Forces Families and Education

Parents in the Armed Forces face difficult choices in educating their children. Life in the Armed Forces means moving every few years to a different location often outside the UK, and many parents feel that this sort of lifestyle does not offer consistency and a stable base for their children. Many therefore decide to opt for education in the UK, often at girls & boys private school.

Boarding schools offer the stable environment that Forces families wish to give their children. Many of the independent schools offer discounts to children whose parents are in the Armed Forces and the British government contribute a large percentage of the fees as well. Boarding school is an affordable choice for many Forces families. School UK rather than school overseas means that the children follow a UK curriculum also and can sit exams which are recognised worldwide and can be used to apply to University. Many children fly out to join their parents during the long holidays, or leave school to visit other friends and relations at weekends. Most children go away to board for secondary school only, but there are still several schools who will take boarders from as young as seven.