Dulwich College: 11 Plus Entrance Guide for Parents
Key Takeaways
- Dulwich College admits approximately 60 boys externally at 11 plus.
- The exam tests English, Maths, and Reasoning at advanced level.
- Bursaries and scholarships are available to widen access.
- The interview rewards genuine curiosity and well-rounded interests.
Dulwich College is one of the leading independent boys' schools in London, located in Dulwich, south-east London. Founded in 1619 by Edward Alleyn, it has a distinguished history and offers education from age seven through to eighteen. Entry at 11 plus is highly competitive, with the school conducting its own entrance examination. The process includes written tests, an interview, and a report from the current school. This guide covers the admissions process, exam format, and preparation strategies for families considering Dulwich College. EdifyPod Nexus provides advanced-level adaptive practice.
Dulwich College in south London admits approximately 60 boys externally at 11 plus. The entrance exam tests English, Mathematics, and Reasoning at an advanced level. The school also interviews shortlisted candidates. Bursaries covering significant fee reductions are available. Preparation should go beyond standard primary curriculum level.
About Dulwich College
Dulwich College is a boys' school set in over 70 acres of grounds in south London. It has an outstanding academic record alongside exceptional facilities for sport, music, drama, and art.
The school admits approximately 60 boys at 11 plus into Year 7. This is in addition to boys already in the school from the junior school, so the external entry intake is limited. Competition is strong.
Dulwich College is a member of HMC and consistently achieves excellent results at GCSE and A-level. Its reputation attracts applicants from across London and the Home Counties.
The Entrance Examination
The 11 plus entrance exam at Dulwich College tests English, Mathematics, and Reasoning. The English paper includes comprehension of a literary passage and a creative writing task. The Mathematics paper is challenging, going beyond the standard primary curriculum.
The school is looking for intellectual curiosity and the ability to think critically, not just the ability to follow methods. Questions may require creative problem-solving and the application of knowledge in unfamiliar contexts.
Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview with a senior member of staff. The interview assesses the child's enthusiasm for learning, their interests beyond academics, and their suitability for the school's environment.
Fees, Bursaries, and Scholarships
Dulwich College is a fee-paying school. Current fee levels should be checked on the school's website. The school offers both means-tested bursaries and academic, music, sport, and art scholarships.
Bursaries are available for families who cannot afford full fees and can cover a significant proportion of costs. The school has a strong commitment to widening access and actively encourages applications from diverse backgrounds.
Academic scholarships are awarded to candidates who perform exceptionally well in the entrance exam. Music scholarships require an audition. Sport and art scholarships are assessed through specific selection days.
Preparation Strategy
Preparing for Dulwich College requires going beyond standard 11 plus level. For English, encourage wide reading of literature and non-fiction, develop vocabulary, and practise writing under timed conditions with a focus on quality of expression.
For Mathematics, your child needs to be confident with the entire primary curriculum and comfortable with problems that require reasoning and creative thinking. Mathematical challenge competitions provide good preparation for the style of question Dulwich sets.
The interview rewards children who are genuinely curious and well-read. Encourage your child to pursue their interests deeply and to be ready to discuss what they have been reading, watching, and thinking about.
Thousands of families use EdifyPod Nexus to prepare, the practice adapts to your child, tracks progress against target schools, and covers every subject the exam tests. If your child needs additional live support from our experts, our tutors at edifypod.com/11plus are here too.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many external places are available at Dulwich College at 11 plus?
Approximately 60 external places are available in Year 7. The exact number varies as it depends partly on how many boys continue from the junior school.
Is Dulwich College boys-only throughout?
Dulwich College is a boys' school from Years 3 to 11. The sixth form is co-educational, admitting girls alongside boys from Year 12.
What level should my child be working at to have a chance?
Successful candidates are typically working well above their chronological age in both English and Mathematics. Preparation should include advanced-level material and creative problem-solving.