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Book a Free ConsultationAlleyn's School in Dulwich SE22 is one of South London's most sought-after independent schools, and for good reason. Founded in 1619, it combines genuine academic rigour with a broad, enriching education that produces confident, curious young people. Its Oxbridge and Russell Group send rates are consistently strong, its co-educational environment is widely praised, and its position in the heart of Dulwich means it sits at the centre of one of London's most competitive secondary school catchments. For families in SE22 and the surrounding area, securing a place at Alleyn's at 11+ can set the tone for a child's entire secondary school journey — and beyond. That ambition is entirely reasonable. But it demands serious, well-structured preparation.
Alleyn's consistently ranks among the top independent schools in the country for academic outcomes, but what distinguishes it from many high-performing schools is its culture. It is genuinely co-educational at every level, with a strong emphasis on the arts, sport, and wider enrichment alongside academic achievement. Pupils leave Alleyn's not just with excellent A-level results but with the kind of intellectual confidence and breadth that universities and employers notice.
For families in Dulwich and South London, Alleyn's also represents something specific: a school that is embedded in the local community, with strong links to the Dulwich Estate and a long tradition of educating children from the area. It is not a school that feels remote or intimidating — but make no mistake, entry is fiercely competitive, and the children who thrive there are academically capable and well-rounded.
Alleyn's uses its own bespoke entrance examination rather than a standardised test such as the GL Assessment or ISEB pre-test. This is an important distinction. The exam is designed specifically to identify the kind of thinker Alleyn's wants — a child who can reason carefully, write with genuine expression, and engage with mathematical problems that go beyond rote procedure.
The 11+ entrance exam at Alleyn's typically comprises three assessed components:
One specific preparation point worth noting: Alleyn's English writing tasks reward originality and voice, not formulaic responses. Children who have been drilled to produce a standard five-paragraph essay structure often underperform here. The examiners are looking for writing that feels alive — varied sentence structures, precise vocabulary, and a genuine point of view. Practising timed creative and discursive writing, and then reviewing it critically, is far more valuable than memorising templates.
Alleyn's offers approximately 80 places at 11+, and the school receives a very large number of applications each year. The ratio of applicants to places makes this one of the most selective entry points in South London. Alleyn's shares its catchment with Dulwich College (boys) and James Allen's Girls' School — meaning many families in SE22 are simultaneously preparing for two or three highly selective independent school exams. The pool of candidates is academically strong, well-prepared, and often tutored.
There is no published pass mark or score threshold. Alleyn's makes holistic admissions decisions, and in some years shortlisted candidates are also invited to interview. A child who performs exceptionally in the written papers may still be assessed further before an offer is made. This means preparation cannot focus on the exam alone — a child's ability to discuss ideas, articulate their thinking, and engage confidently with adults also matters.
For most children, meaningful preparation for the Alleyn's 11+ should begin no later than Year 5, with structured work intensifying in the autumn and spring terms of Year 6. Starting earlier — in Year 4 or the summer before Year 5 — allows time to build genuine skills rather than simply cramming content.
A realistic preparation strategy should include: regular timed writing practice with critical feedback; systematic work on mathematical problem-solving, including topics such as fractions, ratio, algebra, and geometry that extend beyond primary school expectations; and reading widely across fiction, non-fiction, and quality journalism to build vocabulary and comprehension range.
In the final term before the exam, children benefit from sitting timed practice papers under realistic conditions. This builds stamina and helps them manage the pressure of working to a clock. However, practice papers should always be reviewed carefully — understanding why an answer was wrong matters far more than the volume of papers completed.
Families should also be aware that Alleyn's registration deadlines typically fall in the autumn of Year 6, with the exam itself usually taking place in January. Missing the registration window is not recoverable, so administrative preparation matters as much as academic preparation.
Leading Tuition provides 1-to-1 specialist tutoring for children preparing for the Alleyn's School 11+ entrance exam. Our tutors are experienced with the specific demands of Alleyn's own papers — not just 11+ preparation in general. We work with each child individually, identifying the areas where they need to develop and building a structured programme that fits their timeline and starting point.
We place particular emphasis on the skills that Alleyn's actually rewards: analytical reading, expressive and accurate writing, and mathematical reasoning that goes beyond mechanical calculation. We also prepare children for the possibility of interview, helping them develop the confidence to discuss ideas and respond thoughtfully under pressure. Every session is purposeful, and we track progress carefully so that both parents and children know where they stand.
How early should we start preparing for the Alleyn's 11+?
For most children, starting structured preparation in Year 5 gives enough time to build genuine skills without burning out. Children who begin in Year 4 have the advantage of a more gradual, less pressured approach. Starting in Year 6 is not impossible, but it leaves little room for anything other than intensive work, and it is harder to develop real writing voice or mathematical fluency in a short window.
Is there a pass mark or minimum score required?
Alleyn's does not publish a pass mark or score threshold. Places are awarded on the basis of overall performance across the papers, and in some years shortlisted candidates are also interviewed. There is no single number to aim for — the goal is to perform as strongly as possible across every component of the exam.
Can a child sit the Alleyn's entrance exam more than once?
The Alleyn's 11+ exam is sat once, in Year 6. There is no resit opportunity at the same entry point. Some families consider reapplying at 13+ if their child is not offered a place at 11+, though the 13+ entry process is separate and also competitive. It is worth planning carefully and not relying on a second attempt.
What happens if our child narrowly misses out on a place?
If a child is not offered a place, Alleyn's may place them on a waiting list, and occasionally places do become available before the start of Year 7. Families in this position should also consider whether other strong South London independent schools — including JAGS, Dulwich College, or others in the area — might be a good fit. A near-miss at Alleyn's often reflects a very capable child who was competing in an exceptionally strong cohort.
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Book a Free ConsultationHow does the consultation work?
We’ll learn more about your child, the subject or admissions support they need, and the outcomes you’re aiming for before recommending the next step.
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Yes. It is a free consultation with no obligation, designed to help you understand the best route forward.
Can you help with specialist support like UCAT or Oxbridge admissions?
Yes. We support Primary, 11+, 13+, GCSE, A-Level, SATs, UCAT, MMI interview coaching, Oxbridge admissions, university admissions, and personal statement support.
Book a free consultation and we’ll help you find the right support for your child.
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