Andrew Malcolm and Ed Harris from the CEAS team have produced podcasts providing educational information for families posted to the USA and Washington DC. They “aim to provide UK military families with information about local educational systems, school and the range of opportunities to explore in local areas”.

Education for dependants in the US requires careful consideration.  Unlike in the UK, there is no national curriculum in the US. Authority over state-funded education rests primarily with individual State Departments of Education; therefore curriculum can vary from State to State and even between school districts within a State. Education for 14 to 18 year olds in the US is particularly different to the UK curriculum for children of this age, and children in this age bracket could be seriously disadvantaged if they return to the UK midway through this stage of education. School standards also vary across the country; however this does not necessarily mean that US schools are inferior to UK schools.

Parents who are considering bringing school age children to the US should consider their options carefully prior to accepting the assignment, including reading carefully the advice in this section. Parents should also carry out their own internet research to ensure they are content with the education provision in the assignment location. You will be required to complete a declaration of child’s needs, including a Pupil Information Pack, which must be approved by the Children’s Education Advice Service (CEAS).  This small dedicated team are experienced in advising service parents on a wide range of issues regarding the education of service children in the UK and overseas and the British Embassy will weigh their recommendations carefully before approving the visa for a dependant.

Home to School Travel. Under the Alternate Education Scheme parents conducting journeys to private schools were not permitted to claim motor mileage allowance (MMA) as the decision to change school was seen to be elective.  However, following advice from AF Remuneration based upon the strong justification for using private schooling made in the initial case, MMA has now been authorised.  Claims can be backdated to commencement at the school and should be made in accordance with JSP752/734 as detailed under Education Claims. 

CEAS – Secondary School Places in UK Deadline

CEAS – Leaflet

Education Update from BDSUS & DCYP – (Updated 7 April 2021)