Dulwich College Seoul

The Dulwich College Seoul main campus is in the Seocho District of Seoul, South Korea. The campus address is 6 Sinbanpo-ro 15-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul 06504. It is located in the Banpo/Seorae Village area and is accessible by road with nearby public transport; Sinbanpo Station is close by.

The College serves Nursery to Year 13 (ages 3 to 18). In Years 10–11 students follow the IGCSE, and in Years 12–13 they pursue the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). The primary teaching language is English.

The school is a co-educational day school and does not offer boarding facilities.

Dulwich College Seoul provides English as an Additional Language (EAL) support and Learning Support for students with additional educational needs. There is a Whole College Additional Educational Needs (AEN) policy; staffing includes four full-time EAL teachers, three full-time Learning Support staff and one part-time Learning Support staff, plus two full-time counsellors. The school uses assessment-and-planning tools (Provision Map, Individual Student Passports) and may coordinate with external specialists; EAL and Learning Support may be delivered in class or via withdrawal interventions as needed.

UK-affiliated; part of the Dulwich College International network and recognised as a British School Overseas, with formal links to Dulwich College London.

Religious affiliation: none stated; the College operates as a secular international school.

Regular school hours run from 8:15am to 3:30pm for both Primary and Senior Schools, with co-curricular activities from 3:30pm to 4:30pm. Lunch timings vary by year group: Nursery to Reception 11:40am–12:10pm, Year 1–Year 3 11:50am–12:10pm, Year 4–Year 6 12:10pm–12:40pm, and Senior School 12:40pm–1:30pm.

The College runs a bus service across Seoul and Bundang. Buses are managed by a long-time third-party vendor with safeguarding-trained monitors. Afternoon buses operate at 3:40pm after the school day and at 4:40pm after co-curricular activities; routes and stops depend on distance and bus availability, with published 2025–26 fees for round trips and one-way journeys.

Dulwich College Seoul does not offer boarding. It is a day school serving Nursery to Year 13. Transport is provided by a third‑party bus service with an adult bus monitor on board, and buses are available for students staying after activities (departing from the College at 4:40 pm).

Nursery to Year 11 wear the standard school uniform; Year 12–13 (IBDP) wear business attire. There are warm‑weather and cold‑weather versions of the uniform. Uniforms are ordered online through the Dulwich College Seoul Online Uniform Shop (school code ILOVEDCSL); the on‑campus shop is closed.

Quadra Dining Services provides lunches; a mid‑morning snack option and cafeteria meals are available. The daily menu offers Asian or Western options and accommodates dietary restrictions, with the campus operating as a nut‑free environment. Parents may also provide packed lunches for their children.

There are four Houses: Sejong, Seacole, Shackleton, and Alleyn (house shirts use red, blue, green and purple respectively). A Year 12 student Heads of House lead with three under‑secretaries in each House. Houses organise events and competitions, including arts competitions and inter‑house activities such as E‑lympics.

Governance is led by the Head of College with an Advisory Board, and a Board of Trustees provides oversight. Dulwich College Seoul is part of Dulwich College International; Hillhouse Investment Group acquired DCI's Asia schools in 2024.

Dulwich College Seoul follows an enhanced British curriculum from Nursery to Year 9, then offers the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) in Years 10–11 and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in Years 12–13. The primary teaching language is English. The college provides Mandarin via three pathways (Mandarin A: native, Mandarin B: second, Mandarin C: foreign) with daily instruction, and Senior School offers additional languages (French, Spanish, Korean) that can be pursued through IGCSE and IB courses. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support and a Personalised Educational Programme (PEP) assist non-native speakers, while Visual & Performing Arts are integrated into the curriculum with older students encouraged to take IGCSE, IB, or A‑Levels in arts subjects such as music, drama and art. Dulwich College Seoul is accredited as a British School Overseas, holds Cambridge Assessment International Education (IGCSE) accreditation, and is an IB World School offering the IB Diploma Programme.

Dulwich College Seoul follows the Dulwich College International Student Wellbeing Framework to support social and emotional learning (SEL). The Student Wellbeing Framework provides the foundation for wellbeing strategy and implementation across the Dulwich College International family of schools. The framework emphasises a collective commitment from staff to prioritise student wellbeing and to tailor approaches to the context of each school and student. Wellbeing is described as a whole-group culture in which every member of the community can flourish, underpinning the school's approach to fostering emotional health and social development. The network's framework explicitly aims to ensure students feel safe, supported and engaged within the school community.

