Dulwich College and Alleyn’s School are two of the most well-known independent schools in south London. Both are located in Dulwich and share historical connections, but they differ in their structure, academic focus and school culture. Each school has a strong reputation and attracts pupils from across London and the surrounding areas.

Official school websites
https://www.dulwich.org.uk/
https://www.alleyns.org.uk/

History and foundations

Both schools trace their origins to the educational foundation created by Edward Alleyn in the early seventeenth century. The original foundation eventually developed into several separate institutions, including Dulwich College and Alleyn’s School.

Dulwich College was formally established in its modern form in the nineteenth century and developed into one of the leading independent boys’ schools in the UK.

Alleyn’s School was founded later in the nineteenth century to provide a broader education and has evolved into a co-educational independent school.

Admissions and entry

Both schools are academically selective and admit pupils through competitive entrance examinations and interviews.

Dulwich College is a boys’ school for pupils aged 7–18. Entry points typically include Year 3, Year 7 and sixth form. The admissions process usually includes assessments in English, mathematics and reasoning.

Alleyn’s School is fully co-educational and admits boys and girls aged 4–18. Entry points commonly include Year 7 and sixth form, with assessments and interviews forming part of the admissions process.

Academic results

Both schools achieve very strong academic results and regularly send pupils to leading universities.

Dulwich College consistently achieves high GCSE and A-level results, with many pupils gaining top grades and progressing to universities such as Oxford, Cambridge and other Russell Group institutions.

Alleyn’s School also produces excellent academic outcomes. The school regularly records a high proportion of GCSE and A-level grades in the top bands and students go on to competitive universities across the UK.

Teaching and curriculum

Both schools offer broad academic programmes covering sciences, humanities, languages and the arts.

Dulwich College places strong emphasis on traditional academic subjects and intellectual development. The school has a long-standing reputation for excellence in subjects such as history, classics, sciences and mathematics.

Alleyn’s School offers a similarly broad curriculum but often emphasises creativity and innovation alongside academic achievement. The school encourages interdisciplinary learning and offers a wide range of subject choices.

Extracurricular activities

Extracurricular life is an important part of both schools.

Dulwich College has strong traditions in sport, music and drama. The school is well known for its rugby, cricket and rowing programmes, as well as orchestras and theatre productions.

Alleyn’s School also offers a wide range of activities including music, drama, sport and academic societies. The school has a particularly strong reputation in the performing arts and encourages participation across many different activities.

Facilities and campus

Both schools are located in Dulwich and have extensive facilities.

Dulwich College occupies a large historic campus with playing fields, sports facilities, science laboratories and arts spaces. The main building is a well-known landmark in the area.

Alleyn’s School is located nearby and also has modern facilities including sports grounds, theatres, laboratories and creative arts spaces.

School environment

The atmosphere of the two schools differs slightly.

Dulwich College is a traditional boys’ school with a long heritage and strong academic culture. The school emphasises leadership, intellectual challenge and a sense of tradition.

Alleyn’s School offers a co-educational environment and is often seen as slightly more modern in its approach. The school promotes collaboration, creativity and inclusivity alongside academic excellence.

Sixth form

Both schools have strong sixth forms that prepare students for university.

Dulwich College sixth form allows pupils to specialise in A-level subjects and offers extensive support for university applications.

Alleyn’s School sixth form also offers a wide choice of A-levels and encourages students to take leadership roles within the school community.

University destinations

Students from both schools regularly go on to leading universities in the UK and internationally. Many pupils progress to Russell Group universities, and both schools have a record of Oxbridge offers each year.

Overall comparison

Dulwich College and Alleyn’s School are both highly respected independent schools with excellent academic results and strong extracurricular opportunities.

Dulwich College offers a traditional boys’ school environment with a strong emphasis on academic achievement and long-standing traditions.

Alleyn’s School offers a co-educational environment with a slightly more modern and creative approach to education.

For many families the choice between the two schools depends on whether they prefer a single-sex or co-educational environment, as both schools provide a high standard of education and strong preparation for university.