Dulwich College - at 11+

[JustAnotherUserName]

Just wondering if anyone has got any experience of this school. Seemed lovely from the open day. Considering it for DS at 11+.

Also, how difficult is it to get into (compared say to the south london state grammars such as Tiffin/Graveney)?

It's a very good all round school, and is on a high at the moment because the headmaster Dr Spence is extremely good.

It says that it is looking to take the 'top 15%' of boys, and that the academic boys in the top sets will do just as well as those in the very academic (pitching for top 5%) schools. It does seem a bit harder to get in to than it was a few years ago (just my impression, not really something you can get evidence for, and might be because of the general tightness on day school places because of large cohorts and some parents who might otherwise have chosen gpboarding opting for day schools instead).

I don't know how the exam stacks up against the Tiffin etc exams, though I think it's more rounded than the Wandsworth test for Graveney, and there is definitely more scope for eg a brilliant mathematician who is but average in English to be accepted (rather than just having to go by actual marks on every paper on the day of exam). They also, unlike state schools, interview all those they like the look of from the exam, and do pay attention to reference and wider activities/character.

Much of the 11+ intake is from state schools - they're rich enough to offer a lot of bursaries (as well as scholarships up to 30%). Most of the 13+ intake is from prep schools though.

My son spent seven happy years there, having previously attended a state primary school. He is now at Oxford. We were delighted with it. It's so big that there is something going on for every possible interest/personality type (well, within reason). There's a lot of sport but what isn't always recognised is that there is also a very high standard of music, drama and debating. My son isn't into team sports and never found that a problem. As carltonscroop says, they have a lot of scholarship/bursary funding and I think the cut off point for bursaries is higher (ie family income can be higher) than in many of the other local independent schools.

Agree with other two posters. My DS now in y10 at DC after joining at 11. Wish he'd made more of all the great new experiences the school offers the boys but he's always been very happy there. Has definitely become harder to get into - Dr Spence has always been very clear in his desire to make DC a more academic school. But all boys, of all abilities thrive here. Have a few personal issues regarding their sports set up but overall, couldn't be happier. Just make sure it's the right school for your DS - not sure it would suit everyone.

Used to work there. Fantastic place!

Thanks for your comments. We will give it a go.
Tinlegs - any view on how hard it is to get into (these days)?

I went to DC, from 87 to 94. I was also at dulwich prep (dcps as it was then) from kindergarten, and went through the entrance exams at age 11, although many friends at the prep waited until 13. I remember doing maths and english exams, and IQ test type of exam, and an interview. There might've been a french exam too, but I might be making that up! I also did the exams for, and was offered at a place at, Alleyns. They were pretty much the same. But that was 25 years ago, so may not be particularly relevant!

I would say, though, that I thoroughly enjoyed my time there, and made the most of the sporting side of things, incl a cricket tour to Australia. I have friends who were heavily into the music and drama side of school who had equally amazing opportunities. I'm still friends with numerous people I've known since age 4.

Hope this helps. Probably not!

Great School , headmaster is ex Eton and has a lovely style and a fine reputation. Produces excellent young men.but I am biased!

Thanks, DibbleOfficer (assume you were there then!). Thanks, also, Austenozzy - but suspect things may well have changed in 25 years (as you say)!

Would be grateful if anyone got any boarding experience at this school. I am considering sending my DS to their Year 10 in Sep 2014. My DS is not very sporty, but can play good a few musical instruments.