It would clearly be inappropriate to comment on the abuse allegations until the School’s legal action is concluded (if it has ever started). However, it is reported that a police investigation, Operation Snowdon run by the Police Protection Unit based at Canterbury Police Station, is looking at these allegations. This is headed up by Superintendent Susie Harper who can be contacted through phone number 01227 868310.
Families who are concerned about issues of abuse may alternatively wish to contact Whistleblowers UK or official channels for advice.
|
Duke of York's RMS, Pupil Numbers,
October Census
|
||||||
|
Year
|
Year Seven
Allocations
|
2017 Age
Group
|
2013
Census
|
2014
Census
|
2015
Census
|
2016
Census
|
| 2017 | 12 | Year 7 | ||||
| 2016 | 36 | Year 8 | 60 | |||
| 2015 | 38 | Year 9 | 69 | 77 | ||
| 2014 | 23 | Year 10 | 48 | 69 | 79 | |
| 2013 | 39 | Year 11 | 44 | 56 | 80 | 94 |
For September 2017 admission, the school refused places to 14 first choice applicants, presumably under the criterion they are allowed to use, that of unsuitability for boarding. There may well be a conflict here with the priority given in the admission criteria to "Children with a boarding need, at risk or with an unstable home environment. Such applications must be supported by the child’s home Local Authority or be supported, in writing, by an appropriate professional such as a social worker which demonstrates “why the Child would benefit from attending a boarding school”.
Whilst each cohort shows a steady increase as older pupils transfer in to the school, in most years, the number of Year pupils arriving in Year Seven is approximately double the March allocations. This suggests that in September, the number arriving could be around 24, although the current bad publicity is surely bound to reduce this further to a long term non-viable figure. It is also reported, but not confirmed that some families have removed their children from the school which will add to the pressures.
In spite of the shrinking numbers, the academy's financial position may be secure because of an annual grant from the Ministry of Defence, totalling £891,858 in 2016 for 'Ministry of Defence Military Ethos'. That is an awful lot for ethos!
The following communication sent out to 'Dukies', former students of the school, has been sent to me by one of them.
|
Message sent on behalf of the Principal, Alex Foreman: Following the Telegraph's recent inaccurate and misleading articles based on the historical allegations made by a vexatious ex-parent and her associates, I want to assure you that the school is NOT being investigated by the police. Many of you have sent us positive messages of support directly or on social media, and we are very grateful. Such unfounded attacks are disheartening, especially when the School has been forensically inspected and exonerated by Ofsted; indeed, we've had nothing but good reports. You should also be aware that we are doing everything we can to allay any concerns and we are preparing a complaint for the Independent Press Standards Organisation against the Telegraph. Unfortunately, we cannot stop this ex-parent repeatedly making allegations, but we can continue to strive to ensure our standards are high in all areas. As you can see in the School's Ofsted reports, we have much to be proud of. If you do have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the School. Best wishes, Jenny Jenny Grant Alumni & Development Manager The Duke of York's Royal Military School Dover Kent CT15 5EQ T: 01304 245078 |
You may wish to visit the final comments on the Needleblog to catch a thought on this. Previous comments there also make quite hairy reading! There is a possibly unrelated and unverified news report here.
C
c
