Behind the Motto: ‘Looking Forward with Confidence, Looking Back with Pride’
Alex Foreman, Principal of The Duke of York’s Royal Military School, explains how the school’s unique blend of tradition and innovation is shaping confident, capable young people ready to seize the opportunities of tomorrow.
Our motto isn’t just words on a crest — it reflects the very heart of our mission. “Looking forward with confidence, looking back with pride” speaks to who we are: a school built on over 200 years of proud tradition, yet relentlessly focused on the future our students will shape.
With fees starting from just over £4,000 per term (and just over £7,000 for full or weekly boarding), we offer what I believe is one of the most compelling educational experiences in the country. Our inclusive offering is one of exceptional academic education and an unrivalled, outstanding co-curricular programme designed to stretch, challenge, and inspire.
Our students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities that rival many schools: modern science labs, an Olympic-standard athletics track, a professional-style theatre, and more. But what truly sets us apart is not just what we provide — it’s how we personalise that experience.
I task every member of staff to truly know each student, who are affectionately know as ‘Dukies’. Not just their academic ability, but what makes them tick — what inspires them, what they care about, and how they learn best. We are committed to unlocking the potential in every child. Because when a student feels seen, understood, and supported, there is no limit to what they can achieve.
Our academic results are a testament to this ethos. 85% of our students achieve A*-C at A Level, and 95% go on to university, with 40% securing places at Oxbridge and Russell Group institutions. At GCSE, we’re in the top 5% of schools nationally for progress where our students outperform the national average by two-thirds of a grade.
But education here goes far beyond the classroom. We offer over 60 clubs and societies a week, alongside world-class opportunities in sport, the performing arts, and leadership. These are not extras — they are part of the fabric of our school, included in our fees, and embedded in our belief that a well-rounded education builds not just qualifications, but character.
Our schools name and military heritage instils a deep sense of respect and pride — but our vision is modern, ambitious, and inclusive. We honour our past, not by standing still, but by using it as a foundation for bold, forward-thinking education. We need to know where we have come from, to know where we are going.
I warmly invite you to visit our school, speak to our students, and see what makes The Duke of York’s Royal Military School such a special place to learn and grow. This is more than a school — it’s a community where every student is known, every talent is nurtured, and every future is possible.
To learn more, visit www.doyrms.com or contact admissions@doyrms.com to arrange your visit.
