Pastoral Excellence

The Duke of York’s Royal Military School offers pastoral excellence through pastoral care which incorporates initiatives tailored to establish a secure and nurturing environment, providing comprehensive and compassionate care for the wellbeing and personal development of students. This approach enables students to concentrate on their academic pursuits while feeling supported, valued, and appreciated, with a sense of belonging in a caring community.

Integrating academic, social, and personal support into a comprehensive care system administered by a committed and experienced team, including Houseparents, academic tutors, and matrons, allows students to consistently make remarkable progress and excel in all aspects of school life.

Safeguarding and Wellbeing Teams

Safeguarding and wellbeing are central to our approach to pastoral care. Our teams are composed of skilled professionals who bring diverse knowledge and expertise, continually enhanced through ongoing professional development.

We provide comprehensive advice, support, and guidance to ensure that students and parents receive the assistance they need, leading to positive student outcomes. By collaborating with a wide range of service providers, we ensure that the support offered is tailored to meet the specific needs of each student.

Boarding House System

Our House teams comprise a Houseparent, Deputy Houseparent, and a dedicated group of Tutors and Pastoral Leaders. Together, they provide comprehensive support to students, offering tailored interventions and pastoral guidance to meet individual needs.

The tutor system operates on a vertical model, with each group consisting of students from Year 7 to Year 11. This structure fosters positive role modelling, a strong sense of belonging, and opportunities for peer mentoring, allowing older students to offer both academic and social support.

Each Boarding House is also supported by a team of trained peer listeners, who provide a confidential and empathetic space for students to navigate various challenges. This initiative strengthens the sense of community and reinforces the values of the “Dukie Family.”

Education (PSHEE)

We deliver a well-structured, age-appropriate, and engaging PSHEE programme designed to help students explore a wide range of topics aligned with the three core themes: Health and Wellbeing, Relationships and Sex Education, and Living in the Wider World. These topics are thoughtfully presented to encourage open discussion, enabling students to develop essential transferable skills and form well-informed perspectives.

Medical Centre

Our Medical Team consists of a diverse group of clinical and sports rehabilitation professionals, ensuring students receive the highest standard of care. We also have a visiting GP from St James Surgery Dover, who conducts clinics three times a week. Additionally, the team works closely with key healthcare providers, coordinating regular vaccination clinics throughout the academic year.

Chaplaincy & Independent Persons

The School Chaplain, Mr. King, offers support to students facing various challenges, providing a compassionate and approachable presence, along with valuable guidance and wisdom.

To further enhance the support available to our students, we also have two Independent Persons —experienced individuals who provide impartial advice and a listening ear, ensuring students have access to diverse avenues of support.

Pastoral Excellence