United Kingdom · London
Dulwich College combines co-educational early years with boys’ education from age seven through sixth form. Boarding begins in Year 9. Families should distinguish the separate entry routes and decide whether day, weekly or full boarding suits the child.
Dulwich College is a selective boys’ day and boarding school on Dulwich Common, London SE21 7LD. Its separate early-years provision, DUCKS, is co-educational. Edward Alleyn founded the college in 1619.
The school suits families seeking boys’ education through age 18, with boarding available from Year 9. It is a separate institution from nearby Alleyn’s School, which offers co-educational day education.
DUCKS stands for Dulwich College Kindergarten and Infants’ School. It admits boys and girls from six months to seven years, ending at Year 2.
From Year 3, age seven, the college educates boys. Its main stages and published entry points are:
| Stage | Years and entry |
|---|---|
| DUCKS | Kindergarten from six months; infant entry at 3+ or 4+, through Year 2 |
| Junior School | Years 3–6, with entry at 7+ |
| Senior school | Main entry at Year 7 (11+) and Year 9 (13+) |
| Sixth form | Year 12 entry (16+), continuing through Year 13 |
The senior curriculum leads to GCSEs and then A levels. These are the usual English school qualifications taken around ages 16 and 18 respectively.
Do not assume that co-education at DUCKS continues into the senior school. Equally, ask how movement between school stages is assessed rather than treating an early-years place as an unconditional promise of later admission.
Dulwich is worth considering if the child would thrive in a selective boys’ school and the family wants a choice between day attendance and boarding in London.
It is not the right senior-school option for a family seeking co-education. It also does not advertise boarding before Year 9. Compare Alleyn’s separately if co-educational day schooling is important.
The college advertises full, weekly and occasional boarding from Year 9. Ask which option is available for the intended year and how occasional stays are booked.
Blew House and Ivyholme each accommodate about 40 Year 12 and 13 students in en-suite study rooms. Old Blew and The Orchard accommodate about 60 boys between them from Years 9–13, including weekly and full boarders.
Day pupils also belong to houses, but these are school groupings rather than residential accommodation.
Visitor access is from Dulwich Common, the A205 South Circular, and on-site parking is limited. Use the directions page when arranging a visit.
The published autumn, or Michaelmas, term calendar gives 7 September 2026 as the start of teaching. Induction for Years 7, 9 and 12 was scheduled for 4 September.
The Middle School boarding calendar includes exeat weekends: scheduled breaks when families must check the arrangements for pupils leaving boarding. Confirm return times and any guardian requirements on the current term dates page.
Use the admissions section for the child’s intended entry year. DUCKS, Junior School, 11+, 13+ and 16+ have separate information, and overseas applicants have additional guidance.
The existing research did not establish current registration deadlines or the number of external Year 9 places. Confirm the relevant application window and assessments directly before booking preparation or travel.
The college publishes information about scholarships and means-tested bursaries, which assess a family’s financial circumstances. Check eligibility, the application timetable and any travel or residence conditions on the bursaries page.
Do not assume that a school application also completes the financial-assistance process. Ask which forms and evidence are required.
The existing research identified a 2026–27 fees page but did not reliably capture its table. This guide therefore does not quote a day or boarding amount. Use the official fee schedule and request clarification of any unclear charge.
Check the applicable year group and boarding arrangement, together with VAT and other inclusions. Ask separately about lunch, transport, public examinations and occasional boarding.
Official pages and documents we read. If a figure matters to your budget or your application, open the link and confirm it is still current.
Friendly orientation, not an application. Dates, fees, and programme details move. Confirm everything with the school.
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5 minStart with your child’s needs and the schools you can realistically access. A boys’, girls’, or co-educational label does not tell you enough about teaching, friendships, support, or daily life.
8 minStart with the child and a realistic weekly timetable. Then confirm who provides care, which nights are covered, and what happens when plans change.
7 minStart with the qualification your child would actually receive. Then check its subjects, language demands, and recognition in the countries where they may study next.