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JAGSnews

2nd July 2026: Issue 89

Welcome from the Head

Dear Parents

Welcome to this week’s newsletter, as we reach the end of term and the end of the academic year. I simply cannot believe how quickly the weeks have passed since we welcomed everyone to the start of the academic year back in September!

As I referenced in my speech during the Celebrations of the Year on Saturday, this end of term marks the closure of our School Strategic Development Plan 2021-2026. Alongside all the excitement this has brought, it remains a joy to see all students so engaged in the exceptional range of educational opportunities at our school. The end of term brings with it a dynamic range of events for our community – an emotional Year 13 Leavers’ Ceremony, our whole school Founder’s Assembly, Celebrations of the Year, Founder’s Day and the Founder’s Concert. After the recent weather, the air-conditioned splendour of the VWA has been worth its weight in gold! I hope you enjoy reviewing the activities in this week’s newsletter that have kept us all busy and engaged through to the end of term, while my separate end of term letter details our staff leavers at the end of this academic year. We thank all our leavers for everything they have brought to our community and wish them every happiness in their adventures beyond JAGS.

As you will find further updates in my end of term letter, it only remains for me to thank everyone for their positivity and support in another superb year for JAGS, and to wish you all a wonderful summer break.

With very best wishes,

Mrs Alex Hutchinson
Head


Dates for your Diary

  • Friday 3 July to Wednesday 8 July – Year 12 Duke of Edinburgh Gold Qualifying Expedition (Lake District)
  • Monday 6 July to Sunday 12 July – Year 10-13 Music Department Trip to Spain
  • Monday 7 September – Year 7 and Year 12 students return to school
  • Tuesday 8 September – Term begins (all students)


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 3 Update

It has been another jam-packed term for the KS3 students.

From inspiring classroom learning and creative projects to exciting trips, performances and sporting successes, this term has been filled with energy, enthusiasm and accomplishment. I have been continually impressed by our students’ curiosity, resilience and willingness to embrace new challenges.

Founder’s Day gave us a wonderful opportunity to celebrate with our year groups, and it was great to have the chance to see so many families come together from across the whole school. We enjoyed dramatic performances from our Year 7, 8 and 9 productions, and we heard from some of our superb musicians. I would like to say a special thank you to all of the speakers who wrote such colourful and engaging speeches about the adventures they have had this term.

Myfanwy Bournon, Head of KS3

  • Founder’s Concert

    There have been so many highlights but, as I have just come away from the Founder’s Concert, I want to take a moment to celebrate the musicians who have worked tirelessly to rehearse and perform such a varied and sophisticated range of pieces. I am always so proud to hear Bel Canto and Chorale sing. Their voices come together to create such a beautiful sound, and I love being able to sit in the front row with the rest of the Senior Leadership Team to watch their final performance of the year.

  • Thank You

    I would like to thank the wonderful team of tutors who have looked after the KS3 pupils this year. Special mention must go to the Heads of Year and to Miss Corscadden, who have worked so hard to ensure that every pupil feels supported and valued.

    The reading lists are out, and I hope that everyone will enjoy some time relaxing with a good novel as soon as the holidays begin.

    I look forward to welcoming you all back in September.

     

Key Stage 4 Update

As we reach the end of another busy school year, I hope everyone is looking forward to the summer break; a chance to enjoy slower mornings, spend time with friends and family, and recharge for the year ahead.

The final few weeks of term have certainly been full for Year 10. Alongside their usual lessons, students have enjoyed a number of trips, Sports Day, concerts, and many other end-of-term activities. It has been wonderful to see them making the most of these opportunities while continuing to work hard.

One of the biggest highlights has been the completion of the Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expedition in the New Forest. Our first cohort tackled the challenge during the heatwave, while the second group benefited from much milder conditions. We have thoroughly enjoyed hearing all about their adventures since they returned, and we’re especially pleased to hear that their navigation skills improved along the way!

