We are proud to be a sought-after military boarding school with Armed Forces families who seek continuity of education for their children despite what can be an itinerant lifestyle. Our military parents are serving both across the UK and internationally.

We recognise military life can cause stress and upheaval which can lead 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 are flexible to the needs of our families, we want you to see your child when it suits you. So if you return from deployment you can take your child out to lunch, go out in the evenings, or have a weekend visit.

Supporting pupils and their parents is central to everything our boarding staff do. We go ‘above and beyond’ what is expected – and that’s what families have told us. We want our pupils to become the very best version of themselves, but we also expect it from ourselves and the services we provide.

We pride ourselves on the warmth of our boarding houses, and the level-headed regular communication by staff with parents. Our team is highly experienced in supporting military families and their children – many of whom are new to boarding school life.

From Year 3 to Sixth Form we nurture and challenge each of our boarding pupils, unearthing their potential and encouraging them to explore their passions and find what it is that they are exceptional at, both in the classroom and outside of it. Our students develop into confident and well-rounded individuals, with life skills that ready them for making a positive impact on the world.

Within this page, we will discuss the Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) – what it is, who it is for, and how it can help Armed Forces families.

To find out more about our boarding provision and how it might be the answer for your family, contact admissions or attend one of our open days. We would be delighted to welcome you.

THE BENEFITS OF THE CEA

The CEA helps with fees at a boarding school. The structure of living at a school like Windermere School gives pupils the security of a stable home-from-home environment during term time, followed by quality family time during the holidays. A military boarding school means pupils won’t have to let go of the friends, teachers, and community which lie at the heart of a happy and successful school life.

By attending Windermere School, your child will become part of our inclusive, diverse family, where the challenges of military life are fully understood. They will become part of a global community, making friends both locally and from across the globe.

High quality support and care from all our staff means that our pupils also develop vitally important interpersonal skills – ones which will serve them for life.

THE CONTINUITY OF EDUCATION ALLOWANCE EXPLAINED

The CEA is intended for Armed Forces families to ensure their children receive appropriate education from a consistent source.

It is awarded to serving forces’ personnel to fund access to high quality boarding provision for their children, acknowledging the importance for children of remaining in one school, enjoying stability both in terms of education and care.

What is the purpose of the allowance?

The main purpose of the CEA is to help Armed Forces families and their children:

• Receive consistent education
• Develop close relationships with their peers and teachers
• Become a part of a community
• Provide support to Armed Forces families that might otherwise struggle with caring for their children

WHO CAN APPLY FOR THE CEA?

Personnel from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, British Army and Royal Air Force are all eligible to receive support from the CEA.

To read the full regulations and requirements for CEA eligibility, please refer to the JSP 752, Chapter 14, Paragraph 14.0115.

In short, military families claiming the CEA must remain living together, be expected to relocate within the next four years, and agree that once a school is chosen the child must remain there until at least the end of their current stage of education.

You can begin your application by submitting a CEA Application Form to the CEAS – the Children’s Education Advisory Service. When your application has been accepted, you can then apply to boarding schools like Windermere School.

BE PART OF ONE INCLUSIVE FAMILY

A child who comes to Windermere School is not alone. They quickly become part of our small, friendly community, living in one of the most beautiful locations in Britain where there is space to breathe and explore, as well as the freedom to be themselves.

Our pupils are at the heart of all the decisions we make. We are a close partner of the British Armed Forces giving them peace of mind about their child’s welfare, and also security in the knowledge that they have chosen an educational setting which is as close to a home-from-home as they will find.

For more information about our fantastically friendly boarding facilities, our unique Adventure programme and our excellent pastoral care, please contact our admissions team. They will be delighted to tell you more about how Windermere can support and nurture your child’s development while living away from home.