Overview of Dulwich College
Founded in 1619 by the actor Edward Alleyn, Dulwich College is one of England’s oldest and most distinguished boys’ schools, a day and boarding school set on a striking campus in south London. It combines a proud academic and cultural heritage with modern facilities, and educates boys from 7 to 18. Its alumni span the arts, sport, science and public life, and the College is known for producing confident, well-rounded young men.
Entry Points & Age Requirements
Dulwich College admits boys at several ages, with the principal senior entry points at 11, 13 and 16.
11+ into Year 7 is the largest point of entry, with a further intake at 13+ into Year 9. Boys are registered in advance and assessed through the College’s own examinations and an interview. Boarding, across three houses, is available from Year 9.
16+ entry into the Sixth Form is offered to boys with strong GCSE results who wish to study A-Levels. Candidates sit subject papers and attend an interview, and places are competitive.
Important: Dulwich College is popular at every entry point, so registering early, ideally a year or more ahead, gives your son the best chance.
Registration & Deadlines
The Dulwich College admissions process is designed to assess a boy’s academic ability, character and potential. Families begin with a registration form and fee, after which the College arranges assessments. A reference from the current school forms part of the picture alongside the boy’s own performance on the day.
Stage
Timing
Details
Registration
By June, Year 6
Submit registration form and registration fee
ISEB Pre-Test
Autumn, Year 6
Computer-based reasoning assessment
Shortlisting
Year 6 / Year 7
Candidates selected based on pre-test results and school reference
Dulwich College Entrance Assessments
Year 8
Written examinations and academic evaluations
Interview
Year 8
Interview with Dulwich College housemaster or admissions staff
Final Offer
Year 8
Confirmation of admission
Planning ahead: many families begin researching Dulwich College when their son is nine or ten, allowing time to prepare and, for boarding families, to plan the move.
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The Assessment Process
Dulwich College looks for boys who will thrive in a rigorous academic environment and contribute to the wider life of the school.
Stage 1: Registration and School Reference
Once registered, the College requests a reference and recent reports from the current school, giving an early sense of academic standing, effort and character.
Stage 2: Entrance Assessment
Boys sit the College’s entrance assessment, testing English, mathematics and reasoning at 11+ and 13+, or subject papers at 16+. The papers assess genuine understanding and potential rather than memorised knowledge.
Stage 3: Visit and Taster
Families are encouraged to visit, and boarders are advised to spend time in the College. A visit is the best way to judge whether the houses, the campus and the atmosphere suit your son.
Stage 4: The Interview
Every candidate has an interview with a member of staff, a friendly but genuine conversation about the boy’s interests, reading and reasons for wanting to join Dulwich College.
Insider insight: Dulwich College values students who demonstrate authentic curiosity, enthusiasm for learning, and a willingness to engage with the school community.
Interview Preparation
For many families, the interview stage can feel like the most daunting aspect of the admissions process. However, thoughtful preparation can significantly improve a pupil’s confidence and performance.
Practice Discussing Interests
Students should be able to talk enthusiastically about their hobbies, whether that is sport, music, art, science, or history. Interviewers often explore these topics to understand how a pupil thinks and what motivates them.
Engage With Current Affairs
Reading newspapers or discussing global events helps students form thoughtful opinions and demonstrate awareness of the wider world.
Encourage Broad Reading
Students who read widely often stand out during interviews. Being able to discuss books they have enjoyed — and explain why — can demonstrate intellectual curiosity.
Conduct Mock Interviews
Practice interviews help students refine their responses, develop confidence, and learn to manage nerves in a formal setting.
Academic Expectations
Dulwich College maintains high academic standards across a broad curriculum. Boys study nine or ten subjects at GCSE before progressing to A-Levels, achieving strong results that lead to leading universities in the United Kingdom and worldwide, including Oxford and Cambridge. The College is also known for the strength of its music, sport and co-curricular life.
Fees & Financial Information
As a leading day and boarding school, Dulwich College’s fees reflect its teaching, pastoral care, facilities and heritage. Day fees and weekly boarding are both available. The figures below are a guide for 2026 to 2027; always confirm the current fees directly with the College.
Dulwich College offers scholarships in academics, music, sport, art and drama, alongside a substantial means-tested bursary programme, with many awards covering a large proportion of fees for families who need support.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid
Through years of guiding families through competitive school admissions, several recurring mistakes frequently appear in Dulwich College applications.
Leaving registration too late
Registration deadlines are strict. Missing them may prevent participation in the full admissions process.
Underestimating the ISEB Pre-test
The pre-test is academically demanding. Strategic preparation can significantly improve performance.
Neglecting interview preparation
While academics matter, personality and curiosity are also important factors during the interview.
Over-coaching and inauthenticity
Interviewers value authenticity rather than memorised answers.
Ignoring extracurricular breadth
Dulwich College values well-rounded individuals. Students who demonstrate passion for sport, music, drama, or leadership often stand out.
How Elite British Admissions Can Help
Applying to leading UK boarding schools can be complex, particularly for families unfamiliar with the British education system. Specialist admissions support can help families navigate each stage of the process with confidence.
Personalised Assessment
Evaluating a student’s academic strengths, interests, and readiness for the Dulwich College admissions process.
ISEB Pre-Test Preparation
Targeted preparation across all four sections of the pre-test, focusing on both skills and exam technique.
Interview Coaching
Mock interviews help students refine their answers and develop confidence when speaking with admissions staff.
Ongoing Family Support
Strategic advice and practical support from registration through to offer day. With careful preparation and expert guidance, students can approach the Dulwich College admissions process with confidence.
Our track record speaks for itself: a A strong track record with competitive UK admissions managed by our team, and a network of satisfied families across the United Kingdom and internationally. We understand what Dulwich College is looking for, and we know how to bring out the best in every candidate.
Begin Your Dulwich College Journey Today
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Guide to the ISEB Common Pre-Test
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The 13+ Common Entrance exam explained, subject by subject.
