Dulwich College vs Whitgift

[ConfusedMum12]

Dears, Our son has received offers from Dulwich College and Whitgift School for 11+. Transport to Whitgift is around 1 hour, and it is 20 mins to DC. My son loves cricket, and he plays for a district team. Whitgift is best known for its cricket opportunities. However, the commute is bothering me. I am looking for some feedback from existing parents at DC or Whitgift. Are there good cricketing opportunities at DC. Are there parents whose kids are doing rhis long commute to Whitgift. Any other points i should consider.

I don't have DCs at either but I'm sure the cricket will be absolutely fine at Dulwich. I think you'd be mad to travel an hour to Whitgift if you're only 20 mins to Dulwich!

With an hour journey your son may find it difficult to fit in both school commitments and his district team practices. Journey also means less time in the week for homework so that may mean little time for himself at weekends if he plays sport both days.

Basically the shorter journey is not just good in itself but also from a sports/life perspective.

Go for the shorter commute and the easier life. They are both great schools

Shorter commute means more friends nearby usually. Look long term. Friendships and shorter commute times are so important

No idea about the standard of cricket at DC but my impression when my son was there was that there was a lot of cricket in the summer involving several school teams, specialist coaches, lots of matches and the facilities were excellent. Professional teams used them at times for practice and warm ups for their matches, IIRC. Echoing everyone else, I'd go for the easier commute every time.

I think if your kid wants to do elite sports, Whitgift is a better option. If not, choose the closest. DC has amazing facilities and they definitely do cricket.
I would also go to the Decider Tours. You can ask questions about sports there and you will get your answer. Good luck!

Dulwich is one of the best schools in England for cricket. They also have excellent training facilities. Which school did you choose?

Does anyone know why so many boys choice Whitgift over DC if DC is closer? Academically I think they are similar and similar sport wise?

I’m not sure many boys do choose Whitgift over DC when it’s closer or at least that’s the first time I’ve heard that suggested. DC has a smaller intake in yr 7 and is a harder choice eg you hear of boys with both offers but unusual to get Whitgift and not DC. Not to say Whitgift isn’t academic but it has nearly double the number of places. Facilities wise they offer similar but for those more local to it I think the majority would choose DC .

This info is several years old, but when we looked at both, DC was clearly stronger academically, whereas Whitgift seemed more "elite" in terms of sport.