Since 1619, thousands of pupils, colleagues, parents and governors have been valued members of the College. During this time, we have evolved and adapted, yet core characteristics remain and thrive. Dulwich pupils have always shown a balance of humility, confidence, and ambition. They have a passion for learning, conversation, and inquiry. They wish to be part of clubs, teams, orchestras, societies - in all shapes and sizes; they like to represent their College through initiatives, in collaborations and in competition; and, they care about each other, and the world around them. As well as embodying these characteristics, our pupils, colleagues and governors wish to positively shape the College through their actions, thoughts and achievements, sustaining its relevance and ensuring its local, national and international benefit for as many people as possible. The College’s scale, heritage and structure helps in so many ways. It inspires our pupils, provides a pathway and enables them to explore and take up wide-ranging opportunities. They invariably discover new talents and become part of something far greater than themselves. This vital balance between each pupil’s personal life, the sense of being known, cared for and understood, whilst also being part of a thriving and broad community - with clearly defined values and aims, is what makes Dulwich a special place. I very much doubt that we could find two pupils, past or present, whose experience of the College is truly the same in every way, nor have I met two pupils who are completely alike in personality or passions. I hope, however, that every pupil feels happy, that they feel valued - for their attitudes, actions and endeavours, above all else - and that they enjoy a sense of momentum in all that they do. I hope they all know we wish them every success, and they feel proud to be Alleynians wherever they go. Welcome to Dulwich; we are very grateful for your interest in our school. The College aims to be as accessible and welcoming as possible and we very much hope our community might suit you and your child.
Mr Robert Milne Master
Helping Pupils Settle All parents are sent information about the College prior to their son’s arrival here, including details of:
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Summer Term Visit All the new boys are invited to the College in May to spend an afternoon here, meet the Middle School team, have a tour and take part in an activity, thus allowing them to meet some of the other boys who will be joining the College in September, as well as teachers who may end up teaching them. Induction Afternoon After a talk by Mr Tanna and the Head of Year 9, pupils have lunch with their Form Tutors, visit their Form Rooms and have a tour round the College. Team Building Day and Barbeque All Year 9 pupils take part in a range of activities, helping them get to know the other pupils in their Day House. Social Evening An opportunity for parents to meet their son’s Form Tutor and Head of Year 9, as well as the other parents from their son’s Form.
Structure of Year 9 A key part of Year 9 at Dulwich College is helping pupils to feel settled and confident about being both at the College generally, and specifically in the Middle School. To that end, we: • mix the 100 pupils who join the College in Year 9 with the 140 pupils who come up from our Lower School in order that each Form has a mix of new pupils and Lower School pupils; • timetable the pupils so that most subjects are taught by Form. The pupils will get to know each other well, and, through following a common timetable, travel round the school together. This helps pupils foster a sense of identity as soon as they arrive, as well as develop friendships quickly.
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“I have really enjoyed the experience of the Middle School and the transition period has been smooth and trouble free.”
Pastoral Care Form Tutors are there to support, guide, engage with and encourage their tutees, and will often be in close contact with a pupil’s parents. Pupils will have one Form Tutor in Year 9. In Years 10 and 11 pupils stay in the same form, and benefit from the continuity of the same Form Tutor for two years. Each Form has approximately 22 pupils, and the Tutor will usually teach the pupils one of their subjects. There is also a Head of Year who is in overall charge of all the pupils in any one year group.
“I have really settled in well at the College, thanks to friends and teachers alike. The level of care is superb.”
15 things you might not know about Dulwich College...
Academic Life: Curriculum and Scholarship
Dulwich pupils are characterised by their enthusiasm for learning and are able to work diligently; understanding that performance does not come purely from natural talent, but as much by hard work and commitment. Our broad and balanced academic curriculum reflects these aims with its emphasis on the development of independent, creative thinking based on practical knowledge and conceptual understanding. We provide a secure yet challenging environment, which encourages participation, curiosity and enquiry. Year 9 is the last year in which pupils study all subjects. This includes English, Maths, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Religion and Theology, History, Geography, Drama (including Dance), Games, PE, two languages, Computing, Music, Art, and Design and Technology.
