Admissions

Applying to DLD College London is designed to be a straightforward, personal and supportive process. We welcome day and boarding students aged 13 to 19 from across the UK and around the world, and every application is considered individually, based on an interview, a school report and each student’s ambitions rather than a single set of numbers.

Whether you are applying from London, elsewhere in the UK or overseas, this page explains how to apply to DLD, what we look for, and how to arrange a visit.

How do I apply to DLD?

Applying to DLD follows five straightforward steps, and our admissions team guides you through each one.

1. An enquiry

Get in touch by contacting admission@abbeydld.co.uk to tell us a little about the student and the programme of interest.

2. Come and visit us

Whether you opt for a private tour, an open event or an online webinar, we encourage you to experience the school for yourself and understand what we are about.

3. Submit an application

When you are ready, you can submit an application through our online application form.

4. Interview

Students are invited to an interview with a member of our senior leadership team so that we can understand their aspirations and how DLD can help meet them. Applicants for our Year 9 programme also take part in the DLD Challenge week.

5. Offer

Following a successful interview and a satisfactory report from the current school, we will make an offer and help you complete enrolment.

Our admissions team can be reached on +44 (0)20 7935 8411 (for domestic students), +44 (0)330 053 6082 (for international students) or by emailing admissions@abbeydld.co.uk.

What are the entry requirements?

Entry requirements depend on the programme, and admission is always based on an interview and previous academic achievement as well as grades.

For Year 9, all applicants take part in the DLD Challenge week, with successful candidates invited to interview and asked to provide a satisfactory report from their current school.

Entry to our GCSE programmes is based on a satisfactory school report and an interview to discuss the student’s aspirations.

For A Levels, students need a minimum of five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, with Grade 5 preferred in Maths and English, and Maths and Science A Levels require Grade 7 or above in the relevant GCSE.

For a BTEC Diploma, students need at least five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including Maths and English.

UK and international students

DLD welcomes both UK and international students, with a dedicated admissions route for each. Students living in the UK with a British passport apply through our domestic admissions process. Students holding a passport from outside the UK, whether living here or overseas, apply through our international admissions team, who support families through every additional step, including guidance on the UK education system, entry and visa requirements, and international payments. For families abroad, we regularly meet prospective students in their own countries, and we offer both January and September start dates across a range of courses.

Fees, scholarships and bursaries

Our latest fees are published on the DLD College London fees page, and a range of scholarships and bursaries is available to support talented and deserving students. We would encourage you to review the latest fees and to explore our scholarships and bursaries, then to speak with the admissions team about the options that may suit your family.

Why Do Families Choose DLD?

The only school in Central London with on-campus boarding providing a safe, supportive home in the heart of the capital
Experts in university progression – 90% of students were placed into their first choice university
London is our classroom – from world-class museums, galleries and theatres to global businesses and cultural landmarks, London becomes an extension of the classroom, providing exceptional real-world learning opportunities
Creative future-focussed learning that goes beyond academic achievement, equipping students with the confidence and skills to succeed in a rapidly changing world

As an experienced editor of a schools magazine, I have visited many schools and believe that DLD is excellent for its teaching, pupil ambitions and pastoral care. No square children being coerced into round pegs here! Annabel H - Parent

Superb teaching quality with staff who have ignited a passion for learning in my child. Sarah B - Parent

My son joined Year 9 and is very happy with the school, he developed so many skills already in the short time he has been with DLD. Keshal P - Parent

DLD feels unique in letting students be their true self and excel in their strengths...overall I am very happy with the school and my son is thriving here Candida M - Parent

I am very happy that my son found a place like DLD. He is a different person now - much happier, and he has clear plans for the future. Alisa C - Parent

I truly appreciate how happy Tallulah is at DLD. It was a huge move for her to a new school in a new city and it has worked out exceptionally well due to the incredibly welcoming atmosphere at DLD as well as the exceptional teaching and pastoral care. Yarah D - Parent

Arrange a Visit

The best way to understand DLD is to see it for yourself. We warmly invite you to arrange a visit or register for an open event, in person or online, and to download our prospectus to learn more before you apply.

Book a Visit

Explore

Apply

Fees

Scholarships & Bursaries

Download Your Prospectus

Prospectus