Dulwich College entrance guide

Open Days and Events at Dulwich College

Most open days and events take place in the summer term, and are bookable on the website from the end of the Spring Term (March). Prospective families are also encouraged to phone the admissions team to discuss any queries.

7+ entry to Dulwich College

Whilst there are a limited number of places available for entry into Years 4 and 5, the largest intake into the Junior School is at Year 3 (age 7). Dulwich College has also introduced a specific intake from the Infant school, Ducks, meaning that competition for places at 7+ is likely to intensify over the next few years.

Following an application, there are two stages to the assessment process for entry at 7+ to Dulwich College. The first stage takes place before the Christmas holiday and the second stage just after, in early January. Stage one involves online assessments in reasoning (both verbal and non-verbal) and written tests in Maths and creative writing. Stage two (by invitation only, following the first assessments) involves an interview and further tests in Maths, English (this time including reading aloud and comprehension) and group work, likely to focus on critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Offers are sent out in early February.

11+ entry to Dulwich College

11+ is a popular and competitive entry point for Dulwich College, with new boys joining an established group of pupils who move up from the Junior School to the Senior School. Entrance assessments take place in the December of Year 6, with two stages. In stage one, boys sit papers in Maths, English and Reasoning (both verbal and non-verbal, and including spatial). The 11+ English paper at Dulwich College consists of a short and long answer comprehension alongside a creative writing question. The Maths paper is non-calculator and based on the Key Stage 2 curriculum, with a mix of problem-solving and basic calculation questions. Reasoning papers are likely to be computer-based and standardised according to age. Stage two, for boys who have been successful in the entrance papers, involves an interview focusing on both academic and extra-curricular matters. Offers are sent out in early February.

13+ entry to Dulwich College and the ISEB pre-test

13+ entry to Dulwich College and the ISEB pre-test

There are two options for this popular entry point to Dulwich College at 13+ (Year 9). Firstly, boys have the option of sitting the ISEB pre-test during the Autumn Term of Year 6 at their current school. Following the pre-test, some boys will be taken forward to the interview stage. During this interview they will be asked academic questions alongside the usual questions about their hobbies and interests. They are also asked to complete a short English paper, demonstrating their writing ability. Boys who are successful at both these stages in Year 6 will be offered a deferred place to start at Dulwich College in Year 9.

The other route for entry into Year 9 is to undertake entrance assessments in the Spring Term of Year 8. There are three papers: English, Maths and Reasoning. The English paper consists of short and long answer comprehension questions followed by a creative writing section, whilst the Maths paper is a mixture of problem-solving and basic calculations. Unusually, this is a calculator paper, and likely to be based on the Key Stage 3 curriculum. Reasoning papers, unless applying from overseas, are online and standardised by age. Boys who are successful in these papers will be invited for interview the same month, and offers are sent out in February to start at Dulwich College in September.

16+ entry to Dulwich College

Entry at 16+, into the Sixth Form at Dulwich College, is a smaller entry point primarily designed for new boarders; day places are rare. The first stage is entrance examinations take place in the Autumn Term of Year 11 in the subjects to be studied at A-Level. Specimen papers are available on the website or on request from the school. There is a second stage interview for those boys who are successful in the exams, and offers are sent out quickly afterwards.

Scholarships and Bursaries at Dulwich College

Academic scholarships are awarded for entry at 7+, 11+ and 13+. There is no separate process or examination; rather, boys who perform well in the entrance examinations are chosen for the academic scholarship award. Fee remission is between 10% and 33%.

Music scholarships are awarded for entry at both 11+, 13+ and 16+. Auditions take place in the Spring term prior to the entry point and involve sight reading, aural tests, and the performance of pieces on two instruments. Choral and organ scholarships are also available. Fee remission is up to 33% for these scholarships.

Art scholarships are awarded for entry at 13+ only and offer a fee remission of 10%. A portfolio is submitted alongside a personal statement, and selected boys are then invited for an interview  and practical assessment in the Autumn term of Year 8.

Sports scholarships are awarded for entry at 13+ and 16+ and offer a fee remission of 10%. Prospective candidates are invited for an assessment day in the Autumn term of the year prior to the entry point.

Bursaries are available at Dulwich College and offer a fee remission of up to 100%. Although they can be awarded at any entry point, traditionally the most bursaries are awarded at 11+. Bursary applications are made using a form and are assessed by a committee; there is a helpful guide on the website which details levels of income and possible bursary awards.