James Allen’s Girls’ School (JAGS)

James Allen's Girls School

The school was founded in 1741 and is part of a foundation which includes Alleyn’s School and Dulwich College and has been all girls since 1842. In many ways JAGS is rather old fashioned with uniform rules strictly adhered to and manners taken very seriously. Discipline and courtesy is instilled in the girls, especially in the lower part of the school, and it is only in sixth form that that the formal relationship between students and teacher begins to abate.

JAGS prides itself on its high academic standard and the quality of its artistic, sporting and cultural provision. It ranks high in national school league tables, normally inside the country’s top 20 schools scheme. Unlike the majority of academic London girls’ schools, where results are achieved under high pressure, jags girls are encouraged to undertake independent enquiry. This approach means that the girls are more prepared for a university education, with an impressive 20% achieving places at Oxbridge last time round.

After-school and lunchtime clubs are a huge part of the jags experience, whether totally extracurricular or supplementary to an academic subject. Jag’s is a very sporty school – plays an extensive and successful programme of inter-school matches, with house competitions giving everyone a chance to shine.