For many armed forces families, moving home is part of Service life. For children, however, a new posting can mean much more than a change of address or a different school gate. It can also mean moving into a different education system, with new expectations, terminology, curriculum content and support arrangements.
A move from England to Scotland, from an overseas assignment back to Wales, or from one part of the UK to Northern Ireland can bring changes in school starting ages, assessment approaches, qualifications, and the way additional needs are identified and supported.
To help with these moments of change, education professionals from across the UK have worked together to develop the Between Education Systems Transition Toolkit. Shaped by practitioners, local authority officers, government departments and Service charities, the toolkit brings together clear information and practical activities to help sending and receiving schools support Armed Forces children before, during and after a move between education systems.
For armed forces families, whose lives may include frequent moves, accompanied overseas postings or short-notice changes, this kind of support can make a real difference. The toolkit recognises both the opportunities and challenges of Service life, and the extra complexity that can arise when a move also involves a change of education system.
Why moving between systems can feel different
When a Service family relocates, they may also be crossing education and legislative boundaries. A child who has been learning within Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence, for example, may need to adjust to the English National Curriculum, the Curriculum for Wales, or arrangements in Northern Ireland.
Although each system is designed to help children build knowledge, confidence and skills, there are differences in when and how key concepts are taught. Children who move between systems may experience gaps or encounter repetition or unfamiliar expectations at important points in their education. The toolkit helps schools spot where disrupted learning may occur and plan practical support around the individual child.
Designed with busy schools in mind, the toolkit includes accessible summaries of each UK education system and adaptable resources that can be used locally. It is intended to
help teachers and school leaders understand unfamiliar systems quickly and respond with confidence when an Armed Forces child arrives or prepares to move on.
Supporting the whole transition journey
While curriculum differences matter, a successful move depends on more than academic planning. The toolkit includes activities that can help children and families start to build a connection with the receiving school and its wider community. It also gives attention to the preparation needed before departure, helping children say goodbye well and move on with the information, confidence and support they need.
It also recognises that Armed Forces children are not a single group with identical experiences. Armed forces families come from a wide range of backgrounds, cultures and faiths, and for some children English may not be the first language spoken at home. By encouraging schools to consider each child’s individual circumstances, the resource supports a more personalised and thoughtful approach to transition.
The toolkit also reflects the importance of supporting children with additional needs. As with curriculum, arrangements and terminology vary across the UK’s education systems, including SEND in England, ALN in Wales and ASN in Scotland. To help schools navigate these differences, the toolkit identifies practical activities that can support the departure or arrival of a child with additional needs who is moving to or from another system. It also signposts accessible information about each system and includes a guide to the different terms used across SEND, ALN and ASN frameworks.
How families and schools can help
Families can help by sharing the toolkit with schools, local authorities and others who support Armed Forces children. The Between Education Systems Transition Toolkit is available on the Defence Children’s Services website at the following link: Between Education Systems Transition Toolkit.
The team behind the toolkit would also welcome examples of excellent transition practice that families, schools or local authorities have experienced when children move between education systems. These examples will help shape future versions of the toolkit and ensure it continues to reflect what works well in practice. Contributions can be sent to RC-DCS-HQ-EPT@mod.gov.uk, using the subject line Transitions best practice.