JAGS vs Alleyn's

[SE1mother]

Hi
MY DD has offers from both schools. Which one to choose? Thanks

Depends on the child
STEM prob better at JAGS

Presence of absence of boys is key difference

More homework at JAGS

They're both great schools, so I suggest you go for the one your DD prefers.

@AnotherNewt could you elaborate on "more homework" - how much more? :-) We are leaning heavily toward JAGs - it seems like such a different school in terms of openenss and warmth since we last were looking at it 4 years ago!

My DD is year 7 at JAGs - she has very little (or very manageable) homework compared to her mates at state schools. It (currently) doesn’t feel pressurised - she’s come from a state school and is managing fine. Also feel she’s very well looked after. I have a (much tougher) cousin at Alleyns in yr 10 on an academic scholarship, she’s very happy there too....

*much younger, not much tougher !

You are choosing between two amazing schools. Decide if you want single sex or co-ed and base your decision on that. I have friends with kids in both and they are all very happy.

Please remember that some people are on waitlists for these schools and are anxiously waiting for parents to make decisions - before the last minute!

transport? parking?

unexpectedly, we were in the same boat last year.

So having done a great job at not allowing DD to have a 'favourite' school we then had to go into reverse and work out which one we actually preferred.

There is no bad choice here.

Jags - we liked the new head. The open day we went to was great and the girls we met were lovely.

Alleyns - wasn't so sold on the head but the new Lower school building and the great sports provision had impressed us.

So we revisited. Alleyns bent over backwards to accommodate us and we were shown around as a family. We met key staff who were all v welcoming and friendly. We saw most of the school and were able to ask lots of questions. Jags were less flexible but we did manage to join a group tour. We saw all the facilities again.

Just on gut feel we went for Alleyns. It felt more vibrant and modern. We also liked the fact that Y7/Y8 are slightly separate from the rest of the school.

For us the co-ed /single sex question was also key. DD has perfectionist tendencies and we were concerned that an all girls environment might exacerbate that. She's pretty outgoing so we felt she would thrive at a co-ed.

Re homework - it's all v manageable.

We've been impressed so far - but early days yet! Good luck with your decision.

transport? parking?

They are literally across the road from each other so all the bus/train routes are the same and, AFAIK, neither has designated on-site parking.
They are both part of the Foundation Schools and share the coach service.

thank you. I have made my choice. ..now sitting and raising doubts and questioning my choice.

we dont need any parking there. we live nearby-just a ride by bus.

new building or old building -it doesnt matter-it is a school-she is supposed to learn there not to like the building.

yes i saw a new building in Alleyn's but have you see the size of the classrooms? i want my child to sit and look at the board not at the pupils as the layout there is ridiculous.
Jags' hall was so dirty and dusty..but at least some biscuits to the coffee:)

there are some pros and cons everywhere

then we compared websites, tweets, social media, mumsnet opinion as well, etc

and I do remember the parents in each school-either 90% white British or mixed/diversity ...

I love the new Lower School block at Alleyns - brand new and a real sense of belonging for the younger kids. Not sure about the comment about looking at the board?! I thought the idea was to encourage discussion?

I agree that you shouldn't select a school solely in terms of new building/old building but I do think that facilities are quite important in any choice?

But - I also think that gut feel is key here - more important than what random strangers are saying on here or social media?

All the best to your Dd

Having seen both in the last couple of weeks, I was wondering if there are any up to date views? Both seem like amazing schools!

Hello All. Have your daughter attend the pre-selection morning, and how quick did you get the response? Do you also know if the tests are adaptive? Thank you.