DLD College London

Since September 2024, James Kidd, previously senior vice principal. He has worked in education for 20 years, including at St John’s School Leatherhead where he held a key leadership role.

DLD is the only central London 13-19 college to offer boarding in the same building – so the demand is global, with 57 nationalities represented. Overseas applicants must have IELTS level 5 English. UK sixth form entrants require at least five 4s at

Around 10 per cent leave after GCSEs. All sixth formers apply for uni although a few may end up choosing a different path. London destinations top the charts – City St George’s University of London, King’s College London, Queen Mary University of

In 2025, 20 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 17 per cent A*/A at A level (46 per cent A*-B). For BTECs, all students achieved distinction or merit grades.

A levels are still the main dish served here, though starters and side salads abound. Parents we spoke to praised the wide range: ‘DLD offers subjects that most independents don’t,’ said a mum, referring to media studies, film studies, graphics etc.

Learning support is key in a school that prides itself on welcoming children who may not have previously thrived. College reports that 21 students currently receive support (seems low to us). Conditions include dyslexia, ADHD, autism, social

The art is spectacular. DLD is a seedbed for aspiring graphic designers, fashionistas, photographers, illustrators, animators. There are two full art studios, a computer suite for graphics and a well appointed photography studio. We saw inspiring,

Basement pool, gym and sauna (!) make it feel more like a conference centre than a boarding school. Gym can be used any time before bedtime curfew. Pool times more restricted to avoid crossover with the uni/adult crowd. Weekly games afternoon for the

And now for something completely different. How many schools can boast 14 storeys of boarding accommodation and common spaces stacked high over three floors of classrooms and accessed via lift? DLD boarders luxuriate in (mainly) ensuite single rooms

Diversity – of nationality, language, religion, race – is deep in the college’s DNA, imbuing it with a charmingly idealistic vibe reminiscent of United World Colleges. All the parents we spoke to singled out the international composition of the

Around 40 per cent from the UK, 60 per cent international – and no plans for this to change. The international population has been weighted towards the EU and Russia in recent years, and we wonder how the Ukraine invasion has affected numbers (school

Fees for the standard A level course will set back international families around £60,000 per year. British boarders pay less, and day fees are actually lower than some well-known London independents. Ten Alpha scholarships are awarded each year, to a

Ladies and gentlemen, may we introduce you to 21st-century boarding in the heart of London. This is one of the most unusual and exciting schools in Britain: urban, modern, forward-looking and undeniably cool.