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Original poster

Jags or Alleyns junior school

53 replies

SWLondon2 · 28/01/2020 17:05

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

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tinatea · 27/01/2023 07:19

Summersunandflowers · 28/01/2020 17:39

Have a daughter at both. There's a thread further down this page...
They're both great 😃

Will pm you

tinatea · 27/01/2023 07:26

DulwichMum1234 · 30/01/2020 13:04

Hi SWLondon2,

So here are observations from my friend:

Alleyn

  • lots of focus on being well rounded, confident and self assured
  • children are instilled with independence and leadership qualities early on
  • academic but also focuses on other aspects such as presenting well, wit and social spark (her words!)
  • facilities are amazing (for both junior and secondary) and equal focus on academia as sport/art/performance
  • high end lunch provision and after school clubs
  • very tough to get in too so PERCEIVED (she says in reality both are great!) as better by other schools/universities if want to move on (despite league tables). See as more exclusive.

JAGS

  • as nurturing as Alleyn’s in practice
  • equally focussed on academics but less so on all the extra curricular activities (in comparison) but still very good
  • all girls can sometimes make it cliquey
  • less focused on confidence/leadership qualities although excellent at instilling in girls that it’s ok to fail; important to keep trying etc
  • some facilities are not ideal (ie language classes etc done in temporary outside buildings etc)

Her advice was both are great overall. And before anyone shoots me down, I am just passing on her opinions. I am sure there are lots of differing opinions on this topic, this is just one person’s view based on their child. I just hope it helps as we had a similar dilemma with north London schools for my eldest and a post on here really helped me choose the right school so I hope this helps in return!

Hi
Just wondering 2 years later what your friend still feels about which school she would pick?
We are in this dilemma. Worse still our deadline is 12 noon today and we're still debating between the 2.
An you ask your friend, which she finds more nurturing towards ART . Jags juniors or Alleyns

hadtonamechangeobviously · 27/01/2023 08:41

The temporary building are gone from JAGS - it was there whilst the music hall was being build. Alleyn’s recently had portakabins for the juniors whilst they had a revamp of the junior school, also now completed. Facilities are on a par between the schools.
JAGS enters pupils into annual national art completions, has a portfolio club for potential art scholars etc.
Music-wise JAGS has a wide range of music clubs for all abilities and practically all instruments with the opportunity to try new instruments, busking and summer proms. Alleyn’s has the strings and brass scheme as well as soloist performances open to all. Both have concerts each term.

Both schools will nurture the children and both stretch the children or provide extra support where needed. Your child may absolutely love drawing and she will have lessons with specialist teachers plus there will be clubs and the schools will provide additional opportunities for the individual. It would be unrealistic to judge either school by the weekly clubs timetable, for example. They will make additional provisions available depending on the needs of the child and cohort.
They will also need to ensure you child is taught the full curriculum and develops socially. You may need to facilitate this with a club outdid school as many may do for sport and music.

Our DCs a very very happy at both schools and you are in a win-win situation.
Make your decision and don’t look back - good luck!

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