The school publicly documents English as an Additional Language (EAL) support and a Personalised Educational Programme (PEP) to assist non-native English speakers in accessing the curriculum. EAL provision is delivered by language specialists who collaborate with class and subject teachers to support language development and academic learning. The primary teaching language is English, and admissions note that the school can support a percentage of non-native English speakers through EAL. Mandarin is taught as a native, second, and foreign language within the broader curriculum, reflecting the school's multilingual context. There is no publicly disclosed information about a dedicated SEN department or the full range of Special Educational Needs the school can support beyond EAL and a Personalised Educational Programme.

Dulwich College Seoul provides English as an Additional Language (EAL) support for non-native English speakers. EAL support is delivered by language specialists and is designed to help students access the curriculum, sometimes in conjunction with a Personalised Educational Programme (PEP). A dedicated EAL teacher is listed on the staff roster, including a Secondary EAL Teacher who offers pastoral support and guidance. The admissions overview notes that the school can support a percentage of non-native English speakers, and the language-learning page confirms the availability of EAL support. Mandarin is offered as a native/second/foreign language, illustrating the school's multilingual environment alongside EAL provisions.

Wellbeing is described as a whole-school culture at Dulwich College Seoul, with the aim that every member of the community can flourish. The school adopts the Student Wellbeing Framework, a Dulwich College International model that provides the foundation for wellbeing strategy and implementation across its network. The framework codifies a collective commitment to prioritising student wellbeing and allows for adaptive approaches to suit different schools and students. It is explicitly noted that the network's wellbeing initiatives are designed to support safety, support, and happiness within school life. The overarching goal is for students to develop wellbeing capacities that enable positive contributions to the wider community.

Safeguarding and child protection are of paramount importance at Dulwich College Seoul. A comprehensive Safeguarding Policy and training programme have been developed across Dulwich College International, with ongoing regular review and updates. All new staff participate in safer recruitment procedures and safeguarding training, which is refreshed periodically. Students receive age-appropriate safeguarding lessons, and the schools undergo annual safeguarding audits as part of their accreditations. The safeguarding policy is available in English and Korean, and safeguarding is integrated into the school's accreditation and review processes.

Founded and opened in 2010, Dulwich College Seoul is a British international school located in Banpo-dong, Seocho District, Seoul. It operates as part of the Dulwich College International network, which was created to bring the ethos and practices of Dulwich College London to Asia, beginning with Shanghai in 2003 and expanding to other cities. The international network was co-founded by Fraser White and Karen Yung, and in 2024 its Asia-based schools were acquired by Hillhouse Investment Group from Education in Motion. The school is governed with oversight from Dulwich College London, including annual inspections by the Deputy Master. The campus features facilities such as a 25-metre indoor swimming pool and a large auditorium to support a broad educational program.

FoD is the volunteer parent association for Dulwich College Seoul, and all parents or guardians of enrolled students are automatically members. It is run by an Executive Committee drawn from across DUCKS, Junior, and Senior schools, and it coordinates fundraising, community-building, charity commitments, and social functions. Current leadership includes Chair Tracey Freshwater Lincoln, Vice-Chair Gina Oh, Treasurer Gwayne Williams, and Secretary Almon Yao Chong Fei. Community life is supported by FoD-led events and communications, and the school publishes WeStory (launched September 2022); the campus celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2025.

Friends of Dulwich (FoD) is the formal parent association at Dulwich College Seoul. All parents or guardians of enrolled students are automatically members. It is guided by an Executive Committee drawn from across DUCKS, Junior, and Senior schools. It coordinates fundraising, community-building, charity commitments, and social functions. Parents can volunteer as Class Parent Representatives and participate in FoD activities, and the TAP (Parent Ambassador Platform) provides a channel for parent involvement. FoD communications and updates are accessible via MyDulwich.

The campus provides a mix of indoor and outdoor spaces designed to support learning and wellbeing. Outdoor Play Areas, an all-weather Sports field, a futsal astro court, and an indoor gymnasium support physical education and active breaks. The campus includes a 5-metre indoor swimming pool and the Alleyn Theatre with additional performance spaces. Self-contained suites of music rooms, two learning resource centres and libraries, science laboratories, SE21 (STEAM) room, and a Food Technology room support academic and creative work. Art and Design workshops and a kiln room highlight hands-on creative facilities, while IT is integrated across the curriculum via laptop trolleys.

Outdoor Play Areas; Sports field; Futsal astro court area; Indoor gymnasium; 5-metre indoor swimming pool.

Libraries and two learning resource centres enable study and research. Science laboratories support practical experiments. SE21 (STEAM) room facilitates cross-disciplinary projects in science, technology, engineering, art and math. A Food Technology room supports culinary science, and IT is integrated across the curriculum via laptop trolleys.

The Alleyn Theatre provides a central venue for performances and assemblies. Self-contained suites of music rooms offer spaces for individual and ensemble practice. Art and Design workshops and a kiln room support hands-on creative projects. The SE21 (STEAM) room underpins cross-disciplinary extracurricular projects in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.

