The Ministry of Defence and Department for Education have published new guidance to help local authorities and state-funded schools in England understand the educational and wellbeing needs of Service pupils.
It explains some of the challenges faced by children from military families and provides information about the Service Pupil Premium, explaining how it can be used to offer support to eligible pupils from reception to year 11.
Although the guidance is non-statutory it includes statutory information on the Armed Forces Covenant and the School Admissions Code, and it draws existing guidance into one place.
Minister for Veterans and People Al Carns said: “Fittingly, this announcement coincides with the Month of the Military Child, which is a time to speak up for our Service children.
“They face many challenges due to the unique nature of Service life, but it’s important that they are able to benefit from their exceptional experiences.
“That’s why this joint guidance with the Department for Education explains how we can break down barriers and help our Service children to thrive in education.”
Mobility and separation
An estimated 78,000 current and former Service pupils are in state schools in England, although the true figure is thought to be higher because not all parents want to tell schools if they are a member of the Armed Forces.
The document says: “While the total number of Service pupils is relatively large, most schools have fewer than five Service pupils. This makes it especially important to understand their particular needs.”
It points to the fact many will change schools several times during their education and the moves are more likely to happen outside normal admissions rounds. They have to cope with extended periods of separation when parents are deployed or away on training, and ‘weekending’ when a parent has to commute to their base.
AFF has welcomed the publication. Education & Childcare Specialist Anna Hutchinson said: “Families can share this with their schools to help them better understand the needs of Service children especially around using the Service Pupil Premium and supporting school moves.”
Resources and ideas
Examples of support include personalised transition packs and a buddy system used by a primary school in South Gloucestershire for new Service pupils.
One of the resources highlighted is the Thriving Lives Toolkit from the Service Children’s Progression Alliance, which offers a framework around which schools can base their support.
Local authorities are asked to consider nominating a member of staff to be a Service Pupil Champion and there is information on how schools can contact the military in their area or approach AFF and the other families federations for advice.
POSTED ON 4 APRIL 2025
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