Hannah Dodson, Head of KS4

  • DofE continued

    We are incredibly proud of every student who completed the expedition. Many discovered that they are capable of far more than they first imagined. Whether navigating unfamiliar routes, carrying heavy packs, or overcoming unexpected challenges, they showed resilience, teamwork, determination, and a wonderful sense of humour. They learned that, by supporting one another and persevering even when things don’t quite go to plan, they can achieve remarkable things.

  • Founder’s Day

    It was lovely to see and thank so many of our families at Founder’s Day for their continued support. I would like to extend my thanks to all our Year 10 families for your continued support throughout the year.

    We wish you a restful, happy, and well-deserved summer break, and we look forward to welcoming our students back in September as they begin the exciting final leg of their GCSEs.

     

Sixth Form Update

The close of the academic year provides the perfect opportunity for reflection. Our Sixth Formers have embraced the rich opportunities and experiences available to enhance their co-curricular, personal and academic development. Equally important has been their commitment to ‘leaning in’ to their networks, whether through their Form, year group, Sixth Form or the wider school community. Engaging with others enriches school life and, as studies have shown, promotes wellbeing and happiness.

This spirit of engagement was particularly evident in the final weeks of term. Year 12 and Year 13 students collaborated, supported and celebrated with others across the school. They participated in Sports Day, Founder’s Day, the Founder’s Concert, Leavers’ events, Year 8 and Year 10 Sixth Form taster sessions, and a wide range of clubs and societies, to name but a few. A Head of Sixth Form can count themselves fortunate when their students are so willing to contribute and participate.

Mat Weeks, Head of Sixth Form

  • Year 12

    Elsewhere, Year 12 students are well on their way to completing their UCAS applications. Personal statements are being drafted, while university open days are helping students refine their plans for the future. We wish them every success as they continue to develop their aspirations over the summer and prepare for a successful Year 13.

  • Leavers’ Day

    On Leavers’ Day, our outgoing Year 13s enjoyed six separate events to mark the end of one journey and the beginning of another. As I reflected in both the Leavers’ Ceremony and Chapel addresses, this year group has made an outstanding contribution to Sixth Form life over the past two years. They have much to be proud of and an exciting future ahead.

    The Leavers’ BBQ, held on a beautiful summer evening, provided a fitting opportunity to say goodbye to a remarkable group of students whom we treasure enormously.

    I leave them with a thought from the address:

    “You’ve gotta dance like there’s nobody watching,
    Love like you’ll never be hurt,
    Sing like there’s nobody listening,
    And live like it’s heaven on…”

Founder’s Day 2026

Our sincere thanks go to the entire JAGS community for making Founder’s Day 2026 such a successful and enjoyable celebration.

It was a pleasure to welcome so many families, staff and friends, and to see the community spirit on full display, with the Chair-O-Plane and Ferris Wheel proving especially popular throughout the day.

We are particularly grateful to our Parents’ Association for their outstanding efforts in fundraising to support bursaries. Your generosity has a lasting impact on the lives of so many students.

Drama

In Something Wicked, our Year 7 and 8 cast and crew transformed familiar fairy tales into something bold and original. Fresh, darkly comic and captivating – congratulations on a fantastic and imaginative run.

Art

It has been a busy time in the Art Department, with two outstanding exhibitions taking place this term. The Year 12 Pop Up Exhibition offered a glimpse into works in progress, demonstrating how students’ ideas have evolved and come to life.

This was followed by the GCSE & A Level Summer Art Exhibition, showcasing coursework alongside final examination pieces and celebrating the creativity, technical skill and commitment of our Year 11 and Year 13 artists.

 

MFL

Italian

National Gallery

Our Year 8 Italian class enjoyed an inspiring visit to the National Gallery, where they took part in an engaging scavenger hunt focusing on Italian Renaissance and early Baroque masterpieces. Despite a few artworks being relocated, our keen art detectives rose to the challenge, successfully tracking down the paintings and completing the activity.

The day ended on a high note with a well-deserved pizza meal, celebrating their teamwork and enthusiasm for art and culture.

Martina Boggian, Head of Italian

 

Religious Studies

The Religious Studies and History departments were thrilled to take Year 7 to Rochester this half term, and despite a week of rain, we were rewarded with glorious sunshine that made the whole day feel even more special.

Students were captivated by the stunning Rochester Cathedral, where they embarked on a self-guided tour, eagerly identifying key features such as the crypt, the font and the beautiful rose garden. Their enthusiasm continued during a workshop on Christianity and the Bible, before they explored the frescoes and grand altar with an expert guide. The girls especially enjoyed spending time in the peaceful rose garden, once part of the historic monastery.

Lunch in the castle grounds was a highlight, with the sunshine adding to the delight, and a few well-deserved ice creams making it even sweeter.

The adventure continued as we entered the impressive Rochester Castle, exploring its foundations and learning about the lives of those who lived there, before climbing to the battlements to see the view over the Medway. The girls reflected on the castle’s history, having served both as a site for the defence of the realm and for rebellion against the monarch, brought to life directly through its architecture.

Dominique Giovannoni, Head of Religious Studies

  • Continued

    This was an experience that truly brought their learning to life and gave them a real sense of history beneath their feet.

    Adding an extra touch of magic to the day, the girls were delighted to witness a wedding photo shoot in the castle grounds, and they warmly cheered on the bride and groom.

Science

Biology

Morocco 2026

Arifa (Y12) reflects on the recent biology field trip to Morocco:

“Earlier this month, a group of eager Year 12 biologists spent five days immersed in the rich culture of Imlil, situated in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco, and the bustling city of Marrakesh. We wandered the lively streets of Marrakesh, filled with endless markets, explored the natural wonders of Imlil Valley, and spent ample time hard at work collecting ecological samples for our required practicals.

“Our first evening began with a long walk through Imlil Valley, familiarising ourselves with the thriving local flora and fauna. With a stray dog we collectively named Ricky tagging along, we ended our hike with a refreshing cup of Moroccan mint tea at the local Kasbah du Toubkal, accompanied by stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

“Up bright and early the following morning, what started as a peaceful bird-watching walk ended as a rather treacherous climb up a steep hill back to our hotel. However, we did not fret, as the overwhelming JAGS spirit carried us through – along with some much-needed assistance from our guide, Abdill. 

  • Continued

    “Our day continued with both terrestrial and aquatic sampling, including a quick dip in the pool to cool down in between, before ending with a delicious traditional Moroccan dinner full of unique flavours and spices.

    “The next day included extensive data collection at our chosen locations for our required practicals, followed by a scenic walk through Imlil village to a nearby waterfall, where we took loads of amazing photos. In the evening, we ventured into the wilderness, detectors in hand, and listened to the ultrasonic echolocation calls of nearby bats, stopping for some delicious local crêpes on our way back.

    “As soon as we arrived in Marrakesh, we headed straight to the eye-catching Jardin Majorelle botanical gardens, where we each drew a unique xerophyte, before continuing to Jemaa el-Fnaa, the city’s main square. There, we explored the vibrantly coloured markets, bought handmade souvenirs and, of course, honed our haggling skills. We then rode in a horse-drawn carriage through the dynamic streets of Marrakesh to one of the city’s many medinas, where we explored every corner of the maze-like historic quarter, stopping at a delightful Moroccan perfume shop along the way. After our final evening meal, we gathered for a rooftop quiz overlooking the main market, which buzzed with energy throughout the night and featured a rhythmic biology rap performed by our musically gifted team of science teachers.

    “This unique experience is one we will certainly cherish and would not have been possible without the outstanding organisation and enthusiasm of the teachers who accompanied us. Thanks to the jam-packed itinerary they curated, there was never a moment when we felt bored, and we are sure the memories made on this trip will be among the most treasured from our time at JAGS.”

Co-curricular

House Botanical Art Competition

With the Houses mantra to “Celebrate Every Individual”, we aim to reflect the wide range of talents and interests within the student body. With this in mind, we launched the inaugural Botanical Art competition for all year groups to take part in.

It proved very popular, with fantastic entries showing originality and keen observational skills in capturing the details of plants and flowers. Many congratulations to this year’s winners, who each received a portable watercolour set prize.