Dulwich College Seoul offers a broad co-curricular program that emphasizes academic enrichment with a strong STEM and academic focus. Worldwise Events include High School Team Maths and other Dulwich-wide academic competitions and Olympiads to extend learning beyond the classroom. The school participates in Model United Nations and other cross-network academic activities that challenge students to apply knowledge in authentic contexts. Facilities such as the SE21 (STEAM) room support practical STEM projects and collaborative enquiry.

Arts and creative pursuits are central to the Dulwich experience, with events such as the MADD (Music, Art, Drama, Dance) festival and the Dulwich Festival of Music bringing students together for performances and exhibitions. The Royal Shakespeare Company connections and dedicated spaces like The Alleyn Theatre and music rooms provide regular opportunities for rehearsals and productions. Visual arts, photography and other creative work are highlighted through Worldwise activities, including the Dulwich Photo Competition.

The school offers language programs including a streamed Mandarin curriculum and Korean cultural immersion in the Primary School, with Korean language taught as an elective in Senior School. The Dulwich network emphasizes cross-campus cultural exchange and global citizenship initiatives across campuses. Students have participated in traditional Korean instruments and mask dances as part of cross-campus cultural experiences.

Social and hobby-based activities are supported through Worldwise events and student-led groups, including photography and performing arts projects and cross-school competitions. The Dulwich Olympiad provides a festival-like environment where music, drama, arts and sports disciplines come together across the network. The Dulwich Photo Competition offers a platform for visual expression with broad participation from the community.

Worldwise Events emphasise social responsibility and community engagement within the Dulwich family. The Dulwich Forest initiative supports reforestation efforts through donations and local partnerships, contributing to sustainability goals. Students and staff participate in outreach and volunteer opportunities as part of the network's global citizenship focus.

Leadership development is a feature of the program, including the annual Education in Motion (EiM) Student Leadership Conference that gathers student leaders from across Dulwich schools. Alumni play an active mentoring role in leadership-focused events and workshops. Professional development for teachers is also embedded in Worldwise programming, including courses and certifications with partner organisations such as the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Sport is a core component of the curriculum, with extensive after-school practices and inter-school competitions through Dulwich Games and other regional events. The school's co-curricular offerings support balance, teamwork and physical fitness, with affiliations to regional associations such as FOBISIA, KISAC and KAIAC. Wellbeing and mindfulness are integrated into campus life alongside physical activity, contributing to students' physical and mental health.

English is the primary language of instruction. Mandarin is taught as a native language, second language and foreign language, with daily instruction and ability-based streaming. Senior School students can choose a second language—French, Spanish, and Korean—and continue these languages in IGCSE and IB courses. Non-native English speakers receive English as an Additional Language (EAL) support and may access a Personalised Educational Programme (PEP).

Mandarin is taught daily and streamed by ability, with three pathways: Mandarin A (Chinese as a native language), Mandarin B (Mandarin as a second language), and Mandarin C (Mandarin as a foreign language). The Wo Hui Mandarin programme for Mandarin C emphasises a functional approach and character-based learning. Korean cultural immersion is provided in Primary School, and Korean language is offered as an elective in Senior School.

Dulwich College Seoul has received school-level recognitions in the last five years. Notable awards/recognitions include:
- Top IB School in Korea (2024) — Dulwich College Seoul was ranked the Number 1 IB School in Korea for 2024 by Education Advisers Ltd, with the Class of 2024 achieving the highest average IB Diploma score in Korea (36.6) and placing 62nd globally among IB schools. This marks the school as a leading IB institution in Korea for that year.
- Top IB School in Seoul (2025) — The IB results for the Class of 2025 earned Dulwich College Seoul the designation of Top IB School in Seoul for 2025, with an average IB score of 36.1, a 100% pass rate (19 candidates), and a notable share of high scorers; the school is also positioned among the world's Top 100 IB schools (ranked 61st globally).

Dulwich College Seoul holds multiple international accreditations and recognitions that reflect its adherence to global standards in curriculum, governance, and standards of learning. Key accreditations include:
- British School Overseas (BSO) recognition — British-style international schools overseas are recognised by the UK government for meeting UK-aligned standards in curriculum, safeguarding, and school operations. The college is recognised as a British School Overseas.
- Council of International Schools (CIS) accreditation — CIS accreditation signals engagement with international educational standards and governance, and is a widely recognized mark of quality for international schools; Dulwich College Seoul was re-accredited by CIS on 14 April 2021.
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accreditation — WASC accreditation confirms the college meets rigorous Western-style accreditation standards for international schools.
- Cambridge Assessment International Education (Cambridge) accreditation — Cambridge Accreditation enables the delivery of Cambridge qualifications, including the IGCSE programme.
- International Baccalaureate (IB) World School — The college is an IB World School, authorised to offer the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP).
- Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) inspection — ISI inspectors from the Dulwich network conduct external inspections to assess college provision and standards.
- The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Centre designation — The college is officially designated as an International Award Centre in Korea by the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Foundation, reflecting its role in facilitating youth achievement and leadership opportunities.
- Edexcel (Pearson Edexcel) — Edexcel is the examination board associated with the IGCSE and other qualifications offered; this partnership supports standardised assessment across subjects.
- Additional context on external oversight — The Deputy Master (External) of the Dulwich group from London conducts annual external oversight, reinforcing adherence to Dulwich standards.

