Welcome from the Head
Dear Parents
Welcome to this week’s newsletter.
I start with a huge thank you to our JPA for their work with our community; not only have our Year 8 and Year 9 students enjoyed their social events with DC on consecutive Fridays this term, but the Committee are also hard at work preparing for the fun of Founder’s Day. Thank you from all of us!
The half-term break came and went in a blaze of glorious weather; we have battened down the hatches since then … but I am assured the sun will shine for all the major end of term events over the coming weeks. We will be writing to you shortly with further information regarding Founder’s Day on Saturday 27 June, and very much look forward to seeing the whole community gathered together.
Our new Head Girl team – Delyth, Chloe, Amaara and Imi – led a wonderful assembly on Monday, setting out their vision for their year as our student leaders. They have made a fantastic start to their tenure, and we very much look forward to all their initiatives to come.
I hope you enjoy reading through this newsletter, filled with highlights from across the school, including the Big House Bash, students’ adventures across Italy, Japanese taiko drumming, rowing successes and much more.
With very best wishes,
Mrs Alex Hutchinson
Head
Dates for your Diary
- Thursday 11 June to Monday 15 June – Year 12 Biology Trip to Morocco
- Friday 19 June to Sunday 21 June – Year 12 French Trip to La Rochelle, France
- Tuesday 23 June – Year 13 Leavers’ Day
- Wednesday 24 June – 7pm – Summer Jazz Concert (VWA)
- Friday 26 June -12pm – Founder’s Day Half Day Holiday
Reporting Absences
A reminder to all parents to use this form to report absence in the Senior School due to illness or to request absence for appointments. This form can also be found on our Contact page.
Additionally, when informing a teacher of any health issues your daughter may be facing, please remember to cc our School Nurse team on Nurse@jags.org.uk.
Travelling to JAGS
We kindly ask that visitors and parents do not wait on either side of East Dulwich Grove or its side roads, including Great Spilmans.
Key Stage 4 Update
As we move towards the final weeks of term, it continues to be a busy and exciting time. Our Year 10 students have enjoyed a range of activities in recent weeks, including a French breakfast event and energetic Japanese drumming sessions.
It was also lovely to see so many parents at the Year 10 Parents’ Evening, held virtually, and to reflect on the tremendous hard work students have shown, not only during their end-of-year examinations but throughout the academic year as a whole. We hope that both students and parents found the evening useful in helping to look ahead to next year and consider how best to build upon the successes already achieved.
There has certainly been a real buzz among Year 10 students as they prepared for their Sixth Form Taster Day. Students have been excitedly discussing which taster sessions they would like to participate in, the perks of the Sixth Form common room and what they will wear for the occasion. The Sixth Form team and current Year 12 students welcomed them on Wednesday, and Year 10 were able to gain an insight into what studying A levels may be like in the future.
Hannah Dodson, Head of KS4
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Year 11 Update
Meanwhile, Year 11 students are approaching the final stages of their GCSE exams. Once again, I would like to express how incredibly proud we are of them all. They have approached a very demanding exam schedule with positivity and resilience.
We look forward to celebrating their achievements with them on Results Day. Miss Mayo and I are currently planning a special Results Day brunch for students and parents on the morning of Results Day. Please do look out for an invitation coming shortly.
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Rowing Success!
Finally, a very special congratulations must go to Isa (Y11), who, between GCSE exams, secured gold at the National Schools Regatta at Dorney Lake. Isa and her partner finished an incredible 7.4 seconds ahead of the second-place boat. As the National Schools’ Regatta is considered the highlight of the junior rowing season in the UK, this is an exceptional achievement and one we are immensely proud of.
Meanwhile, Year 11 students are approaching the final stages of their GCSE exams. Once again, I would like to express how incredibly proud we are of them all. They have approached a very demanding exam schedule with positivity and resilience.
We look forward to celebrating their achievements with them on Results Day. Miss Mayo and I are currently planning a special Results Day brunch for students and parents on the morning of Results Day. Please do look out for an invitation coming shortly.
Finally, a very special congratulations must go to Isa (Y11), who, between GCSE exams, secured gold at the National Schools Regatta at Dorney Lake. Isa and her partner finished an incredible 7.4 seconds ahead of the second-place boat. As the National Schools’ Regatta is considered the highlight of the junior rowing season in the UK, this is an exceptional achievement and one we are immensely proud of.
Sixth Form Update
The Sixth Form was buzzing with energy on Wednesday during a very successful Year 10 Sixth Form taster day, with students eagerly learning about their future #SixthFormJourneyTogether at JAGS.
It was a pleasure to hear students reflect on the impact of the day, sharing how it helped them better understand their future choices, inspired them to pursue an EPQ, and highlighted the greater independence and enjoyment of Sixth Form life.
