At JAGS, pupils flourish in an environment which nurtures self-confidence and independence, while feeling supported through outstanding pastoral care from dedicated members of staff and their peers.
The school is exceptionally proud of the strong, contemporary pastoral systems in place, and the care that each member of staff takes to ensure that they know each student as an individual.
JAGS recognises that these ingredients are key to the happy and inclusive community it is renowned for. It is a nurturing environment in which all pupils can thrive.
At GCSE and A level the school consistently achieves among the highest results in the country, particularly in STEM subjects, and pupils regularly go on to study at some of the world’s most prestigious universities.
The school recently celebrated its best ever GCSE results, with 92% of all results at Grade 9,8 or 7 (equivalent to A*/A).
JAGS Senior School has approximately 900 pupils with 200 in the Sixth Form. About a third of girls come up from our Junior School, James Allen’s Junior School, with about two-thirds entering from other preparatory and state primary schools.
Based in Dulwich, the 22-acre campus includes pristine playing fields and historic botany gardens. The state-of-the-art sports centre features a 25-metre swimming pool, climbing wall, floodlit artificial turf pitch, dance studio, squash court, fitness studios and gym. Elsewhere, the school’s Prissian Theatre (which can be set up traditionally or in the round) offers the perfect arena for both lessons and stage shows.
Recent renovation work has seen the school’s iconic Holst Hall transform into a multifunctional space ideal for House Assemblies, lessons, workshops, or students socialising at lunch.
JAGS is fully committed to offering the full breadth of holistic learning. At every turn, there are a myriad of co-curricular clubs and activities on offer which allow pupils to indulge any interests and passions they may have.
As opposed to a timetable of extracurricular activities, which may be viewed as an additional part of school life, JAGS promotes co-curricular activities to highlight how these operate in tandem with the rest of school life, helping pupils build new friendships and develop skills for the future.
If a club does not already exist, pupils are encouraged and empowered to simply start their own.
The list is almost too long to count, as girls constantly set up new clubs and societies either to give themselves a chance to build on their academic learning (Biology Club, Robotics Club, History Clinic, Law Society), take up charitable endeavours (Charity Club, Link Age, Saturday Literacy Scheme), or pursue recreational passions (Italian Film Club, Bel Canto Club, Fashion Society, Code Breaking Club).
Pupils have also started several societies which celebrate the school’s unique and diverse community. These include the African Caribbean Society (ACS), Islamic Society (ISOC) and the LGBTQ+ Society.
In recent times, a raft of new societies championing sustainability has emerged in line with the school’s renewed commitment to sustainability.
These include the Eco Champions; who work with the dedicated Sustainability Lead to develop school-wide initiatives, Incredible Edibles; who work with the Botany Manager to grow a wide range of foods and vegetables on-site, and The Repair Club; who breathe new life into staff’s and students’ damaged or worn items, improving waste reduction and sustainability.
This is, of course, alongside dozens of co-curricular sports clubs on offer, such as football, netball, table tennis, Zumba, swimming, water polo, rowing, hockey and rock climbing.
Fees per term (2024-2025). £8,181.
Admission. Students are mainly admitted at 11+ and 16 +. Casual vacancies at other ages.
Entrance examination. For details and method of admission, please visit www.jags.org.uk. Scholarships and bursaries. Since 1741, James Allen’s Girls’ School has been guided by a singular forward-thinking and philanthropic approach to education.
At the heart of this vision is an extensive and generous bursary scheme which allows the school to continue attracting intellectually curious girls, regardless of their economic background.
Around 17% of students studying at the Senior School receive this transformational, life-changing bursary provision. The majority of these financially assisted students are supported with more than 85% of fees, as well as the costs of uniform, travel, school trips, activities and lunches.
A means-tested bursary scheme is available to all year groups from 11+ entry onwards. Scholarships are also available to students who show exceptional potential academically, and in Art, Music and Sport, at 11+, deferred 13+ and 16+ entry. Sports scholarships are also offered at 11+ and deferred 13+ entry.
Charitable status. James Allen’s Girls’ School is a Registered Charity, number 1124853.
Governors & Staff:
Governors:
Dr Jane Marshall, MB, BCh, BAO Hons, DCH, MRCPsych, FRCPsych (Chair, Chair of the Board for JAGS Community Enterprises Limited)
Mr Robert Cunningham, MA, ACA, CTA (Vice Chair, Chair of Finance and Operations Committee)
Mr Alan Bird, MA Cantab, MSc
Mr Richard Collins, MA Oxon, FCA, CF (Chair of Masterplanning Committee)
Mr Milind Dhuru, BA Hons, FCA, MBA
Mr Adrian Floyd, BSc Hons, PGCE
Ms Shehla Husain, BA Hons, MSc (Safeguarding Governor)
Ms Tory Hyndman, BA Hons, MBA
Ms Sameera Khan, LLB Hons
Ms Alexandra Loydon, BA Hons (Chair of Financial Investment Review Group)
Ms Ucheora Obi-Wheeler, BSc Hons, MPhil
Ms Charlotte Parks-Taylor, BA Hons
Dame Erica Pienaar, BA Hons, MBS, FRSA (Chair of Education and Welfare Committee)
Staff:
Head: Mrs Alex Hutchinson, MA Oxon, PGCE
Head of Junior School: Ms Victoria Goodson, BA, MA
Senior Deputy Head, Designated Safeguarding Lead: Rhona Muir, MA Oxon, MSc
Director of Finance & Clerk to the Governors: Mr Jason Peck, Chartered Accountant, Member of the ICAEW, BSc Hons
Deputy Head Academic: Ben Chappell, MA London
Director of Operations: Justine Addison, MA