Pupils will study a total of 10 GCSEs, although a number of ‘native’ speakers will sit an additional GCSE. This is typically at the end of Year 10. This year, 57% of GCSE grades achieved were at the highest level (Grade 9) and 94% of grades were Grade 7 and above. 155 pupils achieved all 9 or 8 grades. 34% of the A level exams sat by our pupils were awarded A* grades and 71% A*/A grades, with 114 pupils achieving all A or A* grades and 135 who achieved 3 A’s or better. Over 90% of papers sat by Dulwich College’s pupils were awarded grades of A*/A/B. In addition to our core responsibility to guide pupils through the qualifications they need for beyond Dulwich, we encourage Alleynians to be conscientious, capable, self-motivated and collaborative learners who are able to read broadly, research accurately and communicate clearly. “The Scholars’ Programme is a good brain work-out.” Wodehouse Library At the heart of the College is the Wodehouse Library, catering for pupils in Years 9-13. Containing more than 25,000 books and magazines, there is something for everyone and last year more than 10,000 items were loaned to pupils. The Library also subscribes to 25 online resources providing instant access to online journals and databases of academic articles. In addition, the library has study and reading areas as well as computers for schoolwork, making it a vibrant place which attracts, on average, over 800 visits every day. Pupil Librarians assist in the operation of the libraries, giving them useful skills, whilst a popular book club provides an opportunity to share a love of reading. Pupils can also visit the College Archive which contains an extensive rare book library and historical material relating to the founding of the College.
• In Year 10, pupils embark on their GCSEs.
• All pupils must study English Language and Literature, Mathematics, a Modern Foreign Language and Physics, Chemistry and Biology. • Pupils then choose three more subjects from an options list that includes History, Geography, Art, Music, Drama, PE, Computer Science, German, Greek, Latin, Spanish, French, D&T and RP. There are also co-curricular lessons in Arabic and Japanese open to Middle School pupils.
“I like the amazing library, especially the periodicals room.”
Creative Arts film: Art, Drama, DT and Music highlights
Hear our teachers share why they love what they do.
You will be joining a school that is the perfect blend of the modern and the traditional...
We are a school for Creative Minds... Art and Design Art and Design encourages pupils to think creatively and work independently, so they are prepared to take a GCSE in one or both subjects. “The arts define our culture our identity and our national conversation.”
The Campus
Located only 12 minutes from London Victoria, we are lucky to benefit from 70 acres of grounds and surrounded by even more open space in terms of other playing fields, parks, allotments, woods and a golf course. The size and openness of the College allows pupils the space to grow up both literally and metaphorically. At the centre of the campus are the iconic Grade II Barry Buildings, which are 150 years old and provide a strong sense of the College’s history, even back to its foundation in 1619. Many pupils are very proud of the traditions of the College, and enjoy aiming for their Full Colours blazer as recognition for their service to the College. The Laboratory and its auditorium for visiting speakers and events, brings together the twin cultures of Sciences and the Arts, and is home to alumnus Sir Ernest Shackleton’s lifeboat, James Caird .
Sir Peter Bazalgette OA
Art In Art, students will develop the skills to work independently across a diverse range of media, discovering that creativity often has many possible solutions. They will explore various painting and drawing techniques, alongside hands-on sculptural practices in ceramics and 3D model-making. Students will also have the opportunity to delve into digital art, using industry- standard software like Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and Blender. In our fully equipped IT suite, they can create animated films, design visual effects, and craft motion graphics, expanding their creative potential in both traditional and digital mediums. “It is essential to push and challenge students beyond any preconceived ideas of what it means to ‘do art’; digital- media, plaster and cement casting as well as experimental film are all skills that Alleynians can explore.” Design and Technology In D&T each pupil learns how to shape, bend, and finish a mix of materials with various workshop hand tools and machinery. They will be introduced to virtual 3D modelling via our CAD package ‘Autodesk Inventor’ and use laser cutters and 3D printers. They also build a rechargeable flashlight and learn to program so that they can control a small Lego buggy.
