Putney High School

The school is built on an ethos of 'Modern Scholarship,' a forward-thinking approach to academic study that is research-led, intellectually thrilling, and relevant to the modern world. It aims to nurture academic agility, curiosity, and fearless ambition, encouraging students to take ownership of their learning and think critically. The school values inclusivity, innovation, and intellectual risk-taking, striving to build women of character, consequence, and compassion.

The school provides a continuous education from the Junior School (ages 4–11) through the Senior School (ages 11–16) to the Sixth Form (ages 16–18). The curriculum is innovative and research-based, featuring subjects such as Design Thinking and Python coding. In the Sixth Form, students pursue A Level pathways, which may include the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the GDST Space Tech Diploma.

Putney High School is consistently ranked among the top-performing schools in the UK, with students regularly achieving exceptional results. Graduates progress to a variety of prestigious destinations, including Oxbridge, UCL, Imperial College, Ivy League universities in the USA, medical schools, and leading arts conservatoires. The school emphasizes preparing students to be real-world ready with an entrepreneurial mindset.

The school employs a proactive, girl-centred approach to care, supported by expert teaching and a focus on wellbeing. The curriculum incorporates the 'Science of Learning,' which uses neuroscience to help students understand how they learn and maximize their cognitive potential. Pastoral care is overseen by dedicated leadership teams, and the school utilizes programmes such as 'Opening Minds' in the Junior School to support social and emotional development.

The school operates a means-blind admissions process for the Senior School, with places offered based on potential. A non-refundable registration fee is required, and an acceptance deposit is payable upon securing a place. The school offers bursaries and scholarships, with nearly one in five pupils receiving financial support. Prospective families can attend open days and contact the admissions team for guidance on the Junior, Senior, and Sixth Form entry processes.

The academic year is divided into three terms: Autumn, Spring, and Summer. The calendar includes scheduled half-term breaks, staff inset days, and specific school closure dates for entrance assessments. The school day typically concludes with staggered finish times for different year groups.

The leafy campus on Putney Hill features a range of modern facilities, including a Performing Arts Centre with tiered seating, a drama studio, and a Junior School Hall. Academic spaces include the Athena Debating Forum, a Rapid Prototyping Studio, and various classrooms. Sports facilities comprise a large sports hall, fitness suite, and tennis and netball courts, alongside a dedicated boathouse. Many of these facilities are available for hire outside of school hours.

The school offers over 150 co-curricular clubs and societies, ranging from sports like rowing, lacrosse, netball, and cross-country to academic and creative pursuits such as debating, drama, music ensembles, engineering, and gardening. Students have access to a dedicated boathouse on the Tideway and participate in various performing arts productions. Enrichment opportunities are designed to help students find their niche and develop skills outside the classroom.