Moving as a Service Family
Frequent moves are part of Armed Forces life — but they can bring uncertainty for children and families. Each move means new schools, new teachers, new friends, and new routines.
This page offers clear guidance to help you navigate school admissions, prepare your child for change, and ensure a smooth transition into their new school community.
You don’t need to manage this alone. Support is available at every step.
School Admissions Explained
Service families have unique circumstances, and the School Admissions Code recognises this.
What this means for you
- Schools and local authorities must not disadvantage Service children because of mobility.
- You can apply for a school place using your temporary address, unit postal address, or future posting address.
- A school may admit your child even if classes are full, if mobility is the reason additional places are needed.
We can help with
- Understanding your local school options
- Applying for a place during the school year
- What to do if your preferred school is full
- Support if you are arriving mid-term
If you’re unsure about any part of the admissions process, you can contact us for personalised guidance.
Helping Your Child Settle In
Transition is more than a change of building — it’s a social and emotional shift too.
Good induction practice might include:
- A tour of the school
- A buddy to help your child feel included
- Regular check-ins with pastoral staff
- Time to ask questions and share worries
- A teacher who knows your child’s story
How you can help your child
- Talk about what will stay the same after the move
- Create a “getting to know me” booklet
- Keep routines familiar where possible
- Ask your new school for photos or welcome videos
- Check in frequently during the first few weeks
We provide tools and templates you can use at home and share with school staff.
Transition Checklists
Talking With Schools
Strong communication between home and school helps your child feel settled sooner.
You can share:
- A brief overview of your child’s Service-life experiences
- Any worries linked to mobility or deployment
- Strengths, hobbies, and preferred ways of learning
- Any previous interventions or support used at other schools
Schools value this information — it helps them understand your child as a whole person, not just a new pupil.
Support During Deployments
Moving around often overlaps with deployments. This can make transitions feel heavier for some children.
We can support with:
- Emotional wellbeing tools
- Guidance for parents
- Classroom resources for teachers
- Social stories to help children make sense of change
You can ask for help even if you’re unsure what your child needs — sometimes a conversation is all it takes.
How We Can Help
The Service Children’s Champion is here to support your whole family through every move. You can contact us for help with:
- Admissions questions
- Concerns before or after arrival
- School communication
- Emotional wellbeing support
- Transition planning
No query is too small. We’re here to make each transition as smooth and positive as possible.
Your child’s journey matters
Whether this is your first move or your tenth, your child deserves stability, understanding, and support.
We’re here to help them feel welcome, confident, and ready to thrive — wherever the next posting takes you.
