Dulwich Prep London changes - 'Strategic Announcement'

[BlueSky99]

Thought people may be interested in this announcement. They are opening a senior section for Years 9, 10, 11.

https://www.dulwichpreplondon.org/2023/05/15/strategic-announcement/

I keep on hearing about schools doing this. Is it because they’re losing their Y7 and 8 to senior schools?

There has also been a drop in the birth rate which is hitting the prep schools now. However this will feed through to the secondaries in the next few years.

Strange, if they want to extend their offer you would think they would include a sixth form. Although pupils may move for sixth form, most aspirational parents look for an independent school that goes to age 18 so they have options.

Huge demographic changes across London - drop in birth rate and families benefitting from hybrid working or being priced out of areas such as Dulwich Village to the Home Counties, including wholly or partially selective LAs. Only 15 three-bed plus houses for sale in Dulwich Village at the moment and the cheapest 3 bed bungalow is 1m. Some strong state and independent schools are left for those that remain in the area.

@LadyLapsang , Sixth forms are expensive to set up - small classes, shortage of teachers, it's hard to have a wide range of subjects with a small cohort etc.
Yes the demographic is changing, all schools are having to think how to adapt.

They may add a sixth form down the line

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