dxbtosg, we're going to apply to Dulwich College. Both seemed very good schools but Dulwich's rep for strong academics pushed me over the line. My eldest is a tricky fellow, we've had trouble with him not being engaged enough in school and so behaving badly. I think Dulwich would push him harder than Dover would and think that would be good for him.
Dulwich's facilities were amazing, gorgeous new classrooms, happy children. The tour guide was a bit sell, sell and the school had LOTS of the students' artwork on display (and not at a child's level) which didn't sit quite right. Also it was all awfully British - Union Jack paintings, London underground, Big Ben etc. Was kind of weird!! I'm hoping there is more cultural diversity once the children are in their classrooms - we tried to ask about whether the children will study the history of Singapore for example or whether it will only be British history and we didn't really get an answer.
Dover was better from that point of view and our tour guide really didn't sell the school!! Just seemed confident that the school is good and therefore will sell itself, I guess. Dover has a lovely, calm atmosphere. However, the premises were a little tired (though the pool and infants' library are lovely), playgrounds in full sun, and I just didn't get the excitement and enthusiasm at Dover that I felt at Dulwich. Dulwich really felt full of possibilities (sorry, appreciate that sounds like I swallowed the prospectus, but really, that's the feeling I got).
Sorry, that's quite the ramble. As everyone says, both are good schools, I do believe my kids would be happy at both but I think Dulwich will be more fun and provide them with more of a challenge.
Bloody hope so anyway!