A Guide to Putney High School 

At The Happy Scholar, our tutors have significant experience preparing students for the 11+ entrance exam to Putney High School, ensuring they are ready for both standard or scholarship places. Our specialist tutors who understand the bespoke format of their entrance exam and can offer tailored teaching.

Putney High School is an independent day school for girls aged 4 to 18 and is part of the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST). Located in a desirable South West London location, it is consistently ranked among the top performing schools both in London and the UK, with pupils regularly achieving exceptional outcomes. The school has an especially strong reputation for academic excellence and a commitment to nurturing well-rounded, confident young women. 

Students go on to pursue a broad range of interests at impressive destinations in the UK and abroad, including at the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, UCL and Imperial College, Ivy League universities in the USA, medical schools and leading arts colleges and conservatoires.

Exam results in 2024 included 41% of A Level students achieved A* and 74% A*/A, and at GCSE 49% achieved grade 9 and 77% grade 8-9.

Co-Curricular Life and Pastoral Care

At Putney High, education is viewed as holistic. The school offers an extensive range of co-curricular activities, including arts, sports, and leadership development programs. This broad spectrum of activities helps girls develop leadership skills, resilience, and teamwork. Additionally, Putney High places significant importance on pastoral care, ensuring that each student is well-supported and encouraged to thrive both academically and socially.

Community service and volunteering are also integral aspects of the school’s ethos, helping students cultivate empathy, social responsibility, and a commitment to making a positive impact.

Ideal for Girls Who Excel in Balanced Achievement

Putney High is perfect for girls who are academically driven yet value a balanced approach to education. The school seeks students who are curious, motivated, and ready to contribute to a vibrant community. The atmosphere is supportive but challenges students to achieve their best, helping them become well-rounded individuals with strong academic and personal skills.

Putney High School 11+ Entrance Exam: Your Comprehensive Guide

Putney High School’s 11+ entrance exam assesses students’ academic readiness and potential, evaluating their suitability for entry at age 11. The entrance process typically consists of several key components:

1.ISEB Common Pre-test

This online test gauges a candidate’s academic potential, focusing on critical thinking, comprehension, problem-solving, and numerical skills.

• Content Areas: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
• Preparation Tips: Regular practice with ISEB-style papers and practice questions in Maths and reasoning. Reading a variety of texts can also help improve comprehension. 

2.Creative Writing Task

• Objective: To assess a candidate’s writing skills, creativity, and ability to articulate ideas effectively.
• Preparation Tips: Encourage your child to write regularly, focusing on structure, vocabulary, and clarity. Creative writing prompts can help them practice generating ideas quickly and effectively.

3.Interview

• Purpose: To evaluate a candidate’s personality, interests, and potential fit within the Putney High community.
• Topics Covered: The interview may involve discussions about the child’s academic interests, extracurricular activities, and how they embody the school’s values. Mock interviews can help build confidence and improve communication skills.

How to Prepare for the 11+ Exam

A comprehensive approach to preparation is key for success at Putney High School. Here are some essential preparation strategies:

• ISEB Pre-test Practice: Regularly engage with practice papers that reflect the ISEB format, covering English, Maths, Verbal, and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
• Creative Writing Practice: Regular writing practice with different prompts can help enhance writing skills and foster creativity.
• Mock Interviews: Practicing common interview questions and role-playing scenarios can help your child build confidence and articulate their thoughts clearly.

At The Happy Scholar, we tailor our tutoring to fit your child’s specific needs, helping them prepare effectively for the Putney High School 11+ entrance exam. Our expert tutors know the ins and outs of the process, ensuring your child is fully prepared to approach the exam confidently.