The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS) has been ranked third in the world as a performing arts education institution for the first time.

The Glasgow music and performance school moved up three places in the QS world rankings 2017 compared to the previous year.

It is behind New York's Juilliard School and the Royal College of Music in London. It shares third place with the Royal Academy of Music, also based in the UK capital.

Herald league tables: West coast schools are top of the class in latest Higher results

The RCS - whose former pupils include David Tennant, James McAvoy, Alan Cumming and Ruby Wax - was also the top-ranking international higher educational institution in Scotland.

Principal Professor Jeffrey Sharkey said: "It's a real thrill to see Scotland's national conservatoire recognised in the world top three for performing arts education for the first time.

"This is a proud moment for us all at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and of great credit to a terrific staff and student community that embraces the best of both excellence and creativity that thrives here in Glasgow and Scotland.

Herald league tables: West coast schools are top of the class in latest Higher results

"This is a great team, working in a great city and nation, delivering one of the world's most innovative arts education for the 21st century."

The QS world ranking comes as it launches its 2018 student recruitment activities looking for new students hoping to follow in the footsteps of its alumni.

Chairman Professor Nick Kuenssberg said: "This is a proud day for Scotland as our national conservatoire is rightly recognised and celebrated as a world leader in the performing arts."