About Dulwich College
Dulwich College is an independent school for boys in Dulwich, south-east London, founded in 1619 by the actor Edward Alleyn. It offers day and boarding places (boarding from Year 9) and educates around 1,700 pupils across its junior and senior schools. As an independent school it charges fees — around £10,000 a term (about £30,000 a year) for day pupils in 2025/26, including VAT (confirm the current figure).
Entry to Year 7 is by the school's own Online Adaptive Assessment — English, Mathematics, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning, plus Puzzles and Creative Comprehension — with a short handwritten creative-writing task, sat in early December; around 160 boys are then invited to interview in late January.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Dulwich College
Dulwich runs its own admissions. Register online directly with the school — registration for September 2027 entry opens in April 2026 (a £200 registration fee applies). Your son sits the Online Adaptive Assessment in early December — English, Mathematics, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning, plus Puzzles and Creative Comprehension — together with a short handwritten creative-writing task. Around 160 boys are invited to interview in late January, offers are sent in mid-February, and places are accepted by early March. About 70 boys join Year 7 from outside, alongside around 55 from Dulwich Junior School.
Catchment Area for Dulwich College
As an independent school, Dulwich has no catchment area; boys travel in from across south London (boarding is available from Year 9). Places are awarded on the assessment and interview.
Dulwich awards more than 185 bursaries each year and aims to support up to half its pupils; apply for financial assistance alongside your entry application.
Subjects Tested at Dulwich College
Dulwich's 11+ is the school's own Online Adaptive Assessment (around 3 hours) — Mathematics, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning (adaptive), with English, Puzzles & Problem-solving and Creative Comprehension (non-adaptive) — plus a short handwritten creative-writing task. Successful candidates are interviewed in late January.
Independent 11+ Practice Papers for Dulwich College
Dulwich College uses School's own bespoke 11+ format. Our Practice Papers is a great way to practice for the exam — with full video explanations for every question.
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 31.5 hours of video content
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 28.5 hours of video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 11.5 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 10.5 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 10 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 9 hrs video content
Academic Performance at Dulwich College
Dulwich College has an outstanding academic record at GCSE and A‑Level, with many leavers progressing to leading UK and international universities. As a selective independent it sets its own standards through its entrance examination.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Co‑curricular at Dulwich College
- ✓Pastoral: a strong house system and individual support across the senior school.
- ✓Co‑curricular: exceptional sport, music, drama, CCF and a wide range of clubs.
- ✓Boarding: day and boarding options are available.
How to Prepare for the Dulwich College 11+ Exam
Dulwich's adaptive assessment rewards secure English and maths and confident reasoning, plus imaginative writing. Build broad Year 6 skills and practise the online adaptive format. The steps below help.
ExamTutor practice papers with tutor explanations for every question offers an affordable substitute for private tuition for a fraction of the cost.
📋 Take a Diagnostic Test
Start with a timed practice test to identify strengths and areas needing improvement.
📅 Build a Study Plan
Start at least 6–12 months before the exam. Focus extra time on weaker subjects.
🎥 Review with Video Explanations
Watch video solutions for incorrect answers. Rewatch difficult topics until confident.
⏱️ Develop Exam Technique
Practice under timed conditions to build stamina and learn to manage difficult questions.
📈 Track Progress
Monitor scores over time to see genuine improvement and identify remaining weak spots.
🚀 Build Confidence
Simulating real exam conditions means no surprises on the day — your child knows what to expect.
Dulwich College — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to Dulwich at 11+?
Register online directly with the school; registration for September 2027 entry opens in April 2026 (a £200 registration fee applies). Your son sits the Online Adaptive Assessment in early December, with interviews in late January.
What is on the Dulwich 11+ exam?
The school's own Online Adaptive Assessment — English, Mathematics, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning, Puzzles and Creative Comprehension — plus a short handwritten creative-writing task. Around 160 boys are then invited to interview.
Is Dulwich selective, and does it charge fees?
Yes — it is a selective independent day and boarding school for boys, so it charges fees (around £10,000 a term, about £30,000 a year, for day pupils in 2025/26, including VAT; confirm the current figure).
How many places are there at 11+?
About 70 boys join Year 7 from outside, alongside around 55 progressing from Dulwich Junior School.
When is the entrance exam?
In early December of Year 6 (early December 2026 for September 2027 entry); interviews late January, offers mid-February.
Does Dulwich offer boarding?
Yes — Dulwich is a day and boarding school, with boarding available from Year 9; most pupils are day boys.
Does Dulwich have a catchment area?
No. As an independent school it admits boys from any area, across south London and beyond.
Are bursaries available?
Yes — Dulwich awards more than 185 bursaries a year and aims to support up to half of its pupils; apply alongside your entry application.
How can my son prepare?
Build confident Year 6 English and maths, practise timed verbal and non-verbal reasoning, and develop imaginative writing. ExamTutor offers Independent-style practice papers with full video explanations.