A holistic school admissions process helps Dulwich College (Singapore) build a richly diverse international student body
Dulwich College (Singapore) is writing a story rich in diversity of skills, passions and experiences. Here, PIERS MATTHEWS, Director of Admissions and Marketing, reveals how the holistic school admissions process reflects their international students and community.
Empowering students through diversity
At Dulwich College (Singapore), we believe education extends far beyond the pages of textbooks and the walls of classrooms. A truly inspiring education empowers students to develop the skills, knowledge, and motivation to make a positive impact on the planet and society.
One of the ways we achieve this is by nurturing a diverse environment. We value richness of varying backgrounds, perspectives, experiences, talents and interests of our community members.
Our admissions process reflects this, by seeking to admit students with a wide range of backgrounds, skills, passions and beliefs.
By fostering a diverse community, we’re building an environment where each individual is valued and can be supported to become the very best version of themselves. This diversity also fosters creativity, resilience, and collaboration; preparing our students for a globalised world where understanding and valuing differences is an essential skill.
A holistic admissions process
Our student admissions process is designed to be holistic in nature. We’re an academically selective school. Yet, we also consider each applicant’s unique potential through their interests, passions and alignment with our core values.
We consider factors such as extracurricular involvement, personal interests and individual strengths of each international student. In this way, we create a community where every student contributes something valuable. This approach ensures that Dulwich College (Singapore) is a vibrant space. It’s where international students learn from each other’s diverse perspectives and talents.
We recently introduced an applicant pool school admissions system. This means that we no longer operate waitlists. Everyone who completes their application prior to the applicant pool deadlines each year has an equal chance of being admitted into the College.
This also allows us to evaluate the entire cohort comprehensively, ensuring that we admit a diverse range of international students. They will enrich our community in different ways.
A community that thrives at Dulwich College (Singapore)
We believe that a community that embraces diversity is a community that thrives.
When students learn alongside peers who think differently, have varied experiences and bring unique talents, they develop empathy, adaptability and innovative thinking. This inclusive approach of Dulwich College (Singapore) mirrors the real world. Our students are not only well-educated but also well-prepared for life in a diverse, interconnected global community.
Collaborative projects, discussions and group activities become opportunities to learn from peers’ unique insights, creating a dynamic and inclusive environment where every voice matters.
Cultivating student passions and strengths
Our curriculum at Dulwich College (Singapore) is intentionally designed to build both breadth and depth. Students as young as Toddler (two years) have access to a plethora of opportunities, CCAs, specialist teachers and bespoke experiences. This helps them try new things, push themselves to achieve more and broaden their horizons.
However, once a student does discover their true passions, we have the resources and experience to provide real depth and rigour, allowing students to develop extraordinary expertise. This ensures that every student can find and pursue what excites them most.
For example, our IGNITE: Exceptional Performance Development Programme supports students across sports and the arts with individual coaching, expert guidance, tailored pathways and bespoke training programmes.
By tailoring educational experiences to students’ needs, we help them build confidence, resilience and a deep sense of purpose. These qualities are invaluable for academic success and also for thriving in life beyond the classroom.
Sharing student stories
Dulwich College (Singapore) isn’t a one-size-fits-all school. With almost 3,000 international students in our school, our community consists of thousands of wonderful students. They’re realising their dreams and having a positive impact on society, with the support of our nurturing school environment.
Every international student within our school brings their unique strengths that weaves into their own individual story. We’ve recently been highlighting and sharing some of our students’ stories to the broader community. This way, prospective families can see how varied and interesting our student body is. It has been such a rewarding process.
These stories on our website, with more being added throughout the year!
Let your child write their own story
Dulwich College (Singapore) is a place where every child is valued for who they are and what they bring to the table.
We are building a community that celebrates differences, fosters collaboration and inspires excellence. Students leave the College not only with a world-class education but also as well-rounded, compassionate and capable global citizens ready to make a difference in the world.
71 Bukit Batok West Avenue 8
singapore.dulwich.org
This article about the school admissions at Dulwich College (Singapore) first appeared in the March 2025 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy! For more articles about education in Singapore, head our Schools section and read about the best things to do in Singapore with kids.
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