Cities / London / DLD College London
DLD College London
Independent sixth-form college on Westminster Bridge Road, Lambeth. ~£36k/year incl VAT.
Curriculum
A-Levels / IB
Fees, annual
GBP 19k–31k
Ages
13 to 19
Pupils
~600
Founded
1931
Fees
Annual fees
| Year level | Age | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Boarding supplement - Twin En Suite | 14 | £18,900 |
| GCSE / Year 10-11 (UK, ages 14-16) | 14 | £24,670 |
| Boarding supplement - Platinum En Suite | 14 | £29,400 |
| GCSE / Year 10-11 (International, ages 14-16) | 14 | £31,390 |
| A-Level / BTEC (UK, ages 16-18) | 16 | £24,670 |
| A-Level / BTEC (International, ages 16-18) | 16 | £31,390 |
One-time fees
| Item | Age | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Registration fee (UK) | £250 | |
| Registration fee (International) | £500 | |
| Laundry service (annual) | £920 | |
| Refundable deposit | £2,000 |
Reviews
- DLD is an Abbey-group sixth form and senior school opposite the Houses of Parliament with around 70 percent of students boarding above the academic floors. Public coverage of the school is mostly tabloid news rather than parent reviews.
- Pastoral care is the headline strength across editorial coverage. The 2019 ISI inspection rated personal development Excellent, with all surveyed boarders reporting they felt safe and at home.
- One parent quoted in editorial coverage said DLD has "a real warmth to it". Class sizes around ten to twelve and a personal-tutor system are repeated structural strengths.
- Academic outcomes are mid-tier by central-London standards. 2025 results show 17 percent A* or A at A Level and 20 percent 9-7 at GCSE; BTECs all distinction or merit.
- The model deliberately suits self-motivated late teens needing flexibility and a mature environment, including international students on foundation pathways. It is not selective by academic ceiling.
Positives
- Pastoral care. Wellbeing centre, personal tutor system, and safeguarding are the most consistent positives in editorial and inspection coverage
- Boarding model. On-site urban boarding above the school is unusual in central London and a structural draw for international families
- Curriculum breadth. A Level alongside BTEC, IB, GCSE and the International Foundation Programme gives multiple pathways into UK higher education
Considerations
- Academic profile. Headline grades are mid-tier; suited to motivated students rather than top-of-table competitive academics
- Student fit. Reviews stress that DLD rewards self-direction; less structured than traditional senior schools
Leadership
James Kidd
James Kidd is the Principal at DLD College London, where he emphasizes the importance of student commitment and creativity in achieving academic success. He is dedicated to providing high-quality support to students as they prepare for their future careers and studies.
Accreditations
- ISI 01
Academic results
- A Level Results Last Three Years 52% A*-B
- A Level Results Last Three Years 75% A*-C
- GCSE Results 9 to 7 (A*-A) 25%
- GCSE Results 9 to 6 (A*-B) 41%
- GCSE Results 9 to 4 (A*-C) 84%
- IFP Pass Rate 100%
- IFP Distinctions Awarded 45%
- BTEC Diploma Pass rate 100%
- BTEC Certificate Pass rate 100%