Dulwich College 11+ Entry Guide
Dulwich College is an independent school with entry at 11+ into Year 7. This guide explains who can apply, the assessments, how offers are made and how to prepare. We update it whenever the school changes its admissions.
About the school
- An independent boys' school in Dulwich, south-east London.
- 90 Year 7 places; day only at Year 7 (boarding starts at Year 9).
Who can apply
- Children in Year 6 (for September 2027 entry, born 1 September 2015 to 31 August 2016), registered by the school's deadline.
- Independent schools have no catchment area. You apply to the school directly, not through your council.
- A registration fee is usually payable (often waived for families on low incomes).
Key dates for September 2027 entry
- Registration deadline: midday, Monday 2 November 2026
- Assessment: Friday 4 December 2026 (about 3 hours)
- Interviews: 20 to 27 January 2027 (about 180 boys)
- Offers: 11 to 12 February 2027
Children now in Year 5: expect similar dates next year. Check the school's page in the spring.
The assessments
Online test
Maths, English, non-verbal and verbal reasoning, puzzles and problem solving, and creative comprehension.
Creative writing
A 20-minute creative writing task (5 minutes planning, 15 writing).
Interview
About 180 boys are invited to interview in late January. A reference from the current head is needed.
How offers are made
The school makes its own offers in mid-February.
Scholarships and bursaries
- Academic, Music and Sport scholarships.
- Bursaries for free and reduced-fee places.
How to help your child prepare
- Online test. Use the free Quest familiarisation test so the screen layout is not a surprise. Practise short timed sections in Maths, English and reasoning.
- Creative writing. Practise planning and writing a short story or description to a time limit, then checking it.
- Interview. Help your child talk about their interests, the books they read and how they solved a problem. There is no need to learn answers by heart.
- Read every day. Wide reading builds the vocabulary and comprehension every entrance test needs.
- Practice material: The school links to an online familiarisation test and a creative writing specimen paper.
Common questions from parents
How many boys get interviews?
About 180 boys, for 90 places.
Can we apply to several schools?
Yes. Many families apply to a few independent schools and grammar schools. Watch the different registration deadlines.
Official information
Always check the school's own pages before making decisions. Dates and arrangements can change each year.
How AshACE can help
AshACE runs small, live online 11+ classes in English, Maths and Reasoning from Year 4, run from Orpington, with over a decade of 11+ teaching. Our Year 6 Masterclasses include preparation for independent school entrance papers. See the classes below, or send us an enquiry.
Sources: Dulwich College official admissions pages; checked 25 September 2026.