Staff, Governors & Trustees
Putney has a culture of inspiration, innovation, energy and creativity in teaching, and this character shapes the learning of our pupils.
From our Head, Jo Sharrock, to the many scholars, published authors, skilled artists, composers, playwrights and Olympian sports coaches; every one plays a part in creating the stimulating learning environment for which Putney is known. It makes our school an innovative, dynamic and really exciting place to teach, and above all, to learn.
Jo Sharrock – Head
Jo Sharrock joined Putney High School GDST in September 2023 following a five year headship at Shrewsbury High School and previous role as Deputy Head Pastoral at Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital School in Bristol.
An innovative, caring and dynamic leader, Ms Sharrock is deeply committed to helping every student fulfil their potential – whether that is through academic studies, co-curricular interests or building strength of character.
Ms Sharrock graduated with first class honours in History from the University of Leeds and worked in the finance industry for organisations including Goldman Sachs, NatWest and HSBC before deciding to pursue a career in teaching. She completed her PGCE at the University of the West of England.
Ms Sharrock credits her professional success to her own all-girls education. She very much shares Putney’s passion for forward-thinking excellence and typifies the school’s down to earth, warm approach that inspires each and every student to be curious, creative and bold.
Senior School
Phoebe Bradley – Deputy Head Academic
Mrs Phoebe Bradley joined Putney High School in September 2015 as Head of History & Politics. She joined the SLT in 2018 as Director of Pupil Progress & Academic Enrichment before taking on the role of Deputy Head Academic in 2020. She job shares the role with Pippa Gilbert.
Mrs Bradley obtained a degree in History from New College, Oxford, specialising in the history of the scientific revolution. Having returned to Oxford University to obtain her PGCE in 2012; she previously taught at Rochester Grammar School.
Together with Mrs Gilbert, Mrs Bradley is committed to promoting an ethos of modern scholarship – ensuring learning at Putney is an exciting, joyous journey of discovery. Throughout their time leading the Academic SLT, both have promoted a culture of research-led practice, most notably in their development of the school’s renowned Science of Learning curriculum – which ensures both staff and students understand the neuroscience behind how learning happens, thus enabling students to maximise their enormous cognitive potential.
Pippa Gilbert – Deputy Head Academic
Mrs Pippa Gilbert joined Putney High School in September 2015 as a Religious Studies teacher. She joined the SLT in 2018 as Director of Research, Learning & Outreach, having been the Gifted & Talented Coordinator, and became Deputy Head Teaching & Learning in 2020 before taking on the role of Deputy Head Academic in 2022. She job shares the roles with Phoebe Bradley.
Mrs Gilbert has earned national renown for the quality of her teaching, as a finalist and silver award winner at the Pearson National Teaching Awards in 2019. She championed the introduction, and now thriving culture, of action research within the school, and has presented at the Festival of Education as well as being an award-winner within the GDST for her research on Harkness tables.
Together with Mrs Bradley, Mrs Gilbert is committed to promoting an ethos of modern scholarship – ensuring learning at Putney is an exciting, joyous journey of discovery. Throughout their time leading the Academic SLT, both have promoted a culture of research-led practice, most notably in their development of the school’s renowned Science of Learning curriculum.
Jane Brandon – Deputy Head Pastoral & Co-curricular
Dr Brandon is passionate about offering pupils opportunities to take part in a vibrant co-curricular programme along with volunteering and partnerships that develops independence, kindness and reflects and embodies the school’s ‘It Starts With Me’ pastoral ethos.
Dr Brandon’s first degree is from King’s College London, where she studied Musicology. She continued her musical studies there, leading to the completion of her PhD in 2008. She went on to gain a PGCE in Secondary Music from the Institute of Education, while combining her studies with offering free music tuition as part of a community music project. She began her teaching career as head of Academic Music at St Mary’s Ascot, quickly progressing to the role of Assistant Head of Sixth Form.
James Mutton – Deputy Head Curriculum & Digital Innovation
Mr James Mutton (MA Hons Geography (Edinburgh), MEd Cambridge) studied Geography at Edinburgh where he decided to become a teacher after spending much of his time volunteering with young people alongside studying. After a year as an Assistant House Master in the Junior School at Gordonstoun, he completed a PGCE at the Faculty of Education in Cambridge and moved to London where he has taught ever since. Ever keen to combine academic study with school life, he has recently earned a third Masters, this time in Educational Leadership and Management from the University of Roehampton.
