Head
James Allen's Girls' School
Dulwich, London
- Job type:
- Full Time, Permanent
- Start date:
- September 2027
- Apply by:
- 1 June 2026
Job overview
Head
James Allen’s Girls’ School (JAGS) now seeks to appoint a new Head, building on seven years of outstanding leadership by Alex Hutchinson. The next Head will inherit a high‑performing and ambitious school at an important and exciting point in its development.
Founded in 1741, JAGS is the oldest independent girls’ school in London and educates around 1,200 pupils aged 4 to 18 on a spacious 22‑acre site in leafy Dulwich. Rooted in a distinctive charitable tradition of access and opportunity, the school remains a genuine reflection of modern South London life, combining high intellectual ambition with a strong sense of community and social purpose.
Academic standards are consistently excellent, and the school is equally recognised for the breadth and quality of its co-curricular provision, including sport, music, drama and the creative arts. Pastoral care is a notable strength, and life at JAGS is characterised by warmth, energy and an inclusive culture that encourages each individual to thrive and contribute, both in and out of the classroom.
Having gone from strength to strength in recent years, JAGS is confident in both articulating its identity and ambitions, and in making bold, values-led decisions within the wider educational landscape. This sits alongside a deep and sustained commitment to widening access, supported by one of the most substantial bursary programmes in the sector.
Reporting to a supportive and engaged governing body, the Head will provide measured, purposeful leadership, protecting the school’s character while shaping its future direction. The role will call for a strategic, ambitious and imaginative approach to guiding the school’s next chapter. The successful candidate will be an exceptional educational leader with intellectual depth, strong judgement and the capacity to lead a thriving school with confidence, humanity and purpose, alongside an assured grasp of the operational and commercial considerations that underpin its success.
Further information is available at Home - James Allen's Girls' School
A candidate brief can be downloaded from Opportunities | Odgers
Closing date: 09.00 BST, Monday 1 June 2026
James Allen’s Girls’ School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Attached documents
About James Allen's Girls' School
- James Allen's Girls' School
- 144 East Dulwich Grove
- London
- SE22 8TE
- United Kingdom
With its distinctive heritage as the oldest independent girls’ school in London, James Allen’s Girls’ School, JAGS, provides a forward-thinking and contemporary education for over 1100 girls aged 4 to 18. Located in the London borough of Southwark, JAGS has a diverse school community and is committed to inclusive recruitment and inclusion in the workplace.
Our school aims, both in and out of the classroom, are clear:
- To celebrate our diverse and inclusive community
- To champion social awareness and sustainability
- To empower courage, creativity and compassion in each student
- To inspire aspirational and authentic lifelong learners and leaders
- To nurture respectful, resilient and kind individuals
Alex Hutchinson (Head):
“The energy, the vibrancy, the friendships, the support networks - They all combine to build something very special”
Working at JAGS is about more than simply coming to work — it’s about joining a vibrant, supportive community. Whether you are a teacher, a gardener, an IT technician or part of our wider support team, you will find friendly, welcoming colleagues who immediately make space for you and help you settle in.
From your very first day, you will take part in a varied and engaging induction programme designed to introduce you to the whole community. You’ll quickly gain a sense of belonging and an understanding of how your role contributes to life across the school.
We are proud of our culture of continual improvement. Staff at JAGS feel seen and are supported to grow. We work closely with all colleagues to offer meaningful development opportunities and encourage professional curiosity at every stage of your career.
Our students are intellectually curious and motivated, and this brings real purpose and enjoyment to the work we do. You will have the professional freedom to use your judgement in shaping your work — whether in the classroom or supporting the community through our grounds and facilities.
We strive to create a warm and supportive environment not only for the students, but also for the dedicated and talented colleagues who choose to work here. With exceptional facilities, a commitment to staff wellbeing, and countless opportunities to get involved in school life, JAGS offers a truly rewarding place to build your career.
We offer:
- The opportunity to join our outstanding school where public examination results consistently place JAGS amongst the leading schools in the UK
- A community of considerate, creative and compassionate students and staff
- A highly diverse and inclusive school community, committed to our bursary provision
- An inspiring and enthusiastic team of colleagues across the teaching and support staff
- Excellent facilities, including the latest resources to support learning
A diverse benefits package including:
- Competitive salary
- Choice of Teachers’ Pension Scheme or generous alternative defined contribution scheme
- Support staff pension scheme with 10% employer contributions
- Enhanced sickness, maternity and paternity pay
- Free onsite parking
- Free gym membership with discounted family rates
- Free lunches, tea and coffee all year round
- Free access to the Dulwich Picture Gallery
- School fee discount
- Cycle to work scheme
- Interest-free computer loans
- Interest-free transport season ticket loans
- Employee Assistance Programme offering free access to counselling, a 24/7 GP helpline, legal advice, and money management advice
If you are interested in working at JAGS but can't see any current suitable vacancies, please do get in touch to join our talent pool.
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