Cities / Seoul / Dulwich College Seoul
Dulwich College Seoul
British-heritage IB World School in Seocho, part of the Dulwich College International network, serving around 700 students aged 3-18 from over 40 nationalities. Annual tuition for 2025-26 ranges from KRW 40.7M for Kindergarten to KRW 44.8M for Year 13.
In brief
An academically selective British school in Banpo that opened in 2010, operated under licence by Dulwich College International and running the English National Curriculum into the IB Diploma.
DCSL takes children from age 3 through Year 13, follows the EYFS into the National Curriculum of England and Wales, examines IGCSEs in Years 10 and 11, and runs the IB Diploma in Years 12 and 13. The 2025 IBDP cohort averaged 36 points with a 100 percent pass rate, and 21 percent scored 40 plus, which the school flags as the best DP results in the city. CIS and WASC accreditation sits behind the brand. Roughly 700 students from over 40 nationalities, led by Alison Derbyshire.
Facilities are well-equipped, with a 25-metre indoor pool, gymnasium, sports field, 250-seat auditorium and a black box theatre. Families describe the size as well-judged, the resources as strong, and the community as a settled landing pad for newcomers to Seoul. Fees of roughly KRW 41m to KRW 45m put it at the top of the British tier.
Fees
| Fee | Age | Type | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nursery & Reception (DUCKS) | 3 | Annual | ₩40,700,000 |
| Years 1-6 (Junior School) | 5 | Annual | ₩41,000,000 |
| Years 7-9 (Senior School) | 11 | Annual | ₩42,400,000 |
| Years 10-11 (Senior School) | 14 | Annual | ₩43,600,000 |
| Years 12-13 (IB Diploma) | 16 | Annual | ₩44,800,000 |
| Application Fee (non-refundable) | One-time | ₩400,000 | |
| Placement Deposit (refundable) | One-time | ₩3,000,000 | |
| Capital Levy (refundable) | One-time | ₩4,000,000 |
Reviews
- The school is small by Seoul international-school standards (around 700 students) and parent voices repeatedly describe size as a deliberate strength. One parent called it "not too big, too small, but just right".
- Community and diversity are the headline themes. One parent said "my son has been there for 2 years, and we're extremely happy with the school". Another called the mix of nationalities and the language programmes (Mandarin, Korean) a key reason for choosing Dulwich over more homogenous local options.
- IB Diploma performance is solid: a 2025 cohort of 19 candidates averaged in the high 30s with a 100% pass rate. Roughly a fifth scored 40 and above.
- Critical voices are quieter. The most pointed comment in the public pool is about cost, with one student-aimed post noting the high tuition.
- forum threads from the broader teacher community treat Dulwich Seoul as a strong, stable name on the Korea circuit. There is no equivalent of the cost-cutting and turnover commentary that surfaces around the China campuses.
Head of school
Alison Derbyshire
Alison Derbyshire is the Head of College at Dulwich College Seoul, leading the school through its 15th anniversary and focusing on growth, innovation, and community engagement. She emphasizes academic excellence and global citizenship, guiding students to achieve their best in a supportive environment.
Accreditations
- Council of International Schools 01
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (Accrediting Commission for Schools) 02
Academic results
- IB average (2025) 36.5
- IB pass rate (2025) 100%