St Edmund's

Armed Forces Families

At St Edmund’s, we are proud to support the children of Armed Forces families. We recognise the unique challenges that service life can bring, and we aim to provide stability, continuity, and a nurturing environment where every child can thrive.

Our strong tradition in the arts, combined with outstanding pastoral care and a vibrant boarding community, ensures that children of service families enjoy not only academic excellence but also a rich, fulfilling school life.

“As a military family, we wanted a school where our children could experience life beyond the Army. St Edmund’s offered exactly that – an incredible range of co-curricular activities that went far beyond the CCF. From music and drama to sports and clubs, our children have discovered new passions, built lasting friendships, and thrived in an environment that feels like a true home away from home”. St Edmund’s Parent

Why St Edmund's?

Pastoral Care at the Heart

Life in the Armed Forces often involves change and movement, so we place great emphasis on stability and personal attention. Every pupil is known and valued as an individual. Our experienced pastoral team provides consistent support, ensuring that children feel secure, cared for, and encouraged to flourish, whatever their circumstances.

Meet the Pastoral Team

team

A Home Away from Home

Our close-knit boarding community is welcoming and inclusive. Pupils quickly develop friendships that last a lifetime and become part of a strong, supportive network. With caring house staff and a warm family atmosphere, children feel at ease, making the transition from home to school smooth and reassuring.

The Arts at the Centre

Creativity is at the core of St Edmund’s life. We offer exceptional opportunities in music, drama, and the creative arts, enabling pupils to discover their passions and build confidence. From performing on stage to developing artistic skills in our studios, pupils are encouraged to express themselves, celebrate their talents, and develop resilience through the arts.

Accessible for Parents

We understand that parents in the Forces may be posted overseas or away from home. That’s why we place great importance on communication. Through our secure digital platforms, live updates, and regular contact with house staff and teachers, parents remain closely connected to their child’s progress and experiences. Families can stay actively involved in school life, even from a distance.

Academic Excellence with Individual Focus

Small class sizes and specialist teaching ensure that every pupil receives the attention they need to reach their full potential. Whether preparing for GCSEs, A-Levels, or university pathways, we balance high academic standards with personalised support, enabling pupils to thrive academically while developing a lifelong love of learning.

Space to Grow and Explore

Our beautiful hilltop setting overlooking Canterbury provides an inspiring environment in which pupils can grow. With extensive grounds, modern facilities, and a broad co-curricular programme, children have the freedom to discover new interests — from sport to outdoor education — building confidence, independence, and character along the way.

Fees for Forces Families

Headline fee for Forces families: £1,135 per term

Example (Senior School Boarding):

Gross Fee:	£18,048 per year
Forces Discount:	£5,681.33
Fee net of discount:	£12,366.67
Covered by CEA:	£11,130
Parental contribution:	£1,236.67

This structure makes a St Edmund’s education accessible and sustainable for Armed Forces families.

Exceptional Co-Curricular Opportunities

At St Edmund’s, learning goes far beyond the classroom. Our pupils enjoy a rich co-curricular programme that includes music, drama, visual arts, sport, outdoor education, and a variety of clubs and societies.

Whether performing in a school production, competing in regional sports, exploring creative projects, or joining interest-based societies, pupils are encouraged to discover their passions, develop new skills, and build confidence.

Our full boarding environment ensures that co-curricular activities are accessible every day, giving pupils the chance to engage, socialise, and grow in a supportive, structured environment.