James Allen's Girls' School
London · SE22 8TE
James Allen's Girls' School (JAGS) is one of London's most respected independent girls' schools, founded in 1741 and offering a continuous education from age 4 to 18 in the heart of Dulwich, South East London. The school combines genuine academic rigour with a warm, inclusive community ethos, producing confident, intellectually curious young women. JAGS is renowned for its commitment to breadth — balancing strong examination outcomes with a rich co-curricular life and serious investment in pupil wellbeing. Its diversity and community partnerships set it apart from some of its more traditional independent rivals.
- →Consistently strong A-level and GCSE results with significant Oxbridge and Russell Group university placements
- →All-through structure from age 4 offers continuity and avoids the disruption of multiple transitions
- →Strong bursary programme makes the school more socially diverse than many London independents
- →Excellent co-curricular breadth including music, drama, sport and community outreach
- →Nurturing but intellectually stretching environment that suits ambitious girls without a hothouse pressure culture
Who thrives here
Girls who are academically motivated and intellectually curious but who also want space to explore interests beyond the classroom in a supportive, diverse school community. The school suits pupils who appreciate a balance of ambition and warmth rather than relentless competitive pressure.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
East Dulwich Grove
London
SE22 8TE
Nearest stations
Notable alumni
Cressida Dick
Former Metropolitan Police Commissioner
Kate Bush
Singer-songwriter and musician
Miranda Richardson
Actress
Anita Roddick
Founder of The Body Shop
Elspeth Huxley
Author and journalist
Recent investment
Frequently asked questions
What are the fees at James Allen's Girls' School?
Day fees at James Allen's Girls' School are approximately £30,438 per year (2025/26).
How do you get into James Allen's Girls' School?
James Allen's Girls' School admits pupils at 4+, 7+, 8+, 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by Interview, Assessment. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
What are James Allen's Girls' School's exam results?
At James Allen's Girls' School, 65.7% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 86.5% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Is James Allen's Girls' School a boarding school?
James Allen's Girls' School is a day school in London and does not offer boarding.
What is James Allen's Girls' School's latest inspection rating?
ISI rated James Allen's Girls' School “Excellent” (2021).
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Warm, inclusive community that genuinely celebrates diversity
✓Strong academic outcomes without an oppressive pressure culture
✓Excellent breadth of co-curricular opportunities, especially music and drama
✓Committed and accessible teaching staff who know pupils as individuals
✓Active and well-organised parents' association that fosters a real community feel
Common concerns
!South East London location and limited tube access can make the commute difficult for families from further afield
!Some parents feel communication about individual pupil progress could be more frequent
!The large school size (1,200+) can mean some girls feel less visible, particularly in the middle years