Dulwich College
Junior School
Junior Prospectus
From the Master
Welcome to the Junior School; I hope that you enjoy learning more about life at the College. Pupils in our younger years enjoy tremendous support, attention and care. We work hard to help them feel known, valued, happy and confident. We also wish to give them experiences and skills that support them for the rest of their lives.
We see DUCKS and our Junior School as some of the most vibrant and important parts of College life. These initial years are the early stages of many pupils' and families' connection with us. They set the foundation for their lives as young Alleynians; we wish them to be fun, memorable and valuable.
We aim to be as accessible and welcoming as possible and hope you will feel our community might suit you and your child.
Since 1619, thousands of pupils, colleagues, parents and governors have been valued members of the College. During this time, we have evolved and adapted, yet core characteristics remain and thrive. Dulwich pupils have always shown a balance of humility, confidence, and ambition; they have a passion for learning, conversation, and inquiry. They wish to be part of clubs, teams, orchestras, societies – in all shapes and sizes; they like to represent their College through initiatives, in collaborations and in competition; and, they care about each other, and the world around them.
As well as embodying these characteristics, our pupils, colleagues and governors wish to positively shape the College through their actions, thoughts and achievements, sustaining its relevance and ensuring its local, national and international benefit for as many people as possible.
The College's scale, heritage and structure helps in so many ways. It inspires our pupils, provides a pathway and enables them to explore and take up wide-ranging opportunities. They invariably discover new talents and become part of something far greater than themselves. This vital balance between each pupil's personal life, the sense of being known, cared for and understood, whilst also being part of a thriving and broad community, with clearly-defined values and aims, is what makes Dulwich a special place.
I very much doubt that we could find two pupils, past or present, whose experience of the College is truly the same in every way, nor have I met two pupils who are completely alike in personality or passions. I hope, however, that every pupil feels happy, that they feel valued – for their attitudes, actions and endeavours, above all else – and that they enjoy a sense of momentum in all that they do. I hope they all know we wish them every success and happiness and they feel proud to be Alleynians wherever they go.
If you would like to come and visit us, or learn more about us, please contact a member of our Admissions team. We look forward to meeting you soon.
Mr Robert Milne
Master
Welcome
At Dulwich College Junior School, we seek to create a stimulating environment in which boys can enjoy learning. Every boy is treated as an individual and encouraged to develop his own talents and abilities to the full. It is vital that our boys feel good about themselves as learners, as people and as part of a community, and we work hard to nurture a positive, challenging and happy atmosphere.
The Junior School is an integral part of Dulwich College, sharing the same aims and values but having the distinctive and special qualities of a Junior School. Our boys are bright, interesting and full of boundless enthusiasm for the opportunities around them. We provide pupils with an academically challenging curriculum while also encouraging them to explore their creative potential through Music, Drama and Art. As well as the many sporting opportunities the College provides, we have an extensive co-curricular programme to help boys develop and pursue their own interests and talents.
As teachers, our work begins by nurturing the boys’ qualities and skills which have been fostered at home. We believe in working with you to encourage your child to achieve high academic standards, to be confident, courteous, responsible and independent. We will help to instil a sense of right and wrong, respect for others and self-discipline.
Please explore our website to discover more about life in the Junior School and where you will find our page Equality and Respect with details of our plans for the future. If you think this might be the right school for your son, we warmly invite you to visit us and look forward to meeting you.
Dr Toby Griffiths
Head of Junior School, Dulwich College
The Dulwich Spirit
Through school activities our son has discovered strengths he didn’t know he had, and due to the inclusive ethos, has had the opportunity to join in and develop in areas that he finds more challenging.
The Dulwich Spirit
Dulwich College has established a tradition of inspired learning, genuine scholarship and free thinking. We describe the Junior School as a place where boys can ‘be and do everything’, where they will be challenged inside and outside the classroom, and where they can have fun and play. Access to so many opportunities means that boys know how it feels to ‘be’ a scientist, an actor, a mathematician, a rugby player, a singer, a philosopher and more.
