Campus

A historic setting for a progressive education 

Founded in 1619 and with a rich history, Dulwich College was re-established on Dulwich common in 1869. Once known as New College, the iconic Barry Buildings were designed by Charles Barry Junior, son of the architect of the Houses of Parliament, in a style which he called ‘North Italian of the Thirteenth Century’. 

A space repurposed for modern needs 

The campus accommodates pupils from Kindergarten through to Sixth Form on three connected sites. True to the vision of our founder, Edward Alleyn, the campus provides excellent provision for pupils’ personal development beyond the classroom in the Arts, Sport and Free Learning, as well as an outstanding core academic education. Our campus continues to evolve since its inception in the 19th century while retaining its architectural integrity. Today it has been repurposed to meet the requirements of its 21st century community according to an architectural Masterplan commissioned in 2010. 

Serving the community, hosting partnerships 

Today we maximise use of our facilities through partnerships with local state and independent schools. Our sports pitches and courts, swimming pool, dedicated art studios, science laboratories, music rooms, theatre and exhibition spaces – including the celebrated James Caird – are amenities used frequently by the wider community. 

Dulwich College for your event

The historic buildings of Dulwich College provide a striking backdrop for weddings, conferences, film locations and exhibitions. Find out more at Dulwich Events.

Campus highlights 

Barry Buildings 

In 1869, Barry’s original vision for a New College was realised on Dulwich Common in the Barry Buildings, which are now Grade II* listed. Featuring triangular gables, roof finials, turrets and cupolas, they incorporate the Great Hall, Masters’ Library, Lower Hall and Cloisters, and are frequently used for workshops, exhibitions, events and functions. There is currently a phased restoration underway for the internal classrooms of the Barry Buildings. 

Old Library 

The Old Library was built at the entrance to Dulwich College as a memorial to the Boer War. It is now used frequently for musical performances and by the wider community for events, and it is licenced for wedding ceremonies.

The Laboratory

Designed in 2010, our award-winning Laboratory is our state-of-the-art building celebrating both Science and the Arts. It houses 18 science laboratories, a lecture Auditorium and IT Informatics suits in an inspiring space frequently used for exhibitions and events and for Science Saturday School for local primary school children. It is home to alumni Sir Ernest Shackleton’s boat, the James Caird, in which he made his epic 800-mile journey in 1916 from South Atlantic to South Georgia. 

Art and Design 

The celebrated Visual Arts are supported by six dedicated high-specification studios facilitating etching and printing, wood and metal work, resins and plaster, ceramics and sculpture, drawing, animation, photography and digital media. Eight annual exhibitions are hosted in The Store, our dedicated exhibition space in the centre of the campus. We also welcome pupils from local state primaries to our Creative Saturday School. 

Music 

The exceptional achievements of music scholars at the College are supported by inspiring spaces for lessons, rehearsal and music technology, as well as performance. Music rehearsals, competitions, masterclasses and concerts take place throughout each academic year in the Great Hall, Auditorium and Old Library, where there is a fine Steinway Model B and 2-manuel pipe organ.

The Edward Alleyn Theatre (EAT)

Designed by architect Tim Foster to a courtyard design, The Edward Alleyn Theatre is a celebrated and influential building known affectionately as The EAT. A well-loved creative space, it is always a hive of activity with workshops and rehearsals for College pupils, and is regularly used for joint workshops and performances by our fellow Dulwich Foundation School James Allen’s Girls’ School. 

Libraries and Archives 

Our campus incorporates the Junior School Library, The Raymond Chandler Library for the Lower School and the Wodehouse Library for Middle and Upper School. The Masters’ Library regularly hosts ‘fireside’ In Conversation for unions and societies. The Archive is open to the public by appointment and houses valuable historic tomes, including a copy of Shakespeare’s First Folio. 

New Lower and Junior School building 

The new Lower School development (whose name is still to be decided) is on track to open for pupils and staff in early 2024. 
The building will house a beautiful and spacious new Lower School Library over two floors, Lower and Junior School IT suites, including a robotics suite, and classrooms and offices for Year 7 and Year 8 pupils and staff. 

Boarding Houses 

There are four boarding houses on campus, home to 140 boarders. Old Blew and The Orchard, Blew House, and Ivyholme all have a rich history dating back to 1884. 

Sport 

There is extensive opportunity for sport across our campus, with physical activity playing a vital role in pupil development. Facilities include the Sports Centre, the Trevor Bailey Sports Ground, seven pitches, a cricket pavilion, swimming pool and athletics track. Our facilities are regularly used by partner schools and the wider community.