Dulwich College
London · SE21 7LD
Dulwich College is one of London's most prestigious independent boys' schools, founded in 1619 by Elizabethan actor Edward Alleyn and set on a magnificent 70-acre campus in south-east London. The school offers an all-through education from nursery (DUCKS) to sixth form, combining strong academic rigour with an unusually broad co-curricular offering. Its collegiate atmosphere, historic estate, and global alumni network give it a character quite distinct from London day schools further north. As the founding school of the Dulwich College International network, it has a notably international outlook.
- →Outstanding breadth of co-curricular life including elite sport, music, drama, CCF, and an exceptionally wide society programme
- →Impressive campus — 70 acres in Zone 3 London with facilities rarely matched in urban schools
- →Strong academic outcomes with Oxbridge and top Russell Group destinations alongside a genuinely broad sixth form offering
- →Seamless all-through pathway from DUCKS nursery through to Year 13, reducing transition stress for families
- →International brand recognition via Dulwich College International partner schools
Who thrives here
Boys who are intellectually curious and want to be genuinely active — in sport, music, drama, or debate — rather than purely academic. The school rewards those who engage widely and take initiative.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
Dulwich Common, Dulwich
London
SE21 7LD
Nearest stations
Notable alumni
P.G. Wodehouse
Author, creator of Jeeves and Wooster
Raymond Chandler
Novelist, creator of Philip Marlowe
C.S. Forester
Novelist, creator of Horatio Hornblower
Bob Monkhouse
Comedian and television presenter
Nigel Farage
Politician and broadcaster
Jamie Redknapp
Professional footballer and television pundit
Michael Ondaatje
Author, The English Patient
Recent investment
Frequently asked questions
What are the fees at Dulwich College?
Day fees at Dulwich College are approximately £27,519 per year (2024/25). Boarding fees are higher.
How do you get into Dulwich College?
Dulwich College admits pupils at 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by Interview, Assessment. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
What are Dulwich College's exam results?
At Dulwich College, 61.4% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 70.8% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Is Dulwich College a boarding school?
Dulwich College offers boarding as well as day places.
What is Dulwich College's latest inspection rating?
ISI rated Dulwich College “Excellent” (2021).
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Exceptional breadth of co-curricular opportunity — boys rarely feel there is nothing for them
✓Beautiful campus that boys are proud of and that contributes to a strong sense of school identity
✓Strong form tutors and house staff who genuinely know individual boys
✓High-quality sport at all levels, not just elite squads
✓The all-through school structure from DUCKS reduces transition anxiety
Common concerns
!The sheer size of the school can make it feel impersonal, and quieter boys may not always receive the individual attention they need
!South London location and coach dependency can make logistics challenging for families living north of the river
!Some parents feel academic pressure ramps up sharply from Year 9 with less guidance on managing workload
!Fees transparency and annual increases cited as a concern by some families