St Dunstan's College Review 2026: Forward-Thinking Innovation in a Gothic Setting

When Charles Maddock Stuart founded St Dunstan's College in 1888, he had a revolutionary idea: that schools should be designed with purpose-built science laboratories so pupils could discover learning themselves. That pioneering spirit remains the defining characteristic of this all-through independent school in Catford. Occupying a campus of Gothic revival buildings designed by architect Edward Middleton Barry, the college educates over 1,100 pupils from nursery through sixth form.

The academic results are impressive. In 2024, 78% of GCSE entries achieved grades 9-7, with 88% of A-level grades landing at A*-B. The school ranks 124th for GCSE performance, placing it in the high performance band in England (FindMySchool ranking). A-level results are equally strong, with the school ranking 107th in England (FindMySchool data).

What sets St Dunstan's apart from other high-performing London independent schools is its genuine commitment to breadth. The college maintains a remarkably balanced curriculum alongside extensive co-curricular provision. Nicholas Hewlett, headmaster since 2014, has steered the school through significant investment in modern facilities while preserving the architectural heritage that gives the campus its distinctive character.

The defining architectural feature is the glass-walled dining hall, constructed in 1961 with a hyperbolic paraboloid roof that requires no internal supports. At the time of its construction, only three other such structures existed in the world. St Dunstan's College in Catford, London operates at scale (capacity 1,250), so clear routines and calm transitions matter day to day.

The school's motto, Albam Exorna (Adorn the White), carries particular weight given the college's First World War history. Of the 977 pupils and staff who enlisted between 1914 and 1918, 233 never returned. The memorial in the Great Hall is a sober reminder of that sacrifice. Poignantly, one former pupil, Frederick Henry Johnson, was awarded the Victoria Cross for gallantry at the Battle of Loos.

The church connection remains central. As a Church of England school, daily worship, chapel services, and ethical teaching form part of the rhythm of school life. The chaplain's office sits within the pupil wellness centre, opened in 2018, alongside the school nurse and counselling services. This integration of pastoral and spiritual care reflects the school's view that wellbeing is not an add-on but integral to education.

The physical campus expanded dramatically from 2020 onwards. A new Junior School building, cutting-edge STEM block, and Sixth Form Centre were added in rapid succession. These buildings incorporate energy-efficient design and contemporary learning spaces, signalling that forward-thinking, for St Dunstan's, means honouring the past while building boldly for the future.

The atmosphere across the college is notably inclusive and intellectually curious. The school has been named Most Progressive Independent School in South-East England three consecutive years (2023, 2024, 2025). This recognition reflects not performative values but genuine commitment to diversity. The pupil body is remarkably diverse ethnically and socioeconomically, a direct result of the school's mission to remain accessible through means-tested bursaries.

GCSE Performance

The Independent Schools Inspectorate inspection in autumn 2024 awarded the school two significant strengths in its report. St Dunstan's was one of the first schools in England to receive this designation.

In 2024, GCSE results reflected the school's academic ambition. Fifty-three per cent of entries achieved grades 9-8, with a further 25% at grade 7. This places 78% of all GCSE entries at grades 9-7. For context, the England average for grades 9-7 stands at 54%. The performance sits well above this benchmark, indicating consistent selection of academically strong pupils combined with effective teaching.

The school ranks 124th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), positioning it in the national high. Locally, within Lewisham and surrounding London boroughs, few independent schools achieve comparable results. This ranking reflects both pupil intake and the quality of teaching and curriculum design.

A-Level Performance

This year, St Dunstan's celebrated its best-ever A-level results in the school's 137-year history. Eighty-eight per cent of grades achieved A*-B, with 25% at A* and 35% at A. The remaining 28% achieved grade B. These figures demonstrate exceptional consistency at the highest level.

The A-level ranking places the school 107th in England (FindMySchool data), again within the national high band. The range of subjects offered (over 26, including Classical Greek, Russian, and History of Art) is genuinely broad, allowing pupils to pursue genuine interests rather than being constrained by limited choice.

University destinations reflect this academic strength. In 2024, 59% of leavers progressed to university, with one student securing a place at Cambridge. The school maintains strong links to research-intensive institutions and professional programmes.

The curriculum is built on what the school calls the Hecker Core Curriculum, named after the fourth founding headmaster, William Hecker. From Year 7, pupils study sciences as separate subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) taught in specialised laboratories. This reflects the original founding vision by Charles Maddock Stuart, who insisted that pupils should learn through experimentation rather than passive reception of knowledge.

Latin is compulsory from Year 7. Alongside this classical foundation, pupils choose from French, German, and Spanish, with the option to add a fourth language. This linguistic breadth prepares pupils for genuinely international perspectives. History and Geography are taught separately, not collapsed into generic humanities. Philosophy and Ethics sits alongside Religion, encouraging pupils to engage with questions of meaning and value.

In Years 10 and 11, pupils choose approximately ten GCSEs from a carefully curated range. English Language, English Literature, Mathematics (with Further Mathematics available), and Sciences are compulsory. Beyond this core, pupils select from a genuinely broad menu: music, drama, art, design engineering, computer science, classical civilisation, and languages all compete for places on pupil timetables.

