Collective grants

The Armed Forces Education Trust provided a grant to Kiwi Primary School to enhance support for children from Service families, particularly through the creation of a weekly outdoor learning programme and targeted wellbeing interventions.  The role was part funded by Service Pupil Premium. Prior to the grant, Service children accessed just one outdoor session per year; the funding enabled the introduction of the Kiwi Outdoor Learning Award (KOLA), giving each pupil in Years 1–6 a dedicated 45-minute weekly session.

These outdoor learning activities—ranging from den building and gardening to animal care—helped pupils develop key skills such as resilience, adaptability, and teamwork. Children who struggled with behaviour or emotional regulation were also supported through Enhanced Provision. Small group interventions allowed them to process challenges, develop self-regulation strategies, and integrate better socially.

In addition, the grant supported further development of The Nest, a safe space providing emotional support, counselling, and restorative conversations. Outdoor calming spaces proved particularly effective for pupils dealing with deployment-related stress.

The impact was clear: reduced classroom disruption, increased engagement, improved wellbeing, and new cross-curricular outdoor learning initiatives across the school. The project has become embedded in the school culture and is now expanding to include younger and additional needs pupils.

Carnagill Primary School, Catterick received a grant from the Trust to strengthen pastoral support for Service children, with a particular focus on transitions and emotional wellbeing. The funding allowed the school to enhance the role of a Service Pupil Advocate, improve communication with families, and expand access to Learning Mentor-led wellbeing groups.

The Service Pupil Advocate created tailored transition videos and social stories to help incoming children and their families feel prepared and welcomed. These resources proved especially helpful for children with SEND, while a new Seesaw group offered a platform to connect with families, share local support, and communicate during deployments or school moves.

The grant also funded group sessions focused on confidence, emotional regulation, friendship, and mental health, benefiting 60 pupils directly. Staff received training in nurture approaches, ensuring pupils always had access to a listening ear and emotional support.

Impact measurement showed improvement in emotional resilience and social skills among Service children. The school has now embedded these practices to ensure sustainability, with trained staff, continued use of digital tools, and a dedicated pastoral focus. The project has strengthened the school’s inclusive, supportive environment for all military children.

“One of the biggest challenges for Service children is having to move schools often. This makes it difficult for the school to know what prior learning the children have done and if there are any gaps” –  Head Teacher.

This high mobility is often particularly marked in mathematics where  mobility is found to affect the acquisition of skills and knowledge.

The Trust provided a grant to a group of Wiltshire schools  with significant number of children from service families. The methodology of the Numbers Count programme involved the close and intensive support of small groups of children. Pupil progress at the 3 month re-assessment ranged from +3 months to +29 months  as well as changes in their dispositions for learning and being more confident, tenacious and willing learners across all subject areas.

The intervention practitioners were also been instrumental in leading training for school staff and had a significant impact on the educational outcomes of all the Service children attending the school.

The Armed Forces Education Trust awarded a grant to Carterton Community College to fund a Service Student Support Worker (SSSW), significantly enhancing support for Service children, particularly in Years 9–13. The grant enabled the school to extend the SSSW’s hours (that were being funded by Service Pupil Premium), allowing for tailored guidance on transitions, careers, and emotional wellbeing.

The SSSW worked closely with Service families and Sixth Form students, providing direct support through university and apprenticeship applications, revision guidance, financial literacy, and enrichment opportunities. She also played a key role in organising events, liaising with career advisors, and supporting students through moments of pressure such as exams and parental deployment.

The outcomes were impressive: 73% of Service students applied to university, a marked increase from previous years, and attendance among Service pupils exceeded that of non-Service peers. Student and parent feedback also reflected a strong sense of support and confidence during transitions.

Systems and resources established during the grant period have now been embedded, with trained staff and sustainable processes ensuring continued impact. The grant directly contributed to improving outcomes and aspirations for Service students, helping embed long-term change across the school community.

The Trust’s grant to the Forces Employment Charity supports its Young People Programme, aimed at improving educational and career outcomes for Service children aged 16–24. The funding continues to enable the charity to deliver tailored 1:1 career guidance, host Creative Forces Days, and run employability workshops. So far, these initiatives have reached 89 young people with personalised support and engaged 111 students in workshops, helping them build aspirations, job skills, and motivation.

The programme also strengthens school outreach and has connected with five secondary schools serving 872 service children. Special efforts have been made to support Nepalese families, addressing language barriers and improving engagement. Outcome measurement tools, including the Youth Star and Menti Meter surveys, showed that 86% of participants improved job skills, and 100% of those completing the programme reported increased stability.

Despite initial challenges in workshop delivery due to academic scheduling, the charity has successfully built relationships with schools and laid the groundwork for future expansion. Co-funding from partners like Amazon and Oracle ensures sustainability. The Trust’s grant has proven instrumental in bridging gaps in support and opportunity for service children.

Festival of Friends Lincolnshire was a a year-long initiative, funded by the Trust and delivered by LiNCHigher UniConnect and led by an education adviser. The project engaged 39 schools, including five designated Hub schools, to improve provision for Service children using the SCiP Alliance’s Thriving Lives Toolkit.

The grant funded CPD sessions, school improvement projects, and a touring theatre production, “Wherever Home Is,” which explored themes of transition and change for KS2/3 learners. A highlight was the summer celebration event, attended by 95 Service children and 50 staff from 27 schools, showcasing their work and fostering community.

Impact was measured through school visits, staff feedback, and 24 published case studies evidencing improved support and awareness. Quotes from children revealed increased pride, emotional resilience, and connection. The project also catalysed sustainable change, with schools adopting the Toolkit and continuing with giving staff training so that they understood the needs of Service children and how to support them.

The project successfully upskilled staff and enhanced educational experiences for over 1,000 Service children. The Trust’s support was pivotal in creating lasting improvements and inspiring future similar regional projects.