About Us

‘Pupils surprise themselves, leaving with confidence, self-respect, good results and high ambitions’.

We were thrilled to welcome an Education Consultant from The Good Schools Guide to The Duke of York’s Royal Military School recently to undertake their first review of our school. This esteemed publication is relied upon by prospective families worldwide to provide an impartial, precise portrayal of UK schools – and notably, we are the only non-selective state school in Kent showcased within its pages.

The resulting review showered high praise on our school across all facets of school life. It was lauded as a place where ‘progress scores soar above the national average’, ‘pupils are respectful, candid and mature, with genuine curiosity’ and ‘feel confident that all are welcome’.

The Duke of York’s Royal Military School was recently reviewed by Muddy Stilettoes for their Best Schools Guide. Muddy Stilettoes ‘insider’ guides offer a genuine insight into each school they visit, with informal, super-useful advice from our editors who are parents themselves. All reviews are unique, independent, and honest.

The review found the school to be a home-from-home environment, as one student described, “You feel like the people you meet at school will be in your life forever” and the reviewer whose children attend a local independent school “questioning why she was paying the extra cost when The Duke of York’s has the facilities to equal any of its local peers.”

The Duke of York’s Royal Military School has been honoured to receive the Wellbeing Award for Schools. This prestigious award recognises institutions committed to promoting the wellbeing of both students and staff. Schools receiving this accolade demonstrate a dedication to providing high-quality, ongoing professional development for staff, implementing clear strategies to support mental health, and fostering a supportive network throughout the entire school community.

“Staff and Trustees share a passion for and commitment to supporting the wellbeing of students, helping them to develop resilience and strategies for managing their own mental health. They clearly know their pupils well and understand their needs.”

The Duke of York’s Royal Military School holds the prestigious Artsmark Gold Award, the sole creative quality standard for schools accredited by Arts Council England. This award supports schools in enhancing and celebrating arts and cultural education, emphasizing creativity and wellbeing within the curriculum. Artsmark ensures that every young person has the opportunity to engage in a diverse, high-quality cultural education.

We are incredibly proud to have earned the Artsmark Gold Award and remain dedicated to providing exceptional arts and cultural education. We eagerly anticipate continuing our growth with Artsmark.

The Duke of York’s Royal Military School is proud to be an accredited centre for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, offering the prestigious Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels. Our students have the opportunity to develop valuable skills, engage in physical activities, volunteer in the community, and undertake adventurous expeditions as part of this internationally recognised programme.

To learn more about the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at our school and discover how it can benefit students personal growth and future opportunities, please visit Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Page.