Year 3 (7+) to Year 6 (10+)

Applicants’ schools will be contacted directly for a confidential report in November.

Applicants’ schools will be contacted directly for a confidential report in November.

Applicants’ schools will be contacted directly for a confidential report in November.

Stage 1 Assessment

Applicants will complete adaptive digital assessments in Maths, English, verbal and non-verbal reasoning in small groups as well as some short written assessments of writing and maths. The online assessments will be completed on desktops with a keyboard and mouse. The assessment will also include an outdoor play session with a snack, and rest breaks to ensure a positive and balanced experience.

Stage 2 Assessment

Applicants who have shown sufficient promise in the assessments will be invited back in January for a one-to-one literacy and numeracy assessment with a member of the Junior School staff. Applicants will have the opportunity to engage in collaborative activities, demonstrating their enthusiasm for learning and ability to work with others. As for the first stage, the assessment will also include an outdoor play session with a snack, and rest breaks.

The majority of Year 3 (7+) applicants who are successful in our entry procedure will be working at a teacher assessment of Greater Depth by the end of their Infant or Pre-Prep school or achieving standardised scores >120.

Successful applicants are offered a place subject to the College's Standard Terms and Conditions.

Stage 1 Assessment

Applicants will complete adaptive digital assessments in Maths, English, verbal and non-verbal reasoning in small groups as well as some short written assessments of writing and maths. The online assessments will be completed on desktops with a keyboard and mouse. The assessment will also include an outdoor play session with a snack, and rest breaks to ensure a positive and balanced experience.

Stage 2 Assessment

Applicants who have shown sufficient promise in the assessments will be invited back in January for a one-to-one literacy and numeracy assessment with a member of the Junior School staff. Applicants will have the opportunity to engage in collaborative activities, demonstrating their enthusiasm for learning and ability to work with others. As for the first stage, the assessment will also include an outdoor play session with a snack, and rest breaks.

The majority of Year 4 (8+) applicants who are successful in our entry procedure will be working at a teacher assessment of Greater Depth in Year 3 or achieving standardised scores >120.

Decisions on an applicant’s suitability will be based on their online assessment results, their attainment and potential in literacy and numeracy, the one-to-one assessment, their approach to learning as demonstrated throughout their time with us, and their school report.

Successful applicants are offered a place subject to the College's Standard Terms and Conditions.

Stage 1 Assessment

Applicants will complete adaptive digital assessments in Maths, English, verbal and non-verbal reasoning in small groups as well as some short written assessments of writing and maths. The online assessments will be completed on desktops with a keyboard and mouse. The assessment will also include an outdoor play session with a snack, and rest breaks to ensure a positive and balanced experience.

Stage 2 Assessment

Applicants who have shown sufficient promise in the assessments will be invited back in January for a one-to-one literacy and numeracy assessment with a member of the Junior School staff. Applicants will have the opportunity to engage in collaborative activities, demonstrating their enthusiasm for learning and ability to work with others. As for the first stage, the assessment will also include an outdoor play session with a snack, and rest breaks.

The majority of Year 5 (9+) applicants who are successful in our entry procedure will be working at a teacher assessment of Greater Depth in Year 4 or achieving standardised scores >120.

Successful applicants are offered a place subject to the College's Standard Terms and Conditions.

Yes, the school is academically selective. However, we are not simply looking for high attainment at a young age. We are interested in potential, curiosity and a genuine enthusiasm for learning. 

The assessment process takes place in two stages. 

In the first stage, applicants attend in small groups and complete a series of adaptive digital assessments in Maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning, alongside a short, written maths paper and some creative writing. The assessments are designed to be age-appropriate and are completed on desktop computers. 

We aim to make the experience as positive and balanced as possible. The day includes outdoor play, a snack break and time to relax between activities. 

Applicants who perform strongly in this stage are then invited to return for a second stage in January. 

At the second stage, applicants take part in a one-to-one assessment with a member of Junior School staff. This session includes some maths, reading aloud with discussion about the text, as well as a friendly conversation, so we can really get to know each child. 

They will also have opportunities to engage in collaborative activities, allowing us to see their enthusiasm for learning, confidence and ability to work with others. As before, the second stage is structured to be supportive and includes breaks and time outdoors. 

The overall process is the same for Year 4 (8+) and Year 5 (9+) entry, with a two-stage assessment structure. 

The level of expectation is age-appropriate, reflecting the applicant’s current year group and stage of development. 

Decisions are based on a combination of factors, including performance in the digital and written assessments, outcomes from the second-stage assessment, the applicant’s approach to learning during the process, and their current school report. 