There is a warm and vibrant atmosphere here and we encourage boys to participate in all aspects of school life. By the time they move on to the Lower School, pupils will have been given the chance to explore, to be curious and to ask questions. We want to motivate our boys to take ownership of their learning, helping them to build a solid foundation for life in the Senior School and beyond.
The Junior School
There are around 220 boys in the Junior School. Most join us at seven years old (Year 3) but we also have a small number of places at 8+ (Year 4) and 9+ (Year 5). We are academically selective and celebrate the diverse range of schools and backgrounds from which our pupils come.
“Superb academics, a ‘join in’ attitude and a heart of gold – what better way for your son to start his Dulwich adventure?”
Good Schools Guide
The Dulwich Campus
The Dulwich Campus
The Junior School is a bright, purpose-built building situated within the College’s 70 acres of leafy grounds and extensive facilities. We are a ‘small school in a big College’. This gives the boys the best of both worlds: a safe and nurturing environment from which to venture forth and enjoy the benefits of a larger school.
The College campus is continually evolving, its historic buildings combining with contemporary space. The Laboratory is our most ambitious building project since the completion of the Barry Buildings in 1870. Its exhibition and performance area make it a place in which the whole College and the wider community are able to come together, as well as a home for boys to embark on their own adventures in Science.
Teaching and Learning
A commitment to teaching and effective learning lies at the heart of all that we do. We teach our boys the skills that will stand them in good stead when they move to the Lower School in Year 7. As well as acquiring knowledge, we want them to learn how to engage in critical thinking, to be able to organise themselves, be confident and articulate, to take responsibility for their own learning and to be aspirational.
The Curriculum
In Years 3 and 4, boys receive most of their teaching from their Form Teachers. They are also taught by specialist staff for French, Art, Design Technology, Music and Games. While Form Teachers play an essential role in the boys’ holistic education, from Year 5 pupils are increasingly taught by subject specialist staff. We believe that teaching Junior School pupils is a specialist area itself and children are best taught by those who understand the specific needs of this age group.
Boys are taught Mathematics, English, History, Geography, Religious Studies, Science, French, Art, Design Technology, Music, IT, PE, Games, Swimming, Drama, Dance and Wellbeing.
Read all about it
With a full-time Librarian and a stock of over 8,000 books and audiobooks, the Junior School Library is open from 8.30am-5pm. The Library is at the heart of the school, whether hosting lunchtime Year 3 storytelling where boys can relax as they are read a story aloud, or Year 6 Book Club for those who enjoy talking about books and making recommendations to each other. The Library supports the boys’ learning by providing opportunities for research, (both online and through the huge book collections), assisting in the development of information-handling skills and promoting a reading culture throughout the school.
Lessons are planned to encourage boys to be active participants in the learning process. We want boys to think confidently for themselves and to be excited about coming to school.
Academic Enrichment
I love how every lesson is filled with an extra challenge that is fun and interesting.
Academic Enrichment
Academic Enrichment is central to the ethos of the Junior School and the College as a whole. This is learning that is free from a syllabus, free from teaching just to the test, and free to challenge pupils about thinking for its own sake. It is fed by intellectual curiosity, often supported by the interest and enthusiasm of a teacher, and takes place both within-subject lessons and without.
All our pupils are ambitious academically, and we want each to find their areas of interest. Challenges, projects, investigations and problem-solving are built into our curriculum and enriched by a range of trips, visits, workshops and performances.
The Junior School Symposium, a joint venture with our sister school JAGS Junior School and Dulwich Wood Primary School, is a full day of Academic Enrichment that focuses on discovery, encompassing the physical, creative, cognitive, scientific and mathematical. The aim of the day is for every child to experience something new, exploring themes such as Empathy, Colour, Movement, Our World, Pattern & Chaos, and Time.
The Junior School also takes part in the school-wide Dulwich Academic Enrichment Weeks. Each year, this includes Mental Health Awareness Week, International Women’s Day, DC PRIDE Month, Black History Month and Eco Week, where boys completed a trash to treasure challenge, took part in recycling relays, and explored the College’s sustainability initiatives during an orienteering session.
