Dulwich College (Singapore)

What the school is

School divisions and the Dulwich network

The school has three divisions: DUCKS covers Toddler–Year 2, Junior School Years 3–6 and Senior School Years 7–13. Students follow an enhanced English National Curriculum, then a three-year IGCSE course in Years 9–11. The school says the extra year allows time for core skills and enrichment. Years 12–13 offer the IB Diploma Programme or IB Career-related Programme, which have different qualification requirements.

The network runs shared events such as the Dulwich Olympiad. At the Singapore school’s opening in 2014, roughly a third of its teachers came from other Dulwich schools; this is a historical staffing figure. The admissions policy includes provisions for pupils transferring within the network. SchoolIntel reports that David Ingram became Headmaster in August 2025.

For families moving between Dulwich schools, ask how reports, subject choices and admissions assessments transfer. A network connection can provide continuity, but not a guaranteed place or an identical programme. Families interested in governance can ask which decisions about fees and school development are made locally.

The Mandarin difference

Mandarin from early years to senior school

Sassy Mama describes DUCKS as a dual-language English–Mandarin programme, with an English teacher and a native Mandarin-speaking teacher co-teaching throughout the day. Dedicated daily Mandarin lessons reportedly last 30 minutes for younger children and 60 minutes in Years 1–2, with groups based on proficiency. The Wo Hui (我会, I Can) programme includes cultural activities and family participation.

Mandarin continues daily in Junior School, grouped by ability. Senior students can study it at IGCSE and IB level. Advanced learners may work towards a bilingual IB Diploma, subject to the Diploma’s requirements. The early-years co-teaching model does not mean older students receive half of all teaching in Mandarin.

Expat Living reports that children learn a musical instrument from age seven and that DUCKS includes a Forest School programme. From Year 9, Ignite! supports students pursuing high-level sport, music or performing arts. Ask about eligibility, timetabling and any additional costs for the programme relevant to your child.

Admissions and assessments

Year placement and admissions assessments

The admissions policy uses age groups with a 1 September cut-off, allowing exceptions only in extraordinary circumstances decided by the Head of College. Toddlers must be independent of breast or bottle feeding during the school day, and Nursery applicants must use the toilet independently. Nursery and Reception applicants are assessed by the Head of DUCKS. Year 1–2 applicants provide school reports and either an assessment or, for overseas children, a confidential teacher report. Third-party assessment guidance describes CAT4 reasoning tests and a short written task for Years 3–6. It also states that the child and at least one parent or guardian need English fluency; confirm the requirements for the proposed entry year.

Third-party guidance describes registration up to 18 months before entry, early offers from November and most decisions by March. The school policy allows overseas assessments at the child’s current school or an approved centre, and online interviews for overseas Year 12 applicants. A successful Year 2 applicant without a confirmed place can move into the following year’s applicant pool, but Year 3 admission requires another computer-based assessment and is not guaranteed.

The archived admissions policy (version 10) lists circumstances in which Singapore Citizens may apply, including DUCKS or Year 12 entry, an existing MOE exemption, a sibling at the school, a parent who is an Old Alleynian, or a transfer from another Dulwich school. Eligibility to apply does not itself provide MOE approval where an exemption is required. The policy states that the enrolment fee is refunded if MOE rejects the exemption application.

Fees and the real cost

Fees for 2026/27, from the official factsheet

The official 2026–27 fee schedule lists annual tuition including 9% GST, billed over three terms: S$21,080 for Toddler/Nursery half-day, S$37,520 full-day, S$45,240 for Reception–Year 2, S$46,760 for Years 3–6, S$53,850 for Years 7–9, S$56,540 for Year 10, S$57,540 for Year 11, S$58,470 for Year 12 and S$59,220 for Year 13. New students also pay a S$1,500 non-refundable application fee, a S$4,000 enrolment fee after a successful assessment and a one-off S$4,500 capital levy. Residential boarding at Oldham Hall is S$46,700 a year plus a refundable S$4,000 deposit.

Families with three or more enrolled children get a 5% tuition discount for all children in Reception and above; Toddler and Nursery fees are excluded. Using the 2026–27 fees, a new Year 7 student’s tuition and joining charges total S$63,850 before transport, uniforms, lunches, trips and devices, which are billed separately. Students from Year 7 need their own device.

The family experience

Campus, community and the western location

The campus includes the roughly 700-seat Alleyn Theatre, a pipe organ, three swimming pools, two gymnasiums and a dedicated IB Centre. The four houses are Earhart, Lee, Mandela and Shackleton. SchoolChoosy lists EduTrust certification, IB World School status and FOBISIA membership. These describe different forms of certification, programme status and association membership.

Test the journey to Bukit Batok from any neighbourhood you are considering, including the actual school-bus route. Third-party listings mention Alleynian academic and Music scholarships at Year 7 and Year 10 entry. Current award values and renewal terms are not published, so leave awards out of a budget until offered.