Coursehorn, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3NP
10 reasons to choose Dulwich School Cranbrook Prep
Top line
Dulwich School Cranbrook Prep has a Schoolsmith Score® of 89. It is one of the best independent prep schools in and around Cranbrook and one of the 4 best primary schools for 7 miles.
School fundamentals
Dulwich School Cranbrook Prep is an independent prep day and boarding school for boys and girls (50%/50%) between the ages of 2 and 11 years. Boarding from Year 4 for the 10% of pupils who board. All are weekly or flexi boarders. It is a Christian school, open to all faiths and none. The school has a non-selective admissions policy. It is a standalone prep school, not tied to any one senior school, with a recently opened senior division to age 16. Dulwich School Cranbrook Prep fees range from £5,250 (Rec) to £8,608 per term (2025/26). Fees include VAT and lunches.
Average class size
Dulwich School Cranbrook Prep has two classes per year to Year 2, three from Year 3, one or two from Year 7, and an average class size of 14 pupils.
Leavers' destinations
Traditionally, destinations for Dulwich School Cranbrook Prep leavers were one of 30 day and boarding schools at 13+, with around 50% going to Cranbrook, the state boarding grammar school, and the rest mainly to independent schools such as Tonbridge School, Kent College Pembury, Sutton Valence School, Benenden, King’s Canterbury, etc. 10% or so left at 11+ for a Kent grammar school. The school’s new Senior division opened in Sep 2023, providing an all-through option to GCSEs.
The Dulwich School Cranbrook Prep curriculum
School curriculum is based on the National Curriculum and the ISEB Common Entrance curriculum with some additions and variations. It also includes PSCHEE, French, Spanish, Latin. Dulwich Colours is a recent addition to the curriculum; an in-house, senior school endorsed, contemporary humanities curriculum. The school offers each pupil between 5 and 10 different extra-curricular academic activities or hobby clubs.
More on the curriculum
There are regular educational trips for all year groups, visiting speakers, onsite camping in Year 5 and a residential trip in Year 6.
Specialist teaching
Specialist teachers for sport, music, languages, art, DT and computing throughout, for science from Year 2, and for most subjects from Year 5.
Sport at Dulwich School Cranbrook Prep
School offers over 15 different sports through the year, through both the curriculum and extra-curriculum. Competitive teams in major sports from Year 3. In recent years the school has enjoyed national success in cross country, rugby 7s, sailing, swimming.
The Arts at Dulwich School Cranbrook Prep
Art, music and drama are taught as discrete curricular subjects to all pupils. Pupils win a disproportionate number of art scholarships to senior school and awards in national schools art competitions. All pupils learn an instrument in class and two-thirds take extra-curricular instrument lessons from Year 3. Four choirs, two orchestras and 12 instrument ensembles. Each pupil may participate in up to 10 different extra-curricular creative and performing arts clubs.
Wraparound care
Wraparound care from 7.15am to 5.30pm. Year 4 upwards can day board till 8.00pm. Facility for occasional boarding.
Find another school near Dulwich School Cranbrook Prep
Marlborough House School (5.8 miles); Saint Ronan’s School (6.4 miles); Frewen Preparatory School (13 miles).
Goudhurst and Kilndown Church of England Primary School (5.4 miles); Wittersham Church of England Primary School (8.6 miles); Hurst Green Church of England Primary School and Nursery (8.7 miles).
Benenden School (3.4 miles); Bethany School, Cranbrook (7 miles); Frewen College (13 miles); Frewen College (13 miles).
Cranbrook School (1.1 miles); Homewood School and Sixth Form Centre (9.8 miles); Maidstone Grammar School (14.2 miles).