Hallo Chloe
I have a J9 kiln like you and the same problem getting to temperature (it's rated to go to 1300C, max 300mbar of pressure). My regulator is max 37mbar, just as yours was initially. (An earlier G7 kiln worked perfectly up to 1300C with this set-up.)
Can you please tell me what regulator type and pressure solved your problem? Is there advice in your manual about this (I don't have a copy).
Did you change your burners, nozzles or kiln gauge or anything else at all?
Nick Caiger-Smith (Berkshire, UK)