More acts with The xx Factor to come from 'school of rock'

It has produced a string of acclaimed musical talent, from Mercury Prize-winning The xx to members of So Solid Crew, and has also educated the world's most famous spy, James Bond.

But despite these illustrious alumni, education chiefs at the Elliott School, a comprehensive in Putney, claim there is more to come.

Frank Marshall, the head of performing arts at the school — already dubbed the "real-life school of rock" — predicted that more of his pupils will win the Mercury Prize.

He made the comments after former pupils The xx pipped music veteran Paul Weller and former winner Dizzee Rascal to the £20,000 prize on Tuesday.

The xx are the latest in a long line of bands that have tasted success after forming at the school.

Other ex-pupils include the founding members of Hot Chip, Alexis Taylor and Joe Goddard, who formed the Mercury-shortlisted electropop band in 2000.

Mercury nominee William Bevan — also known as dubstep artist Burial — was a student at the school, as was Kieran Hebden, who records as Four Tet and has worked with artists including Radiohead and Bloc Party.

The school also produced former members of rap group So Solid Crew, two musicians from indie band The Maccabees, and Herman Li, guitarist with the million-selling metal band DragonForce.

To top it off, Bond actor Pierce Brosnan was also at the school.

Mr Marshall, 51, said the whole school was "incredibly proud" of The xx, which is made up of bassist and vocalist Oliver Sim, singer and guitarist Romy Madley Croft and producer Jamie Smith.

Mr Marshall said: "The xx fit the Elliott mould. They are creative and they offer the music world something completely different."

He said the school allowed musicians and bands to flourish by giving them space and freedom.

Speaking about the school after winning the Mercury, Sim said: "There was so much time to do our own thing and they gave us time to figure things out for ourselves."

Mr Marshall said that there are a number of promising bands at the school, adding he had high hopes for Fabian Tactics who left last year.

He said: "This is only the beginning. I'm confident Fabian Tactics could be future winners of the Mercury, but there are other bands that are emerging and I'm sure they will do wonderful things."