Through the centuries, former pupils of Dulwich College have taken leading roles in every aspect of professional, sporting, artistic and political life. We pride ourselves on the contribution that Old Alleynians have made to the world at large. Vital to the success of our boys are the skills and values they develop during their time with us. Equally important is the work of the Careers Advice Department which prepares them for their next steps into the world.
In their final years at the College, the boys are given a comprehensive programme of advice on higher education allowing them to choose the direction that best reflects their abilities and aspirations. The Director of University Admissions runs a series of talks and workshops (both for parents and boys) which cover all aspects of the admissions process, from choosing the right course thorough to preparing personal statements and interview techniques.
Those who take a gap year are given the same level of support and encouragement; help with selections, references and the interview procedure does not stop simply because a boy has left school.
With this level of support, it is not surprising that College boys traditionally go on to top universities, both here and abroad, with almost 80% regularly gaining a place at their first choice.
Through the PSHE course in the Middle School and form tutorials in the Upper School, the boys are encouraged to consider the direction they might wish to take while developing an understanding of the steps needed to achieve their ambitions. Boys are taught how to identify, research and secure opportunities within career areas of potential interest. The careers department maintains a fully resourced, up-to-date library where boys and their parents can research their choices and consult with our dedicated staff for help and advice. This guidance is supplemented by a wide range of careers activities and events culminating in the work contact scheme when boys visit employers during the time following their Year 11 public examinations and during their time in the Upper School.
The department retains contacts with hundreds of graduate employers and most of the key professional institutes. Many will welcome boys for individual visits and work placements, and over 70 firms advise us of their gap year employment opportunities.
The annual Careers and Courses Convention brings together representatives from universities and colleges, as well from commerce and industry. It is an event which gives boys, and their parents, a flavour of life after school and of the wealth of opportunities open to them.