FREE Download: Putney High School 2026 11+ Exam & Year 7 Entry 11 Plus Guide

​Putney High School is a selective independent school for girls. It educates girls aged 4 to 18, covering its Junior School, Senior School, and Sixth Form.

Putney High is among the best independent schools in UK, known for exceptional academic results. It holds an Excellent ISI rating as shown in the school's ISI report.

​Putney High champions 'Modern Scholarship', fostering academic agility and fearless ambition. Students engage in unique initiatives like the GDST Space Tech Diploma and the Artemis Project. They also develop innovative solutions in the Rapid Prototyping Studio, ensuring a truly forward-thinking education.​

In this guide, I leverage my 6+ year education consultancy background to simplify Putney High School 2026 11 plus (11+) Exam admissions for every parent.

School Details

• Type of School: Independent Day School
• Boarding Type: Day only
• Gender Type: Girls only
• Religion: Non-denominational
• Age Range: 4-18 years
• Number of Pupils: Approximately 1,000+
• GCSE Results Highlight (2025): 92% of GCSEs were graded 9-7
• A-Level Results Highlight (2025): 79% of A-Level entries achieved A*-A

Admissions Details

• Admissions Policy: Academically selective, based on online assessment, interview, and school report.
• Number of Places in Year 7 (PAN): Not specified in available information.
• Exam Board: School's own online adaptive assessment.
• Number of Stages: Two stages.
• School Catchment Area: No formal catchment area.
• Sibling Policy: Yes
• Pass Mark Guidance: Aim for 90%

This information has been sourced from Get Information about Schools and Putney High School Official Website.

​Navigating the admissions process for Putney High School can feel like a significant undertaking for parents. To help you plan effectively, I have compiled the most important dates for the 11+ entry.

These key milestones, from the Putney High School open day opportunities to the crucial Putney High School 11 plus exam dates, are essential for prospective pupils and their families.

Being aware of the 11+ Exam date and other 11 plus exam dates will ensure you are well-prepared for each stage of the application journey.

For entry into Year 7, the Putney High School 11 plus exam process involves a comprehensive two-stage assessment. As outlined by the Putney High School Admissions Portal, this comprises a Stage One digital exam followed by a Stage Two interview process known as the Athena Assessment for shortlisted candidates. Current school reports and references are also evaluated during this process.

How to register for the 11+ exam

• Register online via the official portal starting in the summer term of Year 5.
• Complete the application by the firm deadline of 3 November (12 noon) in Year 6, which includes paying the non-refundable fee of £250 (£350 for overseas applicants).
• Submit any relevant Academic, Music, or Sport scholarship and bursary applications by the same 3 November deadline.
• Confirm your booking for the Stage One Entrance Examination, a bespoke 1-hour digital assessment in Maths and English held on-site in late November.
• Await the first-stage results before Christmas; shortlisted candidates return for the Stage Two Athena Assessment and a one-to-one interview in January.

​Putney High School, as an independent girls' school in Wandsworth, does not operate a formal catchment area in the same way state schools do. This means there are no geographical restrictions or priority postcodes for admission.

Instead, admission to Putney High is highly selective and based on a comprehensive assessment process designed to identify academically able and well-rounded pupils. For Year 7 entry, this typically involves an online assessment in English and Mathematics, followed by an interview and consideration of a report from the applicant's current school.

The school welcomes applications from a broad geographical area, reflecting its status as a leading independent school in London.

Applying to highly selective independent schools like Putney High School is incredibly competitive, and it's wise for parents to develop a robust backup strategy. With oversubscription rates consistently high, securing a place can be challenging.

A well-considered list of alternative schools, including a mix of equally strong independent options, ensures your daughter has excellent educational pathways regardless of the outcome. This approach reduces pressure on a single application and allows you to explore schools that might offer a slightly different, yet equally enriching, environment.

