Duke of York's Royal Military School
About
The Duke of York's Royal Military School is a non-selective boarding school for students aged 11 to 18. Located in Dover, Kent the school is an ideal choice for those living in the UK and Europe as we are close to the Ferry port and Eurotunnel, and only an hour's train journey from London via the High Speed link to St Pancras. Set in 150 acres of Kentish countryside, your son or daughter will feel safe and secure in our close-knit community.
Excellent results
As noted by Ofsted, high quality teaching and learning are the key priorities at the school. There is a broad curriculum at Key Stage 3, where, in addition to the core of English, Mathematics and the Sciences, students also study a language, History, Geography, Computing, Art, Drama, Dance, Design, Music, PE, Food Technology and RE. At Key Stage 4, as well as continuing with core subjects, and further optional courses are also taken. Results at GCSE are above the national average and, in 2018, a record number of students gained the higher grades necessary to gain academic scholarships for the Sixth Form.
The 20 A level and BTEC courses currently offered in the Sixth Form allow students to progress to a wide range of universities, with students moving on to study in the fields of medicine, law, engineering, business and fashion amongst many others in the last two years.
Military ethos
Originally established in Chelsea, London in 1803 to educate children from military families, the school continues to maintain and be proud of its strong military ethos. We Troop the Colour each year on our prize giving day at the end of the Summer Term, and we mark important commemorative dates in the calendar including Remembrance Sunday with the whole school and military band on Parade. We put particular emphasis on traditional values such as courage, integrity, respect, commitment, loyalty and self-discipline as we believe it helps our students develop character and skills for life. The School often attracts unique opportunities such as performing with the military band at Twickenham and at The Sun's Military Awards, or being included in The Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall and Westminster Cathedral.
Wellbeing and pastoral care
By choosing to live and study with us, your child is choosing to become part of a very special community. It is extremely important to staff that our students enjoy boarding and are able to forge strong friendships. Our experienced Housemasters and Housemistresses offer excellent pastoral care and support, supported by an In-house team of Tutors, Pastoral Leaders and Housekeepers. It's a busy and vibrant place, especially at weekends, with various activities and trips on offer.
So many opportunities
However, a good school is about much more than what is learnt in the classroom; sport, outdoor activities and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme continue to play a leading role in the lives of all of our students. Extra-curricular opportunities include over 70 clubs and activities (such as Chapel choir, fencing, horse riding and trampolining) while all the key sports are played here including rugby, netball, hockey, cricket and athletics.
We continue to work in partnership with a range of different schools locally, nationally and internationally. Most notable was the involvement of students in a critically acclaimed production of 'West Side Story', both in Dover and the USA, which was put on by students in a joint American and British cast.
£24.9 million investment
Our £24.9m building programme is now complete, enhancing our already impressive school site and facilities. New junior and Sixth Form boarding houses, a black box drama studio, teaching blocks and a Sports Centre have all been built. Students enjoy all major sports with us and our facilities include an indoor swimming pool, running track, assault course, AstroTurf area, squash courts and gym.
Our fees
Boarding fees are £13,500 per year and education is paid for by the state (to be eligible for a UK state boarding school, students must hold a British or EU Passport, or have the right to reside in the UK.)
Applications
We recommend that students join us in Year 7, Year 9 or for the Sixth Form (Year 12) but we will always consider applications from any year group, at any time of the year.
Why choose us?
o Graded Outstanding in Leadership and Middle Leaders and Good in all areas by Ofsted.
o Our GCSE results are significantly above the national average.
o Every student is encouraged to achieve their full potential in a fully supportive community.
o Military ethos helps develop character and life skills.
o Your child will enjoy an independent School lifestyle with sport, music, drama and CCF.
o Your child's laundry, meals and boarding fees are all covered in our yearly charge.
o We are a busy school with full and weekly boarding which provides many exciting opportunities to develop individual talents.
Come and visit us
The school is non-selective, but all students are invited to a 'suitability for boarding' interview. We encourage you to visit us to see what an extraordinary school we are.