Art's blog

For those interested in the projected change of the Duke of York’s School in September 2010 to ‘academy status’, a visit to the article dealing with this subject in detail is to be found in the index of the Duke of York’s School (see main page of the www.achart.ca website).

Comment 28 May 2010

First, I admire the tour de force that Art and Ben have produced, which I hope all may read. My comments stem from a careful reading. First, I was aware of the MoD’s desire to reduce its investment as far back as the early 1980s, when a management consultant friend was retained to ascertain if parents would pay fees. To get to the point, however, the question is ‘what is the future of DYRMS per se with respect to its history and culture or not’ as admirably explained in the paper?

My next question, is academy status a done deal as of this autumn or is something to be worked towards? I have some lateral experience of this world, having just shifted a London out of school music training provision (set up for the ‘have nots’) into what are called ‘new arrangements.’ External funding (sponsorship) is vital, but that is the second step only. The first is the determination of the governing body and leadership team. Do we know their vision/plan?

Academy deals are more swiftly achieved when the relinquishing authority is part of the process; not in divesting itself of responsibility, but in helping advance the process and, if necessary, granting a dowry to assure a smooth transition. There are also issues of TUPE transfer of staff to be managed. For example, Westminster Borough Council having an institution they wanted to achieve academy status, they had to be involved and to provide dowry funding. It’s an unwise management that allows itself to be liberated from parental control/(in this case MoD) without first having clear direction.

As to the mission of the school, A continuing military culture is important, but the military influence has changed and future independence may well change that character more. According to the record, its results are decent but do not compete with the top echelon. From FT surveys, the DYS scored well for value for money but was not academically excellent. Will the school have had its day if it becomes independent? It certainly needs a strong pitch and strong leadership to counter that.

In terms of the role of alumni (here I draw on tyro years spent fundraising) the top independents lean heavily on wealthy current parents and a combination of wealthy alumni (for large donations) and the not so wealthy for more modest support. We might think the social background of our alumni does not dispose us to contribute generously, for we may not appear to be acculturated as the alumni of the top independents are, but this has to be tested.

The redbrick and newer universities face the same problem, although some are successful in fundraising. In the Oxbridge context, my old college, St Catherine’s, very much of 60s foundation, does well to get 15-20% alumnus support but the vast majority are average givers, i.e. £500 a year averaged out would put you in the middle/upper ranks of those that do give. Yes, we do have a very few large donors, but we are not Balliol/Christchurch.

In sum: 1. What is the school’s continuing effective mission? 2. How strongly/committed is the board management and its vision? 3. What role is the departing parent/funder (MoD) playing in making a new world possible?

Chris

Comment 1 July 2010

Academy has been used in Scotland for some decades. Our previous government peppered with socialist Scots would have imported it.

Colin

By way of the grapevine, I have come into possession of the DND 1997 promo video of the Duke of York’s School, produced for the information of parents in the Armed Services who are looking for a residential school in which to enrol their child or children. The video is well-produced, cut and presented. I recommend Its viewing to all ex-Dukies, but particularly those of some generations back who knew as a military institution. The reason is that the changes that have taken place with the addition of buildings, amenities for co-educational tutoring, and a curriculum to prepare students for university are remarkable.

A viewing makes anyone proud to have been associated with the School. Some, who might yearn for the good old days, will not be impressed. This will be especially so for those who view the video with a sense of wistfulness for the way things were during their time. Parents of the present generation of potential students will be impressed because the Duke of York’s has been transformed into the very model of a modern public school, one that compares favourably with the finest co-educational teaching institution in the country.

Following an impressive series or aerial shots, Headmaster Gordon Wilson has a few interesting comments. Scenes of a typical day in a student’s life, of the first-rate catering, sports, accommodation, and extra-curricular activities are well-balanced for interesting viewing. The commentaries of some students, boys and girls, follow a voice-over narration during which, regrettably, there is excessive reference to ‘facilities’ that makes one’s toes curl. The remarks offered by members of staff are well-chosen and worth hearing.

The school uniform for boys and girls is smart, attractive and casual. Blue blazer, grey flannel trousers for the boys and blue skirts for the girls, and casually-worn school scarves, trim white shirts and school ties are in sharp contrast with the coarse khaki uniforms, short trousers and ammunition boots of the past. The change is a welcome sight to this former student.

This excellent video shows a school that will create a much greater all round self-confidence in the pupils never achieved in the past. The adjustments previous generations had to make when they left the closeted existence of what was a military kindergarten were traumatic and harrowing. The school is no longer a military institution, nor is it any more royal than Eton, Harrow, Wellington or any other public school. It is therefore fitting that it be renamed the Duke of York’s Academy.