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Original poster

DC vs CLS boys

37 replies

MellowJadeFox · 22/02/2026 04:46

Hi all. We have been fortunate with our DS securing offers from school’s of his choice and is now down to two

  1. DC with academic scholarship
  2. CLS boys

if I look at just league tables and academic performance then CLS seems to be the superior choice. However DC has a much bigger intake and so the academic ability will be slightly mixed at DC. DC also look at their top 150 boys and they seem to perform at par with Westminster?
i wanted to get views on this from existing parents or anyone else who has experienced DC.
I appreciate I am only looking at one dimension for now and school is much more than that but wanted to get an idea on academics at DC especially their focus on STEM subjects vs CLS boys.
I appreciate any help.
thank you

OP posts:
Elembeeee · 22/02/2026 15:42

Well we’ve picked Dulwich so just a bit biased. It’s a school without any compromises for us: Academics, cocurricular, pastoral, sports, location all are ✅

writeflower · 22/02/2026 14:52

We are in similar position with my DD! Academic scholarship from JAGS and an offer from City of London Girls (City doesn't offer academic scholarships) - My DD really liked City so I think we will accept City offer!

nutella8 · 22/02/2026 14:26

Both schools will offer sufficient academic challenge, the scholars programme at DC supports various boys who compete at olympiads. DC has superior facilities and grounds. Factor in the day to day commute over 7 years, do not underestimate the stress this can cause both to you and your DS. Our DS is at DC on an academic scholarship having been offered the same at CLS. He couldn’t make up his mind. In the end we went with what worked best from a practical perspective but also the environment including facilities and grounds tilted the decision. We’ve never regretted the choice.

ATaleOf2Cities · 22/02/2026 14:20

minipie · 22/02/2026 14:07

What’s the daily journey like to each? Remember there will be travel to weekend sports matches, evening events, rehearsals etc too. And remember a closer school means more chance of local friends.

If journeys are equal I would probably err on the side of DC - bigger pond to give a better chance to find his tribe, and lovely huge on site green space.

Two great schools and you can’t really go wrong here.

Travel is absolutely important. But worth noting City plays sports matches during the week rather than weekend. Weekend commitments for most at City are one open day per year.

City often put out 5-6 football teams in first form so the enthusiastic but not skilled have plenty of chances to play.

minipie · 22/02/2026 14:07

What’s the daily journey like to each? Remember there will be travel to weekend sports matches, evening events, rehearsals etc too. And remember a closer school means more chance of local friends.

If journeys are equal I would probably err on the side of DC - bigger pond to give a better chance to find his tribe, and lovely huge on site green space.

Myskyscolour · 22/02/2026 13:53

I have a very academic boy at DC (15% academic scholarship) and I find that they work at a good level, lots of opportunities for the boys to challenge themselves, both with classwork and optional challenges/competitions.

Original poster
MellowJadeFox · 22/02/2026 13:46

dizzydizzydizzy · 22/02/2026 13:08

What does DS think?

This is the issue. He can’t make up his mind. He loves the DC sports facility but also like CLS for its academics. He knows the drawback of CLS is lack of space. So unfortunately even he isn’t sure yet.

OP posts:
Original poster
MellowJadeFox · 22/02/2026 13:44

FiddlefigOnTheRoof · 22/02/2026 13:04

What’s your son like?

He is a fairly rounded boy. He loves football (his enthusiasm makes up for lower skills), table tennis, chess . He works hard. He enjoys science. He thrives on positive influence.

OP posts:
poppybuttons · 22/02/2026 13:35

Yes agree, go with what your ds wants and also the sports and travel to sports ground with CLS.

dizzydizzydizzy · 22/02/2026 13:08

What does DS think?

FiddlefigOnTheRoof · 22/02/2026 13:04

What’s your son like?

Original poster
MellowJadeFox · 22/02/2026 04:59

sorry to add. The scholarship value while handy is more about the opportunities that DS can get as a scholarship holder. I know Alleyn’s seems to give a lot of focus to their scholars but not sure about DC.

OP posts:
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