School profile Verified 18 August 2026

Kent Private schools

The Dulwich School Cranbrook

Coursehorn, CRANBROOK, TN17 3NP

The Dulwich School Cranbrook is a private secondary-stage school in CRANBROOK, Kent, with a published age range of 2-17.

Private school Co-ed Ages 2-17 No sixth form listed Boarding school
Application ?
Apply direct to school
Age range
2-17
ISI ?
Standards met
Boarding ?
Boarding school
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At a glance

Key facts

Sector
Private school
Gender
Mixed
Application ?
Apply direct to school
Age range
2-17
Boarding ?
Boarding school
Route check
Independent schools do not use the local-authority grammar-school catchment model; check the school site for boarding, transport and eligibility rules.
ISI ?
Standards met

Overview

During the Second World War, 135 boys travelled from London to Coursehorn, where huts, tents and an Oast House became a working school. That improvised beginning remains part of the character of The Dulwich School Cranbrook, now a co-educational day and boarding school in Kent. The senior years run through Year 11, with small classes and specialist teaching supporting a close community.

The curriculum covers sciences, languages, classics, computing, design technology, art, drama and music, with senior electives in leadership, finance, climate change, wellbeing and citizenship. Pupils move from a broad foundation towards GCSE study while retaining space for questions, practical work and interests that do not fit neatly into one subject.

Coursehorn supports the wider life of the school through art, music, drama, sport, clubs, outdoor education and super-curricular work. More than half of pupils play an instrument, and public speaking and performance are part of the experience. CCF, the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, fencing, water sports and independent-study spaces add different kinds of challenge, with day and flexi-boarding routes available.

Admissions run from Fledglings through Year 11. The process begins with an enquiry and a taster or assessment day, followed by registration, school references and an offer. Senior applicants can arrange a tour and assessment, with the relevant day or boarding route considered at the same time.

Key points

Assessment route
Applications are made directly to the school. Check the school's own admissions pages for registration dates, entrance assessment stages, interviews, fees, scholarships and bursaries.
Places and demand
Published Year 7 place numbers and applicant-per-place data are not included in GIAS for this private-school seed profile.
Catchment
Private-school eligibility is not controlled by the local-authority grammar catchment model; check boarding, day-pupil, transport and any sibling or faith rules on the school site.
Results
Independent-school performance data is patchier in official releases, so GCSE and A-level comparisons should be checked against the school's published results.

School details

Sector
Private school
School type
Other independent school
Funding
Independent fee-paying
Application
Apply direct to school
Gender
Mixed
Age range
2-17
Headmaster
Mrs Sophie Bradshaw
Pupil roll
536 pupils
Sixth form
No
Boarding
Boarding school

Location and contact

Address

Address
Coursehorn, CRANBROOK, Kent
Postcode
TN17 3NP
Area
Kent

School leadership

Headmaster
Mrs Sophie Bradshaw

School contact

School phone
01580712179

Admissions contact

Admissions team
Admissions
Admissions phone
01580712179

Admissions

Application route
Apply direct to school
Age range
2-17
Gender
Mixed
Boarding
Boarding school
Day fees
Senior day tuition, Years 7-11
Boarding fees
Check school fees page
Scholarships and bursaries
Check school site
Entrance details
Entrance assessment details are not part of the GIAS open data extract.
Admissions note
GIAS confirms the school type and age range; fees, scholarships, bursaries and entrance assessments should be checked on the school's own website.

GIAS confirms the school type and age range; fees, scholarships, bursaries and entrance assessments should be checked on the school's own website.

Independent schools do not use the local-authority grammar-school catchment model; check the school site for boarding, transport and eligibility rules.

Oversubscription and eligibility

Use the official admissions policy for the current priority order and eligibility rules.

Exam and test format

Entrance route and assessment

Entrance assessment details are not part of the GIAS open data extract.

Assessment route
Apply direct to school

Application

How to apply

  1. 1

    Apply direct to the school

    Independent-school admissions are handled by the school rather than the local authority CAF.

    Check school admissions

Inspection

Standards met

Latest inspection: 13 January 2026

Leadership, management and governance
Standards met
Quality of education, training and recreation
Standards met
Physical and mental health and emotional wellbeing
Standards met
Social and economic education and contribution to society
Standards met
Safeguarding
Standards met

Quick summary

  • Latest ISI report: Routine Inspections 2026 records an inspection beginning 13 January 2026. The report says the relevant standards were met.

Similar schools and comparisons

Nearby schools families also consider

Local rivals appear first, followed by nearby alternatives where the journey and admissions route are still comparable.

Nearby schools with similar results

Closest comparable alternatives with a similar academic profile, so parents can weigh local fit and results together.

Related pages and guides

Guides and related reading

Related guides are still being added.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How does Dulwich School Cranbrook handle admissions?

Dulwich School Cranbrook handles applications directly. Check the school website for registration dates, entrance assessments, interviews, fees, scholarships and bursaries.

How do I apply to Dulwich School Cranbrook?

1. Apply direct to the school: Independent-school admissions are handled by the school rather than the local authority CAF.

When are the key dates for Dulwich School Cranbrook?

Use the school admissions page to confirm registration, assessment, interview and offer dates.

What does the latest inspection picture look like for Dulwich School Cranbrook?

Dulwich School Cranbrook is currently rated Standards met following the latest published inspection dated 13 January 2026.