“We prepare boys not just for exams, but for life.”
HEAD MASTER’S
WELCOME
For more than 140 years, Dulwich Prep has led the way in boys’ education, combining tradition with innovation. In September 2025, we began an exciting new chapter as Dulwich Prep & Senior, extending our journey for boys to GCSE while continuing to welcome girls from ages 2 to 4 in our co-educational Nursery.
At the heart of our school are our core values of Love, Courage, Gratitude, Humility, Justice, Self-Discipline, Service, and Honesty. These shape a nurturing environment where every child’s mind, heart and character are developed, preparing them not only for exams but for life.
We set high expectations. Our aim is for every boy to leave Dulwich Prep & Senior as an independent thinker, confident in his abilities, empathetic in his relationships, and resilient in a fast-changing world. Tailored learning journeys, from Early Years to GCSE, ensure that each stage builds on the last, with flexibility at 11+ and 13+ and the option to remain through to Year 11.
Academic excellence flows naturally from this values-led approach. Over 350 scholarships have been awarded in recent years, with 95% of pupils gaining a place at their first-choice senior school, including our own senior section.
Yet our true measure of success will always be the character of the young people we nurture.
This prospectus offers a glimpse of life at Dulwich Prep & Senior, but nothing replaces experiencing it for yourself. I warmly invite you to visit us, meet our pupils and staff, and see our values in action.
I look forward to welcoming you.
OUR LEARNING JOURNEY
Our Six Stages
From First Steps to GCSE
At Dulwich Prep & Senior, education is a journey that nurtures character, confidence, and curiosity at every stage. From our youngest Fledglings to GCSE success, each phase is tailored to the needs of the child, building independence, resilience and a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.
Fledglings (2+) & Nursery (3+)
A joyful start in our award-winning Early Years building for both boys and girls, where curiosity and kindness take root.
Reception (4+)
Specialists in boys’ learning provide the best possible foundation, with play, discovery and belonging at the heart.
Pre-Prep (Years 1 to3)
Pupils join our Legends House system, gain independence, and discover new passions through trips, clubs and specialist teaching.
Prepared for Life
Whichever path they take at 11+, 13+ or GCSE, Dulwich Prep & Senior boys leave us as principled, resilient, and curious young men, equipped for the next stage of their journey.
Prep School (Years 4 to 6)
Confidence grows as boys enjoy wider opportunities - from sport and music to residential trips and All-Rounder badges.
Prep School (Years 7 to 8)
As role models, pupils take on leadership, service and responsibility while preparing academically for senior school.
Senior School (Years 9 to 11)
A seamless path to GCSE, where boys are known, challenged and supported through inspiring teaching, a richness of opportunity, and values that prepare them for life.
A passion for excellence and growth
Boys step onto the stage, onto the pitch, or into debate, learning resilience and determination.
“We’re encouraged to speak up for what’s right – even if it’s difficult.” – Year 6 pupil
A home for kindness and community
Pupils lead charity drives, mentor younger children, and discover the joy of helping others.
“It’s always fun when the older boys come to visit, and read or play games with us” – Year 2 pupil
A mindset for respect and appreciation
A spirit for bravery and integrity
Lessons and playgrounds alike are places where integrity, fairness, and respect are integral.
“There are children from all different backgrounds here – and we all feel included.” – Year 4 pupil
Pupils celebrate each other’s achievements, show respect for every voice, and learn that true fulfilment comes from giving, not taking.
“Taking part in The Big Night Out to raise funds for Crisis was a truly humbling experience.” – Year 8 pupil
PASTORAL CARE WELLBEING
The
Heart of a Dulwich Prep & Senior Education
At Dulwich Prep & Senior, pastoral care is not an add-on, it underpins everything we do. Children thrive when they feel safe, supported, and understood, and we are proud of a culture where every boy is known as an individual and every voice is heard.
Relationships that Matter
The relationships between pupils, teachers, and families are at the core of our pastoral system. From a child’s first steps in Early Years through to GCSE, the class teacher or form tutor is their daily guide and mentor. Section Heads and Heads of Year provide consistency and oversight, ensuring smooth transitions and a strong sense of belonging throughout their journey. We work closely with families, knowing that wellbeing thrives when home and school are in harmony.
Wellbeing Support
Our dedicated Mental Health & Wellbeing Lead works alongside staff trained as Mental Health First Aiders, the School Nurse, Medical Centre First Aider, and a full-time School Counsellor. Together, they provide a wide safety net, from daily drop-ins and one-to-one therapy to mindfulness, yoga, and pop-up wellbeing sessions. A purpose-designed Wellbeing Suite offers a calm space where children can pause, reset, and feel supported.
