Junior School Open Afternoon

About this event

From the school

Getting there

Other open events at Dulwich College: The Junior School

Registration and deadlines

Questions

Dulwich College: The Junior School

In the school’s words

Booking

October 2026

Question 1

What does the 7+ (Year 3) entrance process involve?

Accepted Answer

The assessment process takes place in two stages. In the first stage, applicants attend in small groups and complete a series of adaptive digital assessments in Maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning, alongside a short, written maths paper and some creative writing. The assessments are designed to be age-appropriate and are completed on desktop computers.

Question 2

What happens at the second stage of assessment?

Accepted Answer

At the second stage, applicants take part in a one-to-one assessment with a member of Junior School staff. This session includes some maths, reading aloud with discussion about the text, as well as a friendly conversation, so we can really get to know each child.

Question 3

Is the process different for 8+ (Year 4) and 9+ (Year 5) entry?

Accepted Answer

The overall process is the same for Year 4 (8+) and Year 5 (9+) entry, with a two-stage assessment structure. The level of expectation is age-appropriate, reflecting the applicant's current year group and stage of development.

Question 4

What academic level are successful applicants typically working at?

Accepted Answer

Successful applicants are usually performing at a high level in their current school. In most cases, boys are working at a teacher assessment of Greater Depth for their age group or achieving standardised scores of around 120 or above. However, we consider each child individually, with a strong focus on potential as well as current attainment.

Question 5

How can we prepare for the assessments?

Accepted Answer

There is no need for extensive preparation. We are looking for bright, intellectually curious children who are thriving in their current school environment. The academic content assessed reflects the applicant's current year group and there is no expectation to prepare beyond this. The most valuable preparation is regular reading whether independently, reading aloud or being read to.

Question 6

Do boys need to be strong in sport to apply?

Accepted Answer

No. While sport is an important part of life at Dulwich, we are looking for boys with a wide range of interests and strengths. Throughout their time in the Junior School, pupils are given extensive opportunities to explore a broad range of activities, including the arts, drama, dance, music, sport and academics both for enjoyment and at a more advanced level.

Question 7

If my son is offered a place in Year 3, will they have to pass the 11+ to progress to Year 7?

Accepted Answer

All Junior School pupils sit the 11+ in the first term of Year 6. At Dulwich, this is viewed as a rite of passage and an opportunity for challenge and growth, rather than a selective barrier. All boys in the Junior School progress automatically into the senior school continuing their journey through to Year 13.

Question 8

Do you offer scholarships in the Junior School?

Accepted Answer

There are no scholarships awarded on entry to the Junior School. However, scholarships are awarded at 11+ to Year 6 pupils who perform exceptionally well: Academic Scholarships range in value from 10% to one-third of fees and are awarded to boys who perform exceptionally well in the 11+ and academically throughout their time at the Junior School.

Question 9

When is the Dulwich College: The Junior School junior school open afternoon?

Accepted Answer

On Thursday 22 October 2026, starting at 1.30pm.

22, this date