JAGs - new(ish head) what's it like now?

[pixels110]

Any parents with dd's currently at Jags? Heard it's very different with the new(ish) head - can anyone shed light?

[KingscoteStaff]

DD in year 9. Extremely happy with a good group of bright, kind friends.
Music amazing, sports excellent (no girls cricket is her only complaint). Some truly inspirational teachers, many extremely effective ones.

[lilybookins]

Hello my daughter is in yr 7. So far very happy - especially as she seems to be getting less homework than all her mates at state schools ! (Think it will ramp up in year 8 though)

She too came from a state school and hasn’t found it a problem fitting in (I think JAGs commit to take 20% state kids)

She is not especially sporty though has joined the swimming squad and has done lots of sports so far including football which is the only sport she does outside school.

There are lots of v sporty girls there, county level etc, but I don’t think it matters at all if sport is not your thing

As regards music my daughter is prob one of the few in yr 7 who doesn’t play a musical instrument - she has no interest and as it’s v expensive that suits me!

Academically she’s doing great (I was worried that coming from the school she has she might struggle but not at all) They move fast through things but she’s loving it

I haven’t had loads to do with the HT but every time I’ve seen her I’ve been so impressed. The pastoral care is brilliant - I know that in recent years there was lots of stuff about it being a hot house and no care for the girls. I haven’t seen that at all - you can’t move for touchy feelingness! My daughter went there knowing no one but had been really welcomed by all the girls.

Oh and drama wise my daughter sounds a lot like yours - v into script writing etc as had been able to put that to use both in school and doing the after school LAMDA classes that she loves

PM if you’d like

[pixels110]

Wondering what current parents also think of the results this past year? I know that at this high level in the tables we're not talking huge percentages, but given their past performance wonder what parents with dd's currently there make of it? thx!

[NiveaLipBalm]

Many thanks lilybookins, that's good to hear!

[ridinghighinapril]

pixels - can you elaborate what you mean by the results? my DD is not yet in JAGS so haven't been paying attention to league tables/results and, tbh, there are so many variables I find it impossible to work out what they actually reflect.

[Puddinglane12]

Hi just bumping up for any current JAGS parents to offer more information. My DD too holds an offer from JAGS. She really likes the school and has other offers. We like everyone else, I'm sure, just want to know we are making the right decision.

I would also like pixel to elaborate on that question, it can be tricky to know what they reflect as pp says.

What is the new head like? How many forms in a year and how many pupils per form? Also do they do a lot of Saturday or evening sports?

[tinkerella1]

The new head is very approachable - not that I've had the need to so far; I'm just going off a 6th formers view of the old versus new. She seemed happy to chat to any parent at the parents evening - I just didn't feel I had to go and say hello!
My DD is very happy there and has a lovely mix of girls from all backgrounds. I was surprised at how quickly she settled into a new school. There are 5 forms of around 20 in her year. My DD doesn't do after school or Saturday sports - its not her thing! That said, I loved her PE teacher, she recognises not all girls are sporty but she was so positive. I always think PE teachers aren't interested if your kid isn't in the A team so I was pleasantly surprised! There are lots of clubs for non sporty kids. Some are run by 6th formers and seem to be more about engaging interests beyond the curriculum. The homework has ramped up from year 7 but nothing unbearable. There are little mini tests every so often and this works to iron out anything they didn't get a handle on. We've been very happy with the school and haven't doubted our choice for our DD.

[pixels110]

Thanks everyone for the feedback! Regarding the results, there just seemed to be a dip in A level results - more noticeable than the usual tiny percentage ups and downs of all schools. A 7% drop in results from 2016 - 2017 (A levels) - it's probably nothing to worry about, but seemed more sizable than usual...We're really impressed with the new head - we're now just debating whether we should go co-ed or single sex!