School receives glowing report from inspectors
Putney High School's new headmistress Jo Sharrock
June 9, 2023
A new headmistress taking over at Putney High will inherit a school with the highest possible rating after it was inspected recently.
The latest ISI inspection gave the school the top ranking of ‘excellent’ for both academic achievement and personal development. The inspectors noted that pupils are ‘highly motivated and aspirational learners’ and ‘unafraid to face intellectual challenge’ while ‘embracing the school’s culture of curiosity and initiative.’
The report, which follows an inspection in April 2023, states the, “Consistent pattern of excellent academic attainment is indicative of the very high quality of teaching and learning.”
It adds that pupils are ‘highly motivated and determined to be the intellectual, intrepid and innovative learners of the school’s values.’ It notes: ‘There are excellent relationships between pupils and staff, characterised by mutual respect, kindness and courtesy.’
The inspectors praised the personal development of pupils saying they were confident decision makers unafraid to ask for support when needed. They also have a deeply felt commitment to diversity and equality within the school and society an excellent sense of morally acceptable behaviour.
As part of the Educational Quality Inspection advised the school to e nsure that pupils develop skills when working in larger groups without teacher direction and to take steps to develop pupils’ ability to appreciate further the importance of the non-material in contributing to a full and successful life.
The report concluded, ‘There is a caring and holistic approach to the health and wellbeing of pupils, who are supported academically and emotionally by the school’s pastoral team.’
This has set a very high bar for Jo Sharrock who takes the reins of Putney High School GDST in September. Since 2018 she has been Head of Shrewsbury High School, also part of the Girls’ Day School Trust.
She is taking over from Suzi Longstaff who the school has hailed for her incredible leadership. Heidi Armstrong served as Acting Head during the Summer Term, with the support of the Senior Leadership Team.
Ms Sharrock has been described a trailblazer in the field of the education of girls and is credited with transforming the school with a series of cutting-edge innovations, having presented her groundbreaking work at the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools in Boston.
She was previously Deputy Head Pastoral at Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital School in Bristol and, before entering the teaching profession, spent several years working in the financial industry for organisations including Goldman Sachs, NatWest and HSBC.
The school said, “We are truly excited about Ms Sharrock’s appointment and have no doubt that the school will continue to flourish and excel under her leadership
Ms Sharrock says, “I am thrilled to have been appointed as the next Head of Putney High School. I share the school’s passion for forward-thinking excellence and I prize the down to earth, warm approach that typifies the Putney experience, and that inspires each and every student to be curious, creative and bold. One has only to step through the school’s doors to feel the sense of ambition and purposeful energy that abounds. It is both an honour and a privilege to be the next custodian of this incredible school and to join this brilliant community of students, staff, parents and alumnae.”
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