James Allen's Girls' School

James Allen’s Girls’ School (JAGS) has been inspiring and educating pupils for over 280 years.  

And while it may hold the title of London’s oldest independent girls’ school, its reputation is built upon a forward-thinking focus and unwavering commitment to providing a full, rich and balanced education. 

Its vision is summarised as a passion for life and learning.  

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 strives to attract intellectually curious girls regardless of economic background and is one of the leading schools in the country for its support of a large number of bursary students.  

Currently, around 1 in 6 senior school pupils receive a bursary. The majority of financially assisted pupils are supported with more than 90% of fees, as well as the costs of uniform, travel, school trips and lunches.   

JAGS encourages a genuine love of life-long learning in all pupils and believes that life should be busy both inside and outside of the classroom. 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 extra-curricular activities, which may be viewed as an additional part of school life, it 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. 

The school views its unique and diverse community as its greatest asset, reflecting the social, cultural and economic diversity of its south London neighbourhood. 

Whether it be in the Pre-Prep School (ages 4-7), Prep School (ages 7-11) or Senior School (11-18), pupils balance their scholarly achievements with a dizzying array of enrichment opportunities. This is an environment where passionate individuals thrive in an atmosphere of compassionate challenge. 

Each year the school’s public exam results reaffirms its place in the very top echelon of girls’ schools in the UK, particularly in STEM subjects. This consistent success is testament to the dedication of all staff and students.  

Passionate teaching staff constantly review the school’s dynamic curriculum and encourage pupils to explore their subjects far beyond exam specifications to ensure they develop a genuine interest in their studies.   

However, academic excellence is only part of the picture at JAGS as students are supported in the development of their creative, athletic and social skills.  

The 22 acres of stunning grounds on which the school is situated features a state-of-the-art sports hall, complete with a 25-metre swimming pool, climbing wall and gym. Elsewhere, the school’s purpose-built theatre (which can be set up traditionally or in the round) offers the perfect arena for both lessons and stage shows. 

JAGS is currently in the second year of it five-year School Strategic Development Plan, highlighting its commitment:  

• To celebrate our diverse and inclusive community. 


• To champion social awareness and sustainability. 


• To empower courage, creativity and compassion in each student. 


• To inspire aspirational and authentic lifelong learners and leaders. 


• To nurture respectful, resilient and kind individuals. 

As part of this commitment to sustainability, a designated Sustainability Lead has been hired to spearhead innovative school-wide initiatives. 

These include, but are not limited to:  

• Installing a 200-litre composter that transforms our food waste into compost for our botany gardens and flower beds.


• Installing bike repair kits across the school site to improve and increase sustainable travel.


• Establishing a car-pool rota to reduce individual car journeys.


• Installing food waste bins across school offices.


• Eradicating physical prospectuses and event programmes in favour of digital version accessible via QR codes.