE results for every year since the previous inspection in 2013 exceeded the national average.
Ofsted described the more than 1,000 pupils as ‘unfailingly polite and courteous’, and praised them for having excellent attitudes and impeccable manners under the ‘uncompromising leadership of the head teacher and senior leaders’.
Ofsted were also impressed by the school governors’ commitment to the progress of all pupils, including the disadvantaged and those with special educational needs.
Head teacher Alex Williamson said: “It’s a fantastic achievement and a great reflection of everyone at the school.
“We have consistently maintained these high standards over a number of years and that is acknowledged by this report.”
Peter Norrie, chair of governors, said: “An Ofsted award of its highest possible outstanding judgement for Rutlish School reflects the enormous and continuing effort put in by our first-class head teacher and his truly dedicated staff over a number of years.
“Parents entrust the education of their sons to our excellent, non-selective, non-academy, local authority comprehensive school, and I hope that they are as pleased and proud as we are on this resounding affirmation of the quality of education and pastoral care their boys receive.”
Councillor Caroline Cooper-Marbiah, cabinet member for education, added: “Merton schools are among the best in the country with our secondary schools rated 10th nationally for Progress 8 last year.
“It is absolutely right that this is reflected in this excellent outcome for Rutlish School.
“My congratulations go to all staff and pupils and to the head teacher and the governors for this ‘outstanding’ judgement.”