The culmination of our Academic Enrichment programme in the Junior School is our Year 6 Great Exhibition where each boy completes a large project, made up of smaller mini projects, based on a question around UN global goals. Recent topics include racism in sport, sexism in the workplace, coral bleaching, and homelessness in London. Each project has an ‘action’ such as a petition, charity fundraising or letter to an MP, and is part of an exhibition to which parents and the whole school is invited.
Wellbeing
The ethos of the entire staff is amazing, “be kind, be kind, be kind” is instilled in the boys and helps give them a good foundation for the future.
Wellbeing
Our Wellbeing programme underpins school life. As well as curricular Wellbeing lessons, assemblies are often used to promote Wellbeing topics such as living a healthy lifestyle, empathy, consent, World Mental Health Day, resilience and making good choices.
Every Friday, within our celebration assembly, leaves are added to our kindness tree when boys nominate each other for acts of kindness. The kindness tree – built specially for us by the Upper School DT club – takes pride of place in the Junior School Hall and is integral to our ethos.
All boys have one 55 minute lesson dedicated to Wellbeing, and this is often supplemented with further discussion in form period time. The Wellbeing curriculum comprises three strands: Health and Wellbeing; Relationships and Emotional Wellbeing; and Living in the Wider World. Lessons are tailored to the needs of the year group or class but common themes are repeated throughout the Junior School, often relating to the Junior School values. Each year group marks Safer Internet Day and anti-bullying week annually through special lessons and activities, and with a special assembly. Wellbeing lessons are a vehicle to: improve speaking and listening skills; extend powers of concentration; enhance relationships; to encourage respect and value each other’s differences; develop confidence and self-esteem; to support the boys as they learn to be kind, not only to each other, but also to themselves; to establish a sense of community and to have fun.
Boys can talk to any adult in the Junior School if they would like to discuss a worry and there is a post box in every classroom, as well as outside the Deputy Head’s office, for boys to seek support if they are finding it difficult to begin the conversation. Due to the close relationship between boys and their Form Teachers, most concerns are dealt with quickly by them. The extensive wellbeing team also includes year group Co-ordinators, Housemasters, the Deputy Head Pastoral and Operations, the Chaplain, Medical Centre staff, and the College Counselling Team, who can meet with boys individually or provide advice or support to parents or teachers should a particular issue arise.
The Creative Arts
Engaging in the Arts is a vital part of the College’s philosophy and we ensure Junior School boys can explore and develop their creative potential, whether it is in an art studio, a music room or the Edward Alleyn Theatre.
Art & Design Technology are essential pillars of a well-rounded education, sparking imagination, building confidence, and encouraging independent thought.
Art
In Art lessons, pupils are inspired by a rich variety of artists and movements from across history and cultures. They explore how ideas and emotions are communicated through different materials and styles, using this understanding as a springboard for their own creative experimentation. From painting and drawing to textiles and 3D media, pupils are encouraged to express themselves freely while developing essential techniques and artistic skills.
Design Technology
Design Technology lessons are equally vibrant and hands-on. Pupils are taught to use tools safely and effectively, exploring materials such as wood, plastics, and card to bring their ideas to life. They engage with real-world design briefs that challenge their thinking and foster problem-solving. From learning about strong joints and joining techniques to incorporating electronics into their models, children work both independently and collaboratively to explore, design, and build. These subjects provide the perfect opportunity for children to develop resilience, innovation, and teamwork – all while having a great time creating and inventing!
Clubs
Learning in Art & DT does not stop at the classroom door. Pupils are given the chance to further explore their creativity through a range of exciting optional clubs with a strong Art or Design Technology focus. These clubs offer hands-on, imaginative experiences that build on classroom skills in fun and engaging ways. Past clubs have included sewing, junk modelling, bookbinding, and puppet making – all designed to encourage curiosity, problem-solving, and self-expression.
Music
Music plays a vital role in life at the Junior School. Every week, all pupils enjoy a dedicated curriculum music lesson and a year group singing session, with an additional instrumental scheme lesson for pupils in Years 3 and 4. A wide range of musical opportunities is available including large ensembles for instrumentalists, choirs, and chamber music groups such as percussion ensemble, guitar group and string quartets.
