7 Plus JAGS Guide

 James Allen’s Girls’ School (JAGS) is one of London’s leading independent schools for girls, known for its strong academic curriculum and excellent pastoral care. Located in Dulwich, it provides a stimulating learning environment and a wealth of extracurricular activities. The admissions process for JAGS at 7 Plus is highly selective. Each year, around 200 applicants compete for just 12 available spots. We regularly succeed in getting 3-4 students a place, helping them navigate the rigorous assessment process with confidence. 

The entrance exam for JAGS evaluates a wide range of academic and cognitive skills. It consists of:

• English – Includes reading comprehension and creative writing, assessing a child’s ability to interpret texts and construct well-formed written responses.
• Mathematics – Focuses on number fluency, problem-solving, and logical reasoning, incorporating multi-step word problems and numerical patterns.
• Reasoning – Tests both verbal and non-verbal reasoning skills, requiring children to analyse sequences, relationships, and patterns.
• Interview & Group Exercises – Provides an opportunity for children to showcase their ability to communicate, work collaboratively, and demonstrate curiosity and enthusiasm.

The JAGS 7 Plus exam takes place in January of Year 2, but applicants are expected to be working at an advanced level, often beyond the Year 3 curriculum. This requires early exposure to higher-level reading comprehension, advanced writing techniques, and a secure grasp of mathematical reasoning, including fractions, problem-solving, and number operations. 

 Families applying from state schools often find the transition demanding, as mainstream primary education does not typically cover the breadth of knowledge and exam techniques required for JAGS entry. We recommend that children attend a pre-prep school to develop the necessary foundations. Schools such as The Villa, Herne Hill, and DUCKs provide structured learning environments that align closely with the expectations of independent school entrance exams. 

JAGS seeks girls who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, strong analytical skills, and a love for learning. The school values creative thinkers, problem-solvers, and confident communicators who are ready to engage with a challenging and enriching curriculum. Successful preparation involves:

• Strengthening comprehension and creative writing skills to excel in English assessments.
• Enhancing problem-solving abilities and number fluency in Maths, ensuring a deep understanding of key topics.
• Regularly practising reasoning exercises to build logical thinking and pattern recognition.
• Developing strong verbal communication skills for interview and group assessments, fostering confidence in discussion and collaboration.

Most children begin structured preparation from pre-reception, progressing through reception and Year 1 with targeted learning strategies. This ensures they acquire the necessary skills gradually, building confidence and competence well before the 7 Plus exam. By Year 1, children should be comfortable with Year 2 and early Year 3 material to meet the high expectations of JAGS assessments. 

At Hermes Education, we specialise in guiding pupils through the JAGS 7 Plus admissions process. Our 7 Plus education team are patient, positive, and nurturing. All our programmes and services are bespoke and adaptable, because we know that children come to us at different and unique stages of their 7+ journey.  Some are beginning phonics, some can already read, some cannot yet hold a pencil in a tripod grip, while some can already write well in a cursive script. Everyone on our 7 Plus programme is a qualified teacher and has completed our 12-part 7 Plus training course.  They are experts in adapting the curriculum and meeting your child where they currently are.

We partner with you in every aspect of 7+ exam preparation.