Is Dulwich College good? Dulwich College is a renowned private boys' boarding school in the UK, admitting students from 6 months to 18 years old. The school offers a diverse curriculum covering academics, arts, sports, and sciences. Dulwich College has excelled in A-level and GCSE results, standing out in the UK private school rankings. In the following sections, we will provide a detailed introduction to Dulwich College, including information on its rankings and tuition fees, to help parents and students make an informed decision.
Source: Dulwich College
Introduction to Dulwich College
Dulwich College was established in 1619 and is located in the south-central part of London, UK. It is a historic private boys' boarding school offering nursery, primary, and secondary education. The school places a strong emphasis on arts, music, drama, and sports, encouraging students to participate in extracurricular activities while promoting independent learning and personal development. Additionally, Dulwich College actively advocates for EDI education, fostering a campus culture of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion to nurture well-rounded students with a sense of social responsibility.
In addition to its main campus, Dulwich College has several branches in Asia, including campuses in Shanghai, Beijing, and Singapore, offering education for the following age groups (international campuses provide education only for ages 2 to 18 [1]):
- Nursery: 6 months to Year 2 (ages 6 months to 7 years)
- Primary Education: Years 3 to 6 (ages 7 to 11)
- Secondary Education: Years 7 to 13 (ages 11 to 18)
- Years 7 to 8: Lower School curriculum
- Years 9 to 10: Middle School curriculum
- Years 12 to 13: Upper School curriculum [2]
Further reading: UK Education System Guide: Age and Term Structure in UK Primary and Secondary Schools
Dulwich College Private School Ranking
According to the 2021 Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) report, Dulwich College met the required standards across various areas, including creating a safe campus environment and delivering high-quality education [3]. The school enables students to excel both in and out of the classroom. Dulwich College’s A-level and GCSE results have been outstanding. In the 2023 UK private school rankings, Dulwich College’s A-level performance was ranked 56th [4], with 66% of candidates achieving A* or A grades, and an overall pass rate of over 99%. For GCSE exams, over 75% of students scored 8 or above [5].
Source: Freepik
Dulwich College Tuition Fees
The academic year at Dulwich College is divided into three terms: Summer Term, Michaelmas Term (Autumn Term), and Lent Term (Winter Term).
Further Reading: Are There Age Restrictions for UK Boarding Schools? A Guide to UK Boarding School Rankings, Fees, and Age Requirements
Dulwich College tuition fees consist of boarding fees, accommodation costs, registration fees, and deposits. From January 2025 onwards (excluding nursery and pre-school education), all fees will be subject to Value Added Tax (VAT). If admission assessments and examinations are conducted overseas, the associated costs must be covered by the applicant.
The tuition fees must be paid in full by the day before the start of each term. Late payments will incur a 1% surcharge, which will be added to the bill for the following term.
Dulwich College Tuition Fees by Year Group and Term (Including VAT) [6]
| 18 months to 2 years | 3-4 years old | Years 1-2 | Years 3-8 | Years 9-13 | |
| Tuition Fees | *£1197 - £7206 (depending on days and times) | *£3648 (morning session) £6573 (full day for Summer and Winter Terms) | *£7232(full day for Summer and Winter Terms) £6573 (full day for Michaelmas Term) | £9698 (Summer and Winter Terms) £8807 (Michaelmas Term) | £9739 (Summer and Winter Terms) £8807 (Michaelmas Term) |
| Weekly Boarding Fees | £19103 (Summer and Winter Terms) £17236 (Michaelmas Term) | £19103 (Summer and Winter Terms) £17236 (Michaelmas Term) | |||
| Full Boarding Fees | £20441 (Summer and Winter Terms) £18385 (Michaelmas Term) | £20441 (Summer and Winter Terms) £18385 (Michaelmas Term) |
*Additional fees apply for extended daycare and supplementary programmes.
Registration Fee: The fee for the three academic groups—18 months to 2 years, 3-4 years, and Years 1-2—is £125. For the two groups of Years 3-8 and Years 9-13, the fee is £160 for UK-based candidates and £350 for overseas candidates.
Deposit: The school requires students to pay a deposit. Boarding students must pay £4,400, while non-boarding students must pay £2,200. The deposit will be held until the student leaves the school. If the acceptance letter is signed from outside the UK or an overseas address is provided, an additional payment of one full term's tuition is required alongside the deposit.
Child Student Visa: If a student needs to apply for a student visa through Dulwich College, an additional administrative fee of £500 is required.
Source: iStock
Is Dulwich College Good? Let’s Discuss It Together
Is Dulwich College a good school? Although Dulwich College’s ranking is not among the very top in the UK, the school’s educational quality and philosophy have enabled many students to gain admission to world-renowned universities such as Harvard and Cambridge [7].
For parents, understanding Dulwich College's tuition fees and unique features is important, but it is equally crucial to consider whether the school’s educational system and campus culture are a good fit for their child.
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References:
1. Dulwich College International
2. Dulwich College - Admissions
https://www.dulwich.org.uk/admissions
3. ISI Independent Schools Inspectorate - Dulwich College Material Change Inspection Report Oct 22
4. TOP School Guide - Top 100 Schools for A-Levels
https://www.topschoolguide.com/uk/league-tables/all-schools/top-100-schools-for-a-levels/
5. Dulwich College - Examination Results
https://www.dulwich.org.uk/senior-school/academic/examination-results
6. Dulwich College - Fees
https://www.dulwich.org.uk/admissions/fees
7. Dulwich Continues Strong Tradition of Attracting Top University Offers
https://www.dulwich.org/dulwich-life/dulwich-uni-offers-2020