At a glance
Curriculum and academics
Dulwich College is one of the oldest schools in London, founded in 1619 by the Elizabethan actor Edward Alleyn as the College of Gods Gift. Today it is an all through institution: a coeducational kindergarten and infants section, known as DUCKS, takes children from six months, after which the college is a boys school from age 7 to 18. It follows the British curriculum, with EYFS in the early years, a broad lower school programme, then GCSE and IGCSE, and A Level in the sixth form.
The academic offer is wide. In year 9 boys follow fourteen compulsory subjects spanning the sciences, humanities, languages, the arts and wellbeing before specialising for GCSE. A Level results are consistently strong, with a high proportion of top grades, and the college has a long record of competitive university entry in the UK and overseas. The International Baccalaureate is offered at the Dulwich College international branches in Asia rather than at the London school, so families wanting the IB in London should look at dedicated IB schools instead. Bursaries are a notable feature, with over two hundred pupils on free or subsidised places.
Weighing Dulwich College against another school?
Put up to three London schools side by side on curriculum, fees, stage range and location with our free compare tool.
Dulwich College fees
| Stage | Annual tuition |
|---|---|
| Pre-Reception (DUCKS) | GBP 21,681 |
| Reception to Year 2 (DUCKS) | GBP 23,850 |
| Day, Years 3 to 8 | GBP 31,986 |
| Day, Years 9 to 13 | GBP 32,118 |
| Full boarding | GBP 67,416 |
Source: Dulwich College (dulwich.org.uk). Annual figures (termly fees x3), inclusive of VAT. Fees are the most recent published figures and exclude one-off costs such as registration, deposits and capital levies. Always confirm current fees directly with the school.
Dulwich College fees fall in the upper mid band of our London fees guide, broadly GBP 26,000 to GBP 33,000 a year for the senior school, alongside peers such as Alleyns, Whitgift and Trinity. As with all UK independent schools, headline tuition rose after the introduction of VAT on private school fees in January 2025, so families should confirm the current figure with the school directly.
The early years and infants section carries lower fees than the senior school, and the published bands step up by stage. Budget also for a registration fee, a deposit on acceptance, lunches and the usual trips and activities. Substantial means tested bursaries are available and can cover most or all of tuition for eligible families. To compare Dulwich against other south London options on cost and stage, open our compare tool.
Admissions
The principal entry points are at DUCKS in the early years, at 7 and 11 into the lower and middle school, and at 13 and 16 into the senior school and sixth form. Entry at 7, 11 and 13 is by assessment and interview, and competition is strong, so registering early matters. Sixth form entry depends on GCSE results and subject interviews.
Register a year or more ahead of the intended entry point, particularly for 7 plus and 11 plus, where the largest numbers apply. Overseas families relocating to London should contact the admissions office early to align with the assessment calendar and to discuss any English language support.
Location and who goes there
The college occupies a large historic campus in Dulwich, in the London Borough of Southwark, in the SE21 postcode. The surrounding Dulwich Village and East Dulwich area is one of south London most sought after family neighbourhoods, with strong transport into the City and West End from West Dulwich and North Dulwich stations. Families are drawn from across south London and beyond, and the leafy, village like setting is a large part of the appeal.
The community is predominantly British, with a steady international element among professional and diplomatic families settling in south London. For how Dulwich compares with other parts of the capital on schools, commute and cost, see the London city hub and our guide to London zones and schools.
Dulwich College reviews
GlobalSchoolGuide does not yet hold verified parent reviews for this school. We publish reviews only once they are submitted by named families and checked by our editorial team, so you will not find an invented star rating here. If your family has attended, you can help other relocating parents by sharing an honest account through our school reviews hub.
No school pays to be listed on GlobalSchoolGuide and no fee changes a placement on this page. Our profiles are built from public sources, inspection material and the schools own published information.
Frequently asked questions
How much are Dulwich College fees?
Senior school fees sit in the upper mid band of London independent schools, broadly GBP 26,000 to GBP 33,000 a year, with lower fees in the early years and infants section. Headline tuition rose after VAT was applied to private school fees in 2025, so confirm the current figure with the school.
Is Dulwich College a good school?
Dulwich College is a long established independent school with consistently strong A Level results and a wide academic, sporting and cultural programme. It is inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate and is a member of the Headmasters and Headmistresses Conference. We do not publish an invented rating.
Is Dulwich College a boys school?
The senior school is for boys aged 7 to 18. The kindergarten and infants section, DUCKS, is coeducational and takes children from six months up to age 7.
Does Dulwich College offer the IB?
No. The London school teaches the British curriculum to A Level. The International Baccalaureate is offered at the Dulwich College international branches in Asia, not in London.
When do Dulwich College applications open?
Register a year or more ahead, especially for the popular 7 plus and 11 plus entry points. Entry at 7, 11 and 13 is by assessment and interview, and sixth form entry depends on GCSE results and subject interviews.
