A Wimbledon school attended by former Prime Minister John Major has been ranked 'Outstanding' by Ofsted.

Other illustrious alumni include Simple Minds drummer Mel Gaynor, 'The Snowman' illustrator Raymond Briggs and Sir Morien Morgan, an aeronautical engineer responsible for creating the Concorde, a turbojet-powered supersonic jet.

Rutlish School, in Watery Lane, Merton Park has a higher national average proportion of students from minority ethnic groups, with around half of the students not speaking English as a first language.

The comprehensive school was praised for its "knowledge and understanding of tolerance and democracy" which makes it "exceptionally well prepared for the challenges of life in modern Britain."

First opened in 1895, the local authority school also has a higher than average number of students eligible for free school meals.

It was set up with money left by wealthy courtier William Rutlish, who left the money to help poor Merton children in 1687.

Ofsted said progress in the boys-only school far outperforms boys nationally.

The education standards office praised the senior management of the school, and the "high performance" culture the school represents. Teachers have "outstanding" subject knowledge and set high expectations for their pupils that results in rapid progress.

Students were also praised for showing very positive attitudes and commitment to learn, as well as their manners and pride they have for their school.

Head teacher Alex Williamson welcomed the news citing staff and pupils ongoing commitment to improvement.

“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 for Rutlish School, said: “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.”

Wimbledon MP Stephen Hammond, said: "I want to offer my congratulations to the teachers, students and governors at Rutlish School for being rated as outstanding by Ofsted.

"The school has seen fantastic results recently, brought about by an excellent attitude from the students and fantastic teaching and leadership from the staff. This is a brilliant achievement and the whole school should be very proud."