Forces Families at Read School
Read School has a long and proud tradition of supporting serving forces families, providing stability, continuity and a strong sense of belonging for pupils whose parents serve in the UK or overseas. We understand the mobility, deployment cycles and unique pressures that military life can bring and we work closely with families to ensure every child feels secure, supported and quickly at home.
A Heritage of Service and Leadership: Read CCF (Established 1914)
Our Combined Cadet Force, founded in 1914, is one of the oldest in the country and remains a cornerstone of school life. The Read CCF offers exceptional opportunities for leadership, teamwork and personal development. Cadets take part in fieldcraft, drill, first aid, navigation, and outdoor training, building confidence and resilience that serve them well both in school and beyond.
For many forces families, the CCF provides a familiar structure and a strong sense of continuity. Pupils with military backgrounds often thrive within the programme, finding shared values, camaraderie and a supportive peer group.
A Supportive Home for Forces Pupils
Our boarding house offers a warm, stable environment for pupils during deployments, relocations or periods of family transition. Staff are experienced in supporting forces children and understand the importance of routine, communication and pastoral care.
We welcome forces pupils from across the UK and abroad, and we are committed to ensuring that every pupil settles quickly and feels part of the Read School community from the moment they arrive.
CEA Support and Forces Family Discounts
Read School is fully compatible with the Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA), and we are committed to making high‑quality boarding education accessible and affordable for serving families.
CEA-Compatible Boarding Fees
Our boarding fees align with CEA guidelines, meaning the allowance typically covers the majority of costs, with only the required parental contribution payable.
Read School CEA Forces Discount
To further support serving families, Read School offers a supplementary CEA Forces Discount designed to reduce the remaining parental contribution. This discount is available for both Junior and Senior pupils and helps ensure that boarding at Read School remains cost‑effective throughout a pupil’s time with us.
Families are encouraged to contact our Admissions or Finance Office for a personalised illustration of how CEA and the Read School Forces Discount apply to their circumstances.
Why Forces Families Choose Read School
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A long-standing commitment to supporting military families
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One of the UK’s oldest CCF units, offering outstanding leadership development
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Flexible boarding options to support deployment and mobility
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A close-knit, caring community where pupils are known as individuals
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A stable educational environment during times of family change
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Competitive CEA-compatible fees with an additional Read School Forces Discount
Read School is proud to have a longstanding history of welcoming pupils from families in the armed forces and indeed several Read alumni are themselves serving today, inspired by their Cadet Force experience.
A 10% discount on full boarding fees, including tuition, is available to all parents currently serving in the British Armed Forces and in receipt of the CEA allowance. 0% interest monthly payment programme is in place upon application.
For further information, please contact the school on:
01757 618248 or headspa@readschool.co.uk