A Complete Guide to Dulwich College 7+ Entry: How to Secure a Place for Your Child
Securing a place at Dulwich College is an ambition for many families, and with its outstanding academic reputation, it’s no surprise that the school’s 7+ (Year 3) entry is highly sought after. The Junior School offers the largest intake at 7+, with competition expected to intensify due to the specific intake from the Dulwich College Infant School (Ducks). If you’re hoping for your child to secure a spot, it’s essential to understand the admissions process, key dates, and how to help your child prepare for the 7+ assessments.
What to Expect in the Dulwich College 7+ Admissions Process
The 7+ entry process at Dulwich College is divided into two stages:
Stage 1 Assessment
Applicants will complete online assessments in small groups as well as some short assessments of writing and maths. The online assessments will be completed on desktops with a keyboard and mouse.
Stage 2 Assessment
Applicants who have shown sufficient promise in the assessments will be invited back in January for a one-to-one interview with a member of Junior School staff. During this assessment stage, we will assess their literacy, numeracy and offer applicants the opportunity to work with others, showing their interest and aptitude for learning.
It is worth noting that the majority of Year 3 (7+) applicants who are successful in our entry procedure will be working at a teacher assessment of Greater Depth by the end of their Infant or Pre-Prep school or achieving standardised scores >120.
Decisions on an applicant’s suitability will be based on their online assessment results, their attainment and potential in literacy and numeracy, the one-to-one interview, their approach to learning as demonstrated throughout their time with us, and their school report.
Key Dates and Timeline for Dulwich College 7+ Entry
- Stage One: This takes place before the Christmas holidays and involves online reasoning tests, maths, and creative writing.
- Stage Two: Held early in January, by invitation only, for those who pass Stage One. This includes further testing, an interview, and group activities.
- Offers: Offers are sent out to successful candidates in early February.
How to Prepare for the Dulwich College 7+ Entry
To maximise your child’s chances of success, early and focused preparation is crucial. Here are some steps you can take to help them get ready for the 7+ assessment:
- Familiarise with the Test Format: Understanding the different types of questions in the reasoning and maths tests can help your child feel more confident.
- Maths Practice: Ensure your child is comfortable with the maths concepts appropriate for their age. Practice problem-solving and reasoning regularly.
- Creative Writing: Encourage your child to practise writing creatively, which will help them express their thoughts clearly and engagingly.
- Critical Thinking and Group Work: Engage in activities that require collaboration, such as puzzles or games that encourage problem-solving and teamwork.
Final Thoughts on Dulwich College 7+ Entry
Gaining a place at Dulwich College at 7+ is a competitive but achievable goal. By understanding the admissions process, knowing what to expect in the assessments, and providing your child with the tools they need to succeed, you can give them the best chance at securing a place.
With the intake from Dulwich College Ducks, the competition for 7+ places will only get tougher in the coming years, so starting early and preparing thoroughly is key to navigating this challenging but rewarding process.
Destination Schools: What Happens After 7+ at Dulwich College?
One of the key benefits of attending Dulwich College Junior School is that students have automatic entry into the Senior School. However, they still need to sit the entrance exams alongside other external applicants.
How can the Happy Scholar help your child prepare for the Dulwich College 7+ exams?
We are proud to have a remarkable track record of helping 7+ candidates secure places at Dulwich College. It is a school we know extremely well and have personal links with, giving us invaluable insight into the admissions process and what to expect in the exam.
Our 7+ tutors are experienced Key Stage 1 specialists who understand that every child learns at a different pace and will have various levels of maturity. With plenty of patience and care, they will create a supportive and encouraging environment for your child to thrive and explore topics. Our tutors will nurture a positive “can-do” attitude, helping your child feel confident and wanting to give their best. Each lesson is tailored to your child’s needs, building good learning habits, while also focusing on the specific entrance requirements of your target schools. At this age it is so important to make the 7+ journey an enlightening and stress-free experience.
You can find some 7+ school sample papers below:
Magdelen College School 7+ Paper
North London Collegiate School 7+ English Paper
North London Collegiate School 7+ Maths Paper
Westminster Cathedral Choir School 7+ Maths Paper
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