Rutlish School
99%
Capacity
1,491
Pupils
2.9x
Demand
About Rutlish School
Rutlish School is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Merton community, welcoming boys from age 11 to 19. The school has 1,491 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (99% of 1,500 places).
the school is led by headteacher Laura Howarth, it falls under Merton local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.68 is well above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is strong at 55.2. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of B-. Additionally, placing it in the top 10% nationally. Additionally, ranked 302nd out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 3rd out of 8 in Merton.
Rutlish School is a popular choice with families — it received 752 applications for 260 places, making it 2.9x oversubscribed. Of these, 250 were first-preference applications.
Rutlish School parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is very positive, with 92% recommending the school (167 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 10 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 7 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Rutlish School include Theatre, Art Studios, Library, Swimming Pool, ICT Suite, Sixth Form Centre, Tennis Courts, Music Rooms, Dining Hall, Sports Hall, Astro Turf.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Netball, Basketball, Tennis, Rowing and 5 more, as well as clubs including Art Club, Drama, Choir, Orchestra and 5 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 22.1%, which is close to the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Merton, Rutlish School is one of the options available in the London region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 19 years |
| Gender | Boys |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | Watery Lane, London, Merton, SW20 9AD |
| Headteacher | Laura Howarth |
| Local Authority | Merton |
| Number of Pupils | 1,491 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 22.1% |
| School Capacity | 1,491 / 1,500 (99% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
24 Sept 2024Quality of Education
Outstanding
Since Sep 2024, Ofsted no longer assigns a single overall grade
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 21 Oct 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.68)
302nd of 3,141
Nationally
114th of 487
In London
3rd of 8
In Merton
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make significantly more progress than similar students nationally
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
40.0
'22/23
35.3
'23/24
35.1
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
Ofsted Parent View
167 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
SEND Support
Resourced ProvisionSource: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
11Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
18Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed260
752
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
250 families put this school as their 1st choice (33% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rutlish School
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
Watery Lane, London
Merton, SW20 9AD
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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