Alleyn’s or Dulwich Prep London

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DirtyDancing · 17/01/2021 15:37

We applied for Alleyn’s at 4+. We did not get a place. The competition is incredibly tough. It’s an amazing school and we are reapplying at 7+.

Personally, I would advise to apply to both and do not put all your eggs in one basket, as it were, because it’s very hard to get in. I believe it is 450 applications for 12 places per boy at 7+.

DP is another great school which is known for its nurturing environment and has great facilities. It is single sex of course. Alleyn’s is top of our list of 3, it is probably slightly more of a hot house but it’s renowned for good results and we like co-ed

DirtyDancing · 17/01/2021 15:38

Badly written- Alleyn’s 12 boys 12 girls places!

Original poster

BundlesOfJoy12 · 17/01/2021 16:34

Thanks for your thoughts, DirtyDancing! Did you only apply to Alleyn’s at 4+ or did you go for DPL and other schools as well?

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DirtyDancing · 17/01/2021 18:04

We only applied to Alleyn’s at 4+ because DS is already at an excellent private primary, which take him to the 7+. We love his current school & it wasn’t worth moving him anywhere else other than Alleyn’s at that point. Our preference is Alleyn’s and then DP or Dulwich College (equally). All are brilliant and we would be massively happy with an offer from any at 7+!

We haven’t tried my DD for Alleyn’s at 4+ as we just don’t think she’d get in. We’ve gone for JAPS instead.

It feels a bit of a mystery about what exactly Alleyn’s assessors are looking for at 4+!!! But if you PM me I am very happy to outlined what my DS was asked to do at his assessment day. Our 7+ Tutor has said they want ‘natural ability’

Original poster

BundlesOfJoy12 · 17/01/2021 20:36

Thanks DirtyDancing! I do wonder how it is possible to assess children accurately at such a young age.
If there are any Alleyn’s and DPL parents on mumsnet who are willing to share their experiences of the schools, it would be lovely to hear your views too.

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Notmynom · 18/01/2021 13:48

My DS is in his final year at DPL and has loved his time there. The boys have a huge range of activities to choose from (very big on sport and music but a whole host of other things too: astronomy, bee keeping, cooking and even light saber fencing) and are encouraged to take full advantage of them - they are very busy! The teachers are great and there's a really supportive environment among the boys themselves too. He has done really well academically, made some great friends and had experiences he will always remember.

Aside from the obvious co-ed vs single sex point, I think the big thing to consider is whether you want a school they can stay at all the way through or not. The positive of a stand alone prep is that you keep your options open for senior school as they will prepare them for senior entrance exams and help you through the application process, whereas if you decide to move from a prep with a linked senior school you will usually have to prepare your DC yourself. The downside is that the final years of Prep school are pretty intense with lots of exams and the competition for boys senior school places in London is fierce at the moment. DPL has been great at preparing and supporting DS through the process and he got offers for all of our preferred senior schools, but if you think Alleyn's would suit your DS right through to 18, then by putting him there from the start you'd avoid a lot of stress later down the line.

Feel free to send me a PM if you have any specific questions about DPL.

DPLMom · 19/01/2021 14:16

DS joined DPL at 7+ a few years ago and we've had a great experience of the school so far. DPL is a very, very busy school with lots to do - there is a lot of time spent on music, sports, creative tasks and just talking/debating. It's great for all rounders and those who like to make use of all these wonderful available opportunities. Of course, academic results are great as well.

DS had places at some very popular 'through' schools as well, but we fell in love with DPL and felt it was the right place for his personality. We didn't really have a strong preference between co-ed and boys'. I know how hard it is to judge your child's personality when they are so young, but it's important to listen to your own instincts, look at other parents/children in the school and see how well a school might suit you in terms of personality.

Happy to answer any specific questions as well! @BundlesOfJoy12

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BundlesOfJoy12 · 20/01/2021 08:14

Thank you so much @Notmynom and @DPLMom for your feedback on DPL. Much appreciated!
I wonder if you could let me know how the new DPL head and the senior staff team are perceived by parents?

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ChnandlerBong · 20/01/2021 14:24

like everyone on here as said, there's no point setting your heart on Alleyns at 4 as there are so few spaces. My dd has a friend who tried at every stage to get in only to finally go at 11+ and win the form prize!

DPL seems a great all rounder for boys. And has lots of spaces available...

Original poster

BundlesOfJoy12 · 21/01/2021 11:50

You’re right, @ChnandlerBong - no point just going for one school as assessments at 4+ can be a bit of a lottery! I know that Alleyn’s and DPL are both very good, but am interested to know more about them to see which one may suit my DS better. I hear that DPL is nurturing, full-on with lots of different activities for the children to pursue. Alleyn’s is also nurturing, with greater focus on the arts, perhaps a bit more relaxed than DPL as it’s an all-through?

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ChnandlerBong · 21/01/2021 13:09

if you get an Alleyns place then it is the 'golden ticket' as there are no barriers to them staying there through til 18.

not sure you'll get many who have direct experience of both - but all the best.

Original poster

BundlesOfJoy12 · 21/01/2021 14:22

Thanks for your comments @ChnandlerBong. I am just starting my search for schools that are likely to suit my DS, setting aside the odds of getting in. Thanks again!

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Somewherebeyondthe · 22/01/2021 09:38

If you want to PM me we kind of have experience of both as DC went to the nursery at DPL then to Alleyns.

MumofDoddu · 23/03/2023 10:09

Somewherebeyondthe · 22/01/2021 09:38

If you want to PM me we kind of have experience of both as DC went to the nursery at DPL then to Alleyns.

Have messaged you for some insights for DPL.

MumofDoddu · 23/03/2023 10:20

DirtyDancing · 17/01/2021 18:04

We only applied to Alleyn’s at 4+ because DS is already at an excellent private primary, which take him to the 7+. We love his current school & it wasn’t worth moving him anywhere else other than Alleyn’s at that point. Our preference is Alleyn’s and then DP or Dulwich College (equally). All are brilliant and we would be massively happy with an offer from any at 7+!

We haven’t tried my DD for Alleyn’s at 4+ as we just don’t think she’d get in. We’ve gone for JAPS instead.

It feels a bit of a mystery about what exactly Alleyn’s assessors are looking for at 4+!!! But if you PM me I am very happy to outlined what my DS was asked to do at his assessment day. Our 7+ Tutor has said they want ‘natural ability’

Hope you dont mind me sending you a PM. I am in the exact situation where DD is going to JAGS and looking for a nursery for DS to help with 4+.

MumofDoddu · 23/03/2023 10:25

BundlesOfJoy12 · 17/01/2021 14:39

We’re considering Alleyn’s and Dulwich Prep London for our DS for 4+ entry. DS is reasonably bright, quite sporty and musical, friendly to those he knows well, and sensitive.
We know that both schools are academic, but don’t know which one would suit DS better, especially when we can’t visit the schools at present.
We would be grateful for your insight and comparisons of these 2 schools. Thank you!

Hey BundlesOfJoy12, which school did you finally end up choosing for your DS? and where did he go for nursery?