News & Views

This report addresses a significant gap in the sector’s understanding of Service children and higher education in England examining the present situation in terms of policy, practice and evidence where access to higher education for Service children in England is concerned.

It focuses especially, on the decision by the Office for Students not to include Service children in the first iteration of its Equal Opportunities Risk Register (EORR) launched last year arguing that this decision poses a threat to widening access work with Service Children and the activities of many NEON members. The report includes a series of recommendations directly relevant to the practice of NEON members including asking the Office for Students to include Service Children in the EORR. It also includes examples of leading practice in widening access work with Service children from higher education providers and Uni-Connect partnerships.

The report was commissioned by the Service Children’s Progression Alliance (SCiP Alliance) which connects educational leaders and practitioners working to improve the life chances of children and young people in Armed Forces families.

'This report marks a new chapter in the state of Service children’s access and participation in higher education in England. Alongside a step-change in regulation, it provides an invaluable synthesis of the rationale and priorities for action, while new analysis underpins proposals key to unlocking practice that will make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and young people from Armed Forces families.'

Philip Dent - Director - SCiP Alliance

Under the Radar: Service Children and Higher Education in England Report