Supporting the needs of our Military families

9 January 2025

Choosing the right school for your child is always a significant decision, but for military families, this choice comes with unique challenges. We recognise military life can cause stress and upheaval leading to a fragmented education, however, we are perfectly equipped to mitigate this. With our in-depth knowledge of the military family and extensive experience of supporting through our exceptional pastoral care, Windermere School is the ideal choice for military families whether posted in the UK or overseas. Our boarding houses provide a nurturing, stable, and supportive environment and are flexible to the needs of our military families. 

Here’s how we do it:

1. Stability and Continuity

One of the biggest concerns for military families is the frequent relocations that come with the job. We offer a stable and continuous educational experience, ensuring that children don’t have to change school every time their parents are posted to a new location. This stability allows children to form lasting friendships and build a strong foundation in their education.

2. Pastoral Care and Support

We understand the unique pressures that military families face, and are proud to be a sought-after military boarding school with a strong emphasis on pastoral care. Dedicated staff are trained to support children who may be dealing with the absence of a parent or the anxieties that come with frequent moves. This pastoral support includes wellbeing services, mentorship programs, and a close-knit community that fosters a sense of belonging and security.

3. Extracurricular Activities and Leadership Opportunities

Windermere School provides a wealth of extracurricular activities and leadership opportunities that are particularly beneficial for military children, including our unique Adventure and outdoor learning experiences. These programs help build resilience, teamwork, and leadership skills, all of which are valuable traits in both academic and personal development. From sports teams to arts and music, there’s something to engage every child’s interests and talents.

5. Financial Support and Bursaries

We recognise the financial challenges that can come with a military career, and offer financial support and bursaries specifically for military families. These bursaries can significantly reduce the cost of tuition, making quality education accessible to those who serve in the armed forces. At Windermere School there is the reassuring guarantee that fees will be charged at no more than 10% of the Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) for families who have qualified through JPA. 

6. Communication and Flexibility

Frequent communication with parents, regardless of their location, is a priority for our boarding Houseparent. We utilise technology to keep parents informed and involved in their child’s education, offering virtual parent-teacher meetings and regular updates on academic progress. This flexibility ensures that military parents can stay connected and engaged in their child’s schooling, no matter where they are stationed.

Conclusion

For military families, finding the right school that understands and addresses their unique needs is crucial. Windermere School excels in providing a stable, supportive, and enriching environment that caters specifically to the challenges faced by military children.
Our swift, online admissions process means we are able to respond quickly and efficiently to overnight changes in circumstances. So, whether you are undertaking long-term planning for your children or you are faced with an urgent decision as a result of an unexpected assignment, please do get in touch with our Admissions Team who will be delighted to support and advise.

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Windermere School is an Independent Boarding and Day School for ages 3-18, across Junior School, Senior School and Sixth Form. The school offers holiday courses and a summer school programme, as well as short term immersion courses for international pupils, as well as an award winning IB programme. Join the adventure today >