We take a holistic view of each child, considering both academic ability and their potential to thrive at Dulwich College through to the age of 18. Our aim is to identify those whose natural ability, curiosity and enthusiasm for learning will grow within the breadth and challenge of a Dulwich education. 

Successful applicants will receive an offer of a place, subject to the College’s standard terms and conditions. 

Successful applicants are usually performing at a high level in their current school. 

In most cases, boys are working at a teacher assessment of Greater Depth for their age group or achieving standardised scores of around 120 or above. However, we consider each child individually, with a strong focus on potential as well as current attainment. 

No, this is not a barrier. 

The digital assessments are adaptive and multiple choice with applicants using a mouse to select their answers. While some familiarity with using a mouse is helpful, it is by no means essential. 

On the day, we provide time for all applicants to become comfortable with the format, including guided familiarisation and practice questions in small groups before each assessment. Our team is experienced in supporting children, and additional help is available if needed including alternative ways to select answers or individual support. 

If your child is left-handed, please let us know on registration so we can ensure the mouse is set up appropriately. 

There is no need for extensive preparation. 

We are looking for bright, intellectually curious children who are thriving in their current school environment. The academic content assessed reflects the applicant’s current year group and there is no expectation to prepare beyond this. 

The most valuable preparation is regular reading whether independently, reading aloud or being read to. Discussing stories, their meaning, exploring vocabulary, and thinking about characters and themes are all highly beneficial. 

A secure grasp of numeracy and the ability to apply mathematical understanding in context are also important. Encouraging your child to explain their thinking can be particularly helpful. 

Some light practice of verbal and non-verbal reasoning questions can be helpful, but we recommend short, thoughtful practice rather than intense or repetitive preparation. 

Applicants will complete a short piece of writing in response to a visual stimulus. 

We are looking for children who can express them clearly and creatively using a range of interesting vocabulary and accurate punctuation. The task is not focused on producing a fully structured story within a timeframe, but rather on getting a sense of the level of their writing and whether they can communicate ideas effectively. 

No. We are very mindful of age differences within a cohort, particularly in the younger years. 

Our assessments are standardised for age, meaning that your child’s performance is considered in the context of their exact age at the time of testing. This ensures that younger children are not disadvantaged in comparison to older applicants. 

We also take a holistic view of each child, looking beyond assessment scores to consider their overall potential, attitude to learning and readiness to thrive at Dulwich. 

No. While sport is an important part of life at Dulwich, we are looking for boys with a wide range of interests and strengths. 

Throughout their time in the Junior School, pupils are given extensive opportunities to explore a broad range of activities, including the arts, drama, dance, music, sport and academics both for enjoyment and at a more advanced level. We encourage all pupils to discover new interests, while also supporting them to develop their individual strengths and talents to a high standard. 

All Junior School pupils sit the 11+ in the first term of Year 6. At Dulwich, this is viewed as a rite of passage and an opportunity for challenge and growth, rather than a selective barrier. 

All boys in the Junior School progress automatically into the senior school continuing their journey through to Year 13. 

There are no scholarships awarded on entry to the Junior School. 

However, scholarships are awarded at 11+ to Year 6 pupils who perform exceptionally well: 

Academic Scholarships range in value from 10% to one-third of fees and are awarded to boys who perform exceptionally well in the 11+ and academically throughout their time at the Junior School. 

Music Scholarships are available for boys who demonstrate a high level of musical ability, typically playing two instruments (including an orchestral instrument), or exceptional ability (Grade 8+) on any single instrument. 

Vacancies for Choral Scholarships occur annually in June (from Year 4 onwards) in the College Chapel Choir and include singing tuition. 

Further information about Art and Sports Scholarships is available here. 

Yes. Having an EHCP does not preclude an application. 

We ask that upload your son’s EHCP and any relevant reports as part of the application process. These will be carefully reviewed by our Learning Support Co-ordinator, who will liaise with the learning support team at your son’s current school. 

Where appropriate, we will arrange a call with you prior to the assessments to confirm any reasonable adjustments. Support is tailored to each individual applicant. 

If a place is offered, we will work closely with you to ensure a smooth transition and to put appropriate support in place. 

We understand that admissions timelines can vary between schools. 

If you are holding an offer from another school, and waiting to hear from us, please do get in touch. 

Means-tested bursaries are not available for entry into the Junior School. 

The earliest point at which families can apply for a bursary is for entry into Year 7 (11+). Full details including eligibility criteria can be found on the Bursaries – help with school fees - Dulwich College page of our website.