FAQS - Dulwich Prep & Senior
Source: https://dulwichprepsenior.org.uk/admissions/admissions/faqs
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:22
FAQS - Dulwich Prep & Senior
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FAQS
FAQS
Assessments
All assessments are conducted individually or in groups and are as informal as possible. The majority take place between January and March, with 4+ and 13+ taking place in November.
Bursaries
We offer a limited number of means-tested bursaries to new applicants to the school who would otherwise not be able to come to Dulwich Prep & Senior. The award of a bursary is first determined by academic assessment. In addition, there is an application form to establish the appropriate level of financial support. Documentary evidence will form part of the evaluation process. Bursaries are reviewed annually and may be adjusted or introduced if parents’ circumstances change during a pupil’s time at the school.
Entry Requirements
At Dulwich Prep & Senior, our primary aim is to educate and develop each pupil to the best of their ability. For this reason, we will look at a pupil’s academic potential, conduct and attitude when making admissions decisions, and we may request a reference from a pupil’s current school. We want to feel confident that every pupil will be happy and thrive within our school and that they will be able to access the curriculum. Our standard minimum for admission is above the average level of attainment for each age group, based on the National Curriculum. After registering an application for a place for their child, parents will be kept fully informed by the Admissions team on the progress of the admissions process.
Equal Opportunities
Dulwich Prep & Senior is committed to a policy of equal opportunity in its admissions practices.
Flexi-Boarding
This provision is an extension to our existing wraparound care offer (@38), with 12 beds to support families with boys in Years 3 to 8 who may, for example, need to be away for work during the week or care for a relative. It also allows us to provide the boys with a taster of boarding should you be considering it as a senior school option. Flexi-boarding is available Monday to Thursday and is closed Friday night and the weekends.
Middle School Awards
The Adkins Sports Award recognises and celebrates drive and participation in non-curriculum sports. The Middle School Music Award honours and recognises an individual child’s desire to succeed in music and promotes musicianship inside and outside the school. The awards offer a 5% fee discount for the duration of a pupil’s time in Middle School to support broadening interests for children preparing for their move into senior education. Both existing and prospective pupils are eligible to apply.
Other Charges
There are very few extra charges. However, the fees for individual music lessons will be invoiced directly by peripatetic music teachers at a rate of £25.50 per lesson . In addition, certain voluntary co-curricular clubs and activities attract charges according to the activity involved. Any school trips which take place during the holidays are charged separately.
Overseas Applicants
We welcome applications from overseas pupils and can arrange for an assessment to be carried out at a prospective pupil’s current school where appropriate. To cope with the academic and social demands of the school, pupils must be fluent English speakers. Usually, pupils should have been educated in English for at least one year before joining the school. We do not teach English as an additional language and are unable to support Tier 4 visa applications.
Payment of Fees
Fees are due in full no later than the first day of the term to which they relate. They can be paid by direct debit, direct bank transfer, or cheque. We accept childcare vouchers for children under the age of 5 for fees, Clubs, and our Extended Day Provision. After the age of five, childcare vouchers can only be used towards paid Clubs and Wraparound Care (@38). Please be aware that we do not participate in the Government’s 30-hour free childcare scheme.
Payment of Fees in Advance
The school operates a scheme which enables a capital sum to be paid in advance to meet school fees. A small discount may be available depending on the prevailing bank interest rate. Further details may be obtained from the Bursary.
Progression
Most of our pupils’ progress from one section of the school to the next; we do not have any internal tests to determine whether or not they may continue at the school. The only exception to this is our Fledgling Boys, who will undergo an internal 4+ assessment as we do not assess for 2+ entry. However, in certain circumstances where a child is not able to access the curriculum, we may recommend that another school would be more appropriate. In these circumstances, the school and parents work in partnership to find a school where the child can thrive.
Registration Fee & Deposit
A registration fee of £180 or £250 if overseas (inc VAT) is payable upon submission of the Registration Form. The offer of a place at the school is conditional on the return of the signed Acceptance Form, the Contract for Educational Services, and the payment of a deposit of £1,850 (for a Prep place) or £3,500 (for a Senior place). This deposit will be set against the final fee account but is otherwise non-refundable.
Sibling Discounts
A small discount is included on invoices for siblings with three or more children at the school.
Sibling Policy
Many siblings join us, and we welcome them wherever possible. However, sibling admission is not automatic, and we may recommend a different school environment if we feel that would be in the child’s best interests.
Termly Fees
School fees are reviewed annually. The school reserves the right to increase fees whenever necessary but will always give at least a term’s notice of any fee increase unless exceptional circumstances make this impracticable. Fees cover normal curriculum tuition, most clubs and activities, and lunches. In Years 3 to 8, fees also cover the cost of one residential trip each year.
Transport System
Our transport system is another example of our desire to help parents meet the demands of increasingly busy family and working lives. We organise a walking bus to alleviate congestion at drop-off time. We also have an arrangement that allows our pupils to join the Foundation Schools’ Coach Service organised by Dulwich College, Alleyn’s, and JAGS.
Wraparound Care
Increasing numbers of parents use our wraparound care provision called ‘@38’. Depending on age, pupils can be dropped off at school as early as 7.00am and collected as late as 7.30pm.
