A Dulwich school has been named as one of the top independent schools in London by the Sunday Times list 2023.

James Allen’s Girls’ School, the oldest independent school in London, is “delighted” to receive the award and to have its “energy and innovations” recognised.

The anticipated list comes as the UK’s highest-achieving secondary schools have been ranked by the first true set of post-pandemic examination results in the 31st edition of The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide.

Headteacher Mrs Alex Hutchinson said: “I am absolutely delighted that The Sunday Times has recognised the dedication and hard work of all those within our close-knit school community.

“We are so proud of the exceptional, world-class education we share with our brilliant students.

“At JAGS, we strive to create an environment in which students are truly empowered to follow their passions and interests.

“While we are incredibly grateful to feature so prominently in these league tables, the true measure of our success can be found in the passion for life and learning that so characterises our community.

“This can be seen both in and out of the classroom, through our academic enrichment, through the extensive co-curricular commitment shown by our students, through the strength and kindness of our community and by the diverse array of courses on which our leavers embark.

"It is a great privilege to lead this exceptional school.”

The guide is widely acknowledged as the most authoritative survey of the country’s top schools.

The latest edition found conversations around mental health are now ingrained in the leading schools many offering mentoring systems, talks from motivational speakers and workshops offering study tips and techniques to help with stress and anxiety.

The guide also discovered good schools embed career advice into the curriculum and inspire pupils by inviting visiting speakers, from industry leaders to alumni.

Headteacher Mrs Alex Hutchinson said: “I am absolutely delighted that The Sunday Times has recognised the dedication and hard work of all those within our close-knit school community.

“We are so proud of the exceptional, world-class education we share with our brilliant students.

“At JAGS, we strive to create an environment in which students are truly empowered to follow their passions and interests.

“While we are incredibly grateful to feature so prominently in these league tables, the true measure of our success can be found in the passion for life and learning that so characterises our community.

“This can be seen both in and out of the classroom, through our academic enrichment, through the extensive co-curricular commitment shown by our students, through the strength and kindness of our community and by the diverse array of courses on which our leavers embark. It is a great privilege to lead this exceptional school.”

Helen Davies, Editor of Parent Power, said: “The educational landscape continues to be challenging across both the state and independent sectors, and this is the first true assessment of post-pandemic exam results.

“We believe these rankings – and all the additional information on offer in Parent Power – provide parents with a more reliable guide to academic achievement in schools today.

“The guide showcases academic excellence but also celebrates schools who may not be right at the top but are rising, innovating and helping pupils flourish.

“Being a teenager is hard enough, and the past few years since Covid have made life even harder.

“It is heartening to highlight the achievements of so many students and schools across the UK.

“This year Parent Power includes details on extracurricular clubs, wellbeing initiatives and school lunch menus – chicken katsu seems to be the dish of the day.”