doris recommends that you start by speaking to admissions. This connects you directly to the school's admissions team who can respond with answers, more information, and next steps.

1. Check Eligibility. The applicant must meet the local eligibility criteria to attend a foreign school in Seoul. The eligible categories are: the child of a parent who does not possess Korean nationality; a Korean national (including dual citizens) who has resided abroad for at least three years; or a child naturalised as Korean who may have difficulties continuing at a local school under applicable regulations. Parents must disclose citizenship status and provide valid passports and alien registration cards, along with other documents listed on the application checklist. The primary teaching language is English, and non-native English speakers are assessed for language readiness before a placing decision; Mandarin is streamed and Korean language is offered as an elective.

2. Submit an Enquiry Form. Submit an enquiry to express interest and to arrange a personalised campus visit or online consultation with the College leadership team. Campus visits can be scheduled on weekdays from 8:30am and typically last about 1.5 hours. After submitting the enquiry, a member of the Admissions team will guide you on the next steps, including how to proceed with the online application and required documents.

3. Submit an Application Form. Applications are accepted throughout the year. To determine the appropriate Year Group, refer to the student age placement guide; as a general rule, the child should have reached the indicated age before 1 September of the application year. For questions about the process, contact the Admissions team at the provided phone number or email.

4. Assessments and Interviews. Applicants undergo assessments tailored to their year group: DUCKS (Nursery–Year 2) require a Confidential Observation Report from their class teacher, while Year 3–12 students complete the Cognitive Ability Test (CAT4) plus a 60-minute writing assignment; non-native English speakers may have an English as an Additional Language (EAL) assessment. Many applicants will also be interviewed by a member of the Primary or Senior School leadership team. Results and prior records are reviewed by the Academic team to determine readiness to access the curriculum.

5. Admissions Decision. After reviewing all application forms and documents, the Admissions Committee informs parents of the admission decision. The school is selective, and the decision considers academic ability as well as the student's social and emotional fit with the school community. In high-school entries (Year 10–13), applicants may be asked to discuss Subject Options and could be interviewed to assess alignment with course demands.

6. Overseas Candidates, Learning Support and Enrolment. For overseas candidates, the College can arrange entrance assessments at the candidate's current school, or provide provisional placements if interviews cannot be conducted in person; assessments may also be conducted online in extenuating circumstances. The school enrols students only when it can provide the necessary learning support, with the Admissions team coordinating all needed assessments and reviewing prior reports. If admitted, applicants receive an invoice; a placement deposit is required to confirm the place, after which attendance begins once tuition, the capital levy, and other charges are paid. The College offers a 5% tuition discount for each extra child in a single family when three or more children are enrolled in full-day programmes. 4. Enrolment information, including 4.1 Tuition, 4.2 Payment Terms, 4.3 Lunch and Bus, and 4.4 Uniform, is then finalised.

7. Fees overview (embedded in Step 6). The 2025–26 fee schedule lists: Application Fee KRW 400,000; Capital Levy KRW 4,000,000 (refundable in the first year subject to terms); Placement Deposit KRW 3,000,000 (refundable subject to terms). Annual tuition ranges by level (Nursery to Reception KRW 40,700,000; Years 1–6 KRW 41,000,000; Years 7–9 KRW 42,400,000; Years 10–11 KRW 43,600,000; Year 12–13 KRW 44,800,000, with Year 13 fees payable annually). Bus fees are Round trip KRW 4,720,000 or One way KRW 3,780,000; lunches and uniforms are not included in tuition. A 5% discount applies for annual payment.

Dulwich College Seoul does not offer scholarships at this time.

Dulwich College Seoul maintains a waiting list for most year groups. Waiting lists are active as part of the admissions process, and priority is given to: a child of a full-time faculty member; a qualified sibling of a currently enrolled student; a qualified sibling of a new student who has completed the application process; a qualified student transferring from another Dulwich College or returning Dulwich College Seoul student; and a qualified child of an Old Alleynian (OA) or International Old Alleynian (IOA). Waiting list positions are not disclosed to parents and wait lists are maintained for one academic year.