Please find the full list of winners below:

Jonathan Lee, Teacher of Music

  • Winners

    Year 7:  Tara (Desenfans) / Eva (Desenfans)

    Year 8: Sophia (Bettany)

    Year 9: Alice (Clarke)

    Year 10: Chloe (Bettany)

    Year 11: Qing Qing (Holst)

    Year 12: Iris (Clarke)

JAGS Botany Gardens Summer Volunteering Day

The summer holidays are upon us, and the Botany Gardens are bursting with blooms. We extend a warm invitation to JAGS parents, alumnae and parents of alumnae to join us for our second JAGS Botany Gardens Volunteering Day on Tuesday 4 August during the school holidays. No gardening experience is necessary – just enthusiasm.

We will start at 11am, meeting outside the JAGS Sports Club reception, and then take part in activities together in the gardens until 3pm, with a break to enjoy our packed lunches together.

Our first volunteering day was a huge success, and we are growing a gorgeous community around the gardens, so please come along and get involved. For further details and to register, look out for the JAGSpost form that will be sent out at the end of term.

Sally Rendel, Botany Gardens Manager

Sport

It has been another outstanding year for sport at JAGS, and we have once again seen notable successes during the 2025–26 academic year, alongside our continued commitment to providing sporting opportunities for pupils of all abilities across all age groups. The volume of fixtures has remained largely unchanged from the previous two years, with just under 400 fixtures taking place. We have had 121 Year 7 pupils represent the school in competitive fixtures. Our current Year 8 cohort has also seen 80% of pupils represent JAGS in a competitive fixture this academic year.

The biggest success so far this academic year has been the Under 18 tennis team, who were crowned county champions after winning the Branston Shield. This means that JAGS has now won the trophy three times in the past four years. The combined Year 7 and 8 team and the combined Year 9 and 10 team are also still competing in the LTA Division Two Cup, with the regional knockout rounds scheduled for September.

Learn more about students’ individual and team successes below:

Michael Golding, Director of Sport

  • Cheer

    The cheerleading programme continues to go from strength to strength, with two of the three teams entered in the national Future Cheer competition being awarded first place in their respective categories.

    Pupil engagement in the programme remains incredibly high, with just under 100 pupils registered.

  • Table Tennis

    On Saturday 20 June, Nyla (Y7), Chryshelle (Y8) and Sienna (Y9) rounded off a successful table tennis season by competing in the Jack Petchey London Schools Individual Table Tennis Finals. This prestigious competition attracts some of the finest young table tennis players from schools across London, and it was fantastic to see our pupils rise to the occasion and test themselves against such high-quality opposition.

    As a special highlight of the day, all three girls had the opportunity to play a match against England’s current number one player. It was a memorable experience and a fitting reward for their hard work, dedication and achievements throughout the season.

  • Rowing

    The JAGS rowing programme made history this year by winning its first-ever regatta medal, with Jessica (Y11) securing a silver medal at the Ball Cup, held at the prestigious Dorney Lake. The Under 18 rowing team also achieved a significant milestone by competing in the National Schools’ Regatta, marking another landmark moment for this rapidly growing programme.

    We were also delighted to see Year 10 students Amy and Daphne represent JAGS in official regattas. This was the first time JAGS has been able to enter Year 10 pupils into competitive races, highlighting both their talent and the exciting future of rowing at the school.

  • Cricket

    The biggest turnaround in fortunes this year has been the cricket programme. Although the hardball programme is still very much in its infancy, it has built impressively on last year’s softball successes (National Softball Champions at Under 15 level and runners-up at Under 12 level). As a result, cricket has enjoyed significant success across both hardball and softball competitions this academic year.

