Views on Dulwich Prep London?

[tiredofwetsheets]

DS has just been offered a place at DPL for year 3. It was our first choice so we are very chuffed, but just want to double check people's experience with the school before rejecting his other offers.

Anyone got a DS there?

Thanks!

Bumping. Anyone?

No direct experience, but friends who use it are very happy. I'd go for it, especially as it's your first choice.

Thanks, yes we and DS loved it but he got an offer for another school that goes through to 18 so having a last minute wobble.

Is the other school Alleyns? If so I would go for Alleyns. Friends with children at Dulwich grumble about it but overall haven't moved their kids so can't dislike it too much. No grumbles from the parents with children at Alleyns.

I've come across two families who have left Dulwich Prep in the last couple of years. Both said the school was too hearty and one had a son on the receiving end of bullying behaviour which had continued, despite raising it repeatedly with the school, for a considerable period.

It's certainly a well-regarded school though, and boys with the sort of character that fits in there are likely to do very well.

It was the only independent in the area I could think of that was on same level as Dulwich and 3 to 18 and took boys.

That's a point - I assumed you meant the DPS in London (which would be near all 3 of the Foundation schools, 2 of which a boy could enter so DC in the frame as much as Alleyns, plus not far from others eg St Dunstans)

And OP might not mean that one at all, but the DPS in Kent.

Could you clarify?

It's Dulwich prep in London I am looking at. The other option is Dulwich College but traditionally it hadn't been as pushy academically (although I get the sense that this is changing) so we like the idea of keeping our options open to try for Westminster, KCS etc... later on. Plus we haven't ruled out boarding either and DPL seems to have a good record of getting boys into the very top schools.

Worried to hear reports of bullying. What type of character do you think a boy needs to fit in there AnotherNewt?

It seemed a bit less 'hearty' than DC to us but may well be wrong?

I can't really add much. As I said, I'm quoting what other families told me.

Everyone I know with a boy at DC is really happy with it. All sorts of boys seem to be just fine. I don't know anyone who has left, so have no exit tales to tell from there.

DC will teach to a standard such that a 13+ transfer should be readily achievable, but it doesn't do specific exam prep. DPL might be the better bet if you want fresh options then.

Congratulations! We applied but haven't heard back yet. It was the only one we applied to for 3+ entry as he's actually at a very good nursery. What are your other options?

I would have assumed they'd send out all the results positive or negative at the same time. Does anyone know if they operate a waiting list for borderline?

Sorry, I'd missed that Dulwich College was the other option. Our DS is on the waiting list but as he was only put on at 8 months I'm not expecting him to get to the top.

Agree DPL will keep your options open. Though I should point out that in recent years the numbers going to Westminster, KCS and the likes have dropped down to 1-2. So it's definitely not in the same league as The Hall (hampstead) and Sussex House anymore. Hopefully things will change by the time your DS tries for these schools.

Out of interest why didn't you try for WUS, KCJS now for 7+ entry?

I would prefer it always over DC even though it is working on changing it's image and focusing on academics more. DC is well known for its rugby team.

Good luck - your son will love the school!

Firsttimer08 - WUS, CC etc... would be a really long journey for us and seemed too much for a 7 year old to spend so long each day on a bus. Also DH and I are still divided re boarding or day - we need a bit more time to fight that one out.

Look at Newtons in Battersea. Goes up to 13+ and is 2 or 3 stops on the train from Dulwich. Head is ex Dulwich.

Bit late adding my two penn'orth (and you'll have made your decision by now I'm sure) but wanted to tell you our DS, 4, is in his first year at DPL and is having a brilliant time. The staff are lovely, the school amazing and our DS is doing so well already.