SCHOOLING/EDUCATION
Top quality sports and arts facilities underpin a packed programme of worthwhile evening and weekend activities and many too offer comprehensive Combined Cadet Force programmes, particularly popular with forces families.
Another tick in the box for state boarding is that it produces well-rounded, responsible children able to get along with others, often from different backgrounds. As well as the ready-made circle of friends in their boarding house pupils also have a chance to mix with local children attending the school on a day basis and are encouraged to involve themselves in their local community.
Perhaps, however, the single biggest benefit state boarding can offer the children of those serving in the forces is the stability and consistency that is so often missing due to the demands of military life.
Whilst mobility is a career necessity for serving families it is undisputedly an educational risk as it often means children changing schools, often at key stages. Different postings can result in multiple moves from one school to another and even between different educational systems making it harder for children to form friendships and fulfil their academic potential.
Looking to the future operational horizon, many in the military envisage that tour
Junior Girls Dorm
patterns will become even less predictable and this makes it harder than ever for serving parents to plan continuous education for their children outside of boarding options, where of course cost can become an issue.
Many parents too are looking to the possibility of life beyond the military and therefore must consider the long-term affordability of any education choices made now for their child or children’s secondary education.
It is also worth noting that the New Employment Model Programme is reviewing the Terms and Conditions of Service for Service personnel with the aim of promoting lifestyle
choice and domestic stability. This work will, in time, lead to longer postings for many Service personnel, which may in turn impact an individual’s eligibility to claim CEA.
It is perhaps therefore affordable stability that is state boarding’s most compelling benefit for service personnel: the reassurance that children are well-cared for, are learning and are achieving their potential with the additional peace of mind offered by the affordability, whatever the future may hold.
Further information can be found at
www.sbsa.org.uk where you can also download a free Parent’s Guide.
Rugby
www.raf-ff.org.uk Envoy Autumn 2015 39
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