Supporting Those in Service

“Life can be very different compared to that experienced by other families.”

 

LWC parent, Katie, articulates the challenges (and benefits) of being part of a military family, well.

 

“There’s a lot of moving around, periods where one parent is away and a general sense that plans can change at short notice,” she elaborates.

 

For many non-military families, whose lives are often already complicated by an intricate web of logistics and arrangements, this may seem almost impossible to imagine.

 

“For children, this life can mean changing schools a lot, leaving friends behind and having to adapt quickly to new environments,” Katie continues. “It does build resilience and independence, but it also means they sometimes miss out on the consistency that other children may take for granted.”

 

For Katie and her husband, a serving member of the British Armed Forces, the answer lay in a carefully chosen boarding environment.

 

“Boarding school felt like a way of giving our children a more stable base academically, socially and emotionally,” she explains.

 

There are over 120,000 children in serving military families in the UK. Research in the last few years has revealed that one in six military spouses and partners worry about the impact that this life will have on their youngsters.

 

“I would try to find a school which truly understands military life, both academically and emotionally,” Katie offers when asked for her advice on navigating this. “That support will make all the difference. Location is also important – find somewhere that you can get to easily or from where your child can travel home without too much stress.”

 

For Katie’s family, this school was Lord Wandsworth College, which has been supporting those serving in the armed forces and their families for over 100 years. As a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, the College recognises the unique demands placed upon service families. Not only does it offer continuity and stability for these children, but its long history of providing leading pastoral care also means that staff are well-versed in life beyond academics.

 

LWC was founded to provide an education for those who had lost the support of one or both parents and carries a strong tradition of exceptional wellbeing provision.

 

“Boarding school has definitely provided our children with consistency in education and friendships… At LWC, they’ve developed confidence, independence and strong social skills. They’ve been made to feel part of a community, feel settled and have had the chance to try different things due to the amazing opportunities”

— Katie, LWC parent

 

“We chose LWC because of its reputation for pastoral care and its clear understanding of military life,” Katie admits. “The school’s location is also a significant advantage – close enough to London for accessibility, well-connected to major airports and within easy reach of several military postings. The balance of accessibility and supportive community made it the right fit for us.”

 

LWC offers a generous fee remission for children whose parents are serving members of His Majesty’s Armed Forces. Service remissions are automatically awarded to families who are eligible for the Ministry of Defence Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA). As a result, these families only ever pay a parental contribution of 10% of the gross full boarding fee at the College.

 

LWC also welcomes enquiries from families working in UK government roles overseas, such as the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, where similar allowances may apply, along with the need for educational and pastoral continuity.

 

For many years, boarding school environments have played an important role in providing stability for families who may be impacted by short-notice postings, deployments and general uncertainty. But this is as much about the feeling they generate as the consistency offered.

 

“The boarding environment and particularly the House system with its incredible Matrons helps to create a real sense of home,” Katie explains. “That’s so important when family life can feel a little fragmented.

 

“Definitely involve your child in the decision on which school is best,” she suggests. “Feeling comfortable and happy there is what matters most.”

 

And for Katie and her family, gut feeling has counted for a great deal:

 

“Boarding school has definitely provided our children with consistency in education and friendships, which would have been difficult to achieve otherwise. At LWC, they’ve developed confidence, independence and strong social skills. They’ve been made to feel part of a community, feel settled and have had the chance to try different things due to the amazing opportunities.”

 

And beyond the experience of children, Katie also acknowledges that the right boarding school will offer something for those playing the challenging role of military spouse or partner.

 

“I’ve felt very supported by LWC,” she concludes. “There’s a genuine sense that the school understands. It’s reassuring to know that, especially during busy or more challenging periods like deployments, children are in a place where they’re genuinely cared for. That peace of mind means a lot.”

 

For further information on how to claim service remission, please visit our page on Supporting Armed Forces Families or contact the Admissions Team at Lord Wandsworth College, who are experienced in supporting families through the CEA process.