Jags or Alleyns junior school

[SWLondon2]

We've unexpectedly been offered a place at both Jags and Alleyns junior school and don't know which to pick! We'd always assumed we would prefer a co-ed school but the facilities and clubs at Jags junior school seem better. We don't know anyone at either school so would love to hear from anyone who knows them please. Many thanks

They prepare quite a bit in school based on what I know about Alleyns from the pupils. I'm less sure about JAGs on that front.

A significant proportion of the prep intake get academic scholarships (circa 20%) which I don't think would really be feasible without significant preparation. They try to have them as ready and capable as the new cohort that will be joining. I've heard this directly from a year 6 pupil this past Autumn.

They got Sports Scholarships...only one boy got a maths scholarship, one girl got an English scholarship. Both were tutored.

Do you know what the equivalent situation at Jags was last year in year 6 re scholarships or children applying to other schools?

Only know a girl went to Westminster. One applied to Alleyns and didn't get a place. Think almost all stayed...

Almost all stayed at Alleyn's too

I’m sure it changes year on year but the 20 percent I mentioned was for a specific cohort and it was academic scholarships not sport

Sorry to jump in late but having we're going through the 11+ thing this year. DD is bright and quite sporty. Her prep school talked to us about her applying for both art and music scholarships. Not top of the school but a lovely all-rounder. And she didn't even get an interview at Alleyns. Of the 9 kids at her prep school who applied only a third made it through. Over 800 kids applied for 90 places.

My point is that in your position, having had this experience, I would choose the senior school and then go its junior school.

I absolutely disagree that the lack of diversity in Alleyn's is due to ethnic minorities having a preference to single sex schools.

Having spent time in both environments Jags is so much more welcoming to minorities; it's as clear as night and day.

Alleyn's has very little diversity amongst it's teaching staff and as others have expressed Alleyn's does certainly have a "luvvy" "posh" vibe to it; and we found the environment to be quite unwelcoming compared to Jags and other schools we visited.

Music, this is not as simple question of which school is better because we found in London some parents are music teachers or have music diplomas so can help their kids in their music education beyond the school curriculum. Therefore the school can take the credit but a lot is to do with the home and the practice of minutes per week.
Music teachers in all schools are good but home practice is essential or finding someone to help if parents can’t read music or don’t play an instrument ie. Extra pocket money for music students.

I have a DD at Alleyns. Her class is 40% BAME which is typical (30-40% including mixed race children in most years).

The narrative that Alleyn's isn't diverse is simply not true.

And teaching staff?

Would you say 99% or 99.9% white?

My DD is there ... and no its not 99% white on the teaching staff. Also I'm BAME and the ethnic origins of teachers is not something that I honestly care about. More if they are competent which they are.

Ok maybe I was being slightly facetious but the teaching staff at Alleyn's are the least diverse of all of the schools; it's a commonly known fact.

And frankly, that you use the term BAME to describe yourself indicates that something isn't quite right.

Do you have a child at the school? I don't know all the teachers yet as my DD is still in the infants but my the infants section has black and Asian teachers. I don't think it's that different from other schools we toured (like JAGS) though I don't really know.

The school is pretty international as well.

I am oriental thanks very much despite you thinking me using BAME isn't right

I have a child in both so have no bias and I am BAME, ethnic minority, whatever collective lump we all fall into. My children are mixed and look it.
I can’t speak for the senior school, as there are so many teachers that I am yet to meet or know about as my DCs are in the lower years. However, in the juniors both schools are/were pretty similar in terms of non-white teachers. No issues with race relations between pupils or pupils and staff. Both are lovely schools.

The junior school at at Alleyn’s is much more ethnically diverse than it used to be so perhaps the senior years may be majority white currently.

Just to say that we went for Alleyn’s Junior School and absolutely love it. It’s very inclusive; academic yet relaxed and friendly. There are also lots of opportunities for the children to take part in things, which don’t depend on them being particularly good at something but are great for their confidence, including Comedy shows and “Alleyn’s Got Talent”; a soloist concert each term which anyone can take part in and choirs. The teachers are friendly and engaged. It’s also a very small school with only two classes in each year group so the children get to know each other across year groups which is lovely.

I agree, my DD know the entire infants section.

The school has an inclusive non-competitive ethos to encourage all children to participate in sport etc. There is a real holistic focus on children's well being and personal development and it isn't at all pressured academically given the children's ability.

The parents are friendly and very local-- most within walking distance of the school and so plenty of local play dates, social events, impromptu meet-ups, etc.

I'm sure the other schools are also lovely so this isn't meant to be in contrast to JAGs or anywhere else.

@Summersunandflowers the academic scholarships at Alleyns aren't subject based. Do you actually have a child at the school?

Been reading this thread with great interest. My daughter also has an offer from
Both Alleyns and JAGS.
which would you say was the better school in nurturing Art?
I'm child is OBSESSED with drawing etc so it's important that whatever school we pick it nurtures this.
Also after the school which takes the whole school approach. I don't want my child to fit any mould but instead for her to be herself and whatever comes with it.

@tinatea I can say you would get what you are looking for at Alleyns (though that's not to say you wouldn't at JAGS). However, Alleyns makes a specific point not to pigeonhole children in primary school including by fielding mixed ability sporting teams for instance (rather than A and B).

There is lots of art at Alleyns including free lunch time Art Club. I'm happy to answer question if you drop me a PM. I had to make the same choice as you and am happy with my decision.

Alleyn’s definitely does have A, B, C teams etc for some sports, as my DC was in the B team for one

Art is seems really good an similar at both schools and they seem to create some lovely pieces and explore themes. Mine both love Art despite not being particularly gifted so I think that’s something positive.

Meant to say I'm after a school which takes the 'whole child' approach and is caring and nurturing children in Following the child's interests rather than trying to get them to fit some mould.

I sent you a message. Hope you don't mind!