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For all LiNCHigher's work we are guided by The Service Children's Progression (SCiP) Alliance’s definition of a Service child:
A person whose parent, or carer, serves in the regular armed forces, or as a reservist, or has done at any point during the first 25 years of that person’s life.
Below you will find the support you may need to make the first steps towards Higher Education. You’ll learn about support options available to you as a Service child, as well as specific resources to help you take your next steps.
In the film below young people talk about how they feel about their hopes and plans and how they fit in with the communities around them. It aims to challenge stereotypes, raise aspirations and highlights the importance of community engagement.
If your parent(s) or carer(s) is serving as a Regular or Reservist in the UK Armed Forces, or has done so in the past, your experience of applying to higher education may be different to students from a non-service background. For example, you may have moved schools more often than most students, or you may have felt unable to participate in extra-curricular activities.
Universities and colleges understand that you may experience disruption to your education, or may have been restricted in your course choices. They’re also aware that you may have faced additional challenges if a parent or carer has been deployed. They are keen to know about your circumstances, because it allows them to consider your academic achievements in context. If you feel you have missed any skills or knowledge, they may be able to help through workshops or summer schools. You could also investigate the Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) directory for available courses to help you prepare for Higher Education.
But, universities and colleges aren’t only interested in your results. As a Service child you will have developed highly valued, unique skills and strengths as a result of their circumstances, such as being an independent learner, or being able to adapt to different situations quickly. The Service Children’s Progression (SCiP) Alliance has worked with UCAS to develop guidance for Service children applying to university – including advice on how to complete your personal statement to showcase these strengths.
Once you’re at university, you may be able to access additional support. This can include financial help, mentoring, and study support to help you fill any gaps in your learning. Before you apply, it’s a good idea to contact student support services at the university or college to check what help is available, and to discuss your needs.
Read more about the support available for children from Armed Forces families on the SCiP Alliance website.
Are you thinking of a career in the Armed Forces or do you want to gain further qualifications? Take a look at the list of videos below that offer an insight into a careers in the various British Armed Forces.
No ordinary Summer - RAF University Air Squadrons - https://youtu.be/J_W4ARAOGbM
Royal Navy Undergraduate Leadership Programme - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsPLwSC8bHU2cXgZ--34h029hzjSUc4cw
Nathan ‘s Story into the Royal Navy - https://youtu.be/1eXgXelmvPs
Nathans life on board HMS Queen Elizabeth - https://youtu.be/LfaLDIioekg
RAF MythBusters – Answering your questions about life in the RAF - https://youtu.be/lKR3EctO-aI
RAF MythBusters – Air and Space Operations Specialist - https://youtu.be/6eSu7VjjDuo
If you are thinking of studying an Apprenticeship visit the websites below to get a better understanding of the opportunities available.
Apprenticeships in the RAF - https://youtu.be/K6fHw8XpnGA
- Aircraft Technician https://youtu.be/SzIW-IwCLHI
- Photographer Apprentice https://youtu.be/d85mj8BCQMA
- Air and Space Operations Specialist Apprentice https://youtu.be/nxAaHHJo8KQ
Apprenticeships in the Royal Navy - https://youtu.be/3e0ISTSlww8
- What will a Royal Navy Apprenticeship be like? https://youtu.be/urhTDtSC3Yg
- Where will a Royal Navy Apprenticeship take me? https://youtu.be/0EFfubmGQ7w
- What will I get out of a Royal Navy Apprenticeship? https://youtu.be/Mf1Esql13so
- What do I need for a Royal Navy Apprenticeship? https://youtu.be/qe0jVyFI46I
Apprenticeships in the Army
- How do Army Apprenticeships work? - https://youtu.be/cVGjLT6FUfk
- Skills and Learning - Army Jobs - https://youtu.be/Ii6jDlGUgho
Careers
Careers in the RAF - https://youtu.be/FtcvUHtVlAg
- A job like no other. My two homes - https://youtu.be/X98EyRzQak8
Careers in the Royal Navy - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsPLwSC8bHU0r6DL_nzFRHVe2yhmao6Mg
Careers in the Army -
- Civil Nuclear Constabulary Police - https://youtu.be/nsq1g6Y86o4What
- Experience of a Rifleman - https://youtu.be/nkF6f9PV9Ac
- Royal Tank Regiment - https://youtu.be/DDlYlukZR0E
VR Compatible Resources
Army Air Corps 360˚ Crewman Talkdown https://youtu.be/d1xqvKhfe2M
RAF police – 360˚ immersive experience https://youtu.be/lLTUKjNac6M
Here you can find a number of downloadable resources that provide information on support, funding and personal statements.
Funding and Support for RAF Children in Schools
This booklet highlights some of the organisations that are actively offering funding and support to service families. It also contains tips to help with funding applications.
A PowerPoint presentation that gives insight into some of the unique challenges faced by service families.
A series of answers to commonly asked questions regarding service children.
UCAS Information for Teachers, Advisers and Referees
A concise outline of the challenges faced by service children and how you can help as a teacher, adviser or referee.
UCAS Information for HE Admissions Teams
A concise outline of the challenges faced by service children and how you can help as a member of a HE admissions team.