Many pupils choose to take individual music lessons on a weekly basis and we host concerts each term to allow pupils to showcase their talents and perform for their friends and families.
Drama, Dance & Performance
All boys in the Junior School participate in regular class assemblies and perform in a year group play or drama event at multiple points in their Junior School careers. Year 6 recently visited the West End for an inspirational performance of Oliver! ahead of their own production in the Edward Alleyn Theatre. Previous Year 6 productions have included ‘Beauty and the Beast’, ‘The Jungle Book’ and ‘The Lion King‘.
All classes are taught dance as part of the curriculum with the College’s full-time Dance teacher. LAMDA speech and drama classes are available as a co-curricular option with classes at breaktime or after school. LAMDA gives boys an appreciation of poetry, prose and play text and a chance to develop their communication and performance skills.
Physical Education and Games
The opportunities and encouragement are endless. The platform to be successful and experiment, fantastic.
Physical Education and Games
With 70 acres of grounds, a PE Centre, tennis and squash courts, a swimming pool and a boat-house on the Thames, there is plenty of Games provision at the College.
The Junior School has an inclusive ethos. We believe each boy should have the chance to experience a range of games and to play in a team, in an atmosphere which seeks to encourage good sportsmanship and a healthier lifestyle through physical activity. During the Michaelmas term, the programme contains hockey and football, while football is played in the Lent term and cricket and athletics take place in the Summer term. There are swimming lessons throughout the year.
In every year group there are many opportunities for all boys to compete in matches against other schools in all the major sports. Boys are also entered for local and national competitions and have enjoyed numerous triumphs in rugby, hockey, football, cricket, and swimming. We regard sport as part of the boys’ overall wellbeing; it contributes to their fitness, their ability to work in a team and their capacity to deal with both success and failure with good grace.
Residential Trips
The Wales trips are so much fun because there are so many different activities to do. We learn so many new things and have different opportunities. It’s also a great way to bond with new and old friends.
Residential Trips
A core part of the Curriculum at the Junior School is our programme of residential trips. By spending time away from home and in a new environment, pupils can develop their independence, confidence and resilience, as well as strengthen their bonds with their friends. On these trips, boys learn life skills, such as being responsible for their own belongings, stepping out of their comfort zone, and learning to live happily with others. They are encouraged to work collaboratively with their peers and engage in activities that challenge them physically and mentally. Most of all, these trips provide great fun for the boys; they take away memories that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.
For Year 3, their first residential trip is a significant milestone. The whole year group spend two days and one night at Hindleap Warren, an outdoor adventure centre in East Sussex. Here pupils have the opportunity to participate in a range of outdoor activities that both challenge and exhilarate! Pupils can push their limits with high ropes, climb and scramble over obstacles, learn bushcraft skills and, significantly, develop their teamwork skills and forge new friendships.
All boys in Years 4, 5 and 6 have their residentials at the College’s Outdoor Centre in Wales. While at the Outdoor Centre, boys take part in a carefully planned programme of activities, which builds as the pupils get older. These trips are a unique opportunity for boys to explore and connect with nature, and immerse themselves in the beautiful setting of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Canoeing, horse riding, climbing, coasteering, caving and orienteering are all on the activity roster over the three years. One of the highlights is an annual mountain walk, allowing boys to navigate their way through the stunning landscape.
Co-curricular Activities
Over 70 clubs run each term at the Junior School, allowing pupils to explore their passions and interests outside the classroom. We offer an extensive selection of clubs catering to different hobbies, talents, and skills, and the programme of activities is regularly adapted to keep pace with the boys’ diverse and evolving interests.
Whether pupils are passionate about sports, music, drama, creative arts, film, history, computing, or languages, they will find a club that captures their interest and encourages them to grow. Our clubs and ensembles are led by dedicated and experienced teachers who guide students in developing teamwork, leadership, communication skills, and creativity. We encourage all students to take part in at least two clubs a week and take advantage of these opportunities to enhance their learning experiences, meet new friends, and broaden their horizons. Clubs run for half an hour at lunchtime and for an hour after school and include Home Learning Club and after school care until 6pm every day.
