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

Introduction to 7 Plus admissions 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.

There are about 50 places in Year 3 at Dulwich College. Some children will have joined earlier (into Reception) or might have an offer of a deferred place, but most will be new children. On average around 40 places are given to children completely new to Dulwich College. Children will sit the 7+ assessment when they are in Year 2.

Open days and visits for 7 Plus admissions to Dulwich College

There are college-wide Open Days in the Summer Term, bookable here from March. In addition, it is possible to talk to the Admissions Team about any specific questions at any time. It is worth noting that with so few places, entry into Year 3 at Dulwich College is highly competitive.

Timetable for 7 Plus admissions to Dulwich College

Once registered, a child will take the assessments in the November and January of Year 2. This means the first stage will be early in Year 2, and the second stage in the Spring term. Results are sent to families by the end of January and offers must be accepted quickly.

How to register for 7 Plus admission to Dulwich College

Registration opens for the 7 Plus in late Spring when the child is in Year 1, unless earlier registration has taken place and a deferred entry slot has been offered. This means that most families will apply at the same time. Registration closes in October, giving families the chance to visit in the Summer term before making their decision.

Assessments process for 7 Plus admission to Dulwich College

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 1 assesses English, Maths, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning, using a computer. There is also a short Maths and English written test. 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. In addition, children are observed to see how well they interact with the others, and with staff.

When are 7 Plus offers for Dulwich College sent?

Offers are sent out in early February of Year 2, for starting in September of the same year into Year 3.

School fees for Dulwich College at 7 Plus

School fees for Dulwich College can be found here. There is a registration fee of £160 for UK based families. Fees will increase every year, and at the time of writing fees for students sitting the 7 Plus are nearly £10,000 per term, so almost £30,000 per year. This includes VAT.

Scholarships for Dulwich College at 7 Plus.

There are no scholarships available at 7 Plus. Bursarial support is available.

9+ entry to Dulwich College

Introduction to 9 Plus admissions to Dulwich College

There are only a few places available into Year 5 at Dulwich College and candidates must sit a two stage entrance assessment. The aim is to increase the size of the forms to around 20 boys in Year 5, which means the school is looking to recruit between 5 and 8 boys at this stage. There are sometimes places available into Year 4 as well, and this would be a similar entrance process. These places are advertised on the website.

Open days and visits for 9 Plus admissions to Dulwich College

There are college-wide Open Days in the Summer Term, bookable here from March. In addition, it is possible to talk to the Admissions Team about any specific questions at any time. It is worth noting that with so few places, entry into Year 5 (or Year 4) at Dulwich College is highly competitive.

Timetable for 9 Plus admissions to Dulwich College

Once registered, a child will take the assessments in the November and January of Year 4. This means the first stage will be early in Year 4, and the second stage in the Spring term. They must register when the child is in Year 3. Results are sent to families by the end of January and offers must be accepted quickly.

How to register for 9 Plus admission to Dulwich College

Registration opens for the 9 Plus in late Spring when the child is in Year 3, unless earlier registration has taken place and a deferred entry slot has been offered. This means that most families will apply at the same time. Registration closes in October, giving families the chance to visit in the Summer term before making their decision.

Assessments process for 9 Plus admission to Dulwich College

The 9 Plus assessments are in two stages. Stage 1 assesses English, Maths, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning, using a computer. There is also a short Maths and English written test. If successful, Stage 2 involves an interview, reading aloud and a further numeracy test. In addition, children are observed to see how well they interact with the others, and with staff. Compared to the 7 Plus assessments, these tests will be more challenging and probably based on extension work completed in Years 3 and 4.

School fees for Dulwich College at 9 Plus

School fees for Dulwich College can be found here. There is a registration fee of £160 for UK based families. Fees will increase every year, and at the time of writing fees for students entering Dulwich College via the 9 Plus are nearly £10,000 per term, so almost £30,000 per year. This includes VAT.

Scholarships for Dulwich College at 9 Plus

There are no scholarships available for entry to Dulwich College in Year 5, but bursarial support is available.

11 Plus entry to Dulwich College

Introduction to 11 Plus admissions to Dulwich College

There are around 125 places in Year 7 at Dulwich College, with just under half of these reserved for those boys who are already at the school. The rest come from both local schools and further afield. There are three parts to the entrance examination, all taken on the same day, and following this some boys are offered an interview. Offers are made on the basis of the entrance examination, the interview, and a reference from the boy's current school.

Open days and visits for 11 Plus admissions to Dulwich College

Open days are available in the summer term at Dulwich College. These are very popular, and need to be booked in advance. The school advertises the dates for the Open Days in March. In addition, families can contact the Admissions Team with any questions, but individual visits are only possible in exceptional circumstances.

Timetable for 11 Plus admissions to Dulwich College

Parents and guardians need to register their child for Year 7 entry when they are in Year 5 or early in Year 6. Earlier registration is also possible, but the closing date is October when the child is in Year 6. They will then be contacted with a date for the entrance examination, which will be in December when the child is in Year 6. If a boy is successful in this examination he will be invited back for interview in the January of Year 6, and a place may be offered in February of Year 6. Offers are usually sent to coincide with half term.

How to register for 11 Plus admission to Dulwich College

Registration is online and the registration portal opens on this page in Spring each year. Families applying from overseas should contact the school directly as the system will be slightly different. There is a registration fee, set by the school and likely to increase every year. It is usually around £160 for UK-based families, and around £350 for overseas families. Once a place has been accepted, a deposit is due, which is refunded when the child leaves the school.

Assessments process for 11 Plus admission to Dulwich College

Entrance examinations for 11 plus admissions to Dulwich College take place in December when the prospective applicant is in Year 6. There are computer-based tests which cover English, Maths and Reasoning, followed by a creative writing paper. Following this there is an interview stage (around 160 boys are interviewed for around 70 places). A familiarisation test for the computer-based assessments is available here.

School fees for Dulwich College at 11 Plus

A full outline of fees can be found here. Fees will increase every year, and at the time of writing day fees are nearly £10,000 per term, so almost £30,000 per year. Boarding pupils will pay around £20,000 per term, so around £60,000 per year. This includes VAT in both cases. The fees are different depending on whether you are a boarder or day pupil, and whether you take optional extras such as music lessons. Fees must be paid by direct debit and there is a full term's period of notice if a pupil is withdrawn from the school.

Scholarships for Dulwich College at 11 Plus

Academic scholarships to Dulwich College in Year 7 are available, and are awarded purely on the basis of the entrance examinations at 11 plus. Scholarships vary between 10% and 33% fee remission and are not currently means-tested. At Year 7 there are also a few different types of music scholarship. One is a choral scholarship and one an organ scholarship: both of these are linked to the college's Christian foundation and the holders are expected to play a full role in chapel services. Applicants for music scholarships must play two instruments and must also play a full role in the musical life of the school. There are currently no Art or Sports scholarships available for Year 7 entry.

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

Introduction to 13 Plus admissions to Dulwich College

There are 215 places in total at Dulwich College in Year 9, and there are two options for this popular entry point to Dulwich College at 13+ (Year 9). 125 places these are usually reserved for boys already at the school, and the other 90 places are divided as follows:

• 60 for those who sit the entrance exams in Year 6 (called 'deferred entry'), and
• 30 for those who sit the entrance exams in Year 8.

This means that only around 14% of places are left until a decision when the child is in Year 8, with most boys either already holding a place by then or having joined the school earlier.

Firstly, for deferred entry, 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.

For the students sitting the entrance exams in 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.

Open days and visits for 13 Plus admissions to Dulwich College

There are Open Days at Dulwich College which are held in the Summer Term. These are usually booked up quickly, and places must be reserved using this link. Please note that the website does not open for bookings until March. In addition, the Admissions Team can answer any queries about entry. If you are looking for 13 Plus admissions to Dulwich College, it is wise to start the process early, so a visit when your child is in Year 4 or 5 to the Open Day would be a good idea.

Timetable for 13 Plus admissions to Dulwich College

Boys will sit the 'deferred entry' place system when they are in Year 6. Parents must decide at this point whether they are seeking entry to Year 7 or Year 9, as it is not possible to apply for both. If Year 9, the tests will be sat earlier in the same week as the Year 7 entrance tests. Boys are then invited to interview in the Spring Term, and offers are made at the start of half term.

How to register for 13 Plus admission to Dulwich College

Registration for Year 9 (both deferred and non-deferred entry) opens in late Spring and the form can be found here. Registration closes in September, with the entrance tests due to take place in December or January depending on whether the child is currently in Year 6 or Year 8.

Assessments process for 13 Plus admission to Dulwich College

The assessments for deferred entry to Year 9 take place in December of Year 6, whereas the assessments when the child is in Year 8 take place in January.

Deferred entry applicants will take online tests in English, Maths, Reasoning and Problem-Solving followed by a creative writing task.

Children in Year 8 will take written papers in English and Maths followed by an online reasoning test. Following this first stage, some applicants will be taken forward to interviews, which all take place in January. The offers to start Year 9 at Dulwich College are therefore dependent on success in not only the entrance assessments but also the interview.

School fees for Dulwich College at 13 Plus

School fees are dependent on whether the child is boarding or day, and can be found here. There are additional payments which may apply, including £500 for the college to sponsor a Child Visa, if applicable. A registration fee and deposit are also payable, although these are largely waived for bursary offers. Fees will increase every year, and at the time of writing day fees for those entering via the 13 Plus are nearly £10,000 per term, so almost £30,000 per year. Boarding pupils entering via the 13 Plus will pay around £20,000 per term, so around £60,000 per year. This includes VAT in both cases.

The fees are different depending on whether you are a boarder or day pupil, and whether you take optional extras such as music lessons. Fees must be paid by direct debit and there is a full term's period of notice if a pupil is withdrawn from the school.

Try our school fee calculator

Scholarships for Dulwich College at 13 Plus

Academic scholarships are available at 13 Plus for both deferredis 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

Introduction to 16 Plus admissions to Dulwich College

There are around 35 places for entry into Year 12 at Dulwich College. Most of these places are boarding places but it is possible to obtain a day place. The year group in Year 12 comprises of around 250 boys and prospective students are required to sit exam papers in the subjects they are proposing to study at A-Level, as well as attend an interview.

Like many schools, entry at 16+ into Dulwich College is a smaller entry point. It is primarily designed for new boarders, and 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.

Open days and visits for 16 Plus admissions to Dulwich College

There is a college-wide Open Day in the Summer Term, but prospective applicants at 16+ can also contact the Upper School Registrar to arrange a visit. Due to the large numbers of boarders at this entry point, a virtual tour can also be arranged.

Timetable for 16 Plus admissions to Dulwich College

Following registration, prospective students are invited to sit assessments at the school. Dates vary for these so families will be notified directly. There is a minimum standard of spoken English required, assessed using IELTS, and a minimum overall grade score for GCSEs or equivalent. Students may be interviewed either in person or online, depending on their location.

How to register for 16 Plus admission to Dulwich College

Registration for 16+ entry to Dulwich College opens in April, and can be completed here. There are likely to be many overseas families registering so there is a specific registration page here for families based outside the UK. At registration, a fee is payable: this is in the region of £160 for UK families, and £350 for overseas families.

Assessments process for 16 Plus admission to Dulwich College

Students for 16+ entry to Dulwich College will sit three examinations in the subjects they wish to study at A-Level. If the subject is primarily a performance-based one, such as Art or PE, they will be required to submit a portfolio and will be interviewed and verbally questioned on the subject. Students must achieve Grade 8s in all A-Level subjects at GCSE and must achieve an overall grade score of 14 points, where Grades 8 or 9 are equivalent to 3 points, Grade 7 is equivalent to 2 points and a Grade 6 is equivalent to 1 point.

School fees for Dulwich College at 16 Plus

Annual fees for Dulwich College at 16+ can be found here. Boarding fees are higher than day fees, and there is also a Visa which needs to be obtained for overseas families.

Fees increase every year, and at the time of writing day fees for students entering into the Sixth Form are nearly £10,000 per term, so almost £30,000 per year. Boarding pupils entering into the Sixth Form will pay around £20,000 per term, so around £60,000 per year. This includes VAT in both cases. The fees vary according to whether you take optional extras such as music lessons. Fees must be paid by direct debit and there is a full term's period of notice if a pupil is withdrawn from the school.

Scholarships for Dulwich College at 16 Plus

Music and sports scholarships are available for students entering Dulwich College at 16 Plus. These are reserved for very high achieving students only, as some students will already have these from earlier in the school.

There are no academic scholarships available at 16 Plus to Dulwich College. Bursar support is available.

Scholarships and Bursaries at Dulwich College

Bursaries at Dulwich College

Dulwich College awards a relatively large number of bursaries, with 125 boys currently receiving a completely free education. This is around 8% of the total student cohort across Years 3 to 13. These 'full bursaries' will cover fees, but also uniform, music lessons and one school trip per academic year. Bursaries are only available to students with families based in the UK.

Bursaries at Dulwich College 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. 

There are also smaller bursaries awarded. Dulwich College publishes specific information about what income levels make a family eligible to apply for a bursary. These include a combined gross income of less than £110,000 with two working parents (if the child has two parents) and ownership of only one property. Additionally, the household expenditure will be examined to check if spending on holidays and home improvements could potentially have been used to fund school fees.

Bursary assessments are undertaken in conjunction with an external agency, and examine household income and expenditure in detail. Parents are expected to fill in fairly lengthy forms and provide evidence to support their figures. Assessments take place from November the year prior to joining, and bursary awards are offered at the same time as a place. Bursaries are reassessed every financial year and parents are expected to disclose if their income changes in the meantime.

All information on bursary application forms is treated in the strictest confidentiality. Once a child has accepted a place at the school and is in receipt of a bursary, only senior staff will be aware of this fact.

Scholarships at Dulwich College

We have broken down detailed information regarding scholarships in each entrance point as above.

Students can combine a bursary application with a scholarship application and it is possible to be in receipt of both. The scholarship section of the fee remission is not means-tested but is awarded as a set amount and continues (subject to performance) throughout the child's time at Dulwich College. Scholarships vary from between 10% to 33% of fees. Scholarships are available to both day boys and boarders, making them accessible to international families as well as UK-based families.

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.

To find out more about bursaries and scholarships, you can contact the Admissions Team at Dulwich College here.