Both staff and students are encouraged to take learning beyond the classroom. Our award winning playground, science garden, amphitheatre and allotment allows us to offer our students the opportunity of outdoor learning and expand their knowledge beyond the classroom walls.

Outdoor Learning Benefits:

• encourages curiosity and reflective thinking- problem-solving in ‘real life’ situations
• develops adaptability, communication skills and collaboration
• develops love and appreciation of nature and environment
• develops self-awareness and independence
• provides positive physical and mental health benefits
• assists fine and gross motor skills

Life at Putney has a very special feel to it. We believe that from the moment a student steps through our doors, she should feel safe, supported and free to be herself. As a result, the happiness, personal development and wellbeing of our pupils comes before all else.

We want to cultivate the individual. We do this by providing the appropriate environment to hear every child’s voice. In a school where everyone genuinely knows each other’s names, girls learn to build the foundations of true friendships and positive relationships. They gain skills in teamwork, group study and empathy; supporting one another in their learning and their lives. We really are a community, and with that comes a strong moral awareness for how to be a positive and productive member of that community.

Pupils know that they can always talk to any adult, not just their class teacher. However, it is the students themselves who shape the culture of our school. Therefore, we listen to, encourage and support each and every one of them as they embark on their learning journey.

Right from the moment a child starts Putney in Reception, she is involved in every area of school life. Whether it’s a workshop, event or celebratory week, girls throughout the school are invited to take part in an age-appropriate activity.

Upon joining Putney, each pupil is paired with a Year 6 girl at the top of the Junior School. She will receive a letter from her ‘buddy’ during the summer holidays, encouraging her to get excited about starting school. Once she arrives, each Reception pupil meets her buddy who will help her to settle into life at Putney.

We offer fantastic before and after school provision with activities available for all Junior School pupils.

Breakfast and after-school clubs are delivered by Super Camps, the UK’s no.1 for childcare during the school holidays. Wraparound care runs from 7.30am before school and until 6pm after school, offering an exciting range of activities to keep children entertained, with breakfast and snacks included.

During the school holidays, Putney High School parents can also enjoy the additional bonus of 10% off all bookings for summer camps and specialist science camps, which run at the School during the summer holidays.

For further information, please visit the Super Camps website.

Putney is a democratic environment where pupils enjoy a dialogue with their teachers and leading is done by example. Girls take on responsibility at the earliest opportunity, learning that good leadership goes hand-in-hand with teamwork. A thriving, democratically-elected School Council represents the views of all the girls. Year 6 girls are given various roles of responsibility, from House Captains to the school’s Press Pack of roving reporters.

Other positions of Leadership include: Sports Leaders, House and Vice House Captains, Peer Mediators, Putney Playtime Pals, Lunch Monitors, Junior Travel Ambassadors and Eco Warriors .

Girls are taught to speak up, to share ideas, present, debate and reason with confidence:

An Orator-in-Residence works with Years 3 and 4 on speaking and listening through our ‘Phenomenal Women and Fearless Girls’ gala. There is Lamda, ESB (English Speaking Board) debating skills, MUNGA (Model United Nations General Assembly programme with Year 6) and a reciprocal reading programme which encourages girls to share ideas and listen and respond articulately.

Most of our pupils are far too young to think about their future careers. But what we do want our girls to think about is their passions. Pupils arrive at Putney aged four and begin learning the basis of primary curriculum. But they also start discovering what they enjoy.

Whether it’s music, sport, or taking part in the School council, Putney girls are encouraged to pursue their passions with the same vigour as their academics. They have the opportunity to explore a wide range of activities, trying skills they’ve never before encountered.

A large number of girls in the Junior School learn one or more musical instruments, take up gym or join the school councils, skills which then feed back into their academic work.

So as not to overwhelm them during the start of their school career, clubs for Reception pupils don’t start until the summer term, when they have settled into school life.

Our Junior School is divided into three key stages: