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 the time has flown by 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, for the past 284 years we have been a pioneering force in the education of girls, and it has been a joy to see all students so engaged in the extraordinary range of educational opportunities this year. The end of term brings with it a vibrant range of events for our community – a wonderful Year 13 Leavers’ Ceremony, our Founder’s Assembly, the Commemoration Service in Chapel shared with our fellow Foundation Schools, Celebrations of the Year, Founder’s Day and the Founder’s Concert. I hope you enjoy reviewing the activities in this week’s newsletter that have kept us all entertained 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 their commitment to our community and wish them every happiness in their adventures beyond JAGS.
It only remains for me to thank everyone for their energy and enthusiasm in another exceptional year for JAGS, and to wish you all a wonderful summer break.
With my best wishes
Mrs Alex Hutchinson
Head
Dates for your Diary
- Monday 1 September – Year 7 and Year 12 Induction Day
- Tuesday 2 September – Term Begins
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.
Key Stage 3 Update
What a fabulous end to the year we’ve had in KS3! From DC Collaborations and school trips to Founder’s Day, Form Song, Year 8’s Spadger exhibit, and the Junior Production, my section has been wonderfully busy.
The weather has been glorious – if a little sticky – and the girls have made the most of the sunshine, eating outside and playing on the fields. The cool and shade of the Botany Gardens have proved the perfect location for walking and talking with friends.
It was wonderful to take refuge in the cool of the VWA on Tuesday and be entertained by so many of our talented musicians at the Founder’s Concert. The Music Department put together a truly fantastic programme, and I was so proud to see so many gifted KS3 students taking part. Bel Canto and Chorale were in superb voice – and I sang America all the way home to Sussex!
As you know, I always leave the students with a message about reading plenty over the holidays. It’s such a great opportunity to visit a local library, charity shop or bookshop and stock up on reading material. I hope they take the time to rest, relax and enjoy the summer break.
I look forward to welcoming them all back to school in September.
Myfanwy Bournon, Head of KS3
Key Stage 4 Update
It has been a fantastic, busy, and warm end to the term! Looking back at all the photos of Year 10 reminded us just how much they’ve achieved this year. A big well done to Emily, Pyale, Oyin, Julianne and Max, who spoke so beautifully in our Celebration of the Year, giving us a hilarious and heartfelt insight into Year 10 life – from fun on their DoE expeditions to rating the Sixth Form toasters! A special mention also to Myah for her stunning piano performance, which brought real magic to the occasion.
We also had some exceptional performances on the school field during the day, and I was delighted to finally catch a glimpse of the cheerleaders in action. Year 10 have spoken about their routines so often, and the performance certainly didn’t disappoint! It was also lovely to see so many Year 9 students and their families at Founder’s Day. I really enjoyed meeting you all, and I look forward to welcoming you properly into the KS4 section in September as you begin your GCSE journey.
Year 11 returned for their 18+ Choices Day, and it was wonderful to see so many of them back in school. They asked fantastic questions during the Alumnae panel, showing real thought and curiosity about the future. I hope the day has inspired them to look ahead with confidence and to take full advantage of the brilliant opportunities they’ll have in Sixth Form to help them reach their goals.
Wishing everyone a restful summer filled with friends, family and laughter. Enjoy your well-deserved break – from all of the KS4 team.
Hannah Dodson, Head of KS4
Sixth Form Update
A Golden Hour for the Golden Class of 2025, last week’s Leavers’ Day was a very special send-off.
With a Leavers’ Service, Leavers’ Photo, Leavers’ ‘Goodie Collection’, Leavers’ Ceremony and a Leavers’ Golden Hour event, this wonderful year group received a fitting farewell – full of fun, sadness and joy in equal measure.
We will miss them for their willingness to lean into the school community and their own networks, as much as for their kindness, spirit and talents.
Year 12 have taken on the mantle of student leadership with confidence – already delivering excellent House Assemblies, taking the reins of co-curricular societies, and supporting the community at Founders’ Day and the Year 6 Welcome Day.
Mat Weeks, Head of Sixth Form
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Year 12 continued
They have provided this support while also ensuring they are well-positioned for academic success and strong university applications. By throwing themselves into the UCAS Next Steps and Personal Statement writing days, and participating in various workshops, talks and research sessions, they are well on track to finalise their applications next term. We look forward to seeing the offers come flooding in. A big thank you to Mrs Allan for organising the various sessions.
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Wishing everyone a fun summer
So, at the end of a very busy year in the life of the JAGS #SixthFormJourneyTogether, rest and relaxation over the summer holiday is a must (with perhaps a little consolidation of A Level material covered so far). We look forward to hearing about their adventures when we return in September – whether they’ve travelled to far-flung destinations, like the World Challenge Vietnam trip participants, or stayed closer to home.
Wishing everyone a fun and restful summer holiday.
They have provided this support while also ensuring they are well-positioned for academic success and strong university applications. By throwing themselves into the UCAS Next Steps and Personal Statement writing days, and participating in various workshops, talks and research sessions, they are well on track to finalise their applications next term. We look forward to seeing the offers come flooding in. A big thank you to Mrs Allan for organising the various sessions.
So, at the end of a very busy year in the life of the JAGS #SixthFormJourneyTogether, rest and relaxation over the summer holiday is a must (with perhaps a little consolidation of A Level material covered so far). We look forward to hearing about their adventures when we return in September – whether they’ve travelled to far-flung destinations, like the World Challenge Vietnam trip participants, or stayed closer to home.
Wishing everyone a fun and restful summer holiday.
Muddy Stilettos’ Best School Awards 2025
We were proud to be named as a finalist in the Awesome Sixth Form category at the Muddy Stilettos’ Best School Awards.
With a record-breaking number of entries this year, this recognition is a testament to the passion and creativity that define life in our Sixth Form.
Thank you to our wonderful Sixth Formers and dedicated staff for making our community so special!
Founder’s Day 2025
We want to say a huge thank you to everyone in the JAGS community for making Founder’s Day 2025 so special!
Saturday was an amazing celebration of our community and it was a pleasure to see so many of you there.
A special thank you goes to our Parents’ Association for their tireless efforts in raising funds to support our bursaries – your generosity makes a real difference.
Sustainability
Sustainability Report
This week, JAGS published its first-ever Sustainability Report, highlighting the school’s recent achievements as it takes great strides towards achieving carbon neutrality.
The report also outlines the school’s carbon footprint for the 2022-23 academic year and will serve as a transparent and valuable benchmark against which progress will be measured.
Read the report in full HERE
We were thrilled to be named the winner in the Supporting Sustainability category at this year’s Education Choices Awards.
This recognition is once again testament to the incredible efforts of our students, staff and wider community in driving meaningful environmental change.
Judges commented: “The school’s comprehensive plan for becoming carbon neutral targets key areas to promote sustainability whilst providing opportunities for students to learn about sustainability and take active roles in supporting the school’s future, through initiatives such as composting food waste, Repair Club and Eco Champions.”
Thank you to everyone who has contributed to our sustainability goals!
Drama
Sisters of the Sea
Years 7 and 8 took audiences on a dramatic voyage to the high seas of the 18th century in their thrilling production of Sisters of the Sea.
The whole production was a true team effort, with students’ talent shining through both on stage – with stirring, emotive performances – and in the creative set design and professional support from the backstage crew.
Art
POP UP Exhibition
The Year 12 POP UP Art Exhibition proved the perfect showcase for students’ individuality and creativity.
The JAGS community were treated to extraordinary works covering animation, live feed video installations, large paintings and imagined worlds.
Thank you to our Year 12 artists and our dedicated Art Department for hosting such a wonderful event!
GCSE & A Level Show
Last Monday’s GCSE and A Level Art Exhibition marked the first joint showcase since lockdown and was truly one for the books.
It was a great opportunity to celebrate our students’ hard work and talent. The pieces on display captured students’ individual creativity and perspective, and were all the more impressive given they were created within a controlled time exam!
Music
Form Song 2025
Our annual Form Song Competition is always a highlight of the Summer Term and this year’s event once again proved why.
From inspired song choices to slick choreography, the students’ hard work and enthusiasm shone through in every performance. Each form brought something unique to the stage, and the energy in the VWA was electric. All the forms performed brilliantly and should be incredibly proud of their efforts!
Click the tabs below to find out who took home the trophies:
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Best in Year
7C – Oh What a Beautiful Morning
8C – Don’t Stop Moving
Y9 – Super Trouper
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Most Entertaining
8S – Love Train
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Best Singing & Overall Winner
8R – Bring It All Back
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Founder’s Concert 2025
On Tuesday evening, a sense of celebration filled the VWA as it came alive with music for a truly beautiful Founder’s Concert.
Our talented musicians once again captivated the audience with a series of breathtaking performances, showcasing the depth and vibrancy of musical life at JAGS.
7C – Oh What a Beautiful Morning
8C – Don’t Stop Moving
Y9 – Super Trouper
8S – Love Train
8R – Bring It All Back
On Tuesday evening, a sense of celebration filled the VWA as it came alive with music for a truly beautiful Founder’s Concert.
Our talented musicians once again captivated the audience with a series of breathtaking performances, showcasing the depth and vibrancy of musical life at JAGS.
History of Art
The History of Art Department visited the National Gallery to take in the beautifully refurbished galleries and the stunning Renaissance Art Collection. All Year 10 students enrolled in the History of Art Curriculum Plus module were invited – with several more also making the most of this wonderful opportunity.
As well as immersing themselves in the collection, the group enjoyed exploring Annabelle Selldorf’s redesign of the iconic Sainsbury Wing and the newly developed spaces.
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Talk and Draw Event
History of Art alumnae recently returned to JAGS for a fantastic Talk and Draw session.
Rachel Dow (Head of History of Art) and Andrew Carter (Art Department) led the session, focusing on 14th-century Sienese painting to coincide with the current exhibition at the National Gallery.
We were also fortunate to welcome guest speaker Marc Woodhead, who gave a fascinating talk on Duccio’s beautiful altarpiece, the Maestà.
It was wonderful to see returning Art Historians and to have the opportunity to draw together in response to these remarkable works of art.
History of Art alumnae recently returned to JAGS for a fantastic Talk and Draw session.
Rachel Dow (Head of History of Art) and Andrew Carter (Art Department) led the session, focusing on 14th-century Sienese painting to coincide with the current exhibition at the National Gallery.
We were also fortunate to welcome guest speaker Marc Woodhead, who gave a fascinating talk on Duccio’s beautiful altarpiece, the Maestà.
It was wonderful to see returning Art Historians and to have the opportunity to draw together in response to these remarkable works of art.
MFL
Russian
Silk Painting
Last week, sixteen students from Years 8 to 11 who are studying Russian had the opportunity to attend a lecture delivered by Dr Oksana Sekatcheva on the topic “Women in Fashion, Art, and Textiles: Pre-Soviet and Post-Soviet Periods.”
During the session, students explored the lives and contributions of three influential figures from this era—Nadezhda Lamanova, Vera Mukhina, and Alexandra Exter—examining their lasting impact on both fashion and the arts.
They engaged with a variety of resources, including books, cotton samples, and visual materials, which served as inspiration for creating their own silk paintings. The session proved to be immensely enjoyable; as the saying goes, “Time flies when one is enjoying oneself,” and that was certainly true on this occasion.
Dr Sekatcheva guided the students through the process and taught them the technique of silk painting, ensuring an enriching and memorable experience for all.
Ksenia Wesson, Head of Russian
Classics
KS3 Mythology Competition
Students across Years 7 and 8 were invited to take part in the Classical Association’s 2025 KS3 Mythology Competition, producing either a piece of artwork or a piece of creative writing inspired by the myth of Romulus and Remus.
The quality of submissions was exceptionally high, with over 50 students contributing wonderfully imaginative entries. We would especially like to congratulate the students listed below, whose outstanding work was selected to represent JAGS in the national competition:
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Congratulations to . . .
Year 7
Olivia (7C)
Rose (7C)
Daisy (7D)
Sophia (7R)
Year 8
Edith (8L)
Amara (8K)
Arabella (8L)
Salina (8L)
Annabel (8K)
Nanaki (8L)
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Highly Commended
Special congratulations to Amara (8K), whose pop-up book was awarded Highly Commended by the competition judges!
Year 7
Olivia (7C)
Rose (7C)
Daisy (7D)
Sophia (7R)
Year 8
Edith (8L)
Amara (8K)
Arabella (8L)
Salina (8L)
Annabel (8K)
Nanaki (8L)
Special congratulations to Amara (8K), whose pop-up book was awarded Highly Commended by the competition judges!
Library
JAGS Hall of Fame of Fictional Characters
This year’s Empathy Day theme invited us to “jump into someone else’s story.” Across JAGS, students were encouraged to explore how fiction can help us understand lives and experiences different from our own.
Our Head Librarian, Mrs Stein, asked staff across the Junior and Senior Schools: Which fictional character has given you the most enduring sense of what it’s like to be in a situation you may never experience yourself?
The result was the JAGS Hall of Fame of Fictional Characters – a thought-provoking display that has sparked lively debate about what makes a character truly unforgettable. From classic heroes to contemporary voices, the collection has inspired students and staff alike to reflect on the power of empathy through storytelling.
Sport
This year has given the JAGS Sports Department so many reasons to celebrate. As the 2024-25 academic year draws to a close, we continue to see our students excel.
Our U15 Cricket Team claimed the National Cup at the Sisters n Sport Cricket finals, with our U12 team finishing as Runners Up. On Saturday, our Track and Field Team will compete in the ESAA finals, having qualified top in the London heats.
The U13 Hockey team made JAGS history by qualifying for the Finals Day of the ISHC Plate competition, ultimately finishing as Runners Up after a series of courageous performances. More team successes are listed in the Team of The Year tab below.
We are incredibly proud of all our students for their dedication, teamwork, and spirit throughout the year. Thank you to everyone – students, staff and families – for your continued support. We wish you all a restful and enjoyable summer break!
Learn more about students’ individual and team successes below:
Michael Golding, Director of Sport
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More fixtures than ever . . .
We are proud to share that this year has once again seen JAGS compete in more fixtures, as we continue to encourage students of all levels to get involved.
Retention rates in individual sports have also remained high, with notable increases in both hockey and netball participation – bringing us close to 500 pupils across the JAGS community playing our main traditional Autumn and Spring Term sports.
The most significant rise in participation came in Cheerleading, where the programme grew by an impressive 189%!
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Sportsperson of the Term
And the winners are . . .
Year 7 – Eliza L
Year 8 – Aria S
Year 9 – Bea B
Year 10 – Isa O
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Summer Sport Awards
And the winners are . . .
Junior Athlete of the Year – Skyla O
Senior Athlete of the Year – Jackie N
Junior Cricketer of the Year – Alice B
Senior Cricketer of the Year – September P
Junior Tennis Player of the Year – Olivia C
Senior Tennis Player of the Year – Rania R
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End of Year Awards
And the winners are . . .
The Gibson Quad Cup – Alice B
The Raggett Cup – Bea B
The Head Cup – Emilia A
The Thomson Award for Sporting Excellence – Matilda T
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Sports Girl of the Year
Junior Sports Girl of the Year – Skyla O
Senior Sports Girl of the Year – Ava J
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Team of the Year
The Team of Year trophy was awarded to the U15 ESAA Track and Field Cup Team for finishing as National Cup Runners Up last summer and qualifying for the National Finals again this year.
Congratulations to all the JAGS Sports Teams who performed so well this year, in particular:
U15A Netball Team
County Finals Runners-up
National Cup Quarter-Finalists
Year 9 & 10 ESAA Track and Field Cup Team
National Runners-Up (2024)
Qualified for National Final – Saturday 5th July (Winners of the London Regional Heat)
U13A Hockey Team
National Plate Runners-Up
U14 Tennis Team
Surrey League Runners-Up
U18 Tennis Team
Branston Shield (Surrey County Cup) Runners-Up
Comets Cheerleading Team
National Cheerleading Runners-Up
Meteors Cheerleading Team
National Cheerleading Runners-Up
U12 Cricket Team
National Cricket Cup Runners-Up
U15 Cricket Team
National Cricket Cup Champions
U12 Tag Rugby Squad
London Youth Games Champions
U16 Touch Rugby Squad
London Schools League Champions
South East Touch Champions
National Cup Runners-Up
Under 12 Biathlon Team
National Biathlon Champions
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Outside of JAGS
We have enjoyed seeing many students also compete at a high level outside of JAGS, special mention goes to:
Emilia (Y10)
- Selected to represent England U18 Athletics in the Pickering Memorial Cup
- Competed in the Shot Putt event and won, despite being several years younger than her competitors
- Broke the school Shot Putt record this academic year
Matilda (Y10)
- Selected for the England U18 touring squad for the Touch Rugby Atlantic Cup this summer
Jennifer (Y12)
- Achieved multiple successes in her Beach Volleyball season
- Selected to play for the London Indoor team at the Interregional Championships, which the team won
- Selected to play for England U21s Beach Volleyball squad
Skyla (Y7)
- Had a stellar Cross Country season, winning multiple races
- Standout achievement: Victory in the U13 London Mini Marathon
We are proud to share that this year has once again seen JAGS compete in more fixtures, as we continue to encourage students of all levels to get involved.
Retention rates in individual sports have also remained high, with notable increases in both hockey and netball participation – bringing us close to 500 pupils across the JAGS community playing our main traditional Autumn and Spring Term sports.
The most significant rise in participation came in Cheerleading, where the programme grew by an impressive 189%!
And the winners are . . .
Year 7 – Eliza L
Year 8 – Aria S
Year 9 – Bea B
Year 10 – Isa O
And the winners are . . .
Junior Athlete of the Year – Skyla O
Senior Athlete of the Year – Jackie N
Junior Cricketer of the Year – Alice B
Senior Cricketer of the Year – September P
Junior Tennis Player of the Year – Olivia C
Senior Tennis Player of the Year – Rania R
And the winners are . . .
The Gibson Quad Cup – Alice B
The Raggett Cup – Bea B
The Head Cup – Emilia A
The Thomson Award for Sporting Excellence – Matilda T
Junior Sports Girl of the Year – Skyla O
Senior Sports Girl of the Year – Ava J
The Team of Year trophy was awarded to the U15 ESAA Track and Field Cup Team for finishing as National Cup Runners Up last summer and qualifying for the National Finals again this year.
Congratulations to all the JAGS Sports Teams who performed so well this year, in particular:
U15A Netball Team
County Finals Runners-up
National Cup Quarter-Finalists
Year 9 & 10 ESAA Track and Field Cup Team
National Runners-Up (2024)
Qualified for National Final – Saturday 5th July (Winners of the London Regional Heat)
U13A Hockey Team
National Plate Runners-Up
U14 Tennis Team
Surrey League Runners-Up
U18 Tennis Team
Branston Shield (Surrey County Cup) Runners-Up
Comets Cheerleading Team
National Cheerleading Runners-Up
Meteors Cheerleading Team
National Cheerleading Runners-Up
U12 Cricket Team
National Cricket Cup Runners-Up
U15 Cricket Team
National Cricket Cup Champions
U12 Tag Rugby Squad
London Youth Games Champions
U16 Touch Rugby Squad
London Schools League Champions
South East Touch Champions
National Cup Runners-Up
Under 12 Biathlon Team
National Biathlon Champions
We have enjoyed seeing many students also compete at a high level outside of JAGS, special mention goes to:
Emilia (Y10)
- Selected to represent England U18 Athletics in the Pickering Memorial Cup
- Competed in the Shot Putt event and won, despite being several years younger than her competitors
- Broke the school Shot Putt record this academic year
Matilda (Y10)
- Selected for the England U18 touring squad for the Touch Rugby Atlantic Cup this summer
Jennifer (Y12)
- Achieved multiple successes in her Beach Volleyball season
- Selected to play for the London Indoor team at the Interregional Championships, which the team won
- Selected to play for England U21s Beach Volleyball squad
Skyla (Y7)
- Had a stellar Cross Country season, winning multiple races
- Standout achievement: Victory in the U13 London Mini Marathon
JAGS Alumnae
JAA Professional Networking Events
Thank you to all the JAGS parents who attended the JAGS Alumnae Association professional networking events this year.
We were delighted to welcome so many parents to the Medical Society Dinner, the Creative Industries Networking Event and the London Professional Networking Event.Alongside JAGS alumnae and students, your support helped make each event a success.
We are currently looking for venues to host future professional networking events. If you are interested in hosting, please contact the Alumnae Relations Team at alumnae@jags.org.uk. With the help of the wider JAGS community, we look forward to continuing to offer a broad range of events next year.