• These schools are top alternatives due to their strong academic reputations, commitment to girls' education, and excellent university outcomes, often rivalling or exceeding Putney High's results.
• Wimbledon High, as a fellow GDST school, shares a similar ethos and utilises the same Quest Admissions online assessment, which can streamline the application process for families.
• Lady Eleanor Holles (LEH) offers a different examination style with its own written papers, providing a valuable alternative for girls who may perform better in traditional paper-based assessments.
• Practical decision points include commute times from your home, the specific exam board or test style your daughter is most comfortable with, and the overall 'feel' of the school during visits.
• All these schools experience significant oversubscription pressure, underscoring the importance of a well-researched and diverse application strategy.

​Putney High School does not publicly disclose the exact number of applications received for Year 7 entry each year. Therefore, a precise figure for the number of applicants is not available.

However, Putney High School is widely recognised as an academically selective institution and one of London's most sought-after independent schools for girls. This indicates a high level of demand for places, making the admissions process for Year 7 highly competitive. Parents considering entry should be prepared for this competitive environment.

​Navigating the 11+ admissions process for Putney High School can feel complex, but understanding the test format is a crucial first step. As an experienced UK Education Consultant, I've compiled the essential details to help parents and pupils prepare effectively for the Putney High School 11 Plus Test.

As stated in the Putney High School Admissions Policy, candidates for Year 7 entry are invited to take an online assessment in Maths and English in the autumn of Year 6.

The admissions process for Putney High School for Year 7 entry typically involves two stages:

Stage One Test

This initial stage is an online, adaptive assessment designed to evaluate a candidate's abilities in core academic areas. It takes place in November of Year 6.

• 11+ English: This section assesses comprehension and writing skills, including sentence completion, spelling, and grammar.
• 11+ Mathematics: This part of the exam focuses on problem-solving abilities and arithmetic skills, covering topics such as numbers, measurements, geometry, algebra, and statistics.

The online test is approximately 1 hour long, with questions adapting to the student's responses.

Stage Two Test

Candidates who are shortlisted after the Stage One online assessment are invited to the Athena Assessment and Interview in January. The assessment includes group activities and a creative task designed to assess how candidates think rather than what they know.

No preparation is required, and the stage concludes with a one-to-one interview with a member of staff.

Putney High School 11+ Test Resources

Successful candidates from the online assessment will be invited for an interview with a senior member of staff. This is an opportunity for the school to get to know your daughter beyond her academic scores, assessing her personality, interests, and potential fit within the school community. Practising 11+ interview questions can help build confidence.

Practical Tip: Consistent, short bursts of practice are more effective than last-minute cramming. Focus on strengthening foundational English and Mathematics skills, and familiarise your daughter with the adaptive online test format to build confidence and reduce exam day anxiety.

Parent’s Top 2 Queries

• What exam board does Putney High follow? Putney High School uses its own online assessment, which is often referred to as the Quest Admissions test. This online exam is adaptive, meaning the difficulty of the 11 plus exam questions adjusts based on your daughter's performance.
• How long is the 11+ Exam for Putney High? The online assessment for Putney High is approximately 1 hour in total.

Putney High School does not officially publish a specific 11 plus pass mark for its entrance assessments. However, children aiming for 95%+ in PiAcademy’s 11+ Practice Papers are generally better positioned for success.

To secure a place at Putney High, students should focus on maximising their scores across all tested subjects in the eleven plus exam.

​Putney High School employs a two-stage assessment process for Year 7 entry, designed to identify academically strong candidates with a well-rounded profile. The first stage involves an online examination in English and Mathematics, followed by an interview for shortlisted candidates in the second stage.

The school utilises its own online assessment platform, often referred to as the GDST's Quest Admissions test, which is known for its adaptive nature.

Stage One: Online Assessment

English

The online English assessment for Putney High School typically evaluates a candidate's proficiency in reading comprehension and writing skills. This includes the ability to understand and interpret various texts, demonstrate a robust vocabulary, and apply correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation. The adaptive format means questions will adjust in difficulty based on the candidate's performance, ensuring a precise measure of ability.

