Support Us

We are committed to providing the best possible education to girls with promise from any background. Your support helps us to achieve that aim, and is invaluable to the continued success and growth of our school.

The Putney Fund 2020 / 21

I am always extremely proud, and often humbled, by the tremendous sense of community here at Putney High School. The extent to which everyone works together, and supports each other, is one of the defining characteristics of the school – be they students, staff, parents, governors or alumnae.

It is with this community spirit in mind that I feel able to launch our annual appeal even, and indeed especially, at this time.

We are committed to delivering the best possible education to bright and ambitious girls from any background. To help us provide the unique experiences and facilities that make a Putney education even more exceptional, the Putney Fund not only brings everyone together, but gives every member of the school community the opportunity to support projects that will directly impact pupils both now and in the future.

This year, gifts to the Putney Fund will support two key areas;
Bursaries and Financial Assistance and Inside the Build

75% of money raised will go towards supporting our Bursaries and Financial Assistance programmes.

25% will be used to purchase equipment for the new Science, Music, Drama and Debating Centre.

I remain extremely grateful to each of you for your continued support of the school, irrespective of whether or not you feel able to support this appeal at this time.

Thank you
Suzie Longstaff, Headmistress

Click here to view the November campaign mailing

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Look what your support has already helped us to achieve…

Emerging Technologies

With your valued support last year, we are continuing to provide pupils with the toolkit to thrive in a world of emerging technology. Such experiences are fundamental to our daily approach. To give just two examples, senior pupils have begun developing and enhancing their coding skills with Crumble Buggies and later this year we hope to enter the ‘More Than Robots’ competition – where technology meets sport and students are encouraged to embrace STEM. Meanwhile, the Junior School is looking at “transforming the way pupils learn, create, and invent by combining coding and Science” including being able to encourage pupils to explore the environment around them using outdoor robots and data loggers.

Entrepreneur in Residence

Thanks to donations throughout 2018 and 2019, Putney was able to appoint entrepreneur Julian Hall.

Over the past year, Julian has inspired an entrepreneurial spirit amongst our pupils and staff. Through assemblies, involvement in lessons and workshops, he has encouraged us to see solutions instead of problems, and to embrace opportunities with creativity and confidence.

Entrepreneurship Assembly 2020

Orator in Residence

As a result of the generosity from the Putney community in 2017-18, we welcomed orator in residence, Miranda Kiek.

The impact of this residency was widespread. Keen debaters benefited from coaching whilst the weekly Senior School ‘Eloquence’ club provided a space for less seasoned orators to find their voice. Pupils from Reception to Year 13 are now well versed in ‘power poses’ and the art of speaking and listening.

Such was the success of our Orator in Residence that Miranda Kiek is now a permanent member of staff, teaching English and continuing to help our students to use their voice.

Biodiversity Project

Thanks to donations throughout 2016 and 2017, Putney has been able to increase the biodiversity of the school site.

As part of this project, Junior School pupils built bug hotels whilst Senior School pupils set up a gardening and conservation club, introducing a new ecosystem with a newly acquired bumble bee colony. Pupils and staff continue to work on new initiatives to increase and monitor the biodiversity across the school site.

Bursaries

What is a bursary?

A bursary is the financial support, awarded by the GDST, to families who are not in a position to cover the full fees of a Putney GDST education. Although we are academically selective, we do everything we can to ensure that a family’s ability to afford fees is never a barrier to education or opportunity.

What difference does a bursary make?

There is no doubt that the benefits can be life changing. Now working as a Senior Legal Counsel at Globeleq, alumna Isoken (Soké) Alli-Usman, reflects on how a bursary at Putney impacted her career;

There are also many advantages seen within school communities who are committed to offering bursaries. They help to shape the culture of the school, fostering a more diverse and vibrant ethos.

Funding a Bright Future

“

I am proud that I had the opportunity to go to Putney - I went on great trips, read some of the best books, learned to row from Year 7, had ridiculously good teaching and became Deputy Head Girl. I want people to know that they too can do some of the things that I have done.

