“If you want to know why Putney is renowned for its academic success, look at last year’s results: more than three-quarters of its GCSEs were graded 9-8. But it’s not all work and no play. In head Jo Sharrock’s words, the school manages ‘not to take itself too seriously’, and her ‘delightful and enthusiastic’ girls are involved in a vast array of extracurricular clubs and societies – 150 and counting – which take in foreign affairs, fashion and Scrabble.
“Developing pupils’ thinking skills and encouraging them to explore the adventure of learning, this year also sees the Ignite programme take shape in the Junior School, with planned events including Think Like an Engineer and a Future Thinking careers event.
“As for the children, they’re the leaders of tomorrow – in the last academic year, one was appointed Chair of the London Youth Board, advising on young people’s global input into health policy at a forum set up by the World Health Organisation and UNICEF – and there’s an emphasis on setting sights firmly on postschool achievements.”
Read more in the Tatler Schools Guide 2025