Military Families

A steadfast home for your child, wherever duty takes you

At Mount Kelly, we are proud to welcome children from military families into our community. We understand the unique rhythms of Service life, the moves, the deployments, the times apart. We’re here to provide your child with a secure, nurturing, and inspiring home-from-home.

Our strong boarding tradition, exceptional pastoral care, and wide range of academic and co-curricular opportunities ensure your child can thrive, no matter where your career takes you next.

Why Military Families Choose Mount Kelly

Support with CEA and Military Discounts

We are an approved Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) school and our admissions team is well-versed in the paperwork and processes that go with it. We also offer a generous 10% discount for day pupils and 20% for boarders when one or more parents are serving in the Armed Forces.

Boarding with Heart

Our boarding houses are vibrant, friendly, and family-focused. Whether your child is a full boarder, weekly boarder, or flexi-boarder, they’ll find a place where they belong, surrounded by friends, supported by caring house staff, and immersed in opportunities both in and out of the classroom.

Pastoral Care that Understands Service Life

From Houseparents to tutors and our dedicated wellbeing Team, your child will always have someone looking out for them. We understand the challenges of parental deployment, frequent moves, and time apart, and we offer flexible arrangements and extra pastoral support when it’s needed most.

No Lost Weekends

We know travel and time together as a family are precious. From Year 9 upwards, there are no fixed exeat weekends. In the Prep School, exeats are optional, so children can stay at school if you wish. This flexibility means you can plan visits without clashing with sports fixtures or school commitments.

Life Beyond the Classroom

Combined Cadet Force (CCF)

We are proud of our thriving Navy Section CCF, where pupils develop leadership, teamwork, and resilience through adventurous training, field exercises, and skill-building activities. Local Army Cadets and Scouting groups also offer further opportunities for our pupils to get involved.

Outstanding Academic and Co-Curricular Pathways

From rigorous academic programmes to our world-renowned performance swimming and girls’ football academies, there’s something for every interest. Drama, music, art, outdoor pursuits, Ten Tors, and Duke of Edinburgh expeditions give our pupils the chance to explore their passions and grow in confidence.

The Mount Kelly SUPER 7

The Mount Kelly Super 7 challenges our pupils to test their limits and discover the power of resilience, teamwork and determination. Comprising the Bronze, Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards, the 35, 45 and 55 mile Ten Tors expeditions, and the gruelling 125 mile Devizes to Westminster Canoe Marathon, it embodies the spirit of adventure at Mount Kelly. These challenges demand courage, commitment and a ‘can do’ attitude – qualities long celebrated in the military. Pupils learn to rely on each other, galvanising trust and camaraderie, while developing the resourcefulness and grit needed to overcome obstacles. The Mount Kelly Super 7 is not simply about completing events; it is about building the mindset to thrive, no matter the terrain.

Helping Your Child Settle In

Moving schools, especially mid-year, can be daunting. That’s why we offer a tailored induction programme to help new pupils feel at home quickly. From the first day, they’ll be introduced to friends, guided through routines, and supported academically and emotionally, ensuring a smooth transition into Mount Kelly life.

A Values-Led Life Defining Education

Life at Mount Kelly is shaped by our core values: compassion, courage, humility, respect, commitment and integrity. These values are at the heart of everything we do, guiding pupils to grow in character as well as in knowledge. For our military families, these principles will feel familiar, echoing the values of service life and helping children feel at home in a community that understands the importance of resilience, responsibility, and respect.

Military Podcast

Episode 7: Esther Thomas | Military Families

Summary

In this episode, Esther Anne Thomas shares her experiences as a military family navigating education at Mount Kelly. She discusses the importance of a supportive school environment, the challenges faced by military families, and offers advice for those returning to the UK. Esther highlights the significance of co-educational settings and the value of community support, while also celebrating military children and their unique experiences.

General MOD Resources for independent advice and Continuity of Education Allowance

Defence Children Services (DCS) – GOV.UK The Education Advisory Team (EAT) (UK), contactable at RC-DCS-HQ-EAT@mod.gov.uk, is part of DCS. It provides professional independent information, advice and guidance regarding the education of Service Children in the UK. It is Tri Service.

Admiral Kelly | Mount Kelly’s Founder

Read about Admiral Kelly here:

The History of Mount Kelly

Ready to Learn More?

Choosing a school for your child is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Whether you’re at home or deployed overseas, our admissions team is here to guide you through the process, answer your questions, and arrange a visit when you can.

admissions@mountkelly.com +44 (0)1822 813193

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