A Merton Park boys’ school has been nationally recognised for achieving some of the most quickly improved GCSE results in the country.

Rutlish School, in Watery Lane, was lauded by the Schools Network (SSAT) after 64 per cent of its students received A*-C grades (including English and Maths) in their GCSEs. 

It marks an increase in 19 percentage points since 2008 – putting it within the top 10 per cent of English schools – compared to in 2007 when only a third of pupils could achieve the same level.

Headteacher, Alex Williamson, said: “We are delighted with this achievement and feel greatly encouraged as we raise the school’s standards still further. 

“I am proud of all our pupils who work so hard and are great ambassadors for the school.

“Being in the top 10 per cent of improved schools is also testament to our dedicated team of teaching staff who work tirelessly to ensure our pupils can achieve the best they can.”

Formerly a grammar school, its former pupils include former prime minister John Major, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, and the author Raymond Briggs, who described it as “awful and rubbish”.

Merton Council’s cabinet member for education, Councillor Martin Whelton, said: “This is a great achievement for Rutlish, and one of which they are rightly proud. 

“Education is a major priority for Merton and we are continuing to make major investments in our schools to ensure our children benefit from quality education near to where they live. 

“We are looking forward to seeing continued progress in all our schools. Rutlish is a great example of what can be achieved.”

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