The Stuart Additional Curriculum supplements the academic programme, developing what the school identifies as essential skills for life: thriving in a future economy, understanding connected global lives, and thinking without limits. This curriculum is taught within the school day, embedded rather than bolted-on.

Teaching reflects the school's progressive philosophy. Classrooms emphasise active learning, experimentation, and intellectual risk-taking rather than passive note-taking. Staff have access to recent educational research and are encouraged to innovate. The ISI report noted that teachers demonstrate expert subject knowledge and ability to engage pupils effectively in independent learning.

Sixth form entry is not automatic. Students from the senior school must meet sixth form entry requirements, while external candidates compete for places. This selective approach to sixth form entry maintains academic standards and ensures a cohesive cohort.

In the 2024 leavers cohort, 59% progressed to university, 6% to further education, 20% to employment, and 1% to apprenticeships. The university destinations include a strong pipeline to Russell Group universities and a growing number of specialist institutions. One student secured a place at Cambridge; others accessed universities including Durham, Edinburgh, Warwick, and Bristol. The school maintains a dedicated sixth form team focused on university preparation and careers guidance.

The sixth form centre, opened in 2020, provides dedicated facilities for post-16 study. Students have access to study pods, quiet study space, and social areas, reflecting the increasing independence expected at this level.

The Forder Programme is the jewel in St Dunstan's crown. Named after Frank Forder, the second headmaster who believed schools should offer "more to the education of young people than classroom learning," the Forder Programme comprises over 90 distinct clubs and activities.

Sport

The school's sporting provision is exceptional. The college operates across multiple sites, including the Jubilee Grounds on Catford Green, which opened in 2012. Over twenty different sports are represented, from traditional offerings such as rugby, cricket, and hockey to newer additions including American football, cross-country, and climbing.

Rugby remains central to school culture. The sport is coached by specialist staff and visiting professionals, with teams at every year group. Cricket operates through close links with local cricket clubs and maintains a proud tradition. Netball is popular among pupils. Boys and girls access equal sporting opportunity across all phases.

The swimming pool, built in 1955, provides daily access to aquatic training. The cricket pavilion and nets, constructed in 1958, support both summer training and matches. The school hosts regular fixtures against London independent schools and participates in local leagues.

Music

Music is not peripheral but woven through school life. The chapel choir performs across the year, including at St Laurence Church in Southwark and other iconic London venues. The school orchestra rehearses regularly and performs concerts in the Great Hall. Smaller ensembles flourish: jazz groups perform at the annual St Dunstan's Festival.

The music department operates across three sites: the main school, the junior school's fully-equipped music room, and rehearsal spaces in the performing arts centre. This centre was created from the old science block and design engineering workshops, reflecting how the school adapts existing spaces rather than demolishing.

Individual music tuition is available for those pursuing instruments. ABRSM examination results show strong numbers of pupils achieving merit or distinction each year. Music provision extends well beyond academic music to include performance opportunities accessible to all.

Drama and Performance

The performing arts centre seats up to 400, providing an intimate but proper theatrical space. Productions across the year range from classic Shakespeare to contemporary pieces and student-devised work. Senior school pupils have staged full-scale productions with orchestral accompaniment and substantial cast sizes. The junior school maintains its own drama provision, with regular performances at St Laurence Church.

The St Dunstan's Festival

Each summer, the college closes for two weeks to host the St Dunstan's Festival. This originated in the 1990s under Anthony Seldon, then deputy head, who envisioned a celebration combining the school and broader community. Originally called the Catford Arts Festival and running over two-and-a-half days, it has evolved into a two-week event involving "over twenty main events and a rich and enterprising fringe."

The festival showcases the diversity of St Dunstan's life. Music, drama, dance, art exhibitions, debating competitions, technology showcases, and wellness sessions all feature. Families from the local community are invited to attend. The scale and ambition of the festival reflect the school's genuine belief that education extends beyond examination results.

Clubs and Societies

The school supports a remarkable range of specific clubs. The Debating Society provides a forum for structured argument and public speaking. Coding and robotics clubs attract technically-minded pupils. The Wonderful World of Books encourages reading and literary discussion. The Junior School Journalists learn research and writing skills. The Philosophy Club engages with ethical questions. The Compassion Club and Kindness Collective focus on community values.

In the junior school, creative provision includes Street Dance, Musical Theatre, Ukulele, Calligraphy, Cartoon Drawing, Photography, Let's Draw, Orchestra, Choir, Boomwhackers and Beats, Music Theory and Appreciation, Drama, Prop Design, Poetry Lovers, and The Actor's Workshop. Across the college, evidence of creativity is visible everywhere: junior school pupils achieve top three rankings in the IAPS Art Competition every year since 2022, with over 20 submissions annually to the Royal Academy Young Athletes Summer Show.

Sport clubs in the junior school include Cross Country, Football, Netball, Hockey, Cricket, Swimming, Land Training, Rugby, Tennis, Aussie Rules, and American Football. Fitness and wellness options include SDC Circuits, Yoga, The Calm Club, and Mindfulness Colouring. This breadth allows every child to find an activity that genuinely interests them.

