Sixth Form Boarding

Full Boarding Status

Our full boarding status means we can offer pupils consistency throughout their school career at the Duke of York's Royal Military School. Life in the lower school is designed to prepare pupils for stepping up into the Sixth Form.

Carefully Consider Every Child’s Circumstances

Children adapt to a major change in lifestyle when they first come here, and soon settle in to a routine of lessons, activities and free time with their friends. The transition from Junior to Senior Houses at the end of Year 8 is the next rung on the ladder towards Sixth Form status. We carefully consider every child’s circumstances before deciding which House will be the best fit for them, and it is very rare for a child not to settle in their new House. Life as a Senior is more grown-up: more is asked and expected of pupils, and they have an organising and mentoring role, with their own House tasks and ‘jobs’ to complete.

Excellent Preparation for Year 12

This is all excellent preparation for entering Year 12 and life in the Sixth Form, and once that threshold is crossed, the difference is instantly noticeable. It is evident in the change of uniform, an air of greater maturity, more responsible behaviour. But it is just as noticeable in the classrooms and on the sports field, in the music room and on Parade: these young adults are determined to succeed, and we give them every opportunity to do so.

Very Good Results at AS and A2 Level

We offer a strong range of subject choices and our pupils achieve very good results at AS and A2 level. One of the main ways in which study in the Sixth Form differs from previous years is that pupils are expected to take more responsibility for learning and to develop good independent learning skills – one of the main challenges of being a Sixth Former! In Years 12 and 13 they study fewer subjects and have private study periods on their timetable, many of which will be devoted to private study. This time will be spent completing homework assignments, reading, exploring areas of interest, carrying out further research and, most importantly, consulting with staff if and when problems arise. The Head of Sixth Form and subject teachers help pupils to develop successful study habits and skills, ensuring that study is properly planned and private study time is used productively, so that pupils do themselves justice. Many subjects offer lunch-time and evening ‘drop-in’ sessions for post-16s. The progress of all our pupils is monitored carefully and regularly both by individual subject teachers and by the Head of Sixth Form. They keep an eye on academic performance across all subject areas and on individuals’ general well-being. Pupils are encouraged to discuss any matters of concern with teachers, House staff, or the Head of Sixth Form, and we invite parents to contact us if they are at all worried about progress.

Formal Reports Once A Year

Formal reports are issued to parents once a year and these are used to review academic progress. All pupils meet formally with their tutors regularly to discuss progress and form action plans for the future. We see it as vital for students to take responsibility for their own learning, to identify strengths and weaknesses and to strive constantly to improve their grades. We welcome input from pupils and the Sixth Form has its own representatives for the School Council through which they can raise concerns, put forward ideas and plan social and sporting activities.

Year 12s Are All Prefects

Year 12s are all Prefects within their own House; some are Heads of House and others Deputy Heads of House. In Year 13 Prefects take on a higher profile and have whole school responsibilities. They oversee the induction process for new Year 7s, arriving at school a day early at the start of term to help the newcomers settle in and acting as mentors and a first point of contact. Prefects also supervise proceedings in the Dining Hall and Chapel.

Ceremonial Position of Junior Under Officer

Many Year 13s hold the ceremonial position of Junior Under Officer. Each of them is in charge of a small guard of about 20 pupils from the senior Houses and is responsible for ensuring they are well turned out and their drill is sharp and precise. This is particularly important on Grand Day when they are responsible for ensuring that the most high-profile ceremonial event of the year goes well. Year 13s enjoy all the benefits of living in Centenary House, the school’s only mixed House, where each pupil has their own en-suite single room. The building itself is a beautifully designed eco-friendly structure with a sedum roof, rainwater harvesting facilities, solar panels and natural daylight tubes which save energy. Wildlife is flourishing nearby thanks to various boxes for birds, bats and insects, and the sowing of wildflower seeds.

Freedoms and Responsibilities of University

Centenary House residents taste both the freedoms and responsibilities of university life, including practicalities such as washing, ironing, cooking and helping the Housekeeper. They manage more of their own time and have more flexible town leave, enabling them to visit Dover or nearby Deal at certain times during the week and at weekends. Each pupil has a personal Netbook and can take maximum advantage of wireless connectivity in the school.

Strengthening Their Work

Experience proves that trusting and empowering our Sixth Formers strengthens their work ethic and gives each individual the confidence to fulfil their potential. We prepare young people for adult life in a highly competitive world: we help to make them the best they can possibly be. Our Sixth Formers consistently rise to the challenge, and the Upper Sixth is an excellent springboard to higher education and successful careers.