What is Alleyn's like?

Alleyn’s is a hugely impressive, co-educational day school in the leafy, affluent suburb of Dulwich in South East London. The school has a student population of just over 1000 in the senior school from age 11-18. There is a separate lower school building which houses all the Year 7 and Year 8 children, who are divided into classes of 25 and have their own form room in which a lot of teaching takes place. The students move around the wider school for some lessons, for example science and art, but have their own cosy base to go back to and also a separate playground.

Alleyn’s was originally founded as a school for 12 poor children in 1605, and has evolved to meet the needs of educating young people without losing its heart. The campus is a mixture of old and new, all blending together in a happy and purposeful atmosphere. There is an impressive theatre with two galleries and an equally impressive indoor swimming pool and large sports hall. The playing fields extend some way behind the school, so basically everything is on site. There is a brilliant DT department and the art produced by students is stunning.

Academically, Alleyn’s is strong and its public examination results regularly put it among the highest performing co-educational schools in London.

Would Alleyn’s suit my child?

Alleyn’s is an academically selective school and school life reflects this. Students are expected to work hard, show ambition and be intellectually curious.

How can I apply to Alleyn’s?

There are about 900 applications for around 150 places in Year 7, and students are selected on the basis of entrance tests in English Maths and Verbal Reasoning plus an interview and group activity. Alleyn’s is looking for all-rounders who are prepared to get stuck in and make the most of the opportunities the school has to offer. 

Alleyn’s admits a small number of pupils into their Sixth Form, entry to which is very competitive and based on an entrance exam and interviews.