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CEA Allowance – Financial Boarding School Support for Forces Families

The aim of the CEA boarding school allowance is to assist children in forces families so they can achieve continuity throughout their education. Offered by the MOD, the allowance (available to those who qualify) helps to fund forces children a place in a boarding school, such as Wycliffe, so their education is not disrupted and parents serving in the military can continue their services.

The CEA allows children from forces families to experience a stable and uninterrupted education throughout key years of growth and development.

Wycliffe CEA School – Armed Forces parents only pay 10% of school fees

Why Wycliffe?

Wycliffe has 130 years of experience supporting Forces Families, ensuring children maximise their potential and have a continuous stable educational journey, throughout life’s key developmental stages. For children between 7 – 13 in our Prep School and our Senior School students aged between 13-19, our high-quality boarding facilities offer outstanding pastoral care for Forces children of all ages.

children at wycliffe independent school enjoying outdoor water sports
children at wycliffe military boarding school

How Much Do You Pay?

Wycliffe supports the Continuity of Education Allowance Scheme from the Ministry of Defence with a very generous Forces’ Bursary. This means that as parents from the Military you only pay 10% of the school fees yourself, through the financial support you receive as part of the Continuity of Education Allowance. Wycliffe covers the remaining amount with a Forces’ Bursary.

We are committed to supporting Forces Families in every way. So, in addition to paying only 10% of the school fees, Forces Families do not have to pay any deposit. The only thing we ask that you pay is the £100 Registration Fee when you have decided to join us.

Read more about why Wycliffe should be forces families’ CEA school of choice.

Wycliffe is located within easy reach of South West Forces Bases

Located in Gloucestershire, Wycliffe is within easy reach of the major Army and RAF bases across the South West with excellent road transport links (we are only one mile from M5 Junction 13); a train station only 400 yards away (with a direct train to Paddington); and Heathrow, Bristol and Birmingham airports all easily accessible in under two hours.

By car:

  • ARRC at Innsworth – 25 minutes
  • RAF Brize Norton – one hour
  • MOD Abbey Wood – 30 minutes
  • Salisbury Plain Training Area – one hour and 15 minutes.

How to Claim Continuity of Education Allowance

CEA is available for children aged eight years and over. If you’re eligible to claim CEA you must contact the MOD Children’s Education Advisory Service (CEAS) to obtain a unique serial number which then needs to be shown to the Joint Personnel Administration (JPA). If they’re satisfied you’re eligible, you will receive an eligibility certificate from the Pay and Allowances Casework and Complaints Cell (DBS PACCC).

You can claim the latest CEA instalment three times a year, within a specified timeframe. It is advised to keep the receipt as proof you have used the money to pay school fees.

If you have questions about the CEA allowance and whether you may be entitled to it, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Wycliffe using the form below.

Enquiry Form


Parents' Details


Parent or Guardian


Answer to Your CEA Questions:

I receive the CEA, so how much will I pay for the fees?

If you are eligible for the CEA allowance, you pay only 10% of the School’s fees which includes all boarding accommodation and food, academic studies, most of the extra-curricular activities (there are some such as Combined Cadet Force, Rowing, Fencing and Squash which incur a small termly charge).

Are there any extras I have to pay?

There are additional charges for extra lessons such as individual music lessons, and we are happy to talk these through with you.

Does my son or daughter have to leave school on Exeat weekends?

Each term, the Prep and Senior Schools have Exeat weekends, but all Boarders can stay at school if you would prefer them to, and this cost is included in the full fees (so you do not pay extra).

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