Service Children

In Hillingdon currently, as of July 2026, there are over 400 Service children across 44 schools, the largest cohort in London. We support schools with Service pupils to ensure they receive appropriate support, including access to the Service Pupil Premium (SPP).

Who are Service Children?

A service child is anyone whose parent or carer has served – or is currently serving – in the regular armed forces or as a reservist at any point during the first 25 years of that person’s life.

While every Service child is different, their shared experiences with the routines and transitions of military life often mean they have needs and perspectives that differ from their peers.

Mobility and Transitions: Frequent moves can be a normal part of military life. Each new relocation brings new changes with new schools, new teachers and new friends. Increased mobility can cause disruption to learning and socialising, making smooth transitions an important part of a service child’s education. Schools that offer stability during relocations by identifying gaps and providing wellbeing support can help children settle more quickly.

Deployments and Separation: Deployments, weekending (living apart from a serving parent) and unpredictable changes in routine can impact a child’s emotional wellbeing. This is a natural response, and supportive adults play an essential role during these times to help children feel more secure.