Dulwich College Review: Rankings, Fees, And More
Dulwich College is an esteemed all-boys independent school that prides itself on fostering international diversity and inclusivity within its vibrant community. Located in South London, its boarding academic programmes attract students from a wide range of countries, including China, Hong Kong, and Eastern Europe, creating a dynamic and multicultural environment. Our guide below dives into all the essential details, from reviews and rankings to fees and beyond.
Table of Contents
Dulwich College Summary
- Type of school: All-boys
- Age range: 11-18
- Pupils: 1,401; sixth formers: 474
- Fees: Day £26,421; Boarding £51,708 – £55,155 pa
- 2024 A Level Results: 63% A*/A
- 2024 GCSE Results: 91% 9-7
Dulwich College Overview
Dulwich College stands out for its commitment to academic excellence and holistic development. The school features state-of-the-art facilities, including a 240-seat auditorium, five IT suites, 18 cutting-edge science labs, and thoughtfully designed recreational spaces that inspire creativity and reflection. Critical thinking lies at the heart of the Dulwich curriculum, with all students required to engage in this vital subject to sharpen their analytical and problem-solving skills.
One of their standout offerings is the innovative A Level Plus block programme, designed to deepen students’ understanding of their chosen subjects. This programme includes workshops led by guest speakers from prestigious universities and opportunities for students to explore complementary subjects that align with their career ambitions. This unique approach reflects Dulwich’s emphasis on equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed for success in higher education and beyond.
Dulwich College Courses and Programmes
Shell (Year 9)
Year 9 students at Dulwich College follow a comprehensive curriculum spanning 14 core subjects: Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English, History, Geography, Religion & Theology, Design & Technology, Music, Drama, Art, Wellbeing, and Physical Education. Additionally, students select one foreign language from a choice of Latin, German, Spanish, French, or Chinese, further enriching their academic foundation.
GCSE (Year 10)
In Year 10, boys embark on their GCSE journey, where core subjects include English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, the three sciences, and either French or Spanish. Alongside these, students choose three additional subjects based on their interests, culminating in a total of 9 or 10 GCSEs. This blend of compulsory and elective courses ensures both breadth and depth in their studies.
A Level (Year 12)
At the A Level stage, students typically select three subjects, with the option to add Further Mathematics as a fourth. Complementing their academic studies is the Liberal Studies programme, conducted in partnership with James Allen’s Girls’ School, which broadens their knowledge and prepares them for life beyond Dulwich. The A Level Plus block further enhances their learning experience by offering specialised courses that deepen their understanding of chosen subjects, equipping them with the skills needed for university and future careers.
Dulwich College Fees
Day Pupils: £26,421 per annum
Boarders:
- Full Boarders: £55,155 per annum
- Weekly Boarders: £51,708 per annum
Registration Fees (Non-refundable)
- UK Candidates: £160
- Overseas Candidates: £350
Acceptance Deposit
- Day Pupils: £2,200
- Boarders: £4,400
(Refundable upon completion of studies)
Additional Note:
Lunch costs are included for students in the Junior and Lower Schools.
Acceptance Deposits:
- UK Day (Years 7 – 13): £1,500
- UK Boarders: (B/WB/FB) (Years 7 – 13): £5,000
- International Students (Years 7 – 13) One term’s fee
Dulwich College Entry Requirements
Entry Points and Criteria
13+ (Year 9)
- Written examinations in:
- English
- Mathematics
- Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Interview with the admissions team
- A reference report from the Head of the applicant’s current school
16+ (Year 12)
- Entrance examinations focused on the subjects the applicant intends to study at A Level
- Non-native English speakers must achieve a minimum IELTS score of 6
- Interview with the admissions team
- For candidates with GCSE results:
- A minimum of 14 points is required
- Points system:
- Grades 8 and 9 = 3 points
- Grade 7 = 2 points
- Grade 6 = 1 point
Overseas Applicants
- Entrance examinations can be taken in the applicant’s home country.
- Students wishing to sit the exams at Dulwich College must complete a registration form.
