At The Happy Scholar, we have expert 11 Plus tutors with a significant track record of helping students gain admission to Dulwich College, for both standard entry and scholarships. It is a school we are extremely familiar with, and entrance requirements are getting tougher every year. Having a clear plan is always a good idea. Having an experienced Dulwich College tutor on board who understands the school’s academic criteria and expectations will give your child the edge, and your peace of mind.

To make the admissions journey smoother for parents, we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to the Dulwich College 11 Plus exam. Here’s everything you need to know to set your child up for success.

Dulwich College: A Guide for Parents

Dulwich College is an esteemed boys’ school nestled in historic grounds in the heart of leafy South East London. Established in 1619, the school boasts a rich heritage, an impressive sporting legacy, and a distinguished network of alumni. In recent years academic levels have risen with over 10% of students offered places at Oxbridge.

With nearly 2,000 pupils, Dulwich College offers a range of educational opportunities, including both day and boarding options. External candidates can sit entry exams at various points, including 7 plus, 11 plus, 13 plus, and 16 plus, ensuring a pathway for ambitious students at different stages of their academic journey.

Dulwich College has a reputation for academic excellence, comprehensive extracurricular programs, and a supportive environment, and as a consequence attracts top candidates. To understand more about the admissions process, we have put together the following information guide.

Understanding the Dulwich College 11 Plus Entrance Exam

The Dulwich College 11 Plus entrance exam is designed to assess your child’s readiness for the school’s challenging curriculum. It’s divided into three main areas: English, Maths, and Verbal Reasoning.

1. English Exam
The English exam at Dulwich College is split into comprehension and creative writing sections:

• Comprehension: Students read a passage and respond to questions that assess understanding, analysis, and critical thinking. Questions may range from short to detailed answers, requiring your child to demonstrate their ability to interpret and engage with texts.
• Creative Writing: The writing task challenges students to develop a story based on a given prompt. This section tests their creativity, grammar, and ability to express ideas clearly. To help your child excel, encourage regular reading and practice creative writing prompts at home.

2. Maths Exam
The one-hour Maths test includes:

• Arithmetic and Problem-Solving: Beginning with straightforward calculations, the exam advances to word problems and reasoning tasks. This helps evaluate your child’s numerical proficiency and logical thought process.
• Non-Calculator Format: Since calculators are not permitted, strengthening mental math skills is essential. Practice daily with mental arithmetic and written exercises to ensure they’re prepared for this challenge.

3. Verbal Reasoning Exam
The 45-minute Verbal Reasoning test evaluates your child’s verbal aptitude and logical skills:

• Problem-Solving: This part includes language-based puzzles and logic questions that challenge students to find patterns and draw conclusions.
• Preparation Tip: Incorporate practice papers and engage your child in activities that improve their language and pattern recognition skills.

How to Prepare for the Dulwich College 11 Plus Exam

Preparing your child for the Dulwich College 11 Plus exam involves a balanced approach that covers all areas of the test while ensuring they remain confident and stress-free. It is a challenging 11 Plus exam and here are some essential tips to help you support your child throughout their preparation.

Enhance English and Writing Skills
Encouraging regular reading is key. Expose your child to a variety of books, articles, and classic literature to build their vocabulary, improve comprehension, and develop critical thinking. Practicing creative writing with prompts can strengthen their ability to organise and express ideas clearly, which in turn boosts their confidence in writing. Reviewing grammar and punctuation through regular exercises will also ensure their written work is accurate and well-structured, laying a strong foundation for success in the English section of the exam.

Strengthen Maths Skills
To build a solid mathematical foundation, make it a habit to review core math concepts regularly. Using practice worksheets and past exam papers under timed conditions will help your child become familiar with the format and manage their time effectively. Daily mental arithmetic practice is particularly important, as the non-calculator section requires speed and accuracy. This consistent practice will enhance your child’s problem-solving skills and mathematical confidence.

Boost Verbal Reasoning Abilities
Verbal reasoning is a crucial part of the 11 Plus exam, and practice with sample papers is highly recommended. Working through past papers and using online resources can help your child become familiar with common question types and formats. Incorporate timed practice sessions to improve their time management skills during the test. Engaging your child in activities and games that promote logical thinking and pattern recognition can also be beneficial for developing problem-solving abilities.

The Interview and Experience Day at Dulwich College

If your child passes the entrance exam, they’ll be invited for an interview and experience day in January. The Dulwich College 11+ interview is a crucial part of the admissions process, designed to evaluate not just academic ability but also a child’s character, interests, and suitability for the school. The interview typically involves a blend of academic, personal, and situational questions and activities that provide the admissions team with a well-rounded view of the candidate.

Academic questions often include discussions on subjects the child is passionate about, testing their depth of understanding and critical thinking skills. Problem-solving questions may be presented to assess logical reasoning and the ability to approach challenges effectively. Additionally, interviewers may ask general knowledge questions or discuss recent events to understand the child’s awareness of the world and interests.

Personal and social questions are used to gauge interpersonal skills, such as questions about handling disagreements or working as part of a team. These questions help interviewers understand how the child interacts with others and their emotional intelligence. Creative thinking is also assessed through scenario-based questions that challenge the child to think on their feet and solve problems in imaginative ways.

The interview may also include practical activities, such as group tasks and role-playing, which allow interviewers to observe communication, cooperation, and leadership skills in action. To prepare for the Dulwich College 11+ interview, it’s important for parents to help their child practice expressing their thoughts clearly, think critically, and be confident in their responses. Mock interviews can help them feel ready and relaxed during the real interview.

Tips for Parents: Supporting Your Child’s 11 Plus Preparation

• Start Early: The earlier you begin preparation, the more confident your child will feel when exam day arrives.
• Create a Balanced Study Plan: Ensure that all sections receive adequate attention. A well-rounded approach will strengthen your child’s overall performance.
• Simulate Real Exam Conditions: Use past papers and timed mock exams to build familiarity and reduce exam day anxiety.
• Prioritise Downtime: Balance study sessions with activities that your child enjoys. This will prevent burnout and keep them motivated throughout the preparation period.

Why Choose The Happy Scholar for Dulwich College 11 Plus Prep?

At The Happy Scholar, we have specialist Dulwich College tutors who achieve stellar results every year. A Dulwich College tutor will understand the nuances of the Dulwich College 11 Plus exam and will tailor lessons accordingly.

Please do get in touch if you would like to discuss how best we can support your child.