A former pupil at a Walthamstow school who went to become the country's leading success story of contemporary dance, has returned after 36 years. 

Dance choreographer and theatre director Matthew Bourne took a step back in time to revisit his former grammar school, now known as Sir George Monoux College in Chingford Road yesterday.  

The Olivier Award winner famous for his production of Swan Lake, the Nutcracker and Oliver, attended a ceremony to officially open the college's theatre renamed as 'The Matthew Bourne Theatre'. 

Mr Bourne was a pupil at Sir George Monoux Grammar School from 1974 to 1978 where he left and did various jobs before enrolling at Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in 1982. 

He was welcomed by Principal Paolo Ramella, performing arts students, staff, deputy mayor for education and culture Munira Mirza, and former student and winner of The Voice 2014 Jermain Jackman.     

Mr Bourne said: "I am thrilled that the college has gone on to achieve such an admirable reputation for developing the next generation of creative young Londoners. 

"I am thrilled to have formed a lasting partnership between the college, New Adventures and Re: Bourne."