Abstract: This survey was requested by the Ministry of Defence to examine educational and other outcomes for Service children and to evaluate the quality of provision made for them whether living abroad or in England. Service children face challenges that often go beyond the experience of the majority of families and children living in the UK. The families of Service personnel who are deployed in overseas Commands, and/or are actively deployed, are often highly mobile. The combination of deployment of a family member and regular moves of home and school can cause anxiety and stress for Service families whether living in the UK or overseas: education is disturbed social networks are disrupted and parents left behind have to cope with the effects of being a ‘single parent’.
While most individuals achieve the transition to civilian life smoothly, some face significant challenges. Although numerous support services are available to those who need them, …