Pastoral Support

Excellent Pastoral Care provided

Parents of students at the Duke of York's Royal Military School particularly value the excellent pastoral care provided to all our pupils. We recognise that children are bound to be nervous when they first arrive at a new school and face the challenge of sharing a new place with new people. Many have no history of boarding and fear the ‘unknown’, and living away from their loved ones can be stressful, particularly for those with parents serving in theatres of war. Our unique all-boarding status means that every child is in the same situation, and we have developed a close understanding of how to help them settle in and enjoy school life.

Individual Personality and Specific Needs

Our carefully selected staff have all the necessary skills and experience to get to know and understand each child’s individual personality and specific needs. Housemasters and Housemistresses, Tutors, Matrons and Housekeepers encourage pupils to discuss any issues or worries they have, and they work closely together both formally and informally to identify and resolve problems or concerns before they escalate. We operate buddy systems and, in particular, encourage Year 8s to mentor Year 7s to help them through the initial learning curve.

A Spirit of Camaraderie

As a military academy we must continue to support children emotionally as they progress through school, and the Senior Houses feel very much like big families where people socialise and are good citizens. Inevitably there are squabbles and occasional clashes, but there is a spirit of camaraderie and children usually sort out problems between themselves. Each child has a mentor to talk to if an issue can’t be resolved, and support is always available from the Head of House, Matron, Housemaster or Housemistress. Matrons are pivotal to the smooth running of each House, monitoring every child in their care and liaising closely with parents, who highly value them.

The Honour System is Strong

Discipline here is firm but fair, and the honour system is strong: children usually own up if they have done something wrong. Most pupils aspire to be chosen as a mentor or Head of House, and those who behave most responsibly are rewarded with the role of Prefect.

Instant Access to Their Parents

Telephone and e-mail communication gives pupils instant access to their parents wherever they may be, which is a comfort on both sides. But children are very adaptable and we find they quickly become immersed in routines, activities and new friends. Both parents and pupils are secure in the knowledge that full-boarding means continuity of education, bringing all the benefits of stability and consistency – and it enables children to establish the all-important long-term friendships they need to be happy and fulfilled.