Ricards Lodge High School in Wimbledon has been given the highest rating of ‘Outstanding’ following a recent Ofsted inspection.

School inspectors praised the school for their outstanding outcomes and the substantial progress pupils make across the curriculum.

Highlighted in the report were pupils’ positive attitudes to learning and their development into confident, mature, reflective and resilient young women.

Headteacher Alison Jerrard said: “I am thrilled that the work of the students, staff and governors have been fully recognised by Ofsted. To be judged as Outstanding is a testament to the work we have done to improve the school.

“Our students benefit from outstanding teaching and learning which has driven up our examination results as we have had the best GCSE results with a progress 8 score of 0.72 which was well above average.

“The report reflected the whole school, we want to be the best we can be for the students and the inspectors saw what I see every day, which is a hardworking and dedicated staff and Governing Body and students who take pride in their work.

She added: “This is the 1st time we have been rated outstanding and the students are thrilled.

“We are a community based school and it has been fantastic.”

Ofsted inspectors commented on the ambition of the leadership and governing body, “Leaders fully prepare pupils and students in the sixth form for their role as women in the 21st Century”.

Cllr Caroline Cooper-Marbiah, Cabinet Member for Education, said: “This is a huge achievement for Ricards Lodge High School and my congratulations go to all staff and pupils and to the headteacher and the governors for this Outstanding rating.”

Ricards Lodge High School is a comprehensive secondary school for girls aged 11-16 on Lake road.