Duke of York's Royal Military School, Dover

In its own words: "Being a Dukie is an esteemed credential to hold, embodying a legacy of excellence and tradition. It represents more than just a label; it symbolises a commitment to personal growth, academic achievement, and a set of enduring values. To be a Dukie is to be part of a community where opportunities abound for those willing to seize them."

From the headteacher's welcome: "The Duke of York’s Royal Military School is steeped in proud military tradition which provides the foundation for our ethos and values. This legacy enriches our educational environment, however, what truly showcases the excellence of our School is our students, affectionately known as Dukies, once they join our community."

Clubs and activities named on the school's website include rugby, dance, drama, photography and Duke of Edinburgh.

In 2026, pupils at Duke of York's Royal Military School averaged an Attainment 8 score of 58.9, the average grade across their best eight GCSEs. The average state school scored 48.1 in Kent and 47 across England.

70% passed English and maths at grade 5 or above, against 49% in Kent and 47% in England.

That is up from 55 in 2025.

Its most recent Progress 8 score, for 2024, was 0.67: pupils made well above average progress compared with pupils nationally who started secondary school at the same level. Progress 8 was not published for 2026.

Pupils sat GCSEs in 25 subjects; after English and maths, the most popular were Chemistry, Physics and Biology.

For September 2026 entry, 29 families put Duke of York's Royal Military School as their first choice and 58 named it as one of their preferences, for 28 places offered. That is slightly more first choices than places. 3 families who put it first were not offered a place there.

The nearest other state secondary schools to Duke of York's Royal Military School are St Edmund's Catholic School (0.9 miles, Good, Attainment 8 33.7); Dover Grammar School for Girls (1 mile, Outstanding, selective, Attainment 8 56.7); Dover Christ Church Academy (1.2 miles, Attainment 8 35.8); and Dover Grammar School for Boys (1.9 miles, Good, selective, Attainment 8 63.1).

Duke of York's Royal Military School's 2026 results were higher than 3 of these 4 schools.

Duke of York's Royal Military School is run by its own single-school academy trust.

66 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey about Duke of York's Royal Military School (as of September 2025): 97% would recommend the school, 99% say their child is happy there and 82% of those with a view say bullying is dealt with well.

The strongest agreement was that their child feels safe (100%); the weakest, that the school deals with bullying well (among parents with a view) (82%).

Of the 96 pupils who finished Year 11 in 2023/24, 88% stayed in education or training for at least two terms, including 17% to a further education college, 1% to an apprenticeship and 4% into work.

Of the 57 students who left the sixth form in 2023/24, 83% went on to university or other higher education, 2% to apprenticeships and 11% into work. 15% went to one of the most selective third of universities.

0% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well below the average state school (25%), according to the 2026 school census.

In 2026, 89 pupils (18.9%) received SEN support and 0 (0%) had an education, health and care plan, against 16.2% and 4.6% at the average state school. The most common need among them is a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia.

Duke of York's Royal Military School had 48 teachers in 2026, one for every 9 pupils: more teachers per pupil than a typical secondary school, at about one for every 17.

The nearest railway station is Dover Priory Rail Station, about 1.5 miles away in a straight line.

2 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is The Duke of York's School (opposite), 250 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 19 crimes within a mile of the school, most often anti-social behaviour, violence and sexual offences and criminal damage and arson. That is well below the typical figure around schools in Kent (101).

In 2024/25, Duke of York's Royal Military School issued 7 suspensions, 1.5 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.

The primary schools closest to Duke of York's Royal Military School are Guston Church of England Primary School (0.4 miles), St Richard's Catholic Primary School (1 mile), Charlton Church of England Primary School (1 mile) and Barton Junior School (1.1 miles). Admission does not depend on which primary a child attends unless the school's policy names feeder schools.