The day included engaging PSHCE on cold-water shock syndrome, led by Year 12 student Freya and highlighting student voice. Students took part in taster lessons, explored enrichment and Higher Education and Careers, enjoyed lunch, and joined a scavenger hunt and panel, with Year 12 students offering constructive insights into Sixth Form life.
Hot on the heels of its success, we are looking forward to the inaugural Year 8 Sixth Form taster afternoon in the coming weeks.
Mat Weeks, Head of Sixth Form
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Year 12
Year 12 are full of excitement as they plan their post-JAGS destinations and look forward to their UCAS Next Steps and personal statement writing workshops next week, while continuing to work hard and participate in the many trips and activities at this time of year.
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Year 13
We continue to be impressed by Year 13 students in their approach to the A Level exams, and for many, the end is in sight. Attention will soon turn to their two final days at JAGS: the Life Beyond JAGS day on Monday 22 June and Leavers’ Day on Tuesday 23 June. We look forward to seeing parents at the Leavers’ Ceremony, which forms part of this very special day.
We continue to make time to pause for breath in the Sixth Form community, with all that is going on.
Wishing everyone a lovely weekend.
Year 12 are full of excitement as they plan their post-JAGS destinations and look forward to their UCAS Next Steps and personal statement writing workshops next week, while continuing to work hard and participate in the many trips and activities at this time of year.
We continue to be impressed by Year 13 students in their approach to the A Level exams, and for many, the end is in sight. Attention will soon turn to their two final days at JAGS: the Life Beyond JAGS day on Monday 22 June and Leavers’ Day on Tuesday 23 June. We look forward to seeing parents at the Leavers’ Ceremony, which forms part of this very special day.
We continue to make time to pause for breath in the Sixth Form community, with all that is going on.
Wishing everyone a lovely weekend.
Education Choices Awards
Education Choices Awards 2026
We are delighted to announce that JAGS has been selected as a finalist in the Bursary Support category at the Education Choices Awards 2026.
Since 1741, JAGS has been guided by a singular forward-thinking and philanthropic approach to education. At the heart of this vision is an extensive and generous bursary scheme, which allows the school to continue to offer life-changing educational opportunities to bright, talented girls, regardless of their economic background.
Big House Bash 2026
The Big House Bash, held just before half term, was a wonderful celebration of our whole community.
It is one of the delightful occasions when JAGS students of all ages come together, and it was fantastic to see such enthusiastic collaboration throughout the day.
In glorious sunshine, students enjoyed a range of activities, from skipping and bubbles to limbo and the parachute, with plenty of laughter along the way. It was particularly lovely to see all year groups connecting and embracing the spirit of the event.
MFL
Italian
Trip to Bergamo, Lake Como and Milan
“During the half-term break, students from Years 8 to 10 spent four days immersed in the rich history and culture of Bergamo, Como and Milan. We explored ancient churches, wandered through Roman and medieval streets, and admired the stunning scenery of Lake Como.
“Our first morning began with a walk through the modern part of Bergamo, before taking the historic Città Alta funicular up to the old town. There, we visited the beautiful Santa Maria Maggiore Church and spent time exploring the surrounding streets. We enjoyed discovering local cafés for lunch and, of course, trying stracciatella gelato in the very shop where it was first created.
“In the afternoon, we met a group of Italian students from the Scuola Media of Villa d’Almè and practised our Italian while exploring the city centre. After a full day of sightseeing, we returned to the hostel, ready to rest our feet.”
Sophia (Y8)
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Continued. . .
“On Sunday, we set off early by coach to the city of Como. During a guided tour, we learned about the city’s fascinating military history and its important geographical location. We also visited the impressive Como Cathedral, whose intricate architecture reflects centuries of Italian craftsmanship. One of the highlights of the day was a boat trip across Lake Como, where we admired the mountain views and elegant villas lining the shore. We also had free time to explore the town, browse local shops and enjoy authentic Italian gelato while continuing to practise our language skills.
“Our final day was spent in Milan, Italy’s vibrant fashion and financial capital. We admired the spectacular Duomo di Milano, explored the Pinacoteca di Brera and experienced the lively atmosphere of the city. Milan provided an exciting contrast to the quieter towns we had previously visited.
“The trip gave us the opportunity not only to improve our Italian, but also to gain a deeper appreciation of Italian culture and history. It was an amazing experience, made possible by the wonderful teachers who organised it.”
“On Sunday, we set off early by coach to the city of Como. During a guided tour, we learned about the city’s fascinating military history and its important geographical location. We also visited the impressive Como Cathedral, whose intricate architecture reflects centuries of Italian craftsmanship. One of the highlights of the day was a boat trip across Lake Como, where we admired the mountain views and elegant villas lining the shore. We also had free time to explore the town, browse local shops and enjoy authentic Italian gelato while continuing to practise our language skills.
