Surbiton High School and Putney High School are two highly regarded independent girls’ schools in south-west London. Both schools offer academically strong education from early years through to sixth form and send many pupils to top universities. However, they differ in structure, reputation, academic results and school culture.

Official school websites
https://www.surbitonhigh.com/
https://www.putneyhigh.gdst.net/

History and background

Surbiton High School is located in Kingston upon Thames and is part of the United Church Schools Trust group of schools. It offers education from nursery through to sixth form and includes both girls’ and preparatory divisions. The school has built a reputation for strong academics and a supportive pastoral environment.

Putney High School is located in Putney in south-west London and is part of the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST), a network of leading girls’ schools across the UK. Founded in the nineteenth century, it has a long reputation for academic excellence and encouraging girls to pursue ambitious academic and professional goals.

Academic results

Both schools achieve strong academic outcomes, but Putney High School is often ranked among the highest performing girls’ schools in the UK.

Putney High School frequently appears in national league tables for A-level performance and is often placed within the top tier of independent schools.

Surbiton High School also achieves strong results. In recent years the average A-level result has been around grade A, and a large proportion of pupils achieve top grades and progress to competitive universities.

While both schools perform very well academically, Putney High is often seen as slightly more academically selective.

Admissions and selectivity

Both schools are selective and require entrance examinations.

Surbiton High typically admits girls at 11+ and sixth form, with entrance assessments in English, mathematics and reasoning. Interviews and school references are often part of the process.

Putney High School also admits girls primarily at 11+ and sixth form and requires entrance exams and interviews. Because of its strong reputation and GDST network, competition for places can be particularly high.

School structure

Surbiton High School is primarily a girls’ school but includes a boys’ preparatory section in the early years before pupils move into the girls’ senior school.

Putney High School is fully girls-only from junior school through to sixth form.

Both schools offer education from early years to age 18, allowing pupils to stay within the same school throughout their education.

Curriculum and academic focus

Both schools offer a broad curriculum including sciences, humanities, languages and the arts.

Surbiton High emphasises balanced development and strong pastoral care alongside academic success. The school aims to combine academic rigour with a supportive and inclusive environment.

Putney High School has a strong reputation for academic ambition and intellectual independence. It encourages girls to pursue subjects such as mathematics, sciences and engineering and has a strong tradition of debate, academic societies and competitions.

Extracurricular activities

Extracurricular activities play an important role at both schools.

Surbiton High offers a wide range of clubs, sports teams, music ensembles and drama productions. The school encourages participation in sport, performing arts and community activities.

Putney High also has an extensive extracurricular programme including debating societies, music, drama, sport and academic clubs. Because it is part of the GDST network, pupils often take part in competitions and events across the trust’s schools.

Facilities and location

The schools are located in different parts of south-west London.

Surbiton High School is based in Kingston upon Thames and is spread across several buildings close to Surbiton and Kingston town centres.

Putney High School is located in Putney in the London Borough of Wandsworth. Its campus includes modern classrooms, science laboratories, arts facilities and sports areas.

University destinations

Both schools send pupils to leading universities in the UK and internationally.

Many students from both schools progress to Russell Group universities, and each year some gain places at Oxford, Cambridge and other highly competitive institutions.

Overall comparison

Surbiton High School and Putney High School are both highly respected independent girls’ schools offering strong academic results and a wide range of extracurricular opportunities.

Surbiton High School offers a supportive and well-rounded environment with strong academic performance and a long-established presence in the Kingston area.

Putney High School is often regarded as one of the most academically competitive girls’ schools in London and benefits from being part of the GDST network.

For many families the choice between the two schools comes down to location, school culture and how academically selective they want the environment to be, as both schools provide excellent preparation for university and future careers.