Watch our aerial film
Over 525 individual music lessons are taught each week and there are over 42 different musical ensembles...
Dulwich College houses the most important archive of theatrical documents that relate to Elizabethan theatre...
Music A comprehensive range of musical opportunities are available to all pupils. Some 525 individual music lessons are given on a weekly basis and most pupils who take instrumental and/or singing lessons perform in at least one of the 42 different musical ensembles. These ensembles are varied and cater to all musical abilities. There is a Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, Symphonic Wind Band, Brass Band and Madrigal Choir, which are given performance opportunities at Cadogan Hall in Sloane Square and Southwark Cathedral and musicians often join up with JAGS and Alleyn’s School to give joint performances; there are percussion ensembles, jazz bands, rock bands and chamber groups who have the opportunity to perform to their peers and the local community. The College’s Chapel Choir sing regularly at services in the Chapel in Dulwich Village, including as a joint choir with JAGS, as well as in external venues such as St George’s Windsor. The Big Band, jazz bands and vocal groups have gigs at Pizza Express Live, and our chamber ensembles have a variety of performance opportunities.
Drama and Dance Edward Alleyn, the star actor of his generation and founder of the College, left the archive to the school and future generations of scholars; an appreciation of all things theatrical is part of the Dulwich DNA. Echoing the spirit of their South London ancestors, Middle School pupils seize every opportunity to take part in productions, House competitions, and theatre trips. Drama is a popular subject at both GCSE and A level. In Year 9, all pupils have a Drama lesson every two weeks taught in forms throughout the year, including dance skills introduced by our LABAN-trained specialist. The Edward Alleyn Theatre is our fully equipped, purpose-built theatre; it is a hive of activity, where pupils develop practical performance skills alongside production design and stage management techniques. By the end of the year, all pupils are expected to be confident with basic stagecraft and theatre terminology, as well as have a sound grasp of performance analysis.
A regular programme of concerts, masterclasses and competitions takes place across the school year, including annual House Music, instrumental, singing and composition competitions. There are also tours organised around the UK and abroad. About 80 pupils hold Music Awards and facilities at the College include a sound-treated pod for rock bands as well as percussion suites and Music Tech rooms. Classes in Alexander technique are available for all pupils. All pupils study Music as an academic subject in Years 7, 8 and 9 where lessons include a variety of practical elements as well as composition using Logic Pro X. Music is a popular option at GCSE and A level with many pupils continuing to study Music at university or conservatoire and going on to have successful careers in the Arts.
Many pupils also take LAMDA courses with specialist teachers in Acting or Public Speaking. There are excellent opportunities to deepen their interest in theatre through joint productions with James Allen’s Girls’ School, workshops with visiting theatre professionals, and experiences of both live and digital theatre. This autumn, pupils attended a West End production of James Graham’s PUNCH , and a trip to his play Dear England is planned for the new year - its portrayal of Gareth Southgate played by a former pupil. Year 9 pupils regularly take part in the staging of eight productions for the annual Middle School House Drama Festival. They also have the chance to participate in a scratch production; recently, 30 boys and girls performed selected scenes from PUNCH to great acclaim.
You can play over 19 different sports...
Boys and girls learn together...
Sport On entering the College, pupils will find they are at the heart of the Games and Physical Education (PE) programmes. Our aim is to unlock every pupil’s potential through exposure to a range of experiences and opportunities and increase their understanding of why sport and exercise plays such an important role in their development as people. From Year 9 pupils are able to choose from a number of options, such as Rugby, Hockey, Rowing and Running. These options increase in number as pupils progress through the College. The programme is supported by a wide range of fixtures, providing numerous opportunities for pupils of varying abilities to represent the College.
