Study to explore impact on children of Armed Forces parents changing schools

A research grant from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust has been awarded to the team at the University’s Westminster Centre for Research in Veterans to investigate the educational risks and benefits associated with service children’s transitions. 

The study will explore the lived experience of Service parents and children in conjunction with investigating the challenges associated with transitions with a view to determining in what ways educational risks can be mitigated. 

The research will be completed by service family academic staff working at the University’s Westminster Centre for Research in Veterans. Their experiences of regular moves and the educational impact on children will help provide a deep personal insight into the issues and will assist in reaching and engaging with fellow parents and their children.  

Professor Alan Finnegan, the Principal Investigator and Director of the Centre said: “Due to my military service, my youngest daughter went to her fifth school when aged just nine years old, and the impact of these constant moves is a story that needs to be explored further.   

“As an Armed Forces Community research team, we are extremely grateful to the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust for funding this incredibly important study. Most importantly, the research will provide a vehicle to clearly demonstrate to service families that the best education for their children is of paramount importance. 

“This study provides an opportunity for Service parents and children to shape and inform future policy, in both the short and long term, to help service children reach their full potential.” 

The research team will be supported by the Ministry of Defence in connecting with service families and distributing survey questionnaires.