Orla
Class of 2018

Bursary FAQs

How many pupils at Putney receive a bursary?

Currently at Putney High School, over 30 pupils receive a bursary. However, one in five pupils at Putney is supported financially by the school and the GDST.

What other financial support do you offer?

Putney offers a range of scholarships to senior school pupils, based on talent and ability rather than a family’s financial means.

We also offer support through the Financial Assistance Fund, for families who unexpectedly need immediate help to meet the fees. This enables Putney to ensure continuity for a student at a difficult time and particularly for those who are nearing GCSEs or A Levels.

What is the difference between a bursary and a scholarship?

A bursary is means-tested whereas a scholarship is not. A bursary takes into account academic ability but its value is directly related to the income and financial resources of the pupil’s family.

Scholarships are awarded purely on academic (or sporting/musical) merit, as measured in an entrance assessment. They take no account of family income/resources.

What is Putney’s eligibility criteria for a bursary?

In conjunction with the GDST criteria, families in London with an annual income of £41,000 or less and who have no capital assets other than their home, are eligible to apply for full bursary funding.

Parents complete an online application and a robust assessment is undertaken to ensure fairness and consistency. Bursary awards are reviewed annually to check continued financial need.

When are you awarded a bursary?

Bursaries are available to any student aged 11 and over at a GDST fee-paying senior school. Most awards are allocated on entry either to Year 7 or to the Sixth Form and all are awarded based on academic performance and financial need.

How much is a bursary worth?

Bursaries typically range from 30% to 100% of fees although sometimes awards of a lesser value may be offered. Pupils who get a full bursary will also get help to meet the cost of their uniforms, lunches and travel.

How can I help?

We recognise that there are many levels of giving, but every donation really does make a difference. If …

… they would cover a year’s school fees for a pupil.

“

We decided to pre-fund full bursaries for girls from low income families to attend Putney High having experienced first hand the immensely positive impact that the school has on girls’ lives. Such a high standard of education and extra curricular activities should not only be available to those able to pass the entrance exams and pay the fees, but also to those with the requisite ability without the financial means. I hope this helps provide a significant, positive long term impact for those families. We are proud to include Putney High in our portfolio of educational grant-giving initiatives and look forward to doing more with the school in future.

Nick Maughan
The Nick Maughan Foundation

How to support a student Give Online

“

Supporting a bursary so that a girl can come to Putney will mean so much to her.

Alumna
Class of 2020

Legacies

Leaving a gift to Putney in your will is a wonderful way to show support for your old school, and a significant way to impact girls’ education for generations to come. It’s easy to make a bequest, and whether large or small, your generosity can make a world of difference.

If you intend to make provisions in your will, or have already done so, please get in touch and let us know you are thinking of us. Details shared are entirely at your discretion but we would love the opportunity to thank you, and to update you on all that is happening at school.

Find out more about legacy giving

Capital Projects

Projects to enhance the infrastructure of the school

The new Science, Music, Drama and Debating Centre.

More Details on Putney's Future Plans

Thanks to the generous support of the Putney High School community, the £250,000 target for the Performing Arts Centre was reached and the new space opened in 2015. The space further enhances the drama and performance facilities available for Putney pupils.

The Girls' Day School Trust alongside Putney High School was delighted to open the Sixth Form Centre in 2012. The Centre has state-of-the-art facilities, including a rooftop terrace, fitness suite, diner and lounge.

FOPHS and PHSRSA

There are many ways that you can volunteer your time and support us.

Friends of Putney High School Rowing Supporters' Association

Contact the Development Department

If you would like to know more about Putney’s plans for the future or find out how you can support us, please don’t hesitate to get in contact:

Suzanne Fearon (Director of Communications and Development)

Joanne Whittaker (Events and External Engagement Officer)

Email: development@put.gdst.net

Tel: 0208 788 48886

Junior School (4-11)

Senior School (11-16)

Sixth Form (16-18)