Support for armed forces families

Education and the Armed Forces Covenant

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly. 

Education for service children supports the Armed Forces Covenant by providing information on admission arrangements and Service Pupil Premium funding for children whose parents currently serve within the Armed Forces, and those children who have been recorded as having service child status at any point in the last six years. 

Service Pupil Premium

The Service Pupil Premium was introduced by the DfE as part of its commitment to deliver the Armed Forces Covenant and in recognition of the specific challenges that children of service families face. The premium has been established principally to provide children with pastoral care, though it can be used to support their academic progress and attainment if needed. 

Schools in England can get a Service Pupil Premium payment of £310.00 per year for each child from reception to Year 11. Funding is paid for the total number of service children as a whole within the school and not specifically allocated to individual children. It is up to the school and governors to decide how the money is spent and schools need to show how they spend this.

If you think your child is eligible for the Service Pupil Premium you should let your child's school know. 

Admission arrangements for children of UK service personnel and crown servants 

Education for service children provides information and advice on school admission arrangements for children of service personnel. You can also view school places and admissions for local arrangements.  

Term-time absence for service children

Head teachers are only able to grant requests for leave during term time in 'exceptional' circumstances. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) recognises that the educational needs of the service children affected will always be a critical factor when determining whether term-time absence should be granted. 

You can speak to your child's school about any absence during term time. 

Other useful resources

• Reading Force supports forces families with free, fun shared reading resources and activities to support families whilst parents are deployed. 
• Army Families Federation provide advice and information for Army families. 
• Naval Families Federation provide advice and information for Naval families. 
• Royal Air Force Families Federation provide advice and information for Royal Air Force Families. 
• Little Troopers is a charity supporting children whose parents are serving in the Armed Forces. 
• Service Children in State Schools (SCISS) provides some information on what life can be like as part of a military family. 
• Royal British Legion provides information and support for families. 
• SSAFA is a charity providing advice and support for military families. 
• Kin and Country: Growing Up as an Armed Forces Child is a report provided by Children's Commissioner into the lives and experiences of children who grow up in a military family. 
• The Children's Education Advisory Service (CEAS) provides advice, support and guidance regarding the educational well-being of the children and young people belonging to families in military services and eligible Ministry of Defence (MOD) civilians. 
• Service Children's Progression Alliance is a partnership of organisations focus on improving outcomes for children and Military families.