Doon Cambridge School
Parent Insights20 E, Race Course Dehra Dun Uttarakhand - 248 001 India
If you’re exploring ICSE/ISC schools in Dehradun that balance academics with outdoor learning, Doon Cambridge School might already be on your list. Here’s a detailed, parent-friendly look at what the school offers — the good, the not-so-good, and what you should check before applying.
- ✦Offers both day and residential options with separate hostels for boys and girls.
- ✦Strong emphasis on adventure and outdoor learning — trekking, mountaineering, horse riding.
- ✦Hosts the W.C. Kashyap Annual Inter-School STEAM Competition.
Summary for Parents
Overview
- •Doon Cambridge School, Dehradun is a long-standing ICSE/ISC school that blends academics with outdoor and co-curricular exposure. It’s known for its structured environment, caring teachers, and a variety of sports and clubs.
- •However, parents should be aware of mixed feedback on communication and some sports coaching quality.
Best Fit For
- •A child who thrives in a structured, disciplined environment.
- •A child who enjoys outdoor activities and sports.
- •A child comfortable with boarding or day-boarding routines.
Strengths
- •Balanced academics and extracurriculars
- •Transparent fee structure
- •Boarding and day options
- •Strong focus on discipline and values
Trade-offs / Things to check
- •Strict environment may not suit every child
- •Mixed feedback on sports coaching
- •Communication with parents could be improved
- •Additional boarding costs beyond tuition
Recommendations / Questions to Ask
- •What is the current student–teacher ratio per class?
- •Can you share the last two years’ ICSE/ISC results?
- •How are sports coaches trained and supervised?
- •What are the total annual costs including extras?
- •How often do parent-teacher meetings take place?
School Information
Board / Curriculum
ICSE
Grades offered
Nursery - 12
Medium
English
Type
Co-ed
Students
~691+ (as per school website)
Student–Teacher Ratio
Not officially published; school lists 100+ faculty
Boarding
Yes
Pincode
248001
Leadership & Staff
- • Experienced teaching staff
- • dedicated housemasters/matrons for hostels
Fees & Admissions
| Class / Category | Fee (₹) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Play Group / Nursery / KG | ₹3,070 | As per 2025–26 prospectus |
| I–V | ₹3,268 | Registration / Admission Fee: ₹1,500 / ₹3,500; Smart Class Fee: ₹1,687; 2025–26 |
| VI–VIII | ₹4,192 | 2025–26 |
| IX–X (Science) | ₹5,908 | Registration / Admission Fee: ₹2,500 / ₹5,000; Smart Class Fee: ₹1,500; 2025–26 |
| XI–XII (Science) | ₹7,228 | Registration / Admission Fee: ₹3,500 / ₹7,500; Smart Class Fee: ₹2,000; 2025–26 |
| IX–X (Commerce) | ₹5,710 | 2025–26 |
| XI–XII (Commerce) | ₹6,634 | 2025–26 |
| Transport Fees (monthly) Up to Rispana River / Haridwar Bypass | ₹1,800 | |
| Transport Fees (monthly) Other areas (e.g., Kargi Chowk) | ₹2,100 | |
| Transport Fees (monthly) Around city | ₹2,200 | |
| Transport Fees (monthly) One-side bus | ₹1,200 |
Admission Process for Interested Parents
Admission Timeline
- 1.Registration: Fill out the form online or at the school office with a non-refundable registration fee (₹1,000–₹4,000 depending on class).
- 2.Entrance Test: Conducted for Nursery to Class IX.
- 3.Interview: Shortlisted students and parents meet the Admission Committee.
- 4.Final Admission: Based on test results, interview, and seat availability.
Documents Required
- 1.Birth certificate
- 2.Previous school records / transfer certificate
- 3.Passport-size photographs
- 4.Medical and immunisation records
- 5.Proof of registration fee payment
Admission Open
Admissions usually open in March–April for the new academic year. Boarding applicants may have additional interviews.
What Parents Say
Aggregated from parent reviews across platforms. Ask these questions during your school visit.
Academics
Positives
Parents appreciate the teachers’ dedication and clarity in explaining concepts, especially in maths and science. The school’s ICSE/ISC focus is well established.
Watch out for
Some parents mention inconsistency in teaching quality across subjects and occasional exam-related issues.
Ask: Ask for recent board results and how the school supports weaker students.
Sports & Extracurriculars
Positives
The school offers a wide range of sports and clubs, including trekking and horse riding, which many children enjoy.
Watch out for
A few parents feel that playtime is limited and that some sports coaching (like swimming) could improve.
Ask: Visit the sports facilities and ask about the qualifications of coaches.
Boarding & Care
Positives
Hostels are supervised by trained matrons, and medical facilities are available on campus.
Watch out for
Some parents find the school leadership strict and communication channels limited.
Ask: Ask about parent communication systems and how concerns are handled.
Fees & Value
Positives
Many parents feel the school offers good value for its facilities and academics.
Watch out for
Additional costs for boarding and extras can add up quickly.
Ask: Request a full breakdown of boarding and miscellaneous charges.
Campus & Facilities
Not specified publicly; located in the Race Course area of Dehradun, a compact urban campus.
Reviews from Other Platforms
Aggregated from public sources for reference. These are not verified by SchoolCompass.
What parents liked
"We would like to express our gratitude for the excellent education our child is receiving at DCS. The teachers are outstanding, and the activities are both enjoyable and beneficial."
— DG
"The teaching faculty is good, especially the maths teacher of class 10 ... makes us understand concept easily."
— Vihbha Nair
"Fantastic school! The teachers are professional, caring and well organized. The admissions process was outstanding, they really care and truly want the best for students."
— Edustoke review (2024)
Concerns raised
"Principal of DCS is highly strict and sometimes angry on parents. Although the school is good, children play less games there."
— Ashutosh Rawat
"Very poor swimming pool of Dehradun... really bad experience. Coaches is zero."
— Dr. Deepak Rana
"Inadequate teaching methods, such as oral instruction without proper explanations or written practice."
— Justdial review
What Kind of Peer Group?
Age Range
3 to 18 years (Nursery to Class XII)
Family Backgrounds
Mix of local Dehradun families and boarders from other states; mostly middle to upper-middle-class.
Socio-economic Profile
Urban families who value ICSE/ISC academics and structured extracurriculars.
Child Profiles
Students who are disciplined, academically focused, and active in sports and clubs.
Verified Parent Reviews
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