Awards, Reviews & Inspections
As an award-wining boarding school, The Duke of York’s Royal Military School has obtained a variety of accreditations and accolades. Below you will find information about these, as well as school inspections.
The Duke of York’s Royal Military School takes immense pride in its exceptional pastoral support, fostering a sense of belonging and pride among its students – as one pupil eloquently expressed, ‘your house is your guard,’ showing us their guard’s heart pin. ‘As soon as you start, you’re presented it which makes you feel you belong to something really special’. Moreover, parents appreciated that ‘the school never closes’, and that stability is maintained without the chaos of day pupils’.
‘Music is outstanding’ and ‘as far as the eye can see, there are sporting facilities’. Students remark ‘support is great’ while parents attest their children ‘achieve beyond expectations’.
The boarding experience exudes a ‘homely vibe’, featuring ‘large spacious dorms’ while the ‘cool sixth form boarding house gives a sense of independence – ‘a step between school and uni’ – girls on the upper floor and boys below (all ensuite)’.
The overarching sentiment is that ‘pupils surprise themselves, leaving with confidence, self-respect, good results and high ambitions’. The Duke of York’s Royal Military School is hailed as ‘a great school with military heritage.’
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Talk Education recognised the School for its outstanding all-round education, unique sense of community, and strong leadership under Principal Alex Foreman. In their review, Talk Education remarked, “This state boarding school’s rich history and majestic location near the White Cliffs of Dover definitely have the wow factor, but even more impressive is the all-round education that instils perhaps the strongest sense of community we’ve encountered at a school.” The publication noted the military-inspired values of courage, integrity, respect, commitment, loyalty and self-discipline as central to the school’s ethos. |
Principal Alex Foreman, who took the helm in 2017, has overseen a remarkable transformation in the school’s academic and cultural landscape. As Talk Education noted, “Exam results have soared during his tenure.” Foreman’s leadership has shifted the focus back to education and character development, saying, “They had forgotten what they are here to do, which is to educate children.”
The school’s vibrant boarding community, dedicated teaching staff—many of whom live on-site—and a breadth of academic and co-curricular opportunities were all highlighted in the review. The school offers A-levels, BTECs, and mixed programmes, and prepares students for diverse pathways including university, apprenticeships, and the Armed Forces. Nearly half of all leavers secure places at Russell Group universities.
The co-curricular life at the school also earned high praise. From elite sports facilities, Combined Cadet Force (CCF) training, and an impressive arts programme to international trips, the school’s well-rounded approach was lauded. The school chapel, in particular, holds special significance for many, with the head boy sharing, “Being in chapel is my favourite school memory.”
Perhaps the most enduring takeaway from the review was the strength of the school’s culture. As one student shared with Talk Education, “We are one big Dukie family.” This sense of belonging is echoed in the school’s motto: “Once a Dukie, always a Dukie.”
The school boasts a rich musical and drama program, offering various ensembles and theatre productions. It also provides free instrument lessons starting in Year 7 and free LAMDA acting tuition as part of its extensive extracurricular programme.
Academically non-selective, DOYRMS provides a well-rounded education with a strong emphasis on personal development. The school follows an independent model with Saturday classes and offers various academic clubs. As the headmaster Alex Foreman states, “We will do everything we can to support students on this journey.”
Boarding life at DOYRMS is full-time, with students enjoying a packed calendar of activities and trips, promoting independence, and preparing them for post-school life. One parent shared, “The Boarding Houses are like a second homes and are very welcoming.”
Parents and students praise the school for its welcoming environment, strong community, and approach to education. As one student aptly put it, “the best years of my life have been at this school.”
Ofsted is the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills. The Duke of York’s Royal Military School is regulated, as are all schools, and inspected to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages.
Our latest Ofsted Inspection reports can be viewed below:
