Dulwich College Overview
Dulwich College is a leading public school for boys located in southeast London and a proud member of the prestigious Eton Group. Set within a spacious 70-acre campus despite its urban setting, the College offers both boarding and day options.
Established in 1619 and relocated to its current site in the 1870s, it combines rich heritage with modern excellence. The school is easily accessible, around an hour from both Heathrow and Gatwick airports.
In its most recent inspection by the Independent Schools Inspectorate, Dulwich College received the highest rating of “Excellent” across all categories, with particular praise for “the quality of pupils’ achievements and learning.”
Known for its global outlook, Dulwich has long welcomed students from around the world and has invested significantly in cutting-edge facilities. It’s often regarded as a school that truly reflects the spirit and diversity of modern London.
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Academic Matters
Dulwich College’s core mission is to ensure that every pupil is actively engaged in high-quality learning—both within the classroom and through wider school life. The school is equally committed to preparing students for the complex challenges of the 21st century. Academic results are consistently outstanding across both the Arts and Sciences.
Nearly all students progress to higher education, with many securing places at top-tier universities in the UK, the US, and other global destinations. Every year, some students gain admission to Oxford or Cambridge, while many others continued to Russell Group universities.
To support future planning, Dulwich offers a strong careers programme. In addition to personalised guidance from the Careers team, the College hosts an annual Careers and Courses Convention featuring representatives from over 25 universities, professional sectors, and industries.
Students and parents can attend talks, seminars, and one-on-one sessions with advisers. The school also leverages its extensive alumni network to facilitate professional mentoring and networking opportunities across a broad range of fields.
Dulwich College Courses And Programmes
Shell (Year 9)
In Year 9, boys follow a broad curriculum covering 14 compulsory subjects: Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English, History, Geography, Religion & Theology, Design & Technology, Music, Drama, Art, Wellbeing, and PE. Each student also selects one foreign language from Latin, German, Spanish, French, or Chinese.
GCSE (Years 10–11)
All students study core subjects: English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and either French or Spanish. In addition, they choose three more subjects based on their interests. Most students sit for 9 or 10 GCSEs.
A Level (Years 12–13)
At A Level, students typically take three subjects, with the option to add Further Mathematics as a fourth. All boys also participate in the Liberal Studies programme, delivered in partnership with James Allen’s Girls’ School, which encourages intellectual exploration beyond exam subjects and prepares them for life beyond school.
Additionally, the A Level Plus block offers complementary courses that enhance subject depth and academic enrichment.
Dulwich College Fees
Fee for 2025/2026 intake:
- International boarders: £21,422 per term (inclusive VAT)
Dulwich College Application Deadline
Dulwich College Boarding And Pastoral Care
There are four boarding houses: two for younger students—Old Blew and The Orchard—and two for older students—Blew House and Ivyholme. Each house is overseen by a Housemaster, supported by resident tutors, visiting tutors, and a matron.
The College provides strong pastoral and medical support. A fully staffed on-site Medical Centre operates around the clock, with qualified nurses always available. A doctor visits daily to offer further medical consultation. In addition, students have access to a confidential counselling service.
Boarders enjoy a rich and balanced experience outside the classroom. House trips to central London are common, including visits to museums, galleries, and the theatre. Students also take part in university trips to Oxford, Cambridge, and other top institutions. Within the houses, students engage in cultural celebrations, concerts, and a variety of formal and informal dinners, fostering a strong sense of community.
Dulwich College Extracurricular Activities
Music, sport and drama are common co-curricular activities that students will take part in. Dulwich College also has a long tradition of Scouting and CCF with boys taking part in weekly activities as well as a large number of expeditions and adventure activities outside the school.
Popular sports include:
- Football
- Rugby
- Cricket
- Tennis
- Swimming
- Athletics
- Basketball
- Water Polo
Participation in the Duke of Edinburgh Award has become increasingly popular in recent years along with charitable fundraising and other ways of serving the community. The school provides facilities for most field and track sports, as well as a PE centre.
Dulwich College Reviews
Dulwich College Contact Information
- Official Website: https://www.dulwich.org.uk/senior-school
- Location: Dulwich Common, London SE21 7LD UK
- Email address: enquiries@dulwich.org.uk
- Phone: 020 8693 3601
