Education for the future
We are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing primary and prep schools within the Weald of Kent. Our world is undergoing rapid change, and this is at the forefront of many parents’ thoughts when considering which school will best prepare their children for the future. Transferable skills, and a professional network, will be just as important as exam results for children as they move forward. So how do we choose the right environment for children, to best equip them for what is to come?
Established in 1939, Dulwich Prep Cranbrook is an example of how schools are taking a progressive approach to education, creating an environment where everything has been designed specifically to prepare children for their future. It was one of the first prep schools in the area to move to co-education in the 1970s, and now the school is embarking on an exciting new phase, which will see it become The Dulwich School Cranbrook, with its expansion up to GCSE.
There is a growing demand in the county for affordable, co-education senior schools, for up to GCSE level, as the number of children far exceeds the number of places available within local senior schools. Taking this into account, from September 2023, Dulwich will expand its senior school from Years 7 and 8 to include Year 9. The first Year 9 cohort will move through the school to be the first Year 11 students, taking GCSE examinations in the summer of 2026. From there, its pupils will be well-placed to make the most of the opportunities which abound for sixth form entry into other schools in both Kent and Sussex, across both the state and independent sectors.
‘We have seen the demand for a co-educational, independent senior school continue to grow in the area and are delighted to be able to extend our current offering. With investment from the Dulwich Preparatory Schools Trust, we are in the process of undergoing a major redevelopment scheme, to provide an unrivalled, modern space for senior students. This, combined with our focus on nurturing individual talent and passion, will give our pupils a truly unique senior education.’ – Paul David, Headmaster
Set within fifty acres of beautiful Kent countryside, Dulwich Cranbrook is a very special place. Children can attend as day pupils from 2.5 years old, or those aged 9 to 13 can take advantage of the school’s flexible boarding offer. As a Prep School, Dulwich has been praised for its focus on the individual, with parents noting the exceptional care given to their children while at school.
The Prep and Senior Schools sit on the same campus, each with its own distinct spaces and buildings. This allows parents the convenience of one location while also providing the senior students with the benefit of an independent setting. The Senior School building will include break-out study areas and social spaces – including the highly anticipated student café which will sit at the heart of the building, providing an informal space for students to relax and gather between lessons.
To celebrate the expansion, Dulwich Cranbrook is offering the first Year 9 students a 10% pioneers’ discount on fees of for all three years (9, 10 and 11). Not only that, but the fees for Years 9, 10 and 11 will match the fees of Years 7 and 8, keeping the fee structure incredibly competitive for the area.
