The ever-charming area of Putney in south west London is synonymous with some of the greatest educational institutions in the world. This beautiful mix of metropolitan activity and natural scenery sat on the banks of the famous River Thames has provided the starting point for the Oxford and Cambridge University rowing race since 1845 and it holds a special place in the hearts of the nation as a result.
It is incredibly easy to see why families are drawn here too. The ultra-connected nature of being this close to the centre of the capital whilst maintaining a much more open and greener environment has made Putney a favourite ‘next step’ for generations. A wonderful housing stock of Victorian terraces and villas to the west, Edwardian mansion blocks near the river and cottages on the roads near the high street display a marvellous tapestry of eras and ages to choose from. With the modern riverside apartments of the 21st century recently appearing too, it really does feel like there is something for all tastes and lifestyles here.
The combination of such impressive educational heritage and obvious residential appeal means that the options for independent schooling in Putney have become some of the best in this part of London. Our guide showcases the ultimate collection.
Prospect House School
Prospect House School on Putney Hill is a co-educational preparatory school that guides children through their academic life for the ages of 3 to 11. The building itself is a former family home that was transformed into the school in 1991, and the overall atmosphere of warmth and informality is known to be a key element of its identity.
It is clear that they attend to each pupil in an individual way with their own philosophy stating that ‘Every child is unique. Our role is to nurture and develop every child’s ability, potential and curiosity.’ A big part of how well Prospect School achieves this is through the relationships between teachers and pupils that come from small class sizes. Their 1:7 ratio in class sizes of around 18 is well below the national average and accounts for a deeper understanding of each child’s needs, ability and methods for most successful outcomes. The location of the school at just a stone’s throw from Putney Heath means that an active and outdoor element to education is encouraged and supported across every age group. With 40 different school clubs that range from gardening to coding there are always opportunities for the children to stretch themselves beyond the curriculum in preparation for the senior schools and further education paths too.
Also Read: Schools in Putney
Hurlingham School
Hurlingham School on Putney Bridge Road is a co-educational preparatory day school that includes a nursery. It accepts children from the ages of 2 to 11 with a total pupil population of around 400 altogether. It opened in 1947 as a much smaller concern for the local community before growing alongside the area to accommodate multiple group classes for each academic year. There is a clear energy and focus that is directed towards a life of creativity and independence of thought. The staff maintain this methodology while fostering a safe and nurturing space to ‘provide a happy, secure atmosphere in which children can be the best that they can be’.
The class sizes are an average of 18 with each child benefitting from an individually-tailored learning plan that considers pace of understanding and emerging personalities as part of it. As an important part of the Putney community, it also offers the essential wraparound care that families need to support busy lifestyles of modern work in multiple locations. A shuttle bus service is available as part of this with holiday clubs and several activities that take place outside of term time. With sports, music, arts and languages all well represented, Hurlingham provides a firm footing for the senior studies that will follow for the next stage of every pupil’s life.
Also Read: Best Places to Live in Putney
Putney High School
Putney High School on Putney Hill is a day school for girls only that covers the full academic path from the ages of 4 to 18. It was originally formed in 1893 as part of the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) network that currently looks after a family of 24 independent schools and two academies that proudly ‘put girls first to nurture confident, happy and fearless young women’. The original Victorian buildings on campus have been gradually augmented over time with modern developments and facilities that include a rowing boathouse and dedicated Sixth Form Centre. There is an educational approach at Putney High School that they describe as a ‘unique brand of modern scholarship’. This has led to a much broader curriculum with design, entrepreneurship and wellbeing programmes all demonstrating a good understanding of what is required for modern educational achievement. The innovative and unique surroundings of biophilic classroom designs and riverside outdoor spaces also provide a Putney-focussed identity that pupil’s families and the wider community are actively encouraged to be a part of.
Academic results for the senior school students are consistently impressive with 92% of GCSE students recently achieving grades 9-7. A striking 75% of A-Level results of A or A * were also awarded here in 2024.
Also Read: Private Schools in London
The Merlin School
The Merlin School on Carlton Drive in Putney is a reassuringly small co-educational pre-preparatory school. It leads children from the ages of 3 to 8 with a current cohort of just under 100 and a total capacity of around 220. This was established in 1986 in the rather grand setting of a beautiful Victorian house that has had many of the original architectural features sympathetically restored for school life.
Clearly, one of the finest aspects of The Merlin Schools is the scaled back class sizes that are set at an average of 12. This intimate ratio and elevated relationship between teacher and pupil is the driving force for all talents to be recognised and celebrated throughout their time here. Alongside the core curriculum of English & Maths study, there is a wealth of additional subjects and experiences that take in Science, Music and Drama. Specialist teachers and teaching methods conduct lessons in these areas to ensure that over half of the entire timetable is carried out with subject-specific expertise.
The Merlin School feels very much like a product of the Putney area in general. It delivers a boutique style of education that allows for warmth and nurturing pastoral care aligned to the highest quality of teaching methods and professionals.
As Putney continues to be recognised as one of the most prestigious postcodes for families in all of the capital these schools provide an excellent support network for it. Together, they present a united front for a neighbourhood that is prioritising better futures for its young residents in the greatest way possible.
