Each year we compile this Annual Report for the whole JAGS Charity to reflect the incredibly diverse and stimulating events, activities and achievements of our Senior School, Prep and Pre-Prep, Community Enterprises, Sports Club, Saturday School for the Performing Arts (JASSPA) and Development Office. The sheer variety and breadth of what we do never ceases to amaze! 

The Autumn Term had an excellent start for all parts of the school, as we finally achieved the top Eco-schools Award, the prestigious Green Flag - the result of the combined efforts of pupils of all ages, ably supported by staff.  JASSPA expanded into new areas this year with the establishment of the South London Youth Orchestra (SLYO) and more girls became engaged in Community Action.  JB Priestley wrote that: “People are better than their ordinary lives allow them to be”; we aspire for all within the JAGS community to aim as high as they can and to develop their talents to the full, especially if they can help others by doing so. Active citizenship is at the heart of our community, matched with care, courtesy and consideration for others. We remain committed to building up our Bursary funding so that able girls who would benefit from and give much to our school community can come to JAGS regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.

Much time and energy was expended on our formal planning application to Southwark Council for the James Allen’s Community Music Centre.  After lodging all our documentation in the summer, we had to wait until December to be called to a planning meeting of the Dulwich Community Council.  After a very long meeting and much debate, approval was finally granted subject to more than 20 technical conditions which had to be agreed and signed off by the local Councillors.  Unfortunately, they were unable to reach consensus about these in the ensuing months and we were suddenly informed in May 2011 that our provisional planning consent had run out of time and thus lapsed.  We rallied our energies and supporters and returned to the Community Council to present the application again.  This time the meeting continued until every one of the 25 technical conditions had been agreed and signed off.  All this uncertainty and delay had a huge impact on our ability to begin our fundraising campaign and to approach major donors. We are now redoubling our efforts.

Warmest thanks to all our staff, current and former pupils and parents and our governors for their continued support and encouragement.  Together we can make a real difference to the lives of many.