Pastoral excellence plus rich education opportunities create happy boarding experiences, says Alex Foreman, Principal of Duke of York’s Royal Military School
At Duke of York’s Royal Military School (DOYRMS), we always recommend parents considering boarding options look for schools which offer comprehensive education while also showcasing excellence in their pastoral support.
This necessitates a significant focus on pastoral care, incorporating initiatives tailored to establish a secure and nurturing environment while providing comprehensive and compassionate care for the wellbeing and personal development of students. Such an approach enables students to concentrate on their academic pursuits while feeling supported, valued, and appreciated – and 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 their school life. Pastoral excellence also involves creating a nurturing and supportive environment where students feel safe and are encouraged to thrive, not only academically but also emotionally, socially, and personally.
The boarding house system should be structured to enable students to discover a feeling of connection and camaraderie in a home-from-home setting. Regular communication between the boarding house and home is vital. Parents and houseparents need to have a solid and strong relationship to ensure seamless support for the child in their care. This means knowledgeable staff should always be available to ensure students feel supported.
The success of this approach is evident at DOYRMS, where you will consistently find students – affectionately known as Dukies – having a coffee with a houseparent, playing ping-pong with a matron or laughing over lunch with their teachers and peers. Here, our teachers take on dual roles as houseparents and academic tutors within the boarding house, further emphasising the school’s commitment to both educational excellence and the wellbeing of its students.
The Duke of York’s Royal Military School also stands out with its approach to an all-round education. This is characterised by small class sizes and the promotion of an active lifestyle. The school’s emphasis on instilling leadership qualities and life skills not only contributes to academic success but also prepares students for the challenges of life beyond education. Rooted in military heritage and ethos, the school was originally founded by royal warrant to support the education of military orphans, a tradition that continues to shape our values today.
When considering boarding schools, parents would also do well to consider the boarding basis and the numbers of students participating in each of the boarding options. Here at DOYRMS, all students board, eliminating the mass departure of day students during weekends and evenings. Parents should also explore how they can keep in touch with their child while they board – Wi-Fi availability and regular exeat weekends are important elements.
Fundamentally, parents should search for a boarding school that provides pastoral care with a focus that extends beyond academics. The care must encompass the holistic development of all students, fostering a sense of belonging within a positive school community and building resilience. Pastoral excellence is integral to creating an atmosphere that enables students to navigate challenges, build strong interpersonal relationships, and develop essential life skills.
Duke of York’s Royal Military School doyrms.com
Further reading: Royal Russell School on the importance of social mobility
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