Dulwich College vs Whitgift

[MummyShah]

We have visited both schools. Whitgift is very well maintained, the new HM and all his team seem very involved with the boys and know them well, and all the boys we have seen there seemed very happy. DC on the other hand, the speech was boring, little effort seem to have gone into preparing for tours, buildings are old and not very well maintained but the boys all looked happy. Those tours unfortunately do not always give all the accurate information we need to make an informed decision.
We know that DC is also more prestigious with a strong alumni network. I would like the input of parents who know both schools. Which school do you prefer and why? Is the network very important given the ever changing job market landscape? Which one did you choose and why? my DS is very adaptable, loves STEM and sports equally, and does well in English. He is very sociable and I am confident he will do well in many environments. I don't want to pay that much for any school and end up with a child struggling to get a job.

I have only visited Whitgift so I can't really weigh in. I have been impressed with the school grounds, building and facilities but I'm sure DC is also impressive. My advice would just be a general one to go with your gut feeling as to which school feels right. In terms of network most people I know getting help with careers seems to be through family connections the same as it always was!

i did the Dulwich tours last year and was super impressed and my son loved chatting with the boys and doing all the activities in the classes. But I guess it depends on the boys who do your tour or the chemistry between the boys they pair. This year my son said his first tour was awkward because he didn’t know the other boys he was with and he didn’t know what he was doing. But for the other tours he was paired with different boys he got on with so it was fun and easier to interact with the parents.

i was also lucky enough to get a tour with the previous head of the lower school who is fabulous. You’ll see her in most of the videos. She’s been moved up to lead the middle school and look forward to seeing her more often soon. Her presence and energy really confirmed my decision to choose DC. I’ve been equally impressed with the head of year and many subject leads.

The lower school and science block are only a few years old so very new.
And the majority of other facilities the boys use are modern (music, art dt and drama). it’s the middle school boys based in the historic Barry Buildings.

If you can’t tell I’ve been very impressed and pleased with the decision to send my son to Dulwich. But I understand that it’s subjective and depends on many factors. Happy to answer any questions that you didn’t get on the tour (if I know). Sorry I don’t know Whitgift.

Henrietta Barnett, one of the top state schools in the country, is housed in an old,listed building with very little ground or sports facilities. You have to think about what you want from a school. I know that DC has a very stable staff who are extremely dedicated. I know three of them.