St Paul's and Dulwich College - current views

[123missy]

Hi, we are thinking of applying for 13+ at St Paul's and Dulwich College for our Year 5 son. Are there any current parents out there? Both seem to have great reputations....is there anything not to like about these schools!?! We are also looking at boarding but would like a couple of day options. Thanks!!

thought would chime in as you're not getting any response. ds is at DC. didn't apply to St P or any boarding schools though so may not be looking for the same things as you in a school?

We are convinced DC was the right call for our son. These schools all look v shiny when you look around, but one thing Joe Spence said that really chimed with us was that DC's aim is to ensure all the boys have as broad an education as possible. They've been true to their word. Lots of cross curricular weeks, lunchtime lectures, teaching around the subject and inspirational teachers who break the mold.

There's sport that they are encouraged to join in with (even unsporty ds has had a go!) and lot of house competitions/clubs where they all find their niche.

DS is not one of life's alpha males but has happily established himself and is very loyal to the place - all we could ask for.

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply TJsAunt. To be honest I don't really know what I'm looking for but DC sounds amazing from your description. My son is sporty but not super sporty if that makes sense so that does worry me about boarding school and St Paul's. The impression I have is that to get the most respect at these schools you need to be in the rugby 1st XV or have some sort of amazing talent. I like the idea that everyone is encouraged to join in and that it would suit a non alpha male. It all sounds very positive so thank you so much. What is the percentage of day Vs boarding? I presume your son is a day boy. How does he find it?

Plenty of non-sporty boys at StP that have plenty to feel good about. I wouldn't worry about that. Just keep going to the schools and go with your gut feel and his.

agree it is all about gut feel - so much can depend on the year group and the combination of teachers your ds gets as to what his experience is like? You just have to make a best guess as to what will suit.

DC only has significant nos of boarders from Y9 and most of those are overseas boys. ds only has about 3 or 4 in his class of 20 - don't know if that % bears out across all classes though.

best of luck

Dulwich has a reputation for being very sporty, but you di!mt have to be a jock to thrive there. The music, drama, code-breaking, young engineers etc are all prized too - that's the huge advantage of a well-run big school - everyone finds their tribe and all tribes are valued. They offer more of everything.

The boys in the tops sets are indistinguishable academically from boys at St Pauls, if that's a concern.

You'll need to visit to decide which you like the feel of, and to find out how any of your DS's particular interests are catered for. I also suggest you visit a few other day schools just to give you more points of comparison (maybe Alleyns, CLS and KCS).

Do consider what the journey to each school is really like, in morning rush hour with backpack and carrying a small mountain of sports kit.

It's all about the journey, if you're looking at day schools. Honestly, make that your number one priority (if looking at lots of decent schools obvs).

Thanks so much for all your replies! I guess I have to remember the schools choose you anyway so I don’t want to over think it too much! I agree the shortest journey would be best for a London school. Any thoughts if a school coach or public transport is better? With all the recent crime in London I’m quite tempted by the school coaches! That’s interesting to hear about the number of boarders at DC. I presumed that there would be more. It sounds like everyone at both schools are happy on this forum. Is anyone not so happy?

Hi ex DC grad here (early 2000s) (no current affiliation).
It’s only something that I appreciated after my undergrad but DC really gave me a load of confidence, research and communication skills which have been key to getting me where I am today in my medical training. Academically I think if the interest is there you can really fly at DC, and judging from the fact Miss Rand is still teaching chemistry these are teachers who will go above and beyond for keen students (came in on Saturdays and after school wednesdays to help me catch up).

They were definitely big on sports whilst I was there (yr 3 to sixth form) but I think that’s integral to children’s development - again confidence and communication skills.

Re the coach my parents struggled with this for years financially speaking. For about a year I took (free + youth Oyster card) public transport but had a few run ins with the Kingsdale kids - don’t know if it’s as bad now and it’s really dependent on the crowd you join at DC- but the coach became a great alternative and the coach drivers really got to know you over the years and would occasionally do amazing things like pick you up from outside your house... plus he’ll get to mix with the JAGS girls (unless it’s changed) which is pretty important for development when your 9 to 5 is in an all boys school.

Hope that helps, let me know if you want anymore insiders information!

Hi OP - I have a ds at Dulwich- he was offered academic scholarships to every school we applied to including a well-known boys school very much at the top of the league tables. His prep head was absolutely certain DC was a better fit and we are so glad we took her advice. Ds is absolutely thriving - he is in the scholars class and despite being v unsporty is loving sport at Dulwich. The pastoral care has been quite extraordinary and our ds has had amazing opportunities in art and drama which are his thing. I cannot honestly recommend it enough and will say that from what I have seen every kind of boy really seems to flourish at DC - sporty, arty, academic, musical, techy all have their niche and are respected for it.

And yes I would go with a school coach if going for Dulwich

That's fabulous thank you so much. The coach sounds like a good option at DC. Especially for meeting girls! I guess we just have to apply and see what schools he is offered. I like the space, grounds and ethos at both schools.