Admission to DHSB
When could I look around the school?
When will the admission exams be held?
What will the admission exams consist of?
Can you recommend a tutor?
Is there any allowance made for my son who is the youngest in the school year?
What can I do if my son does not qualify in the 11+?
What are the term dates for this academic year?

Option Choices
My son has made his option choices for next year but now wishes to change one of his subjects. Is this possible?

General Studies at A Level
My son is keen to study four or five A levels but is not interested in General Studies, does he have to study the subject in your sixth form?

Number of A level subjects
Can I study five A level subjects at DHSB?
Is DHSB all about academic work?

Admission to DHSB

When could I look around the school?
There will be an open evening in July and an open morning in September. Please check the diary for dates.top

When will the admission exams be held?
Over two Saturdays in January. top

What will the admission exams consist of?
During the first session your son will have a familiarisation session and take the DHSB written English paper (comprehension and composition). During the second session he will take two NFER-Nelson multiple choice papers — Mathematics and Verbal Reasoning. top

Can you recommend a tutor?
No, but practice papers are available from DHSB and it is a good idea to have a look at the format of the questions before the exam. The PTFA also provide an NFER-Nelson practice paper completed in exam conditions at DHSB on the last Saturday in September. Parents receive standardised results to help inform their decision. top

Is there any allowance made for my son who is the youngest in the school year?
Yes. The results are age-standardised. top

What can I do if my son does not qualify in the 11+?
Let him settle in at an alternative school and if he still wishes to transfer to DHSB apply to take the 12+ partway through Year 7. top

What are the term dates for this academic year?
Please see the school calendar published on this website. top

Option choices

My son has made his option choices for next year but now wishes to change one of his subjects. Is this possible?
Yes. Ask your son to see Dr Rintoul and assuming there is no problem with settings then we can make the change immediately. top

General Studies at A level

My son is keen to study four or five A levels but is not interested in General Studies, does he have to study the subject in your sixth form?
Yes. General Studies is a core part of our sixth form curriculum and is taken by all students. The subject does not deny any student the choice of another A level subject and the majority of students will leave DHSB with four A levels including General Studies. It is true that many institutions of Higher Education do not ask for General Studies but it is not uncommon for some to include this subject in their offer for a university place. top

Number of A level subjects

Can I study five A level subjects at DHSB?
Yes. We offer 26 A level subjects and in consortium arrangements with other schools and colleges the number of subjects on offer rises to more than 30. The majority of our Year 13 students study four A levels including General Studies although five A levels including General Studies are possible as well as a total of six A levels for our most able Mathematicians.top

Is DHSB all about academic work?
DHSB pupils work hard and enjoy academic success, but opportunities here are much broader extending to sport, music, drama, adventure and competitions. We are proud of all the achievements of our boys, academic or other. top