Founded in 1619 by Edward Alleyn, the Elizabethan actor-manager, it moved to its present 65-acre site in 1870. It has very handsome, patrician buildings (designed by Charles Barry the younger) on a big expanse of playing fields; extensive building programmes have provided excellent facilities. It aims to provide an environment with a good work ethos where pupils acquire an independent and critical approach to learning and where they can feel secure and equally valued whatever their cultural and social background. Academic studies are well run by a large and well-qualified staff who consistently produce excellent examination results. Music plays an important part in the life of the school. A 250-strong choir undertakes major works and there are several orchestras and smaller groups. Drama involves a large number of pupils in numerous productions and the art school produces work of a high order. The design and technology centre has workshops for engineering, boatbuilding and cabinet making. With extensive grounds, a boathouse and a field centre, it offers a wide range of sports and standards are high. Over 40 clubs and societies meet regularly, offering a broad co-curricular programme, from debating to fencing and Duke of Edinburgh's Award to community service.

Pupils: Total age range 7-18; 1433 boys (1305 day, 128 boarding). Senior department 11-18, 1227 boys. Entrance: Main entry ages 7, 11, 13 and 16. Own entrance exam, a few by Common Entrance; for sixth-form entry, 6 GCSEs at grade A (including English and 3 A-level subjects). No special skills required other than the potential to gain from what the school offers; no religious requirements (wide religious and ethnic mix). 60% of intake at 11 from state schools (few at 13).

40 pa scholarships each year, value 10-30% fees (can be supplemented with an entry bursary, up to 100% of tuition fee): most academic, some for art, music and sport. Limited number of means-tested entry bursaries at 11 and 13. Parents not expected to buy textbooks; extras limited to co-curricular expeditions.

65+% in industry or commerce. 85+% live within 30 miles; up to 10% live overseas.

Master: Graham G Able, in post from 1997. Educated at Worksop and Cambridge (natural sciences). Previously Headmaster of Hampton, Second Master of Barnard Castle and Housemaster at Sutton Valence. Former Chairman of HMC, President of the International Boys' School Coalition. Teaching staff: 160 full time, 23 part time. Annual turnover approx 7%. Average age approx 40.

GCSE: On average, 197 pupils in Year 11: 91% gained at least grade C in 9+ subjects; 9% in 5-8 subjects. Average GCSE score 67. A-levels: 193 in upper sixth: 31% passed in 4+ subjects; 68% in 3 subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 421.

98% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course, 15% to Oxbridge, 2% to universities overseas. 7% take courses in medicine and dentistry, 30% in maths, science and engineering, 48% in humanities and social sciences, 15% in economics and business studies.

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 28 examination subjects offered. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; in addition, AS-level general studies and critical thinking offered. Key skills integrated into general studies and other subjects. Vocational: Work experience available at the end of Years 11 and 12. Special provision: Support tuition for pupils with limited learning difficulties (eg dyslexia); EAL teaching (mainly for overseas entrants at 16+). Some partially sighted and profoundly deaf boys have recently progressed well through the school. Languages: French, German, Italian, Spanish, Latin, Greek and Mandarin offered to GCSE and A-level. Regular study visits abroad (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and China). ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum, eg mathematics, modern languages, science and geography. Computer studies AS and A-level offered. Over 400 computers for pupil use, all networked and with email and internet access.

Music: Over 20% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 17 musical groups including 2 full orchestras, 2 brass groups, 2 wind bands, 3 choirs, chamber orchestra, big band. Drama: Drama offered, both part of the curriculum and extra-curricular. Many are involved in school and house productions. Art and design: On average, 80 take GCSE, 33 A-level; AS-level history of art also offered.

Sport: Curriculum sports are rugby, hockey, soccer, cricket, swimming, athletics, tennis, badminton, squash, cross-country, basketball, fencing, rowing. Optional: golf, weight training, martial arts, lifesaving. RLSS exams may be taken. Boys frequently represent sports at national or county level. Activities: Pupils can opt for Duke of Edinburgh's Award (bronze, silver and gold available), CCF, community service or Scouts. Up to 30 clubs, eg computers, debating, mathematics, political (prominent politicians often invited to speak). Debating and chess very successful at national level.

Uniform: School uniform worn throughout. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. School captain and senior prefects appointed by the Master with advice from pupils and staff. Religion: Church of England school. There are regular assemblies and celebrations of Eucharist for Anglicans and Roman Catholics; visiting Hindu, Jewish and Muslim leaders assist in denominational services. Social: Drama, music, joint society meetings, lectures shared with sister school (JAGS). Regular holiday visits abroad (educational and recreational) and language exchanges; sports tours. Meals self-service. School shop. No tobacco or alcohol allowed.

Pupils failing to produce homework receive detentions. Aim is for discipline that is firm and fair.

Secretary, The Alleyn Club, c/o Dulwich College.

P G Wodehouse; A E W Mason; Trevor Bailey; Raymond Chandler; Sir Ernest Shackleton; Sir Harold Hartley; Gordon Jacob; Lord George; 5 First World War VCs; 3 Second World War VCs; Booker prize winners Michael Ondaatje and Graham Swift; C S Forester; Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rupert Perry-Jones (actors); Peter Oosterhuis (golf); Kieran West (oarsman).