Life Skills & Pupil Voice
Wellbeing is woven into our curriculum through regular Life Skills lessons, covering topics from mindfulness to relationships. Pupil voice is central – through Dulwich Download, children share weekly reflections and feedback with staff, strengthening trust and ensuring they feel listened to.
Nourishment & Balance
Food and nutrition play an important role in wellbeing. Freshly cooked meals, prepared on-site with seasonal ingredients, ensure a healthy and balanced diet. Shared meals with staff, including the Head Master’s weekly lunch with pupils, create space for connection and conversation.
Confidence for the Future
We know that when children feel secure and supported, they grow in confidence and thrive. By supporting their emotional, social, and physical wellbeing, we equip our pupils with resilience, empathy and self-belief, qualities that will serve them well far beyond their time at Dulwich Prep & Senior.
WHERE LEARNING COMES TO LIFE
A Love of Learning that Lasts a Lifetime
At Dulwich Prep & Senior, learning is not confined to the classroom – it is a journey of curiosity, creativity, and challenge from the age of 2 through to 16. Every stage builds the foundations for the next, nurturing independent thinkers who are ready for life.
Excellence in the Classroom
Our broad curriculum balances depth with discovery. From phonics to philosophy, coding to design, French to Spanish, pupils are encouraged to explore widely and think deeply. Academic excellence is supported by specialist teaching from the earliest years, complemented by rich opportunities in the arts, humanities, and sciences.
Learning for Every Child
We recognise that every pupil learns differently. Our Skills & Strategies team works closely with teachers to provide tailored support, ensuring that all children – including those who are neurodiverse, what we term ‘twice exceptional’ –are equipped with the strategies to thrive.
Creativity and the Arts
Learning at Dulwich Prep & Senior is hands-on and dynamic. Pupils design, build, perform, debate, and problem-solve, developing the skills of collaboration, independence, and resilience. With over 80% of pupils learning an instrument, a purpose-built Music School, vibrant art studios and inspiring drama productions, the arts are central to fostering imagination and self-expression.
Sport for All
Sport is central to our Dulwich Prep & Senior journey. Every pupil is encouraged to discover the joy of movement, teamwork, and competition – whether through football, rugby, cricket, swimming, athletics or the many other activities on offer. We balance elite performance with full participation, ensuring every child experiences the confidence and camaraderie sport brings.
Beyond the Curriculum
Trips, clubs, and enrichment are integral to learning. Whether it’s experimenting with rockets on Science Day, debating philosophy in Year 3, or taking part in residentials and international exchanges, Dulwich Prep & Senior pupils learn by doing, exploring, and connecting with the wider world.
Prepared for the Future
Scan the QR code to see our exciting learning journey
By the time they leave us, our pupils are not only confident learners but also principled, curious, and resilient young people. Grounded in strong values and equipped with the habits of self-discipline and creativity, they are ready to flourish. www.dulwichprepsenior.org.uk
FIRST STEPS NURSERY & RECEPTION
Fledglings (2+), Nursery (3+), and Reception (4+)
Children begin their Dulwich Prep & Senior journey in our award-winning Early Years building, set in five acres of woodland and fields. Here, learning is rooted in happiness, wellbeing and belonging.
In a calm and caring environment, children learn to share, listen and take turns, building kindness, empathy and confidence. Play-based learning indoors and outdoors sparks curiosity, creativity and independence, while weekly Forest School lessons bring nature into the classroom.
Every child is valued as an individual, encouraged to explore their unique gifts and grow in self-belief. From Reception, our specialists in boys’ learning inspire engagement across music, sport and the arts, ensuring the best possible start to school life.
DISCOVERING THE JOY OF LEARNING PRE-PREP
Year 1 (5+), Year 2 (6+) and Year 3 (7+)
At Alleyn Park, pupils join the Pre-Prep and our Legends House system, gaining independence and confidence as learning becomes more formal.
Core skills in reading, writing and mathematics are complemented by science, humanities, the arts and sport. Specialist teaching enriches the curriculum in music, drama, languages, computing, swimming and PE.
The Pre-Prep day is filled with opportunities - clubs, trips and performances bring learning to life, while iPads from Year 3 encourage digital creativity. Residential trips begin in Year 3, fostering independence and adventure.
Supported by nurturing teachers and older pupils who model service and leadership, children grow in belonging and resilience, ready for Lower School.
