James Allen's Girls' School (JAGS) 11+ Guide
James Allen's Girls' School (JAGS) is an independent school with entry at 11+ into Year 7. This guide explains who can apply, the assessments, how offers are made and how to prepare. We update it whenever the school changes its admissions.
About the school
- An independent girls' day school in Dulwich, south-east London.
Who can apply
- Children in Year 6 (for September 2027 entry, born 1 September 2015 to 31 August 2016), registered by the school's deadline.
- Independent schools have no catchment area. You apply to the school directly, not through your council.
- A registration fee is usually payable (often waived for families on low incomes).
Key dates for September 2027 entry
- Registration: 22 April to 10 November 2026
- Welcome Morning (interview and tasks): mid-October to late November 2026
- ISEB Common Pre-Test: by 9 December 2026 (at JAGS on 8 or 9 December, or at the child's own school)
- Offers: Thursday 11 February 2027
Children now in Year 5: expect similar dates next year. Check the school's page in the spring.
The assessments
ISEB Common Pre-Test
Online, multiple choice and age-standardised: Maths, English, verbal and non-verbal reasoning.
Welcome Morning
A one-to-one interview with a senior member of staff, a creative writing task and a group task.
How offers are made
JAGS makes its own offers in February. A school reference is required.
Scholarships and bursaries
- Academic, Music, Art and Sport scholarships (apply by 30 November; assessments in late January).
- Means-tested bursaries up to 100%, plus help with extras (apply by 15 November).
How to help your child prepare
- ISEB pre-test. It is online, multiple choice and adaptive (questions get harder or easier). Practise short, timed questions on screen in English, Maths and both kinds of reasoning.
- Creative writing. Practise planning and writing a short story or description to a time limit, then checking it.
- Interview. Help your child talk about their interests, the books they read and how they solved a problem. There is no need to learn answers by heart.
- Read every day. Wide reading builds the vocabulary and comprehension every entrance test needs.
- Practice material: The school uses the ISEB pre-test and has an 11+ guidance booklet. It says no special preparation is needed for the pre-test.
Common questions from parents
Is there a written exam?
There is no long written exam paper, but there is a creative writing task at the Welcome Morning.
Can we apply to several schools?
Yes. Many families apply to a few independent schools and grammar schools. Watch the different registration deadlines.
Official information
Always check the school's own pages before making decisions. Dates and arrangements can change each year.
How AshACE can help
AshACE runs small, live online 11+ classes in English, Maths and Reasoning from Year 4, run from Orpington, with over a decade of 11+ teaching. Our Year 6 Masterclasses include preparation for independent school entrance papers. See the classes below, or send us an enquiry.
Sources: James Allen's Girls' School (JAGS) official admissions pages; checked 25 September 2026.