In addition, pupils have a timetabled PE programme running through the Middle School. This helps give pupils an understanding of how their bodies work, setting physical goals to keep them motivated and improving their knowledge of training methods. Within their PE curriculum, all pupils also enjoy swimming lessons from Year 3 to Year 11. There are also further opportunities for pupils to participate in a wide range of sporting activities as part of the co-curricular programme, such as Badminton, Track Cycling, Basketball and Water Polo. All pupils in Year 9 are encouraged to get involved. We recognise that sport and exercise have a positive impact on our pupils’ wellbeing, provide opportunities to develop socially, and can be a welcome change in focus from academic endeavours. Our goal is to provide a high-quality sporting experience leading to a lifetime of involvement in some form of exercise activity.
Co-educational Opportunities At Dulwich College pupils enjoy all the benefits of a single-sex education, with the additional opportunity of learning and networking in a co-educational environment. College pupils enjoy a wide range of joint initiatives with local girls’ schools: The Young Enterprise Programme enables pupils to work in partnership with students at Sydenham High School, developing entrepreneurial skills and working as a team to set up a small business; girls at Sydenham and at James Allen’s Girls’ School (JAGS) also have joint rowing training sessions at the College during the week and on the Thames at weekends. There is a rich programme of activities with JAGS throughout the year, which is shaped by a group of Prefects from both schools. Pupils have the opportunity to collaborate regularly on academic matters, for example at collaboration days in the Middle School, where charity and service provide the source of inspiration; and through Liberal Studies courses and Advanced Electives in the Sixth Form, which take place in, and are delivered by teachers from, both the College and JAGS. In addition, these events are complemented by joint co-curricular activities, including the Combined Cadet Force in Year 9; a variety of music concerts; Union Societies; Senior School Drama productions; and fundraising events organised by Prefects from both schools. All of these ventures are underpinned by a strong pastoral emphasis, where there is a focus on the positive interactions between the pupils from both schools, and the friendships which ensue. A diverse range of year-round events, across a range of disciplines, is also offered with our partner schools as part of SSLP (Southwark Schools’ Learning Partnership): this also affords our pupils many opportunities to meet other pupils across the borough and beyond.
Sport film: Pupils are at the heart of our outstanding sports provision
You will join a community that understands social responsibility and seeks to place service to others at its heart... We call this outreach Service Engagement, and our aim is to raise awareness and promote involvement of Community Action Over 150 pupils volunteer for an hour a week during term time in more than 15 local placements offering 30+ separate opportunities including: • education (mentoring and supporting at local primary schools) • social (supporting the work of local care homes and food banks) • environmental (including park and garden projects) charities and causes that we care about. Pupils get involved in three primary ways: Volunteering plays an important role in personal development and holistic education and forges important links with our wider community. It can also contribute to the volunteering element of the Duke of Edinburgh Award. In Year 9 pupils can volunteer at either the College Kindergarten (DUCKS) or Junior School. This prepares pupils for our external opportunities which start in Year 10. Charity Whilst supporting many charitable initiatives throughout the school year, Senior School focuses primarily on one main charity. We have a Senior School charity committee which meets regularly and determines the most appropriate and effective means of promoting our aims; pupils are encouraged to apply to be involved in the committee as well as learning about and supporting the charitable initiatives and differing means of prompting awareness. Tens of thousands of pounds are raised annually for these good causes. Impact 500 Many pupils want to make a difference in an area of social justice and environmental concern. Impact 500 is a voluntary opportunity, completed in a pupil’s free time, which allows pupils to undertake in-depth research into an area that they are interested in. After doing their research, they then undertake an enterprise project which aims to raise awareness and promote involvement. Each pupil who undertakes Impact 500 will have a mentor who will be with them throughout the programme.
