UK boarding schools and Forces boarders

“Recently while enjoying a long overdue socially distancing (outdoor) coffee with some friends (also Forces spouses), we agreed that ‘lockdown’ was not in some respects dissimilar on a personal level to those times of separation from our serving Forces spouse.

These are often long periods of isolation and loneliness, feeling cut off from family, friends and loved ones, and all while often worrying about our spouses’ safety. I watched with interest and empathy this week as healthcare workers were reunited with their children, following long weeks of separation.

Having the stability of friends, teachers and support staff in a boarding community offers children and families that shield against disruption. Outstanding boarding schools will have greater understanding of how they can help Forces children (and support their families), helping them to express themselves during difficult times, encouraging them to speak openly about their feelings, enabling them to flourish”.