September 2008 Select  here  for a full pdf version of the document

This Annual Report of the whole JAGS Charity can only provide an outline of the vast array of events and achievements in the past year. JAGS is not just a school with three constituent parts, Senior, Prep and Pre-Prep, it also runs a Community Sports Club, a Saturday School for the Performing Arts (JASSPA) and many other activities. We are committed to using our facilities and talents to enhance and develop the education and the lives of our pupils and the wider community, following the vision of our Founder, James Allen. The presence of builders on site throughout 2007-8 presented a particular challenge, especially for the Senior School, but the new classroom block, drama studio, refurbished Sixth Form Centre and other facilities are stunning and well worth the wait. The two-storey dining hall, kitchens and café are not quite finished, but we are all looking forward to the enormous difference they will make to life at JAGS. Plans are now being made to build the James Allen’s Community Music Centre (JACMC), although actual building work will not start for a few years.

All parts of the school have worked hard to address environmental and ecological issues during the year and we are determined to maintain and develop this focus. Our maxim of “care, courtesy and consideration” applies equally well to our treatment of the environment as to the way we behave towards other people. Pupils of all ages have continued to give generously of themselves and their time to help others and to support many charitable projects; we hope that this habit of giving will remain with them for life.

We were all delighted to have the whole school’s efforts and achievements recognised in an outstanding report following our inspection by ISI in February 2008. The inspectors noted that: “The education encourages a love of learning and fun in lessons and promotes excellence in every endeavour…..Throughout the school, pupils achieve high standards and develop good skills and attitudes to work…. However, the school does not limit itself solely to academic success. Pupils’ positive, inquiring and enthusiastic approach to learning unlocks their creativity and underpins their reasoning.” Many lessons were considered “outstanding”, as was the quality of pastoral care. JAGS would not be so successful were it not for the many people who provide inspiration and support to us. We are particularly fortunate in our staff and Governors, and owe much thanks to our current and former parents and pupils, who have worked so well together to create an exceptional school. It is a great privilege to be a part of it.