Boarding houses enjoy an orchard of more than 40 apple trees ... The buildings of Old Blew and The Orchard are home to approximately 60 pupils, with a healthy mixture of weekly and full boarders. As there is no formal Saturday school, weekly boarding can be exactly that; Monday to Friday. For those who are full boarders, there is a weekend programme of visits and activities. Old Blew and The Orchard has a great family feel to it and has the benefit of a home with fantastic facilities that are ideally suited for pupils as they develop physically and intellectually. “I love being part of a big, internationally-diverse family.” And there are over 1,000 trees on our 70-acre campus... Our leafy grounds give pupils the opportunity to connect with nature at breaktime and lunch, as well as during al fresco classes such as creative writing. As part of our commitment to biodiversity, we have planted new tree species and rewilded areas of the campus such as the Wildflower Walk. Pupils can also enjoy tranquil spaces such as the Memorial Garden and the new, award-winning Spirit of Partnership Garden.
There are over 60 languages spoken in the Dulwich Community... Dulwich College is committed to building an inclusive culture that promotes our core values of equity for all; respect for all; and service engagement of all. We proudly celebrate the diversity that exists within our pupil and staff bodies, as well as in our alumni and parent communities, and recognise the important role that our rich array of backgrounds and experiences plays in building a vibrant, forward-looking community. As a result, Dulwich College stands firmly against discrimination and exclusion in all its forms. We strive to build a supportive community that encourages a sense of social responsibility and which promotes the fundamental British values of democracy, individual liberty, respect and tolerance, and the rule of law. We will continue to work alongside members of our community to progress our inclusion work and embed our core values across all aspects of College life.
Uniform, but not as you know it – there are over 80 different ties to wear with pride... The College colours are black and blue, and these are used on the standard College tie. Pupils, however, can be awarded ties for contributions to activities, such as Sport, Music or Drama, as well as being awarded a tie by the various societies in the College. Collecting a range of such ties is very popular with many pupils and they are worn with pride. “One of my favourite things is the amount of ties on offer; this allows pupils to express themselves and show what they enjoy doing.”
You can climb mountains and fly planes...
You can join over 70 different clubs and societies... The Union is the umbrella organisation which oversees the running of all the College’s clubs and societies from Year 9 and above, and for many pupils this is an exciting opportunity to get involved in a range of activities, some of which are academic, such as Geography, Economics and BioMed societies; and others simply fun, such as Warhammer, Dismantling and Dulwich Remote Control societies. There are also societies that teach pupils skills or knowledge beyond the curriculum, such as Engineers’ club, Coding and Debating societies, or raise awareness of current topics in today’s world, such as Climate Change, LGBTQ+ and African & Caribbean societies. There are currently over 70 active societies at the College, most meeting at lunchtimes, and some after school. There is a real opportunity for pupils to find others who share an interest and grow friendships here at the College. “The Union of Societies has enabled me to follow my passions and develop new skills, as well as making friends with those who share common interests.”
Outward Bound Dulwich The College has its own Scout Group, which includes two Troops and an Explorer Unit. It currently has 135 boys and girls and is open to children from Year 6, including those from other schools. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is offered from the start of life in the Middle School. Currently we have 140 students who start the Bronze Award in Year 9 as well as 250 students who are doing the Silver Award across Year 10 and Year 11. In the Upper School, around 80 pupils are currently working towards their Gold Award. Expeditions currently take place in the Ashdown Forest, the New Forest and the Lake District. From Year 9 pupils
can also join the CCF, Combined Cadet Force; we have a Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force section. The Army section is affiliated to the Welsh Guards. Around 200 boys and girls (from JAGS) are in the CCF and take part in a wide variety of activities which include sailing, flying, leadership and fieldcraft. Along with the many camps and courses on offer, the CCF also run an Arctic Survival Expedition to North Sweden, which takes place at the beginning of the Easter holidays, and this year Dulwich CCF with JAGS girls, formed the Guard of Honour for HM The King on Remembrance Day 2024 .
Hear from the pupils about the range of clubs and societies on offer at the College
You’ll have myriad opportunities to forge lifelong friendships...
