Putney High School, GDST

Putney High School has been at the forefront of educating girls since 1893 when it began life as ‘East Putney High School’. Over 125 years later, we are one of the UK’s leading independent girls’ schools, a pioneering school of the Girl’s Day School Trust (GDST) and consistently ranked among the top performing schools both in London and the UK.

The school is located at the top of Putney Hill, in a leafy corner of south west London, within a short walk of the River Thames. With a Junior School, Senior School and purpose built Sixth Form Centre on site, Putney sits within an extensive campus of mature trees and spacious lawns, blending original Victorian architecture with stunning new sustainable development.

Academically high-achieving, Putney High School succeeds in being both down-to-earth and dynamic. We provide an inspiring, scholarly and exceptionally broad education for over 1000 pupils aged between 4 and 18 years old. Our ethos is one of ‘modern scholarship’ which makes learning challenging, fun and above all, relevant. Lessons encourage curiosity and explore everything from entrepreneurship and oracy to AI and design thinking.

For us, wellbeing is key to everything, from our award-winning Biophilic Classroom design to our Breathe environmental programme. Whoever they are or want to be, our inclusive and democratic culture ensures students build friendships and develop their intellect knowing they are valued as individuals, able to make a difference. Right from the off, pupils are inspired to develop a love of learning and quickly develop the “can-do” attitude, resilience and adaptability that are a hallmark of our many trailblazing alumnae. 

We are a warm and welcoming community of innovative and intrepid thinkers where students are encouraged and enabled to discover their passions and to branch out intellectually beyond the confines of the curriculum. Putney’s departing Year 13 are consistently awarded the highest grades at A Level and go on to further study at the finest educational establishments in the UK and abroad.

Our award-winning research projects position us at the forefront of educational leadership and have been recognised by the Chartered College of Teaching and seen us shortlisted for TES, i25 and Pearson awards. We are even the recipients of a highly prized Royal Horticultural Society Gold Medal. Our innovative teaching methods and research into the Science of Learning keep us at the cutting edge of our profession and allow us to ensure that every pupil is given the opportunity not only to achieve her potential, but to truly flourish.

Putney is a forward-thinking school that believes not only in the importance of a first-rate education, but in offering one that is in tune with an evolving future. There is excitement and opportunity in the air here – pupils have a voice and there is a bold inquisitiveness which sees staff and students collaborate in fresh new ways, making the most of cross-curricular links between departments and fuelled by a genuine passion for new ideas and technologies.

We are committed to equipping young people with the creative mindset and agility that will set them apart in the modern world. Our Putney Ideas Exchange (PIE) and Residency programme offer students access to thought leaders and experts in their fields.

While Putney students are unashamedly ambitious, they pursue their passions with energy and enthusiasm, finding time for a huge range of interests and activities beyond the curriculum. They throw themselves into the huge range of co-curricular activities on offer and are as likely to be found in Med Soc or Bridge Club as they are to be found on the river, rowing out of the school’s own Boathouse at Putney Bridge. There is a vast array of sports, art, music, drama, clubs and societies available – many of which are devised and run by pupils themselves.

Being such a busy London school, we take seriously our responsibilities to our community and embrace involvement with local schools and institutions through volunteering and other partnership initiatives. Ours is a kind, healthy and happy community that while it is high achieving, remains compassionate, grounded and aware of responsibilities to one another and to the wider world.

Our Breathe and Positive Schools programmes focus on environment and wellbeing, taking action to encourage positive behaviours and habits of mind. Putney students go on to be ambassadors for these values in every sector and in every corner of the globe; ready for adventure, conscious of their responsibilities, and eager to make a difference through the many exciting goals that they pursue.