Moorland School

Resources for Military Families

Understanding the Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA): How Moorland Supports Military Families

As a military parent, you’re constantly balancing service and family — often at the cost of your own peace of mind. Whether it’s preparing for deployment, settling into a new posting, or simply managing day-to-day life in the Forces, one thing remains constant: you want your child to feel safe, secure, and settled — especially when it comes to their education.

That’s where Moorland School — and the Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) — can help.

What Is the Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA)?

The Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) is a financial support scheme offered by the Ministry of Defence to help service families maintain a consistent education for their children. For many military families, frequent relocations and changing assignments can disrupt schooling — both academically and socially. The CEA aims to remove that burden by helping with the cost of boarding school fees.

It means your child can stay in one place, build lasting friendships, settle into routines, and enjoy an uninterrupted education, no matter where your next posting takes you.

The allowance is available to eligible service personnel and is designed specifically to support the wellbeing and academic development of military children — offering them a sense of stability and continuity, even when home life is constantly shifting.

How the CEA Works — In Simple Terms

The CEA covers a large portion of the boarding school fees, allowing families to pay a much smaller parental contribution. It’s available for children aged 8 and up and can support them right through until they finish school, provided eligibility criteria are met.

While the formal details and application process can feel a little daunting at first, that’s exactly where our team steps in. At Moorland, we have experience supporting families through the CEA process — from the initial conversations through to paperwork and continued communication with MOD requirements. You’re not alone in navigating it.

Why Military Families Choose Moorland

We’re proud to have become a trusted choice for many Forces families over the years. Our boarding school offers more than just a roof over your child’s head — it offers warmth, familiarity, and a strong support system that wraps around each pupil.

A Small School with a Big Heart

Our size is one of our greatest strengths. In a small community like Moorland, every child is truly known and cared for — not just by their teachers, but by the whole school. Relationships are strong, friendships grow fast, and no one ever feels like just another name on a list.

A Nurturing Boarding Experience

For military children, boarding at Moorland provides a reliable routine and a sense of belonging. From weekend activities to cosy dorms and supportive staff, we do everything we can to make Moorland feel like a second home — especially during those times when parents are posted elsewhere or away on duty.

Pastoral Care That Truly Cares

We understand that military children may face unique challenges — from the emotional impact of deployment to adjusting during long-distance parenting. That’s why our pastoral care is such an important part of life at Moorland. Our dedicated staff are always there to listen, encourage, and support your child, helping them grow in confidence and resilience.

Academic Continuity and Personal Growth

A consistent school experience doesn’t just support academic progress — it gives children the space to develop socially and emotionally too. With Moorland’s tailored learning environment, small class sizes, and personalised support, military children can flourish and achieve their full potential.

Making the Most of Your CEA — We’re Here to Help

Whether you’re already familiar with the Continuity of Education Allowance or you’re just starting to explore your options, our team is here to guide you through it. We’ll help you understand how the allowance applies to your situation, walk you through what’s needed for eligibility, and make the whole process feel straightforward and manageable.

From the moment you first get in touch, you’ll have a friendly, experienced team by your side — people who genuinely understand the realities of military life and want to make things as simple and stress-free as possible for you and your child.