Skip to main content
Skip to footer
Admissions
Prospectus
Entry Procedures
Tours & Visits
Register & Apply
Life After DPS
Fees & Bursaries
Travel & Transport
Contact Admissions
FAQS
FAQS
Assessments
All assessments are conducted individually or in groups and are as informal as possible. The majority take place between January and March, with 4+ and 13+ taking place in November.
Bursaries
We offer a limited number of means-tested bursaries to new applicants to the school who would otherwise not be able to come to Dulwich Prep & Senior. The award of a bursary is first determined by academic assessment. In addition, there is an application form to establish the appropriate level of financial support. Documentary evidence will form part of the evaluation process. Bursaries are reviewed annually and may be adjusted or introduced if parents’ circumstances change during a pupil’s time at the school.
Entry Requirements
At Dulwich Prep & Senior, our primary aim is to educate and develop each pupil to the best of their ability. For this reason, we will look at a pupil’s academic potential, conduct and attitude when making admissions decisions, and we may request a reference from a pupil’s current school. We want to feel confident that every pupil will be happy and thrive within our school and that they will be able to access the curriculum. Our standard minimum for admission is above the average level of attainment for each age group, based on the National Curriculum. After registering an application for a place for their child, parents will be kept fully informed by the Admissions team on the progress of the admissions process.
Equal Opportunities
Dulwich Prep & Senior is committed to a policy of equal opportunity in its admissions practices.
Flexi-Boarding
This provision is an extension to our existing wraparound care offer (@38), with 12 beds to support families with boys in Years 3 to 8 who may, for example, need to be away for work during the week or care for a relative. It also allows us to provide the boys with a taster of boarding should you be considering it as a senior school option. Flexi-boarding is available Monday to Thursday and is closed Friday night and the weekends.
Middle School Awards
The Adkins Sports Award recognises and celebrates drive and participation in non-curriculum sports. The Middle School Music Award honours and recognises an individual child’s desire to succeed in music and promotes musicianship inside and outside the school. The awards offer a 5% fee discount for the duration of a pupil’s time in Middle School to support broadening interests for children preparing for their move into senior education. Both existing and prospective pupils are eligible to apply.
Other Charges
There are very few extra charges. However, the fees for individual music lessons will be invoiced directly by peripatetic music teachers at a rate of £25.50 per lesson . In addition, certain voluntary co-curricular clubs and activities attract charges according to the activity involved. Any school trips which take place during the holidays are charged separately.
Overseas Applicants
We welcome applications from overseas pupils and can arrange for an assessment to be carried out at a prospective pupil’s current school where appropriate. To cope with the academic and social demands of the school, pupils must be fluent English speakers. Usually, pupils should have been educated in English for at least one year before joining the school. We do not teach English as an additional language and are unable to support Tier 4 visa applications.
Payment of Fees
Fees are due in full no later than the first day of the term to which they relate. They can be paid by direct debit, direct bank transfer, or cheque. We accept childcare vouchers for children under the age of 5 for fees, Clubs, and our Extended Day Provision. After the age of five, childcare vouchers can only be used towards paid Clubs and Wraparound Care (@38). Please be aware that we do not participate in the Government’s 30-hour free childcare scheme.
Payment of Fees in Advance
The school operates a scheme which enables a capital sum to be paid in advance to meet school fees. A small discount may be available depending on the prevailing bank interest rate. Further details may be obtained from the Bursary.
Progression
Most of our pupils’ progress from one section of the school to the next; we do not have any internal tests to determine whether or not they may continue at the school. The only exception to this is our Fledgling Boys, who will undergo an internal 4+ assessment as we do not assess for 2+ entry. However, in certain circumstances where a child is not able to access the curriculum, we may recommend that another school would be more appropriate. In these circumstances, the school and parents work in partnership to find a school where the child can thrive.
Registration Fee & Deposit
A registration fee of £180 or £250 if overseas (inc VAT) is payable upon submission of the Registration Form. The offer of a place at the school is conditional on the return of the signed Acceptance Form, the Contract for Educational Services, and the payment of a deposit of £1,850 (for a Prep place) or £3,500 (for a Senior place). This deposit will be set against the final fee account but is otherwise non-refundable.
Sibling Discounts
A small discount is included on invoices for siblings with three or more children at the school.
Sibling Policy
Many siblings join us, and we welcome them wherever possible. However, sibling admission is not automatic, and we may recommend a different school environment if we feel that would be in the child’s best interests.
Termly Fees
School fees are reviewed annually. The school reserves the right to increase fees whenever necessary but will always give at least a term’s notice of any fee increase unless exceptional circumstances make this impracticable. Fees cover normal curriculum tuition, most clubs and activities, and lunches. In Years 3 to 8, fees also cover the cost of one residential trip each year.
Transport System
Our transport system is another example of our desire to help parents meet the demands of increasingly busy family and working lives. We organise a walking bus to alleviate congestion at drop-off time. We also have an arrangement that allows our pupils to join the Foundation Schools’ Coach Service organised by Dulwich College, Alleyn’s, and JAGS.
Wraparound Care
Increasing numbers of parents use our wraparound care provision called ‘@38’. Depending on age, pupils can be dropped off at school as early as 7.00am and collected as late as 7.30pm.