Insight into JAGs, Dulwich & Prep schools in the area?

[MummyBearL]

My DD just got an offer at JAGs at 11+ for Sept and we are very excited. We do not live in the area and so were hoping to relocate.

• If we moved to Dulwich, what do girls do after school? The village is gorgeous but seems like there isn't much to do for teenage girls? Where to do girls tend to hang out/meet up with their friends after school or at weekends?

• Is there any trouble in Dulwich from the surrounding areas: Peckham, Camberbell, Brixton, etc. If the girls commuted into JAGs by train or public bus, is it safe?

• What is JAGs like now? Not seen any recent posts on JAGs. Is it a nurturing school, a hothouse or a happy medium? Are the kids nice? Are they happy?

• Need to find a Prep school for my younger daughter? Any recommendations and opinions on Prep schools in the area? JAPs has no occassional places

Any insight would be appreciated as it's especially difficult due to Covid. Many thanks.

Hi @MummyBearL, well done to your DD for being offered a place!
I can't help you with most questions but reading with great interest as DD also has an offer from JAGS which we will be accepting.
We live in Clapham and there are a lot of JAGS' girls living near us. Most take public transport (bus) but some take the school bus (foundation schools' coach service) which drops off DCs at the three Dulwich senior schools.

Thankyou Oceane11Plus! First time using mumsnet, so super excited to get a reply. And congratulations on your daughter getting an offer too.

Which part of Clapham do you live? and which buses go from Clapham to Dulwich? How long does it take?

I think I would be happy to relocate to an area where there are lots of other girls from JAGs.

Thanks again.

Locally kids tend to hang out on Lordship lane in East Dulwich which has loads of cafes, ice cream parlours, restaurants, a picture house cinema etc. They also seem to hang out in Dulwich Park. Lordship lane is about a short walk from the school.

They also naturally go further afield as they get older but in terms of what they do in the immediate vicinity.

I know this from living in Dulwich but I can't tell you anything first hand about JAGs. My daughter has just been offered a place in both the junior school of JAGs and Alleyns so I'll be watching this thread with interest!

sorry for all the typos but hope you get the gist! I'm typing with a baby in my hands!

My DD has a few offers but is keen on accepting the JAGS offer too so we may well see you in September!

Forgot to say - we’re in Blackheath
Bus routes are here to give you an idea of areas www.dulwich.org.uk/foundation-schools-coach-service/regular-routes
If you came this way there are lots of options for your younger daughter

How old is your other DD? If she is below year 3, I'd recommend Herne Hill which is a pre-prep that is very good at preparing kids for the 7+ for a range of schools and is seen as the main feeder for Alleyns, JAGs and Dulwich College.

If she's older than that, I would recommend Rosemead. Very nurturing school that also has a strong track record of preparing kids of the 11+ for a range of schools including Alleyns and JAGs. Many of the kids leave the school with offers of academic, art, sports and music scholarships for their next school.

I've been combing the website but I can't find the relevant page for information the Jags senior school day.. (start times, finish times, lunch duration, lesson duration, clubs booklet) can anyone point me in the right direction? It must be there somewhere!!

@MummyBearL we are in the Battersea area and lots of girls (and boys) travel to the Dulwich schools. The foundation bus drops off around 16.30 in our area with a later one stopping at Clapham South tube. You can get a public bus (37??) from Clapham Junction or Battersea Rise.. lots of cafes and hangout spots locally.

I forgot to mention, lots of prep options near us too.. Hornsby House, Finton House, Thomas's, Eaton House, (Those are the first ones that come to mind!) plus two outstanding primary schools.

You could look at places on the 37 bus route - round Clapham Common maybe? You would then have Parkgate House, Eaton House the Manor, the Dolphin, Oliver House, Broomwood House, Newton Prep and others within walking distance or easy bus ride

@stellagibbons so glad its not just me! So far DD has fallen in love with the musical potato and 'wag for jags' neither of which bring me forward much!

This is very useful. Thank you for your input everyone. Useful info on areas, prep schools, etc.

Hopefully someone from JAGs will be able to offer their opinion on the school itself at too at some point....