Whitgift vs Dulwich 2025

[Audley28]

Hi everyone - There is a very useful thread from 2017 but it is now closed. I would like to ask views on both schools. My DS is on the sporty side so Whitgift feels more appropriate. The school feels more modern/progressive in general. They have IB, they do not only speak about academics, they have sports and drama scholarships at 11+, they get girls to do the girls roles in drama (in DC, the boys seem to do it). Dulwich feels more traditional generally. I see in the posts that Dr Spence made the difference at DC and people seemed to recommend DC over W. Dr Spence has left but the headmaster of Emanuel is joining who also has a great reputation. Whitgift is getting a new headmaster, less known in London but am sure he will be great too. Any views on the two schools? The Open Days were more inspirational this year at W than DC but how is the day to day experience? Thank you.

My son joined Whitgift in Y7 last September. He is a sport scholar. The sports are fantastic already and word on the street is that the interim head and the new one coming in this Sep are much more supportive and encouraging of sport than the old one was (who left last summer). So things seem set to get even better! On academic side things seems good, my son is really progressing well. Teachers seem very caring and supportive whilst pushing the boys to achieve. More co curricular clubs than anyone could wish for too, from chill club to laser shooting via chess and whatever else. Son is very happy there so far, made himself a nice group of friends, comes home happy every day, can’t ask for more than that really!!

They are both great schools. Would your son have any other factors to consider like length/ ease of journey? What subjects does he like outside of games?

Thank you both for responding. We will have to move in any event from West London as both very long journeys. We need a good connection with Victoria for work purposes so Clapham or Dulwich look like good options to move to. All this depends on getting the offers. We will see what happens but trying to do some research in the meanwhile. @Littleduckses what sports did your son go for? 🙏

My son joined W in Sept 2023, only boy from his primary to join and he absolutely loves it, he's a passionate sportsman and was lucky to get a scholarship but he's also embraced lots of varied co-curricular activities. The teachers I have found incredibly engaging and inspirational, pastoral care in general very high. Overall we are very happy, but most importantly our son is!