Ages 
A school for pupils willing to hang their egos at the door, polish some grit (‘life’s not going to hand you anything,’ say pupils) and trust in the supportive environment. With this, pupils surprise themselves, leaving with confidence, self-respect, good results and high ambitions. For team players, not subverters, who recognise the value of a diverse network of friends and alumni, proud that ‘Once a Dukie, always a Dukie!’ ‘Go and see it,’ parents urge friends. ‘Park the name as it’s absolutely not a boot camp, just a great school with military heritage.’
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 475 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 122 ·
- Offers boarding
- Yes ·
- Fees
- Day free; Boarding £13,080 - £22,200 pa
- Local authority
- Kent County Council
- Area guides
Headteacher
Principal
Mr Alex Foreman
Since 2017, Alex Foreman, previously head at King’s School, Germany, for 10 years (navigating military withdrawal). Attended Oakham School, degree in theology and philosophy from Roehampton. Ambition to join the police scuppered by rugby injury (he
Entrance
Academically non-selective. Interview with assistant principal (registrar) and reference from previous school to assess boarding suitability. Year 7 the main entry point, but places crop up throughout. Most from state primaries, some from independent
- Open days
- Most Saturdays, by appointment
Entry and exit data - year 7 entry (average 2020-2022)
Exit
Just under 80 per cent remain for sixth form after GCSEs. Those leaving depart to sixth form colleges close to their homes or enter onto army apprenticeships. Eighty-five per cent of sixth formers to university, 40 per cent to Russell Group.
% students progressing to higher education or training (2021 leavers)
What is this?
The proportion of 16-18 students that progressed to degrees, higher apprenticeships or other study at level 4 or above for at least 6 consecutive months in the 2 years after taking advanced level qualifications (level 3) at this school or college.
Latest results
In 2025, 28 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 61 per cent 9-5 in both maths and English. At A level, 19 per cent A*/A (45 per cent A*-B).
GCSE - % of pupils achieving grade 5 or above (A* to C) in English and maths GCSE (2024)
What is this?
This tells you the percentage of pupils who achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs.
A level - Average points score (2024)
What is this?
These figures tell you the average grade and average points that pupils achieved in their academic qualifications. A maximum of 60 points are available for a grade A* at A level.
Teaching & learning
Progress scores soar above the national average, leaving local competitor state schools in the dust. ‘I couldn’t have dreamt I would be where I am now,’ we kept hearing from pupils reflecting on the top universities they had secured offers from. They
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- BTEC
- EPQ
- GCSE
- VRQ
Learning support & SEN
Ramsay House, a separate building dedicated to SEN, houses exam access rooms, a large area for group interventions and rooms for one-to-ones - all consciously minimalist to avoid sensory overload, yet also welcoming. The 12 per cent on the SEN
Arts & extracurricular
Music is outstanding. All year 7s can learn an instrument for free (90 per cent are beginners) and the vast majority continue, supported by 10 peris and four full-time instrumental teachers. This feeds into the ensembles which include training band
Sport
‘As far as the eye can see, there are sporting facilities,’ said a parent, and she’s not wrong. Olympic-size athletics track, full-size outdoor climbing wall, rugby pitches, sports hall, dance studio, indoor swimming pool (albeit rather dated) and
Boarders
Was, until recently, the only state school in the country where all pupils are full boarders – but responding to local demand, flexi-boarding (up to 10 nights a year, then pay-as-you go for any further nights) is on the menu from September 2025.
Ethos & heritage
Founded in 1803 for military orphans in Chelsea, the school decamped to this high vantage spot above the white cliffs of Dover in 1909 and has continued to evolve ever since. Past the gatehouse, the driveway meanders through the 150 acres to the
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
Very rare for pupils to step out of line, with sanctions (detentions, internal inclusions and even fines) clearly laid out and displayed around the school. Being ‘gated’ or moved to Montgomery House is a punishment all strive to avoid. ‘You realise
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Provided by the school and not part of our review Senior students (years 7–11) may use their phones during free time after completing lessons and school commitments, such as prep and clubs, until bedtime. On weekends, phones are allowed after Saturday morning lessons (from 1pm) and after brunch on Sundays (from 10.30am). Sixth form students are required to keep phones on silent. Use of phones is not permitted during lessons, in the dining hall, chapel, assemblies or while participating in clubs.
Pupils & parents
Pupils are respectful, candid and mature, with genuine curiosity. Diverse ethnicity, with a cohort of Nepalese (from the Gurkha community), Nigerian and Fijian, among others. Three boys to every two girls, no doubt a hangover from its single-sex
Money matters
Free tuition, with parents only paying boarding fees. Year 12 academic scholarships for those gaining three grade 8s and three grade 7s at GCSE – worth 80 per cent remittance on boarding fees. Sports scholarships from year 9 - worth 50 per cent.
- Fee information
- Day free; Boarding £13,080 - £22,200 pa
The last word
A school for pupils willing to hang their egos at the door, polish some grit (‘life’s not going to hand you anything,’ say pupils) and trust in the supportive environment. With this, pupils surprise themselves, leaving with confidence, self-respect,
Inspection reports
Ofsted reports
Full inspection: Good
You can read full reports on the Ofsted website
| Personal development | Outstanding |
|---|---|
| Quality of education | Good |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Outstanding |
| Leadership and management | Good |
| Sixth form provision | Good |
Full inspection: Good
| Leadership and management | Good |
|---|