Facilities

The main campus occupies substantial grounds in Catford. The iconic glass-walled dining hall remains operational and used for assemblies, performances, and formal gatherings. The Great Hall provides additional performance and gathering space.

Science facilities are purpose-built and genuinely impressive. When the new STEM block opened in 2020, headmaster Nick Hewlett noted that St Dunstan's was "one of the first schools in the world to have invested in science and technology laboratories" 130 years prior. The new block honours that legacy with contemporary equipment and design.

The Jubilee Grounds include multiple-use games areas (MUGAs) available to school pupils and the wider community. The partnership with Chelsea FC brings additional sporting expertise to the school.

Fees for the academic year 2025-2026 range from £5,337 to £7,107 per annum. These figures cover tuition, lunches, most books and stationery. Individual music tuition and other optional extras are additional. Fees are payable termly or annually by direct debit or bank transfer.

Families can arrange lump-sum payment over 3-7 years in exchange for a discount, calculated individually. The Benevolent Fund exists to support families experiencing temporary financial difficulty.

The school's commitment to accessibility is reflected not only in bursaries but also in the secondhand uniform shop run by Friends of St Dunstan's, which provides significant savings to families.

Entry Process

The school operates selective admissions at all entry points. Pupils in the junior school typically progress to the senior school, though this progression is not guaranteed and depends on academic progress and conduct.

For Year 7 entry, the process is rigorous. Prospective pupils sit online assessments in December of Year 6, testing English, mathematics, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning. Those successful progress to a second round in January, which includes written English and mathematics papers, followed by interviews. Offers are made in mid-February.

A registration fee of £222 is required. Scholarships in academic, music, sport, art, and drama are available, worth up to 35% of fees for scholars. Entry to sixth form requires GCSE results meeting specified thresholds and interview.

The school is genuinely selective, with competition for places increasing annually. Nearly all junior school pupils receive offers for the senior school, reflecting the school's commitment to progression for those who belong.

Scholarship and Bursary Support

Forty-two per cent of pupils receive some form of financial support. Of these, 23% have between 50-100% of fees covered, while 77% receive between 10-50% support. This support comes from a mixture of scholarships (merit-based) and means-tested bursaries.

The school's commitment to accessibility is genuine. The bursary fund has expanded in recent years, enabling families of limited means to access the education. Scholarships provide additional recognition for exceptional talent across the full range of disciplines.

The Usherwood Pastoral Programme provides a carefully structured approach to character development, resilience, and community values. From Year 7, pupils study the neuroscience of learning, investigating memory, attention, and distraction. They develop practical strategies for effective study.

Neurodiversity is a central strand. Pupils learn to understand individual learner characteristics and celebrate different ways of thinking and working. This is reinforced through ambassador mentoring and peer-to-peer reflection.

The pupil wellness centre, opened in 2018, provides dedicated space for health and wellbeing. The school nurse, chaplain, and counsellor are accessible during the school day. Mental health is taken seriously, with evidence-informed programmes addressing contemporary issues such as online safety, screen time, healthy relationships, and managing anxiety.

The house system contains six houses: Canterbury, Glastonbury, Ghent, Stepney, Mendip, and Worcester, all named after places St Dunstan lived. Houses compete in academic and sporting contests, provide pastoral support, and foster community identity.

Selective admissions pressure. Entry is competitive, particularly at 11+ and sixth form. While the school downplays tutoring, preparation is routine for many families. The entrance process rewards academic and reasoning ability, but it also rewards confidence and articulateness in interview.

Independent school fees. Although bursaries are available, families comfortable paying fees of £5,300-£7,100 per annum will find the process more straightforward. Means-tested support requires demonstration of genuine financial need.

Forward-thinking culture may not suit all families. The school embraces modern, progressive approaches to education and wellbeing. For families seeking a more traditional, classical, or faith-centred approach, the progressive ethos may feel misaligned with family values.

Limited boarding provision. As a day school, St Dunstan's cannot accommodate families seeking boarding education. Pupils return home each day.

St Dunstan's College represents a genuine attempt to combine academic excellence with genuine breadth of opportunity. The results speak clearly: top 3% in England at GCSE, top 4% at A-level, with a curriculum and co-curricular programme that extends far beyond examination success.

The school has successfully renewed itself. The investment in modern facilities (STEM block, Sixth Form Centre, wellness provision) shows serious commitment to contemporary education while the preservation of architectural heritage demonstrates respect for history. This balance between innovation and tradition is rare.

The diversity of the pupil body is remarkable. Where many selective London independent schools segregate by wealth and background, St Dunstan's has built a genuinely mixed community through robust bursary provision. The three-year award for Progressive School recognises this.

Best suited to families seeking a high-achieving independent school that values breadth alongside rigour, that celebrates individuality and intellectual curiosity, and that sees education as extending well beyond examination results. The main consideration is simply whether the selective admissions process and fee level align with family circumstances and preferences.