Dulwich College-Year 3 entry

[Chortlesauraus]

My son starts at our local primary school this year however for secondary we're looking at going independent due to the quality of secondaries in south London
I'm keen to explore the possibility of applying to Dulwich College as I understand it's one of the best schools around
My question is really about when to go to an open day? Main admission is in year 3 which is only 2 years away but is it too early to start visiting now?

Many thanks!

[ridinghighinapril]

No, not too early.
I to open days twice - couple of years before admission and then the year of application. A bit like buying a house, I needed to look at my short list more than once.

[TypsTrycks]

DS had a place at Dulwich College at 7+ (which we didn’t take) - it’s never too early to visit and get a feel of the school! We saw several schools since Y1 to make our “priority” list which helped.

[Chortlesauraus]

Thanks both! Good to know

Out of interest @TypsTrycks was there something about the school that made your decision for you or rather was it circumstance? I've really got my heart set on Dulwich but realistically need to have a list of places....also this all depends on DS getting a place of course

[TypsTrycks]

@chortlesaurus Dulwich College was always our top choice before the viewings due to its reputation, but we liked another school which we felt fit DS’s personality better. We were lucky to have the choice. Feel free to DM!

[Raaaaaah]

Sorry I just have to make a small point. I have no issue with you choosing private school but there are plenty of great state secondaries in South London and assuming you have a bright child (you are considering DC) then there are excellent grammars that he would probably get into. Please don’t put a negative spin on state schools here. It’s not necessary to justify your choices.

Good luck and I hope you find the right fit for your son.

[Chortlesauraus]

@Raaaaaah yes you're right about the grammars and we are considering those in the mix too; I wouldn't however be willing for DS to go to one of the state schools in our neighbourhood as it stands

I think the attraction of getting into somewhere like DC in year 3 is then having the reassurance of knowing he can likely stay there through till 18 (unless some academic catastrophe occurs!!)