What are the Benefits of Boarding at a School in Central London?

1. Stunning sights, architecture and history

Students who live and study in London have enormous privileges. With everything you could want on the doorstep, there are limitless opportunities for students to enrich their learning and their lives.

London provides the campus for independent schools across the city, but none can claim London like DLD College London. DLD is a multi-award winning 14-19 co-educational independent boarding and day school located on the South Bank and the only school in Central London which offers boarding facilities in the same building.

DLD’s location directly overlooking Westminster and the River Thames is one of our greatest assets. Boarders at DLD College London wake up with stunning views from our purpose-built and state-of-the-art campus. Whichever direction you look, you see iconic, historic landmarks – places that are of national and international importance from the perspective of culture, politics, art, religion or business.

Being in the heart of London is amazing and exciting, and something we’re rightly proud of. As part of the South Bank, we are just a few steps from the London Eye and the many tourist attractions which make up this area, but also just a ten minute walk from the cultural institutions of Southbank Centre with its Royal Festival Hall and Hayward Gallery, as well as the National Theatre, the British Film institute and Tate Modern.

The school is directly across the river from the Houses of Parliament and within walking distance of Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery. We even host our graduation ceremonies at the Palace of Westminster, creating an inspiring and unforgettable experience for our students.

2. Authentic cultural diversity

London is one of the world’s most multi-cultural cities. One-third of all Londoners are foreign-born, and over 200 languages are spoken throughout its many streets and neighbourhoods.

When studying and living at a school or college in Central London, particularly an institution such as DLD that attracts local and international students every year, you’ll get the opportunity to connect with people from many different countries around the world including from London itself.

Learning about other cultures and nationalities can not only educate you about different customs and practices but can also help you to learn more about yourself. As a school that champions tolerance, respect and kindness, this is something that we actively promote.

As a boarding student at DLD College London, you are placed into the heart of an authentic multicultural landscape in a truly international city, providing ever changing opportunities for valuable new experiences, while expanding your horizons to the wider world. Diversity is not an aspirational value at DLD College London, it runs through the school like a thread.

3. Excellent business and community links

Boarding in London offers great opportunities to enhance your career prospects. Whether you are looking to pursue a career in business, the arts, technology, finance, or hospitality, London has so much to offer – and that’s just work.

Situated in the heart of London, DLD’s location places our students on the doorstep of hundreds of the world’s leading businesses. Every large, multinational company in the world has offices in London, often its European or world head office, adding to the feeling of excitement and being near to the centre of the business world. There truly is something for everyone.

Our academic departments have formed strong links with dozens of these businesses, and students benefit from a variety of trips and visits from guest speakers to support their learning. For example, our students have recently worked with Ticketmaster, the British Film Institute (BFI), Disney and Harrods, preparing them for university and employment alike.

4. Amazing educational trips and visits

London is the cultural capital of the UK, with all the most important museums, libraries and art galleries as well as being the national centre of theatre, cinema, fashion, design and architecture.

Thanks to our vibrant Central London location, DLD students can benefit from amazing learning and enrichment opportunities. Boarding in the centre of the city means our students get easy access to all of this and more – in effect, London becomes your classroom!

Our broad programme of Co-Curricular activities; cultural, musical, sporting and recreational activities and trips enhance the learning experience and provide a safe way for students to enjoy all that London has to offer. Previous trips have included football at Wembley, concerts at the Royal Albert Hall and the London Jazz Festival, West End and Globe theatre trips, ice-skating, paintballing, go-karting amongst others.

From the location to the varied range of opportunities it presents to students, DLD College London provides an innovative, urban boarding experience for today’s world.

5. Access to prestigious global universities

London is an academic hotspot, with the most universities of any UK city and more world-class universities than any other city on earth. It is home to 18 universities in total, 4 of which are ranked in the world’s top 50 according to the QS World University Rankings 2022.

DLD students benefit from the college’s strong links with these and dozens more of the UK’s top universities, including many prestigious Russell Group universities.

Boarding at DLD College London provides a great stepping-stone to university. Our students consistently achieve exceptional results, enabling them to access top universities of their choice both within the UK and worldwide.

While university destinations are broad and varied, around two thirds (61%) of DLD students’ progress to join leading London universities including the London School of Economics (LSE), Imperial College London, UCL, King’s College London, University of the Arts, London and City, University of London amongst others.

6. Unrivalled transport links

Finally, as London is a global transport hub, it’s easy to travel here from anywhere. The city is well-served by transport links, both for travelling to and from London within the UK, Europe and the wider world, and for getting around the city.

DLD College London is situated in the heart of London on the South Bank close to the London Eye, directly opposite Westminster and Big Ben. The campus is a short walk from Westminster Underground or Waterloo Station, making it convenient to travel to and from home – whether home is in the UK or abroad!

Ready to take the next step?

We are delighted that you are considering applying to DLD College London.

The best way to learn more about our special and unique college and decide on the right course choice for you is to chat to our friendly Admissions Team.

We look forward to welcoming you.