GROWING IN CHARACTER AND CONFIDENCE PREP SCHOOL
Year 4 (8+), Year 5 (9+) and Year 6 (10+)
Lower School is alive with discovery, from science investigations and choir rehearsals to rugby practice and lively debates. Pupils enjoy specialist teaching across a broad curriculum including languages, drama, music, art, design technology, and sport.
Most boys learn an instrument, joining ensembles or choirs, while clubs to suit all tastes range from cookery and chess to rock climbing.
From Year 5, pupils take greater responsibility for their learning and independence. Preparation for 11+ and 13+ assessments is carefully balanced with creativity, teamwork and co-curricular adventure. Residential trips and All-Rounder badges encourage boys to explore new horizons and celebrate commitment. Our values are central, ensuring boys leave Lower School as confident, well-rounded learners, ready for Middle School.
BECOMING A LEADER PREP SCHOOL
Year 7 (11+) and Year 8 (12+)
Middle School boys are role models, leading with responsibility and service. They mentor younger pupils, run clubs, and support school life, while developing independence and self-motivation.
The curriculum is wide-ranging, blending rigorous preparation for exams with breadth in sport, music, drama, and enrichment. Pupils continue to collect All-Rounder badges, join senior teams, and take part in cultural visits, lectures and residential trips.
The Year 8 post-exam programme is a highlight, offering new skills, challenges and preparation for their next steps. Some pupils secure scholarships or exhibitions; all leave as resilient, confident learners ready to flourish in senior school.
READY TO FLOURISH SENIOR SCHOOL
Year 9 (13+)
Our Senior School offers a consistent environment where boys are known, supported and challenged as they prepare for GCSEs.
A seamless academic pathway provides continuity, focus, and a head start on GCSE learning. The curriculum balances knowledge with skills in collaboration, creativity, independent study and communication.
Strong relationships between teachers and pupils, combined with individual flight paths and personalised tutoring, ensure every boy develops excellent study habits and self-discipline. With outstanding pastoral support at this crucial stage, boys thrive academically and personally, ready for sixth form and beyond.
BEYOND DULWICH A LAUNCHPAD FOR LIFE
The Dulwich Prep and Senior journey extends far beyond age 13 or 16. Our pupils go on to the very best schools in the country, many with awards and scholarships.
Some boys leave us at 13+ for leading senior schools across London and the UK, but a good number also remain through to GCSEs. Over the past six years, our pupils have progressed to over 50 different schools, with 95% securing their first choice and 350+ scholarships awarded.
Yet it is not just results that set our pupils apart. Their character, shaped by our values of courage, kindness, honesty and service, makes them the first choice of many schools and ensures they continue to thrive long after they leave us.
Scan the QR code to see where our boys go next
www.dulwichprepsenior.org.uk
“From the moment we joined, my son has been encouraged to be himself – and to be his best.”
– Parent
“The teachers really know us. They care about what we achieve, but also about who we are.”
– Year 8 pupil
YOUR DULWICH PREP & SENIOR JOURNEY
STARTS HERE A LAUNCHPAD FOR LIFE
The best way to understand our school is to see it in action. We warmly invite you to visit, meet our pupils and staff, and experience the energy and warmth of our community for yourself.
Key Facts at a Glance
Ages: Boys 2 to 16, Girls 2 to 4
Campus: 29 acres across two sites, and four playing fields
Wraparound Care: 7.00am to 7.30pm
Boarding: Years 3 to 8, Flexi & Weekly
Results: 95% gain a place at first-choice senior school
Scholarships: 350+ awarded (2020-2025)
Community: 30+ nationalities represented
Opportunities: 150+ clubs, 80% play an instrument
Joining Us
Entry Requirements
We welcome pupils with the curiosity and potential to thrive academically and personally. Our aim is for every child to feel happy, thrive and access the curriculum with confidence.
Assessments
Informal and age-appropriate, tailored to the stage of entry. Main assessment points: 3+, 4+, 7+, 11+ and 13+.
Bursaries
A limited number of means-tested bursaries are available for new applicants who would not otherwise be able to join. Awards are based on academic assessment and financial circumstances, reviewed annually.
Sibling & Family Policy
We aim to welcome siblings wherever possible, though admission is not automatic. Each child’s needs and potential are considered individually.
Visit Us
Come and experience our values, our energy, and our exceptional pupils in action at one of our upcoming open events.
Admissions Team
Mrs Anne Gloria Mcleary, Admissions Registrar (+44) 20 8766 5525 admissions@dulwichprepsenior.org.uk www.dulwichprepsenior.org.uk
“The sense of community is unlike anywhere else. It feels like a second home.”
Scan the QR code to register for your child’s place
www.dulwichprepsenior.org.uk
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