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Date Posted: 26th October
Categories: Boarding SchoolMilitary
Life within a Military family can be rewarding, with children often growing up to be some of the most strong, confident, and adaptable people in our society. However, whether you’re from an RAF, Army, or Navy background, having to move around so much can present several challenges, including a lack of stability for your child.
Selecting a boarding school for your child could be a sensible option to ensure they can thrive and have educational continuity within a stable, strong, and caring community. But it can be tough knowing whether it is the right decision for you as a family. Here are five benefits of a boarding school education for your child:
The average military family relocates every 2-3 years, which can be highly disruptive to a child’s education. Enrolling your child in boarding school will ensure they feel that all important sense of stability during their educational years. Boarding school will allow for military children to maximise their potential throughout life’s key developmental stages with an uninterrupted, quality educational experience they deserve and need to thrive.
Several Military Boarding Schools, such as Wycliffe, are co-educational, meaning they take in both male and female pupils, from the age of 7 all the way up to 19. At Wycliffe, siblings of different ages across the school are encouraged to visit each other’s boarding houses and catch up at weekends and in their free time. Keeping your children at the same boarding school will allow their bond to develop and will provide them with the reassurance of knowing that their sibling is just around the corner.
If your child has more specific travel requirements, we can help. At Wycliffe, our travel team can arrange transport for siblings to and from airport and bases to school if needed
As a Military family, you may qualify for the Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA). This allowance has been designed to cover up to 90% of boarding school fees for each child, to assist children in forces families with continuity throughout their education. At Wycliffe our CEA qualified parents benefit from funding and pay just 10% of the school fees themselves. Not only does this cover all activities and trips at the weekend, the percentage remains the same whatever year their child(ren) are in from Year 3 to Year 13. Wycliffe as a chosen CEA boarding school covers any remaining amount with a Forces’ Bursary.
Whilst Military bases can offer plenty for children to do, so can boarding schools. A forces boarding school will allow your child to immerse themselves in a plethora of engaging activities with their peers during the week and go one exciting trips and activities at the weekend. With access to specialist, top-level teachers, your child has the opportunity to excel within the areas they are most passionate about. From extensive sporting activities, CCF, DofE, to cooking and music, there are ample opportunities to develop different skills and bond with like-minded individuals.
Moving between schools can take a toll on your education and may hinder opportunities down the line. Enhance your child’s potential and equip them with transferrable skills that they can take with them throughout further education and beyond. Boarding school offers a well-rounded experience for students, providing the perfect blend of community, culture and high-quality tailored care which will allow your child to thrive and develop in day-to-day life.
Discover Wycliffe Sixth Form in Gloucestershire, an Independent Boarding School with over 140 years of experience in supporting the families and children of those serving in the British Armed Forces. In the heart of the beautiful Cotswolds countryside, Wycliffe’s excellent pastoral care and continuous support ensures all pupils and families have stability, security, and flexibility in a strong and caring community.
Find out more about Wycliffe for Military Families.
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