HOW TO GET INTO JAGs (JAMES ALLEN GIRLS’ SCHOOL)
A Brief History of JAGs
James Allen Girls’ School, often referred to by its acronym “JAGS” is the oldest independent girls’ school in Greater London The school is located in Dulwich, South London. This award-winning independent school has three schools: a pre-preparatory school for girls aged 4-7, a preparatory school for girls aged 7-11, and a senior school for girls aged 11-18.
Dating back to 1741, the Dulwich Reading School, as it was then known, was founded by James Allen. He was the Master of the College of God's Gift from 1723; the College of God’s Gift was the original plot of land purchased by Edward Alleyn, an Elizabethan actor, in 1604.
In those days, the Dulwich Reading School welcomed poor children, boys and girls both. Boys were prepared for entry to Dulwich College whilst girls were trained in reading and sewing. In the years that followed, the school underwent multiple changes, changing to the Dulwich Free School at the start of the 19th century, then to the Dulwich Girls’ School in 1842 (at which point boys were sent elsewhere), then ultimately to the James Allen Girls’ School in 1878.
Entry to JAGS is fairly competitive as girls of all ages stand to benefit immensely from the school’s long tradition of excellence in education, music, and extending the boundaries of the community. In particular, the school is well-reputed for its excellence in music education, as famed composer Gustav Holst taught at JAGS in 1904.
What You Should Know About James Allen Girls’ School
It’s important to note that JAGS only accepts girls, but no longer do they necessarily need to come from a disadvantaged background. All girls are welcome, including from abroad, provided they are of the appropriate age for each entry point. The entry points for the Junior School (pre-preparatory and preparatory) are 4+ and 7+. The entry points for the Senior School are 11+, deferred 13+, and 16+. Chance Vacancies may be available for other years.
All girls enrolled at JAGS are allocated a House, which builds a sense of participation and teamwork for all girls within the same House. The four houses are named after famous people in JAGS history: Bettany, Clarke, Desenfans, and Holst.
The school year is divided into three terms. To give an idea of specific dates, consult the below schema for reference:
Autumn term: 7 September - 15 December
Spring term: 10 January - 1 April
Summer term: 26 April - 7 July
How to Get into James Allen Girls’ School
JAGS junior school applications for girls wishing to enter the 4+ or 7+ intake in are generally open from September to November but it is always advisable to check with the school to confirm the exact dates as they change every year.
Parents that wish to enrol their daughter into JAGS senior school for the September generally have from April to October ending to fill out the online registration form. Deferred entry for 13+ is also available at this time for future entry. Applications differ for UK pupils and Overseas pupils, so please endeavour to select the appropriate application form and we highly recommend contacting the school directly to verify information.
It is important to note that all girls wishing to enter the Junior School are assessed individually by the school itself. Prospective pupils applying to the Senior School must sit the Independent Schools' Examination Board (ISEB) Common Pre-test. These tests are online multiple-choice tests that include modules on Maths, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
Should Any Girl Apply?
Provided that your daughter is of the appropriate age, there are no disbarring qualifications for girls to apply to either the Junior or Senior School. All girls from all backgrounds, UK-born and from overseas, can apply.
The only consideration that parents should have is for the successful completion of the ISEB Common Pre-test. While exact examination preparation (i.e. using past examinations) can be completed using ISEB’s examination syllabuses, the best course of action is to prepare your daughter well in advance with Maths and English preparatory work. The test is age-standardised, so providing your daughter with a reputable tutor and plenty of resources is a recipe for success.
James Allen Girls’ School Scholarships and Funding
To assist parents of all financial backgrounds, JAGS automatically provides applicants with an application for means-tested bursaries that are blind to the financial needs of each applicant. 20 bursaries are awarded each year, which cover at least 80 per cent of the fees and expenses likely to be incurred such as travel, uniforms, lunches, and more. Currently, 130 pupils are recipients of these bursaries across all ages.
Furthermore, scholarships are available for academic excellence worth £1,000 per annum, with up to £4,000 per annum available in special circumstances. 20 such scholarships are awarded each year to Senior School pupils for excellence in Music, Sport, and Art.
JAGS 11+ Exam Information
The 11+ process at JAGs begins with an invitation to a pre-selection assessment morning in the autumn term. The goal of this assessment is to seek a clearer view of each girl’s academic potential. Furthermore, it enables applicants to gain a glimpse into what life at JAGs will be like because they are given the opportunity to view the school, engage in activities, games and academic taster sessions. During this visit, they are required to complete an online assessment that tests their verbal, non-verbal and Maths skills.
Those who perform well at this stage will be called back to attend another assessment which consists of a 45-minute Maths and a 60-minute English test.
To do well in the JAGs assessment, your daughter should have practised a variety of 11+ CEM papers, especially in English, Maths and NVR.
To view and download an example Maths syllabus, click here.