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In 1976, certain schools across the United Kingdom ran into an existential threat. The government was doing away with the direct grant funding program. The 179 schools under that program had a choice to make. Lose up to a quarter of their students whose education the program funded or go independent? Alleyn's School chose the latter path.
But they went so much farther than simply changing the school's status and welcoming female students. They established three separate schools: Dulwich College for boys and James Allen School (JAGS) for girls. Alleyn's School was coeducational from the start. What does this school have to offer?
- One of the largest Combined Cadet Forces (CCF) in England
- lots of extracurricular activities, including a survival training course in Northern Sweden
- an expansive Music and Drama program that puts on shows at the Michael Croft Theatre on-campus
- a sterling academic program that has turned out many illustrious alumni
It seems strange to gush about a school's features and activities. After all, isn't school meant for learning? Yes, but like Hurtwood House School has realised, learning isn't all academic. It takes all sorts of experiences to learn properly. Do you want to go to Alleyn’s School so you can experience this type of learning? We share the secret to admissions, exams and more in this article.
About Alleyn’s School
Alleyn’s School is an independent co-educational school for pupils aged four to eight years old. It is situated in Dulwich, London. This school was originally founded in 1619 by Elizabethan actor Edward Alleyn as Edward Alleyn’s College of God’s Gift. Alleyn’s School relocated to Townley Road in 1887. In 1976, the school's administrators fully integrated their co-educational program. Later, in 1992, they opened the conjoined Alleyn’s Junior School.
Alleyn’s vision is “[c]o-educational excellence for all, in a welcoming, friendly and caring community.” According to Tatler’s 2014 Schools Guide, in 2013 students at Alleyn’s School followed in the academic steps of their Westminster School and Eton College alumni Headmaster, as 93% of students received an A*-B at A Levels, and 91% of students received an A*-A at GCSE.
In addition to their impressive grades, Alleyn’s co-ed policy, connection to the National Youth Theatre, 30-acre site, and HMC school status draw in thousands of applicants every year. Much like Latymer Upper School, Alleyn's School has so much to offer that the Admissions Office routinely gets more applications than the school has places for.
But why take our word for it? Alleyn’s offers several Open Day sessions for parents and prospective pupils every September, October and November. Touring the campus and talking with students and staff will help you and your child decide if the school is right for you.
These events include Headmaster talks and pupil-guided tours of the school grounds. You'll also have an opportunity to speak with the Heads of Departments and other senior-level staff. Open Days are generally scheduled to coincide with each new school year. You might mark your calendar for September if your child is approaching Alleyn's enrolment age.
Note that, because Alleyn's School accepts such a wide range of pupils, entry dates may vary. Also, Open Days will be staggered so that 11+ students aren't touring the campus while 16+ pupils are visiting. No booking is required for Open Days but punctuality for these events is highly recommended.
Alleyn's School Admissions Policies
Alleyn's Senior School has three main entry points: at 11+, 13+ and 16+. All prospective students, regardless of level, must submit their applications between 1st September and the last working day of November. Most importantly, they must do so the year before entry.
During the examination period, 11+ applicants are normally under 12 years of age. They must be enrolled in the equivalent of a Year 6 class. The school's 13+ applicants are normally under 14 years of age and must be enrolled in the equivalent of a Year 8 class. Prospective 16+ applicants are under 17 years of age and must be enrolled in the equivalent of a Year 11 class. Note that older senior-level students may be considered for entry. Typically only one application is allowed per applicant, per entry year.
Regardless of their level, your child will complete entry examinations in Maths, English and Reasoning (11+ and 13+). Your 16+ students will turn in written assessment papers for critical reasoning. Also, they will write additional papers for three subjects chosen from a list of four A-Level subjects.
Graciously, Alleyn School emphasises that if your child needs access arrangements, you may do so on their website. Simply direct yourself to Alleyn’s Entrance Examination Concessions and Access Arrangements for more information. Finally, the school will let you know if your child has performed well in all their examinations or papers. And if they are outstanding in a particular subject, 11+ and 13+ students will be interviewed in the following 2-3 weeks. Most 16+ students will be interviewed the following January.
Junior School Admissions
Alleyn's has a protracted admissions season for the same reason that Highgate School does. Both of these schools teach pupils from Reception to Sixth Form. Obviously, admissions procedures will not be the same for a four-year-old as for a 16-year-old. Alleyn's Admissions web page kindly breaks down admissions information for the Junior School on a separate page.
Directing yourself there, you will find registration and admissions criteria for 4+, 7+ and 9+. All but the youngest group will sit some sort of level-appropriate exam. The Reception group will be assessed through observation as they take part in regular school activities. Parents are invited to tour the school and facilities during regularly scheduled Open Days. The same conditions apply: you must register your interest and book your tour.
Graciously, Alleyn School emphasises that if your child needs access arrangements, you may do so on their website. Simply direct yourself to Alleyn’s Entrance Examination Concessions and Access Arrangements for more information. Finally, the school will let you know if your child has performed well in all their examinations or papers. And if they are outstanding in a particular subject, 11+ and 13+ students will be interviewed in the following 2-3 weeks. Most 16+ students will be interviewed the following January.
Interviewing With Alleyn’s School Staff
Your child’s respective Year’s Admissions panel will interview them about their academic and co-curricular interests, talents, and A-Levels. The panel then meets with the Admissions Selection Committee to discuss your child’s application. This committee consists of the school's Headmaster and Deputy Head of Alleyn’s, and the Head of the Lower or Upper School. Priority may be given to siblings of current Alleyn’s students and children of Alleyn’s staff with similar interview and academic performances.
If you or your child are nervous about the admissions process, we recommend taking a look at Alleyn’s sample syllabi and exam papers here. Alleyn’s School appreciates creative, astute and well-prepared students, so be ready to think outside of the box and don’t forget to practice. Note that this advice also applies if your child is interviewing at Bancroft School; they too actively recruit the most astute pupils. Best of luck to you, whichever school you apply for!
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