7 Plus Dulwich College Guide

A Guide to 7 Plus Dulwich College Entrance Exam

Dulwich College is one of London’s leading independent schools for boys, known for its academic rigor, extensive extracurricular offerings, and strong pastoral care. Located in Dulwich, the school provides a dynamic and well-rounded educational experience that nurtures intellectual curiosity and character development. The 7 Plus entrance to Dulwich College is a highly competitive process, with the school placing a strong emphasis on academic excellence, particularly in Mathematics. While historically a key entry point for new pupils, the expansion of DUCKS at 4 Plus has led to a reduced intake at 7 Plus, making entry even more selective. There are usually 40-45 places available for boys each year to start Year Two. The extra bonus for successful candidates at the 7 Plus is that they usually receive an ‘all through offer’, meaning entry to Dulwich College Senior School is usually guaranteed, unless unforeseen circumstances arise.

Applying for 7 Plus at Dulwich College

With a limited number of places available at 7 Plus (40-45 boys), admission to Dulwich College is extremely competitive. The school prioritises applicants who demonstrate high academic ability, with a particular focus on strong numerical skills. The selection process ensures that those offered places are well-suited to the school’s challenging and engaging learning environment.

7 Plus Dulwich College Exam Format

The 7 Plus Dulwich College exam involves a Stage One and a Stage Two assessment and a review of the boy’s most recent school report.

First Round Assessment

This involves an online assessment and some short written assessments in English and Maths.

• Mathematics – The most heavily weighted subject, with a strong emphasis on problem-solving, number fluency, multi-step word problems, and reasoning-based questions.
• English – Tests comprehension skills, vocabulary, grammar, and creative writing ability.
• Reasoning – Includes verbal, non-verbal and spatial reasoning to assess logical thinking and pattern recognition.

Second Round Assessment

• Individual interview – Twenty minutes with a member of the Senior Leadership Team.
• Group Exercises – Provides an opportunity for children to take part in typical lessons, break time and lunchtime to showcase their social abilities, teamwork skills, and communication. There is usually also a group task for the children to participate in.

Mathematics Focus – What the 7+ Dulwich College Exam Looks For 

Dulwich College places particular importance on mathematical ability at 7 Plus. The exam features advanced numerical reasoning questions and problem-solving challenges that require strong conceptual understanding and fluency. Applicants must be confident in mental arithmetic, multi-step problem-solving, and applying mathematical concepts to real-world scenarios.

Academic Expectations – Mastering Key Concepts

Despite sitting the exam in January of Year 2, applicants must demonstrate mastery of many Year 3 curriculum topics, particularly in Mathematics and Reasoning. Children should have a strong grasp of:

• Number bonds, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
• Fractions, decimals, and place value.
• Problem-solving techniques, including logical reasoning and multi-step calculations.
• Spatial awareness and pattern recognition in non-verbal reasoning tasks.

Challenges for State School Applicants

Given the high academic expectations, children coming from state schools may find the 7 Plus process particularly challenging, compared to independent prep schools that teach beyond the National Curriculum. We recommend structured preparation from an early age, ideally through a pre-prep school such as The Villa, Herne Hill, and DUCKs, which align with the academic demands of independent school entrance exams.

How to Prepare for the 7 Plus Dulwich College Exam

To maximise success, a structured preparation plan is essential. Key preparation strategies include:

• Strengthening problem-solving and numerical fluency in Mathematics, ensuring children can tackle multi-step problems quickly and accurately.
• Enhancing comprehension and creative writing skills to excel in the English assessments.
• Regularly practicing Reasoning exercises to develop speed and accuracy.
• Encouraging independent thinking and confident communication for interviews and group activities.

When to Begin Preparation – A Long-Term Approach

The most successful applicants begin preparation well in advance. Most families start structured learning from Reception, although many families begin the year before, in the last year of Nursery. By half way through Year One children should be comfortable working on Year Two and early Year Three material, to ensure they meet the high expectations of Dulwich College’s assessment process. To support, we offer 7 Plus weekend schools in Hampstead and Dulwich, individual tuition, holiday courses, mock exams, group tasks and interview practice, throughout Reception, Year One and the first term of Year Two. If you would like to start earlier, please see our Pre-School Programme.

How Mentor Education Can Support Your Child

At Mentor Education, we specialise in preparing children for the 7+ Dulwich College entry process. Our bespoke support includes expert one-on-one tuition, mock exams, interview coaching, and holiday courses to develop essential skills and build confidence. Our structured approach ensures students are fully equipped to tackle the competitive exam process. All the educators that teach on our 7 Plus programme are fully qualified teachers who have in addition completed our twelve step CPD course on 7 Plus Assessments.

Next Steps – Get in Touch 

If Dulwich College is your preferred school and you would like expert guidance on preparing your child, our team at Mentor Education is ready to assist. Contact us today to learn how we can help your child achieve success in the 7 Plus Dulwich College admissions process.

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