Dulwich College Boarding and Pastoral Care
Accommodation
Dulwich College provides a nurturing and comfortable boarding experience across its four main houses: Old Brew, The Orchard, Blew House, and Ivyholme. The majority of boarders come from overseas. Younger boarders (Years 7 to 11) share study bedrooms, fostering camaraderie and collaboration, while Upper School students enjoy the privacy of individual rooms. Each house is equipped with leisure facilities, including common rooms featuring pool tables and table tennis, creating a home away from home.
Weekend Activities
To enrich their experience beyond academics, Dulwich College organises a variety of weekend outings for boarders. These include cultural visits to museums and theatres, dining experiences exploring London’s diverse cuisines, and adventurous activities such as go-karting, paintballing, and Go Ape. These activities encourage boys to build friendships, explore new interests, and connect with the wider world.
Pastoral Care
Pastoral care is a focal point at Dulwich College. Each boarding house is supported by a team of resident and visiting tutors who provide academic guidance and ensure the boys’ overall wellbeing. For health and medical needs, the college has an on-site medical centre staffed with qualified nurses, offering 24/7 access to healthcare. This comprehensive support system ensures that every boarder feels safe, supported, and empowered to thrive during their time at Dulwich.
Dulwich College Application Deadline
The school must receive applications for boarding spots by September of the year before the student wants to start the academic year. Applications, for instance, must be submitted by September if they are to be considered for admission in the next year’s intake.
Dulwich College Extracurricular Activities
Combined Cadet Force (CCF)
The Combined Cadet Force at Dulwich College aims to instill a sense of public service in students. The contingent is divided into three sections: Army, Navy, and Royal Air Force. Boys participate in parade evenings and follow a structured training syllabus. CCF membership is compulsory for all students starting from Year 9, offering unique opportunities such as trips and camps both within the UK and abroad.
Creative Arts
The Creative Arts Department at Dulwich encompasses Art, Drama, and Music. Students engage in studio-based learning, fostering curiosity and new perspectives. The Music and Drama departments regularly showcase students’ talents through major concerts and productions, contributing to the college receiving the Independent School of the Year for the Performing Arts award.
Sports Programme
Dulwich College offers a comprehensive and modern sports programme, providing students with a wide range of experiences and opportunities. Specialist teachers and coaches deliver a challenging curriculum aimed at promoting health and imparting knowledge of effective training methods. Here are some of the popular sports students can partake in at Dulwich College:
- Rugby
- Football
- Hockey
- Cricket
- Athletics
- Rowing
- Badminton
- Squash
- Tennis
- Table Tennis
- Swimming
- Water Polo
- Basketball
- Horse Riding
High Performance Programme (HPP)
For students demonstrating exceptional athletic ability, Dulwich College offers a High Performance Programme. This initiative supports the development of sports scholars and performance athletes, providing specialised training and resources to help them achieve their full potential.
Dulwich College Reviews
“Amazing school. Great mix of boys. Excellent pastoral care. The boys are polite and charming. The teaching is excellent.”
“I am really impressed by the professionalism of the staff. Things happen, things go wrong but the staff does their utmost to protect the children and address any issues that arise. There is an emphasis on growing boys as well as rounded individuals and academic performance which I think is missing in some of the other top schools. I was a bit worried about snobbery, but according to my son, there is very little of that going on there.”
“Excellent school. My son is very happy here. I am very pleased that my younger son will go there next year. The school itself is very big but the boys are never lost. There is a vibrant atmosphere and the boys look very happy and confident.”
“As a pupil at Dulwich College, I think that the facilities are tremendous and the staff are really friendly. Situations are dealt with fairly.”
Dulwich College Frequently Asked Questions
Dulwich College emphasises academic excellence, personal growth, and a global outlook. Its ethos is rooted in fostering critical thinking, creativity, and a sense of social responsibility, while encouraging students to develop into confident and compassionate individuals.
Dulwich College provides education for boys aged 7 to 18, encompassing Junior, Lower, and Upper School levels, with entry points at Years 3, 7, 9, and 12.
Dulwich College offers full and weekly boarding for boys starting from Year 7. Boarders live in one of four houses—Old Brew, The Orchard, Blew House, or Ivyholme—with access to comfortable accommodations, leisure facilities, and a range of weekend activities, all underpinned by strong pastoral care.
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Speak to us today for free application assistance and education advice. Our expert consultants are more than happy to help!