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The website for all things English at Putney High School.


Students' success in creative writing
Putney students have once again demonstrated their creativity and flair for writing, enjoying remarkable success in a range of prestigious poetry and prose competitions this term. A particular highlight came in the Wimbledon BookFest Young Writers' Competition, which invited entries on the theme of 'The Light'. Competing against other talented young writers, Olivia L (Year 7), Brooke H (Year 10) and Florence A (Year 10) were all awarded Distinctions for their outstanding work
Jul 63 min read


Young Reporters scoop valuable prizes
Two Putney students have been recognised for their achievements in Newsquest's Young Reporters 2026 competition, winning places at a journalism workshop which took place at Roehampton University on 6th June, followed by an awards ceremony three weeks later. Year 10 student Georgia B, pictured above, was a proud finalist in the Year 10 and 11 category, and Alessia K in Year 12, pictured below, won a commendation in the Post-16 category. Reflecting on the workshop, Alessia said
Jul 52 min read


Library update: connecting through books
by Ms Nylinder, the Librarian While reading is often a solitary experience, the thoughts and ideas sparked by a book take on a life far beyond its pages. As demonstrated in the Library during the summer term, books have a wonderful way of bringing people together. Illustration Collaboration Putney's shadowing group of Year 6 and Year 8 students for the Carnegie Medal for Illustration (pictured below) has cast its vote. They read, discussed and assessed the shortlisted books b
Jul 33 min read


Library update: empowerment through reading
by Ms Nylinder, the Librarian It has been a busy Spring term in the Library, marked by the return of old favourites alongside an exciting new addition to our collection. Global reading Year 8 students embarked on their Reading Passport journey, travelling around the globe through books. Their aim has been to explore as many continents as possible, collecting stamps along the way. This annual reading and writing project continues to be rewarding in so many ways: students di
Mar 303 min read


Poetry Festival embodies school values
Anyone who has sat in the Performing Arts Centre, listening to our poets from Year 7 to Year 13 perform their poems, has felt the magic of the Putney High School Poetry Festival. From over 500 entries, the English Department selected 48 overall finalists who had the chance to deliver their poem before an external adjudicator – this year's judge was esteemed poet, writer and playwright, Clare Pollard. See her winners below! Why does the Poetry Festival capture the school's a
Mar 102 min read


Library update: Year 7 students impress with love of reading
by Ms Nylinder, the Librarian Year 7 students have been making the most of the Library during their first term at senior school, impressing everyone with their enthusiasm, commitment and genuine love of reading. Their reading journey began on induction day with a magical welcome to the school through our annual tradition, Blind Date with a Book . Each book was carefully wrapped like a present, with only a short teaser on the front to spark curiosity (see image above). Whe
Dec 11, 20252 min read


Creative anthology out in time for summer
Creative Writing 2025 has officially been released before the sun sets on the academic year. Traditionally an autumnal treat, this...
Jul 8, 20251 min read


Library update: celebrating inclusivity through books
by Ms Nylinder, the Librarian The summer term has been filled with reading initiatives, all reflecting one of Putney High School’s four...
Jul 7, 20252 min read


Putney students excel in English competitions
Honourable mentions, merits and prize-giving events: it has been a successful term for students entering prestigious competitions for...
Jul 7, 20253 min read


English clubs: activities for everyone
There is now a wide range of co-curricular activities on offer to any student wishing to write, read and explore various, exciting...
Apr 2, 20252 min read


Library update: Spring Term round-up
by Ms Nylinder, Librarian Reading for pleasure has many benefits. While the obvious ones include promoting literacy and the ability to...
Apr 2, 20252 min read


Poetry Festival celebrates innovation
Marking the end of a busy half-term, on Tuesday 11 February parents, teachers and other special guests were wowed by the 58 finalists in...
Mar 12, 20251 min read


Library update: buddies, Book Club and Black History Month
by Ms Nylinder, the Librarian Putney High students are challenged to read a wide range of excellent books throughout the year. For the...
Dec 12, 20242 min read


New collection captures creativity
A highlight of the autumn term is the publication of a new Creative Writing Anthology, pulling together the best of the best from the...
Sep 20, 20241 min read


Library update: connecting people through books
by Ms Nylinder, the Librarian The summer term has seen a range of initiatives involving the exploration of themes through fiction....
Jul 11, 20242 min read


A Study in Purple scoops two top awards
The student magazine A Study in Purple took first prize in two categories in this year's Shine School Media Awards. Awarding the team...
Jul 1, 20241 min read


Library update: learning through the fun of reading
by Ms Nylinder, the Librarian The Library has partnered up with other departments this Spring Term to broaden its offer of inspiring...
Mar 26, 20242 min read


Year 10 student 'Highly Commended' in GDST competition
Year 10 student Sophie I was 'Highly Commended' in this year's overall GDST Creative Writing Prize for the Years 10 & 11 category....
Mar 22, 20241 min read


Innovation and AI in Poetry Festival
Our Poetry Festival has long been a highlight of the Putney calendar, and this year’s event, judged by poet Ella Frears, was no...
Feb 9, 20241 min read


Library update: 'buddies', Book Clubs and more
by Ms Nylinder, the Librarian The Autumn term has been packed with activities involving reading and sharing good books. The Year 7...
Dec 7, 20232 min read
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