Mathematics

The Mathematics paper for Putney High School assesses problem-solving abilities and arithmetic skills, covering the Key Stage 2 national curriculum. Candidates are expected to apply their knowledge across various mathematical domains, with a strong emphasis on accuracy, logical reasoning, and mental maths.

The online format may include a mix of multiple-choice and type-in answers.

​

Stage Two: Interview

Candidates who perform strongly in the online assessment will be invited for Athena Assessment & an interview with a senior member of staff. This stage is a crucial opportunity for Putney High School to gain insight into the applicant's personality, interests, communication skills, and overall suitability for the school's vibrant community and ethos.

Girls should be prepared to discuss their academic interests, hobbies, and articulate their reasons for wanting to join Putney High.

Best Resources for Putney High School 11+ Preparation

Effective preparation for the Putney High School 11+ entrance exam requires focused practice and a thorough understanding of the core subjects. Utilising high-quality practice materials can significantly boost your daughter's confidence and performance. For comprehensive preparation, consider exploring a range of 11 plus exam papers.

Stage One: Online Assessment Resources

For the online English and Mathematics assessments, it is vital to practice with materials that closely mirror the style and difficulty of independent school entrance exams, particularly those used by GDST schools. PiAcademy offers resources specifically designed to cover the breadth and depth of topics expected in the Putney High 11+ exam.

Stage Two: Interview Preparation Resources

The interview is a significant component of the Putney High School admissions process. It is an excellent opportunity for your daughter to showcase her personality, enthusiasm, and genuine interest in the school.

Practising common interview questions and engaging in mock interviews can significantly enhance her confidence and ability to articulate her thoughts effectively.

​Putney High School is a highly competitive independent girls' school in Wandsworth, making thorough preparation essential for the 11+ entrance exam. While Putney High uses its own online assessment, it covers core subjects including Maths and English.

Engaging in an 11 plus mock test Wandsworth is crucial for your daughter to familiarise herself with the exam format, manage time effectively, and build confidence. Our board-matching mock exams are designed to simulate the pressure and structure of the actual test, helping identify areas for improvement.

For a free diagnostic assessment to gauge your child's current standing, visit our free 11 Plus diagnostic assessment page.

• Autumn Half Term 1: Friday 04th September 2026 – Friday 16th October 2026
• Autumn Half Term 2: Monday 02nd November 2026 – Friday 11th December 2026
• Spring Half Term 1: Tuesday 05th January 2027 – Thursday 11th February 2027
• Spring Half Term 2: Monday 22nd February 2027 – Wednesday 24th March 2027
• Summer Half Term 1: Tuesday 13th April 2027 – Friday 28th May 2027
• Summer Half Term 2: Tuesday 8th June 2027 – Wednesday 7th July 2027
  

Navigating independent school admissions requires understanding direct application processes, specific registration deadlines, and bespoke entrance assessments. To assist you, we've compiled essential official resources. Review these inspection reports and testing guidelines to thoroughly prepare your child for entry to Putney High School.

• UK Govt. - Get Information on Putney High School Page
• Putney High School ISI Report
• Putney High School Admissions Policy
• UK Govt. - Schools, pupils and their characteristics data
• Putney High School - Charity Commission

The fees for Putney High School are set by the Girls' Day School Trust (GDST). For the Senior classes, Academic Year 2026/2027 fees is £10,152 per term, inclusive of VAT.

Putney High is committed to accessibility, offering a robust programme of scholarships and means-tested bursaries. Scholarships recognise exceptional talent in academia, music, and sports, often providing a fee reduction. Bursaries, on the other hand, are designed to support families based on financial need, potentially covering a significant portion of the school fees.

This commitment ensures that a Putney High education remains within reach for a diverse range of pupils, distinguishing it from some of the most expensive Private Schools UK.