If you’re considering Dulwich College for your son, you’re looking at one of South London’s most prestigious independent schools — known for academic excellence, tradition, and character.
At Clarendon Tutors, we’ve guided many families through the Dulwich College admissions process, supporting pupils from 7+ to 13+, including preparation for the 11+ entrance exam and interviews.
Dulwich College: Tradition Meets Academic Excellence
Founded in 1619 by Edward Alleyn, Dulwich College combines centuries of heritage with modern teaching and exceptional facilities. Its leafy South London campus provides an inspiring environment for boys to learn, explore and thrive.
The school’s ethos encourages intellectual curiosity, independence and character development. Alongside strong academic results, Dulwich values creativity, leadership and collaboration — qualities that shape well-rounded pupils ready to make a positive impact.
Entry Points at Dulwich College
Dulwich College admits boys at several stages:
- 7+ (Year 3) – entry to the Junior School
- 11+ (Year 7) – entry to the Lower School
- 13+ (Year 9) – entry to the Middle School
While each entry point has its own assessments, 11+ and 13+ entry are the most competitive. Clarendon Tutors provides targeted tuition at every stage, helping pupils develop the skills Dulwich looks for, from reasoning to interview confidence.
The 11+ Admissions Process
The Dulwich College 11+ entrance exam is held in January of Year 6, with registration usually closing in October. Around 70–80 places are offered each year.
Written Assessments
The 11+ exam includes:
- English: comprehension and creative writing
- Mathematics: arithmetic, logic and problem-solving
- Verbal and non-verbal reasoning
The school values clear thinking, reasoning ability and creativity. Clarendon Tutors provides practice papers and exercises designed to mirror Dulwich’s exam format, helping pupils approach the test with confidence.
Interview and Group Task
Shortlisted pupils attend the interview stage, which includes individual interviews and group tasks. The school assesses curiosity, communication skills and collaborative thinking. Mock interviews and group task coaching with Clarendon Tutors help pupils perform confidently and authentically.
The 13+ Admissions Route
For Year 9 entry, candidates take a pre-test in Year 6 covering English, Maths and reasoning, followed by interviews. Conditional offers are confirmed by results in the Common Entrance or Dulwich Scholarship exams in Year 8.
Early preparation is key — our 13+ tutors focus on building reasoning, problem-solving and communication skills over time, ensuring pupils feel ready for assessment day.
Scholarships and Bursaries
Dulwich College offers scholarships and means-tested bursaries at both 11+ and 13+, including:
- Academic Scholarships
- Music, Sports and Art Awards
Bursaries may cover up to 100% of fees, ensuring talented pupils can access a Dulwich education. Clarendon Tutors helps families understand scholarship criteria and prepares pupils for assessments and auditions where required.
What Dulwich Looks For
Dulwich seeks boys who are:
- Curious and independent thinkers
- Strong communicators
- Resilient learners
- Collaborative and empathetic
- Authentic and engaged
Success comes from a balance of academic ability and personal qualities — boys who can think critically, express themselves, and contribute positively to the school community.
How Clarendon Tutors Supports Dulwich Applicants
At Clarendon Tutors, we guide families through the Dulwich College admissions process, offering:
- 11+ and 13+ tuition in English, Maths and reasoning
- Exam practice with Dulwich-style papers
- Mock interviews and group task coaching
- Confidence and communication training
- Progress feedback for parents
Our approach builds both academic skill and personal confidence, helping pupils perform at their best while enjoying the process.
Final Thoughts
Gaining a place at Dulwich College is a remarkable achievement. The process is competitive, but with steady preparation, clear guidance, and expert support from Clarendon Tutors, your son can approach the 11+ or 13+ admissions process ready to shine.
From first assessment to final offer, we help pupils combine academic strength with curiosity, resilience and confidence — all the qualities Dulwich College values most.
Photograph by Noel Foster
