Dulwich College Shanghai:FAQs

When should I apply?

DCS welcomes applications all year round and students join the College any time throughout the academic year. We do not have an application deadline. Waiting lists exist for some year groups, especially for places at DUCKS (our kindergarten campus for 2-7 year olds) so parents are encouraged to apply early for a place at the College. Please submit completed application forms with supporting documents to admissions@dulwich-shanghai.cn.

Will my child need to take an entrance exam?

Dulwich College Shanghai is a selective school. Students applying for Year 1-2 are required to provide a confidential report (to be completed by their class teacher) and may be invited in for an informal interview.

Students applying for Years 3-12) are required to take the Cognitive Ability Test (CAT) consisting of verbal, quantitative and non-verbal assessments. There is also a written English Assessment. Academic staff will review test results, previous school records and Confidential Report, and in some cases applicants will be required to have an interview. Students who are found to require English as an Additional Language support, will have additional assessments to further evaluate readiness to access the English-based curriculum and the rigors of DCS.

What are your class sizes/student-teacher ratios?

Toddlers:12 students/class; 1 classroom teacher, 1 teaching assistant

Nursery-Reception:16 students/class; 1 classroom teacher, 1 teaching assistant

Year 1-2:20 students/class; 1 classroom teacher, 1 teaching assistant

Year 3-4:22 students/class; 1 classroom teacher, 1 teaching assistant

Year 5-6:22 students/class; 1 classroom teacher

Year 7-13:20 students/class; 1 subject teacher

The College reserves the right to increase the number of students per class under special circumstances.

Where are your teachers from?

Teachers are predominantly from the UK or Australia, with a few other teachers from the US, New Zealand and other countries. They are required to have at least three years of teaching experience but very often have much more than this, some have been teachers for more than 20 years. Teaching Assistants and Mandarin Teachers from China are also required to have appropriate credentials and experience.

What is the student nationality breakdown?

It changes with every school year but usually we have between 15-20% from the US, 15-18% from the UK, with Australia coming in next with around 10-15%, and then Singapore, Hong Kong, India, Korea and at least another 35 countries represented. Dulwich consistently has a student body representing more than 40 countries by passport, and even more than that in terms of where they’ve actually lived.

Does DCS offer boarding?

DCS does not offer boarding facilities. In accordance with Shanghai Government Regulations, all students must reside with at least one parent in Shanghai and must hold a valid China resident visa.

Can my child join mid-term/mid-year?

We encourage students to start in the new school year in August, however we accept students throughout the school year providing there is space in the relevant year level.

How difficult will it be to join mid-year?

Our teaching staff and students make every effort to welcome our new students and ensure the transition to DCS is as smooth as possible. Regardless of when a student starts, there is always an orientation to help them settle in and teachers are aware that these students may need extra time or help to make the necessary academic or social adjustments.

When will we know if our child has been accepted?

Once the application form and supporting documents have been received, the prospective student has been interviewed and/or the assessment tests taken, the school will be able to notify the parents about the child’s placement. Most decisions will be made within a week, and occasionally in less time.

What is the cut off age for each year level?

The cut-off date for entry into each year level is 1st September. This means that candidates for entry to a year level must have reached the specified age on or before 1st September. Please see cut-off ages. Please refer to the Guide to Year Levels.

Where can we find out more general information?

Visit the College Life section of the website for more information on school uniform, buses and catering . Information concerning financial matters and fees is available under Fees in the admissions section of the site.