The House system The House system is a very important feature of life in the Middle School. Its aim is to provide a structured format that encourages the personal and social development of pupils through competition activities and sporting events. There are eight Houses, each of which has a Housemaster responsible for encouraging pupils
to get involved in the House competitions. Pupils are expected to attend House meetings which take place on a fortnightly basis. Each House elects its own House Captain (Year 11) and colours are awarded to pupils who make a particular contribution during their time in the Middle School.
You will be joining a network of over 15,000 Old Alleynians...
Careers and the Upper School All pupils receive careers education throughout their Middle School years. This is formalised with aptitude and interest testing at the end of Year 10, which is then revisited and built on during lessons in Wellbeing and individual interviews with qualified Careers Advisers in the Michaelmas Term of Year 11. This helps pupils to select the right A levels and be aware of the implications for Higher Education courses and beyond. In the Upper School, pupils at Dulwich receive tailored advice in choosing the right combination of A level subjects to ready them for university applications and the world of work, and all receive individual careers
guidance. The Careers Department run the Professional Insight Programme to help pupils learn careers research skills and how to secure insight visits in a wide range of careers areas. Weekly careers newsletters highlight activities, events and competitions that will allow pupils to independently explore areas of career or subject interest. We also host an annual Dulwich College Futures Convention for all students in Year 11 and above, along with sector- specific networking evenings and workshops. On leaving the College, pupils join a network of some 15,000 Old Alleynians, many of whom stay in close touch with the College and are keen to support the current generation of Alleynians.
150 Visiting Speakers to the College every year
60+
I hope this booklet gives both you and your son a flavour of life in the Middle School at Dulwich, and that it serves to confirm and enhance your experience of the College, a school where the pupils are happy, busy and academically fulfilled. The Middle School years (Years 9-11) are so important when it comes to personal growth and identity. As pupils enter into this key stage of their lives, they will be supported by a strong pastoral network that will ensure they feel comfortable in their school setting and are ready to explore who it is they are, and who it is they want to become. In the Middle School, we seek to encourage creativity, compassion and open-mindedness, resilience and integrity, a collaborative outlook and an appreciation of how we all benefit from living in a diverse and inclusive society. We strive to deliver a demanding yet interesting curriculum, which gives the pupils a chance to think deeply about the world that surrounds them. They will learn to listen to diverse views, knowing that we often learn the most from listening to and engaging with those with whom we think we have least in common. We help pupils develop outside the classroom, encouraging them to partake fully in the wide variety of co-curricular activities on offer at the College. But most importantly, we make sure that every pupil feels safe, secure and supported, so that they can learn to the very best of their ability. Having joined the College in Year 9, some twenty five years ago, I know first-hand how wonderful the Middle School years are, and am committed to giving Alleynians the very best experience possible during their time here.
Languages spoken at the College
15,888 Extensive OA community
20+ Nationalities in the boarding community
42 Musical ensembles
70+
22 Average class size
Clubs and Societies representing enthusiasm, innovation and diversity
525
100+ Expeditions and trips
Individual music lessons taught each week
Sameer Tanna Head of Middle School
19 Sports on offer in the Middle School
1,100
To find out more about life in the Middle School, please contact: Sameer Tanna, Head of Middle School Telephone: 020 8299 9255 Email: tannas@dulwich.org.uk
For enquiries regarding admissions, please contact: Mrs Alison Williams and Mrs Polly Twisk, Registrars Telephone: 020 8299 9263 Email: the.registrar@dulwich.org.uk
College sports fixtures
“I believe the school is truly outstanding in the education of boys. They truly understand them, teach them to engage and to inspire. They nurture an environment that encourages the boys to do well and the boys celebrate each other’s success – academically and co-curricularly. It is “cool to be clever”. This attitude I have seen has brought out the best in my boys, it has encouraged them to work to the best of their abilities. All the while there is a great relationship between the boys and the teachers, humour as well as teaching good discipline.”
Current Parent
Dulwich College. A supportive, diverse and inclusive community.
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