    Cricket successes by age group are as follows:

    • Under 13 School Sport Magazine Cup (hardball) – South East regional semi-finalists, losing to eventual national champions Sevenoaks School.
    • Under 13 Sisters n Sport Cup (softball) – National champions.
    • Under 13 Surrey Smash It Cup (softball) – County cup finalists (final delayed until September 2026 due to the recent heatwave).
    • Under 14 Surrey Cup (hardball) – County cup finalists against Epsom College (final delayed due to recent heatwave).
    • Under 15 Surrey Cup (hardball) – County cup finalists against Epsom College (final delayed until September 2026 due to the recent heatwave).
    • Under 15 Sisters n Sport Cup (softball) – Fourth-best team in the country.
    • Under 15 Surrey Smash It Cup (softball) – County cup finalists (final delayed until September 2026 due to the recent heatwave).
  • Individual success

    We would also like to celebrate the many pupils who have achieved sporting success outside of JAGS. We are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished and look forward to following their continued success.

    Martha (Y11) – World Champion in the Under 19 Biathle and runner-up at the European Under 19 Biathle Championships. Martha also won team gold for Great Britain at both the World and European Championships.

    Emilia (Y11) – English Schools shot put champion, breaking the English Schools record in the process. Emilia also won the SIAB Track and Field International, earned selection for the European DNA Club Championships and became Southern champion in the shot put. Most recently, she was selected to represent Team GB at the European Under 18 Athletics Championships in Italy.

    Pyale (Y11) – Signed for the London Lionesses Under 21 squad for the 2026–27 season.

    Jennifer (Y13) – Selected for the England Under 20 volleyball squad.

    India (Y9) – Earned an ISFA Under 15 international cap against Wales.

    Cecilia(Y10) – Selected for the England Hockey Talent Academy, placing her on the England Hockey international pathway. Cecilia was also selected for the Austria Under 16 squad before subsequently being called up to the Austrian Under 18 hockey squad.

    Jayna (Y10) – Selected for the Surrey EPP (Cricket).

    September (Y11) – Selected for the Surrey EPP (Cricket).

    Matilda (Y11) – Selected for the England Under 20 Touch Rugby squad.

    Eleanor (Y9) – Achieved various fencing successes at European level while representing Great Britain.

Sports Day 2026

Sports Day 2026 brought sunshine, smiles and incredible house spirit. We were so proud of all our students, whose enthusiasm, determination and support for one another made the day such a success.

Congratulations to everyone who took part!

Please find the results below:

  • Results

    • Year 7

    Bettany – 329
    Clarke – 286
    Desenfans – 427
    Holst – 366

    • Year 8

    Bettany – 276
    Clarke – 389
    Desenfans – 334
    Holst – 342

    • Year 9

    Bettany – 303
    Clarke – 308
    Desenfans – 358
    Holst – 390

    • Year 10

    Bettany – 367
    Clarke – 228
    Desenfans – 340
    Holst – 267

  • And the winners are . . .

    Congratulation to Desenfans!

    The overall totals are as follows:

    Bettany – 1275
    Clarke – 1211
    Desenfans – 1459
    Holst – 1365

JAGS Alumnae

Thank You

As we reach the end of another fantastic school year, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the JPA and the incredible JAGS parent community for their generosity, enthusiasm and support.

Founder’s Day was a truly special occasion, and we are enormously grateful to the JPA for all the time, energy and creativity devoted to making the day such a success.

Thanks to their efforts, valuable funds were raised for the JAGS Bursary Fund, helping to ensure that talented girls can benefit from a JAGS education regardless of financial circumstances.

Our thanks also go to the JPA volunteers who have worked tirelessly throughout the year, organising popular events and initiatives such as the second-hand uniform sales.

  • Our parent community

    We are equally grateful to the wider JAGS parent community for its ongoing generosity and engagement, particularly those who have chosen to join the 1741 Club. Your support of the JAGS Bursary Fund makes a genuine difference and transforms the lives of so many students.

    Earlier this year, we were delighted to celebrate this generosity at our inaugural 1741 Club Benefactors’ Reception, which provided a wonderful opportunity to thank and recognise those who support the JAGS Bursary Fund.

    If you would like to find out more about the 1741 Club or supporting the JAGS Bursary Fund, please contact Karen Doyle, Head of Development & Alumnae Relations, at karen.doyle@jags.org.uk

    We wish everyone in the JAGS community a relaxing, happy and well-deserved summer break, and we look forward to seeing you in the new academic year.


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