The warm, family nature of Dolphin School provides the children with space to explore their flourishing personalities, in a safe and affirming environment We have high expectations of behaviours for learning and a robust moral compass in our daily lives, and yet we balance academic rigour with creative learning, & physical development.
Dolphin School is a Christian School and our ethos centres around children discovering a living understanding of the Christian faith. Not all families at the school are Christian, but our values and the ‘ way we do life' has a humanity that speaks to our entire community in this modern world The values we promote provide a framework for childen to navigate the challenges they may face.
I regularly hear that senior schools are able to spot a Dolphin pupil when they see one: caring, compassionate, supportive and witty. However, they are secretly ambitious, value integrity and truth, whilst also going that extra mile to inspire others to also achieve.
Mrs Lucy Price, Headteacher
‘I love that my children play on real grass every day!’
Dolphin Parent
‘We are so incredibly grateful to all the staff at Dolphin- not only for their amazing teaching, but also their wonderful nurturing approach and confidence building.’
Dolphin Parent
Hear from a pupil!
Dolphin is a school which prizes relationships highly, a place where joy is found in daily interactions and in sharing life together. Here, we make the time to chat, to soak up a smile, to light a birthday candle, to cheer on our home team, and to celebrate all that makes up the richness and wonder of school life.
That richness and wonder was part of the plan for Dolphin School from the beginning. 'Love, Wisdom, Truth’ became the threefold motto of the school, focusing on the ‘how’ of relationships and the purpose of learning.
The heart of Dolphin – the DNA of the place – reflects the Christian values that underpin it and the people who are drawn to it. The ethos of the school continues to find fresh expression in both old and new ventures – academic, creative, sporting, spiritual and community.
Adam Woodcraft, Director of Ethos
“We chose Dolphin School and couldn't be happier. Dolphin's approach is very child-centred - the academics are a core focus, but each child's strengths, including sports, music, drama and art, are also nurtured and celebrated.” Happy.
“They instilled a love for learning, quiet confidence in his abilities and an interest in the world around him as well as opportunities to play the sports he loves so much. Because Dolphin is one of the smaller schools, every child gets the chance to shine in their own way, participate in sports matches, class assemblies, school council etc., which rounds up a very healthy, holistic approach to teaching.”
Genuine.
“We had a very positive experience with Dolphin School, whose status as a trust made it more attractive to us than other [for-profit] schools as did its small size, which we believe was a key factor in our child's success at the 11+.”
“My two children are so happy there - it's a small school with a fantastic ethos, amazing community spirit, and offers an all-round excellent education (as the recent inspection report shows!) Worth every penny for us. ”
“We have had our 3 girls at dolphin for 3 years now and have been blown away by how they are able to focus in on each of their unique talents. My one daughter in particular lives for drama and creative writing and the school has championed her (even more than us!) with this ” Challenged. Community.
Source: Nappyvalleynet.com
‘High-quality teaching, strong subject knowledge and skilful planning enable pupils to thrive academically’ ISI Inspection 2025
Book a visit by completing our online enquiry form or contact our Admissions Registrar, Mrs Benson.
Talk to other parents?
Come to an assembly?
Receive our newsletter?
admissions@dolphinschool.org.uk Tour with the head Meet pupils See lessons in action
After your initial visit, complete an application form and return it with the registration fee.
The school will be in contact with regard to an offer of a place.
Organise a playdate!
www.dolphinschool.org.uk
Qat Dolphin School
Is there an entry assessment for my child and what is the process for offering places?
At Reception level we do not hold assessments. We offer places a year in advance to those registered - siblings first, then Noah’s Ark children, then on a first come first served basis. However, for children joining mid-year and higher up the school, we require reports and a Trial Day where we do internal assessments We will then decide on whether an offer can be made. Dolphin School welcomes children who would thrive in a mainstream environment
What size are the classes?
Class size varies from year to year, but we typically have around 16 pupils per class smaller than most local prep schools.
How are new children and parents helped to integrate?
Where do they have their breaktimes and how often do they go out?
Children have two daily playtimes on Wandsworth Common, a short walk from the school, which is where the Reception class also have their daily outdoor learning activities - all come rain or shine!
‘Honestly, it’s such a wonderful school, my son has come out every day this week saying, “he has had the best day ever”!’
New Dolphin Parent
How much homework is there?
This is age dependent. Homework is set from Monday to Thursday and usually consists of Maths, English and another subject Year One is expected to do 10 minutes, Year Two - 20 minutes, Year Three – 30 minutes and so on. Homework is not set at the weekend in order to maximize family time together and to promote positive mental health at the weekends.
What is the food provision?
We have delicious organic hot lunches served daily on a tri-weekly menu rotation provided by a local Italian restaurant, Al Gusto
Do the children go on trips?
Yes, the children enjoy enriching and varied trips, both day and residential (depending on their age) The classes go on between 3 to 5 outings or trips per year. Please see the website for further information
When does school begin and end?
The school day runs from 08.30 to 15.30 for the Lower School and 08.30 to 15.45 for the Upper School, unless children are attending a club in which case the pick-up times are 16.30 and 16.45. We offer Early Bird drop off at 08.00 (Mon-Fri) and After School Care until 18:00 (Mon-Thurs)
What is the co-curricular & after school care provision?
There are over 40 clubs on offer each week, ranging from robotics, chess, music ensembles and choirs, dance, languages, sports and academic clubs throughout the day.
There is a complimentary early birds session (at 08:00) and paid for after school care until 18:00
(Mon-Thurs).
We use our own staff for after school care who support homework tasks and help communicate between teachers and parents to ensure homework is completed meaningfully - and then support the children to play and relax in a structured environment.
‘100% of parents felt that the school prepares their child well for the next stage of education.’
