Dulwich

School:
Dulwich
School Type:
Address:
Dulwich College, Dulwich Common, London SE21 7LD
Postcode:
SE21 7LD
Region:
London – Inner (London postal codes)
Telephone:
020 8299 9263
Gender:
Boys
Pupils:
1493, Upper sixth 195
Fees:
£4524 (Day), £9110 (Boarding), £8753 (Weekly)
Enquiries:
The Registrar
Description:

Founded in 1619 by Edward Alleyn, the Elizabethan actor-manager, it moved to its present 70 acre site on the edge of Dulwich village in 1870. It has very handsome, patrician buildings set within a big expanse of playing fields; extensive building programmes have provided excellent facilities including a new sixth form centre, a caf’©, a purpose-built music school, a 250-seat theatre, three libraries and exemplary ICT facilities. It aims to provide an environment with a good work ethos where pupils acquire an independent and critical approach to learning and where they can feel secure and equally valued whatever their cultural and social background. Academic studies are well run by a large and well-qualified staff and pupils consistently produce excellent examination results. Music plays an important part in the life of the school. A 250-strong choir undertakes major works and there are several orchestras and smaller groups. Drama involves a large number of pupils in numerous productions and the art school produces work of a high order. The design and technology centre has workshops for engineering, boatbuilding and cabinet making. With extensive grounds, a boathouse and a field centre, it offers a wide range of sports, and standards are high. Over 40 clubs and societies meet regularly, offering a broad co-curricular programme, ranging from debating to fencing and, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to community service.

School Head:
Master: Dr Joseph Spence, in post from 2009. Educated at Salesian College and at Reading University (modern history and politics) and Birkbeck, London University (PhD, Irish history). Previously Headmaster of Oakham, Master in College (Housemaster to the King’s Scholars) and taught history at Eton. Teaching staff: 160 full time, 23 part time.
Results:
GCSE: On average, 190 pupils in Year 11: 99% gained at least grade C in 9+ subjects. A-levels: 182 in upper sixth: 33% passed in 4+ subjects, 67% in 3 subjects, with an average final point score of 381.
Furtherhigher:
98% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course, 15% to Oxbridge, 2% to universities overseas. 8% take courses in medicine and dentistry, 25% in maths, science and engineering, 50% in humanities and social sciences, 17% in economics and business studies.
Arts:
Music: Some 33% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Many musical groups including 2 full orchestras, 2 brass groups, 2 wind bands, 3 choirs, chamber orchestra, big band. College chapel choir performs regularly in the chapel and across the UK. Drama: Drama offered, both part of the curriculum and extra-curricular. Many are involved in school and house productions; over 50 productions staged in own theatre annually. Art and design: On average, 80 take GCSE, 25 A-level; A-level history of art also offered.
Sport:
Sport: 24 sports on offer. Curriculum sports are rugby, hockey, soccer, cricket, swimming, athletics, tennis, badminton, squash, cross-country, basketball, fencing, rowing. Optional sports include golf, weight training, martial arts, lifesaving. RLSS exams may be taken. Boys frequently represent sports at national or county level. Activities: Pupils can opt for Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (bronze, silver and gold available), CCF, community service or Scouts. Up to 40 clubs, eg computers, debating, mathematics, political (prominent politicians often invited to speak). Debating and chess very successful at national level.
Boarding:
Sixth form have own ensuite study bedrooms; younger pupils share. 2 sixth-form houses, 1 for younger pupils. Resident nursing; local GP on call; college counsellor. Limited cooking facilities for senior pupils for supplementary food. Half-term (2 weeks in October, 1 week in other terms) plus 2 weekend exeats.
Alumni:
Secretary, The Alleyn Club, c/o Dulwich College.
Formerpupils:
P G Wodehouse, A E W Mason, C S Forester, Raymond Chandler, Michael Ondaatje, Graham Swift (authors); Trevor Bailey (cricketer); Sir Ernest Shackleton (Antarctic explorer); Gordon Jacob (composer); Lord (Eddie) George (former governor of the Bank of England); 5 VCs in First World War, 3 in Second; Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rupert Perry-Jones (actors); Peter Oosterhuis (golfer); Kieran West (oarsman); Andrew Sheridan, Nick Easter (rugby players); Peter Lilley, John Spellar (MPs); Nigel Farage MEP (UKIP)