Alleyn’s
Senior schools in london
Alleyn’s have recently enjoyed a record-breaking year in terms of GCSE results, with 92% achieving A* or A (9, 8 or 7) in 2018 along with 77% A*/A at A-level, making it one of the best co-educational schools in the country. It regularly sits in the top twenty-five in the charts.
Residing in the leafy area of Dulwich in South London, the school has a reputation for being supportive and friendly. Alleyn’s is highly selective and there is strong competition to attend. However, the school isn’t solely looking for academic excellence. The right kind of Alleyn’s student should also possess a natural hunger and curiosity for learning across the board, so make sure to show this off in the interview!
Teachers, parents and students alike have great things to say about the school, remarking on the nurturing atmosphere. The school is strong in the arts and drama department and consequentially attracts a lot of creative people. It’s important that you and your child attend the Alleyn’s open day to see if it’s a good fit.
School information
The school has a great deal in terms of sport, with facilities onsite or a short walk away and are available to the public outside of school hours. Outdoor facilities include football pitches, netball and basketball courts, a running track, hockey pitches and some very impressive cricket strips.
With the founder of the National Youth Theatre as an old Alleyn’s English teacher, the school has kept drama and the arts at the heart of its curriculum. There are various rehearsal spaces and a 350-seat theatre. The school is ready for a wide range of shows, whether that be a Shakespeare tragedy, an Arthur Miller classic or a full-scale musical.
admissions
Admissions into Alleyn’s junior school occur at various stages in 4+, 7+ and 9+ (reception, year three and year five). Preparation for these should be based on a well-rounded approach, focusing on social skills as well as academic ability.
For the senior school, places are offered through the 11+, 13+ and 16+. For entry at 11+ and 13+, exams are in January and consist of English, mathematics and reasoning. Successful candidates are then invited for an interview. There are sample papers provided by the school to show you and your child what to expect on the day.
For the 16+ entry, candidates are required to submit a personal statement and information from their current school. Additionally, there is a written assessment and an interview. The assessment is made up of a qualitative reasoning paper, a quantitative reasoning paper and a critical writing paper.