Our Community
An awareness of the needs of others and an appreciation of the capacity to help are both actively promoted through the charity fundraising and ‘service learning’ that takes place at the Junior school. Through our Wellbeing programme, which has Community Action as part of the curriculum, we aim to ensure that the boys experience giving back to the community and give their time, as well as fundraise.
House System
On entry to the Junior School, each pupil will be placed in one of eight Day Houses where he will remain throughout his time at the College. As part of his induction, he will be paired up with an older boy from his House who will act as his ‘buddy’.
House points
Each House is looked after by a Housemaster who is a member of staff from the Junior School, and Year 6 pupils act as House Captains. Pupils earn House points for good work and effort in the classroom and House Commendations are awarded for particularly impressive effort or achievement in any of the individual House competitions which take place throughout the year. Pupils may also be awarded their House Half Colours or Full Colours for making a significant contribution to their House over a sustained period of time.
House meetings
House meetings take place approximately every fortnight and, once a term, pupils will attend a whole College House Meeting with pupils from Year 3 to Year 13. This helps to create a strong and cohesive community in which all boys are known and valued.
House Competitions
A wide range of House competitions are held throughout the year which reflects a spread of cultural and sporting events. This includes Cross Country, Art and Design Technology, Creative Writing, Rugby, Music, Public Speaking, Pancake Racing, Chess, Dance and Photography, as well as many others. We also start each academic year with a House Teambuilding Day, where boys tackle physical, mental and practical challenges. This provides the boys with the opportunity to work co-operatively, to recognise the contribution of others and to utilise their own strengths for the good of their team, which is an invaluable part of the House system.
Community Action
Each year group undertakes a separate Community Action project: Year 3s learn about visual impairment and fundraise for Guide Dogs for the Blind; Year 4 learn about poverty and they take food donations to Brixton and West Norwood Foodbank; Year 5s learn about the elderly and host a Community Christmas tea party for residents of local care homes; and Year 6 support Spring Community Hub, a crisis support service in Camberwell, by creating and coordinating fete-like stalls and fundraising at our College Service Day. We feel that it is vital that our boys begin to understand their place within the community and that they appreciate the positive impact that their actions and words can have on the wider world.
There are a wide range of additional charitable causes which are supported at various other points of the school year. An effort is made to strike a balance between larger national charities and those supporting people close to our own community in south-east London. Sometimes we will support charities that resonate particularly well with the Junior School age group and at other times we will join with the full Dulwich College school community and jointly support a common cause. Charities supported over the last couple of years include: Magic Breakfast, Spring Community Hub, The Uganda School Project, The Children’s Book Project, Shelter and the Bursary Appeal Fund.
Beyond the Junior School
All the Junior School boys transfer to the Lower School (Years 7 and 8) and beyond. We prepare them for the same assessment that will be taken by external applicants in the January of Year 6 as a rite of passage.
By the time the boys leave us they will have experienced all the facets of their abilities; finding their own strengths and understanding their weaknesses. When they transfer, they will be encouraged to pursue their passions and talents and to set their own personal goals.
Contact Us
Further information on all aspects of the Junior School can be found on our website: dulwich.org.uk/junior-school.
For enquiries regarding admission, including arranging a visit, please contact:
Entry into Years 3 to 5 (ages 7, 8 and 9)
Mrs Cara Norfolk, Junior School Registrar
Telephone: +44 (0)20 8299 8432
Email: junioradmissions@dulwich.org.uk
Entry into Year 7 and Year 9 (ages 11 and 13)
Mrs Alison Williams and Mrs Polly Twisk, Registrars
Telephone: +44 (0)20 8299 9263
Email: the.registrar@dulwich.org.uk
Entry into Year 12 (age 16)
Mrs Jo Foster, Upper School Registrar
Telephone: +44 (0)20 8299 9281
Email: upperschooladmissions@dulwich.org.uk
DUCKS co-educational Kindergarten and Infants’ School (ages 6 months to 7 years)
Mrs Jennifer Farnall, Infants’ School Registrar
Telephone: +44 (0)20 8693 1538
Email: ducks@dulwich.org.uk