Alex Foreman, Principal of Duke of York’s Royal Military School (DOYRMS), on the importance of a strong co-curricular culture in helping students to develop strengths
When parents ask me what makes a great school, my answer is simple: it’s not just about academic results – although those are, of course, important – but the breadth of opportunity that surrounds a child’s education.
In a world that is fast-changing and fiercely competitive, the best schools are those that develop the whole child – academically, socially, emotionally and practically. And that only happens when students are exposed to a wide variety of experiences that build character, resilience, curiosity and creativity. That’s why I believe that the range of opportunities a school offers should be right at the top of your checklist when choosing the right fit for your child.
At The Duke of York’s Royal Military School (DOYRMS), we offer a culture of possibility. Students don’t simply follow a curriculum but lead teams, produce theatre shows, compete at national-level sports, take part in debating, coding, music and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expeditions. These experiences shape them as much, if not more, than any classroom lesson.
Experiences should not be considered ‘extra’ but offered to all students and built into the fee structure. We believe access to enrichment should never depend on a family’s ability to pay for add-ons. It’s a principle rooted in our history and lived through our values of equality of opportunity, personal growth and high aspiration.
Why does this matter? Because young people today need more than qualifications. They need confidence. They need to work as part of a team. They need to experience leadership, fail safely, learn quickly and bounce back stronger. These are not abstract qualities, they are teachable and can be developed through co-curricular life.
Whether it’s navigating a climbing wall, performing to a packed theatre, building a robot or leading a cadet parade, such moments create real, transferable skills. They help students to understand who they are and what they are capable of. Indeed, it is often in these spaces – outside of classroom learning and exam pressure – that young people find their voice and their path.
Of course, strong academic outcomes remain a core part of any school’s offer. At DOYRMS, we are proud to be in the top 5% of schools nationally for student progress at GCSE. Our A-level students consistently achieve outstanding results, with 95% progressing to university, 40% of these being Oxbridge or Russell Group institutions. But our academic outcomes are strengthened, not overshadowed, by the wider opportunities students are given.
As educators, it is our job not only to teach but also to empower young people. We work to ensure every student leaves us with the grades, the sense of purpose and the skills to thrive in life. That’s why I would urge parents to look beyond league tables and ask a deeper question: ‘What kind of person will my child become here?’. School is more than a place of learning, it is a launchpad. The more opportunities it provides, the higher a child will soar.
DOYRMS doyrms.com
Further reading: St Alban’s School on the wider value of CCF
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