“Our final day was spent in Milan, Italy’s vibrant fashion and financial capital. We admired the spectacular Duomo di Milano, explored the Pinacoteca di Brera and experienced the lively atmosphere of the city. Milan provided an exciting contrast to the quieter towns we had previously visited.
“The trip gave us the opportunity not only to improve our Italian, but also to gain a deeper appreciation of Italian culture and history. It was an amazing experience, made possible by the wonderful teachers who organised it.”
Japanese
Taiko Drumming
Japanese classes in Years 8 to 10 were joined by Year 10 GCSE Music students to take part in a traditional Japanese drumming session. Under the guidance of professional instructor Ms Walter, they learnt the fundamentals of taiko drumming, including basic playing techniques, rhythm patterns and effective performance skills. They then worked together in groups to create and perform their own piece.
The session was both exciting and engaging. While it required concentration and teamwork, many students also found the experience surprisingly therapeutic. It was a memorable opportunity to experience an important aspect of Japanese culture through music, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the workshop.
Hiroshi Okura, Head of Japanese
Year 10 French Breakfast
Year 10 students enjoyed a French breakfast, bringing a taste of France to JAGS. Croissants and conversations in French helped to create a café atmosphere, alongside fun activities designed to test their language skills.
Anthea Bell Prize
Elsewhere, our MFL department had reason to celebrate after a number of JAGS students received commendations in this year’s Anthea Bell Prize for Young Translators.
Launched in 2020 by the Queen’s College Translation Exchange at the University of Oxford, the Anthea Bell Prize is inspired by the life and work of the renowned translator and aims to promote language learning across the UK while encouraging creativity in the classroom.
We are delighted by this recognition of our students’ hard work, creativity and linguistic talent.
Congratulations to:
Co-curricular
Cheer
Congratulations to the JAGS Cheer squad, whose hard work paid off as each team (Asteroids, Meteors and Comets) ‘hit zero’ at the Future Cheer Competition last Friday.
Careers
Francis Crick Institute
Sixth Formers enjoyed the opportunity to chat with scientists from the Francis Crick Institute and learn more about what goes into a career in biomedical discovery.
Kayleigh (Y12): “First off, the Francis Crick researchers honestly just described my dream job which was really lovely considering I hadn’t had the opportunity to attend an event aimed only at science research careers before.
“The event felt very one-to-one and we were free to speak and ask questions. The team – consisting of a researcher, a senior researcher (who was looking into switching to science writing/journalism) and a PhD student – provided interesting insight into what they were currently looking into, their daily life, general duties and work-life balance.
“I found this such an incredibly valuable experience that solidified my interest in pursuing a career in science! I’m very glad I decided to go.”
SSLP
The final session of the inaugural Southwark Schools’ Learning Partnership (SSLP) and Employee Volunteering Collaboration – the Student Voice AI Enterprise Challenge Graduation Day – took place last month.
Students from across SSLP schools, including JAGS, gathered at Kingswood Arts to present their ideas and business plans to judges, senior business leaders, peers and teachers. The judges were impressed by the quality of the presentations, and it was fantastic to see students engaging so positively, demonstrating confidence, creativity and teamwork.
The event highlighted the strength of the SSLP network, fostering collaboration and benefiting young people and school communities – celebrating innovation, partnership and shared success.
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SSLP Athletics Event
The Sports Department hosted a fantastic event, attended by over 60 students from five Southwark schools, including Charter North, Kingsdale, St Michael’s, Alleyn’s and JAGS. Students had the opportunity to try a range of field events, including high jump, long jump, shot put and javelin, as well as track races such as hurdles, 800m and 1500m.
The event welcomed all abilities, from experienced athletes to those trying new sports, and fostered a wonderful atmosphere of encouragement and peer support, with students sharing techniques and celebrating each other’s efforts.
The Sports Department hosted a fantastic event, attended by over 60 students from five Southwark schools, including Charter North, Kingsdale, St Michael’s, Alleyn’s and JAGS. Students had the opportunity to try a range of field events, including high jump, long jump, shot put and javelin, as well as track races such as hurdles, 800m and 1500m.
The event welcomed all abilities, from experienced athletes to those trying new sports, and fostered a wonderful atmosphere of encouragement and peer support, with students sharing techniques and celebrating each other’s efforts.
JAGS Alumnae
20 & 30 Year Reunion
We were delighted to welcome over 70 alumnae from the Classes of 1995, 1996, 2005 and 2006 on Friday 5 June for their 20 and 30 year class reunion. The evening was filled with warmth and lively conversation as everyone gathered in Holst Hall to reconnect, reminisce about their time at JAGS and catch up on the many paths their lives have taken since leaving school.
It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces back together, with laughter and shared memories creating a joyful and nostalgic atmosphere throughout the evening. The reunion was a lovely reminder of the lasting friendships formed at JAGS and the strength of the alumnae community across the years.