DOYRMS Alex Foreman presenting berets small 1

New Dukies pupils receive their berets

Students who joined the Duke of York’s Royal Military School for the first time this term were presented with their prized uniform berets at a special ceremony attended by family and friends.

The time-honoured tradition was also a first for the new Principal Alex Foreman who joined the school at the beginning of the year; he helped present berets to more than 120 new Dukies, mainly Year 7, who have completed a period of parade training after joining the school in September. The school’s Vice Principal and Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Steven Saunderson assisted.

This marks the beginning of the CCF journey for many of the Dukies students who all take part in the schools CCF as well as additional military activities as part of the schools own format.

The beret is an essential part of each student’s ceremonial uniform worn on parade and special occasions. Students can also wear the cap badge of a family member who has served in the armed forces on their dress blues. It is called their ‘heart badge’ and is a poignant recognition of their family's military heritage.

Principal Alex Foreman said: “The Beret Parade is a significant event for our students as it heralds their careers as Dukies with all the pride and importance that represents. Parents who attended also found it a heart-warming occasion, especially as it was the first time they will have seen students on parade embracing our military ethos that helps develop character and life skills.”