James has a wide-ranging portfolio of whole school responsibilities which include managing the Senior School timetable, developing a forward-looking curriculum and leading on digital innovation. Most recently this has included adopting Python as one of our language options in Year 9 to allow students to develop their coding skills, ready for their digital future. He is determined to ensure that Putney students leave with the skills, resilience and confidence they need to be trailblazers in their chosen paths.
Conor Johnston – Director of Sixth Form
Mr Conor Johnston joined Putney High School in 2026 to lead the Sixth Form team.
Mr Johnston joined Putney following a period at Woldingham School as Head of Economics. He brings extensive Sixth Form leadership experience as he was previously Director of Sixth Form at Sir William Perkins’s School, and the Assistant Director of Sixth Form at Surbiton High School.
Mr Johnston completed his PGCE at Swansea Metropolitan University and holds a Bachelors degree in Economics & Classical Civilisation from National University College Galway and a Masters in Education from Middlesex University.
Junior School
Liz McLaughlin – Junior School Head
Harvard-educated Ms Liz McLaughlin brings with her more than a decade’s experience of Headship. She joins us from Wetherby School, Kensington and was previously Head at Falcons Pre-Prep School, Chiswick, and before that, Primary School Principal at the International School of London. A passionate advocate for single sex education, she is a visionary who shares Putney’s commitment to research and the science of learning. Her own research interests have centred on curriculum development and literacy.
Ella Wilson – Deputy Head Academic
Ms Wilson joined Putney High Junior School in 2026 as Deputy Head Academic.
Previously Assistant Head Academic at Garden House School, Ms Wilson brings with her a wealth of knowledge and expertise within London day schools and in particular, girls’ education through her role as Head of Mathematics at Bute House Prep.
She is passionate about inspiring pupils and staff through innovative teaching and learning, enabling children to harness their natural curiosity and reach their potential.
Ms Wilson studied Biological Sciences with Medical Biology at the University of Edinburgh, before completing her Primary PGCE at London South Bank University. She has taught in the state and independent sector in London and internationally.
Isobel Franks – Deputy Head Pastoral
Miss Isobel Franks joined Putney High Junior School in January 2012, first as a Year 5 Class Teacher, then as Pastoral Tutor and Key Stage 2 Coordinator. She has been Deputy Head Pastoral since September 2017. Miss Franks has a particular interest in wellbeing and the social and emotional aspects of learning. She oversees the Opening Minds programme in the Junior School, which aims to enable pupils to develop a deeper understanding of themselves, of others and of their place in the world.
Miss Franks is a trained Pawsb mindfulness teacher, and she is an accredited member of the Positive Schools Programme. She was an early adopter of our coaching programme, contributing to the collaborative culture that exists here at Putney. She has recently begun training in Child Counselling with Place2Be.
Miss Franks has visited schools in Pakistan and India, working alongside local teachers to share best practice and innovative ideas.
In her spare time, Miss Franks enjoys dressmaking and growing fruit and vegetables on her allotment.
Robert Jones - Director of Finance & Operations
Robert's responsibilities encompass Finance, Estates, Health and Safety, Catering, Human Resources and IT. He is passionate about supporting the school's educational mission and values being part of a dedicated and collaborative community that places pupils at the centre of every decision.
Governors and Trust Contacts
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1 —Trustees
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2 —The Local Governing Body
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3 —Contact the GDST
Trustees
The Trustees of the school are the Trustees of the GDST, details of whom can be found on the GDST website.
The Co-Chairs of the Trustees, Stuart Ross and Ann Ewing, can be contacted via Ms Lucy Colegate (GDST Head of Governance) at the GDST office.
Email: l.colegate@wes.gdst.net
The Girls’ Day School Trust, The Asticus Building, 21 Palmer Street, London, England, SW1H 0AD
Trustees
The Local Governing Body
Prudence Lynch MA
Liz Bucknall BSc (Hons)
Emma Chowdhury BA (Hons)
Catherine Hitchcock MA (Oxon)
Christopher Kraft BSc (Hons)
Lucy Lettice-Cohen BSc (Hons)
Camila Reed BA (Hons)
Miranda Smart BA (Hons)
The Local Governing Body
Contact the GDST
Cheryl Giovannoni – Chief Executive Officer
Girls’ Day School Trust
The Asticus Building
21 Palmer Street
London
England
SW1H 0AD
Email: info@wes.gdst.net
Telephone: 020 7393 6666
Contact the GDST