Alleyn's School
London · SE22 8SU
Alleyn's is a leading co-educational independent day school in Dulwich, south-east London, founded in 1619 by the Elizabethan actor-manager Edward Alleyn. It occupies a sprawling, leafy campus and combines rigorous academic ambition with a genuinely broad co-curricular culture, resisting the pressure-cooker intensity of some central London rivals. The school is part of the Alleyn's Schools Group alongside James Allen's Girls' School and the Charter School, and its all-through structure from age 4 to 18 gives it a distinctive sense of community and continuity.
- →Outstanding academic results paired with a deliberately non-pressurised, well-rounded ethos that values breadth alongside achievement
- →Exceptional co-curricular provision spanning music, drama, sport and the arts on a large, well-resourced campus in zone 2
- →All-through structure from age 4 means siblings can be educated together and transition points feel managed and familiar
- →Strong pastoral care and a notably inclusive, diverse community reflecting south-east London's character
Who thrives here
Curious, sociable pupils who want to excel academically without sacrificing a rich life outside the classroom; young people who respond well to being trusted with independence and expected to pursue genuine interests.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
Townley Road, Dulwich, Greater London
London
SE22 8SU
Nearest stations
Notable alumni
Julian Clary
Comedian and author
Jude Law
Actor
Helen McCrory
Actress
A. A. Milne
Author of Winnie-the-Pooh
C. S. Forester
Novelist, creator of Horatio Hornblower
Bob Monkhouse
Comedian and television presenter
Recent investment
Frequently asked questions
What are the fees at Alleyn's School?
Day fees at Alleyn's School are approximately £27,075 per year (2026/27).
How do you get into Alleyn's School?
Alleyn's School admits pupils at 4+, 7+, 8+, 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by 11+ Selective Examination. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
What are Alleyn's School's exam results?
At Alleyn's School, 64.1% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 91.9% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Is Alleyn's School a boarding school?
Alleyn's School is a day school in London and does not offer boarding.
What is Alleyn's School's latest inspection rating?
ISI rated Alleyn's School “Excellent” (2021).
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Warm, inclusive community that reflects the diversity of south London — parents consistently note how welcome families from all backgrounds feel
✓Outstanding breadth of opportunity: children regularly engaged in sport, music, drama and service alongside strong academics
✓Confident, kind pupils who leave as well-rounded young adults rather than exam machines
✓Excellent pastoral care with form tutors who genuinely know their pupils
✓The campus and facilities — particularly the pool and performing arts spaces — are considered exceptional for a day school
Common concerns
!Some parents feel communication between school and home could be more proactive, particularly around academic progress mid-term
!Traffic and parking around the Townley Road site at pick-up and drop-off times is a recurrent frustration
!A minority of parents feel the school's deliberately relaxed ethos means highly driven pupils seeking intensive Oxbridge coaching must seek external provision