Military Families
The perfect boarding school for military families
Our small, close-knit boarding school is a friendly and vibrant environment in which to live and learn. It is an ideal school for military families and we welcome parents from HM Forces and those employed by the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office. We understand that parents are looking for a school where their children can put down roots and become part of a friendly, established community and here at Kingham Hill, we have many pupils from Forces or diplomatic families who have chosen our school for that very reason.
With just under 350 pupils, every child in the school is known, nurtured, challenged and inspired to succeed, both academically and personally. Our boarding houses are spacious yet cosy, and with an average of just 25 pupils in each, they provide a homely atmosphere in which your child can thrive. And although small, the school is set in 105 acres of beautiful Cotswold countryside, ensuring that when the school day ends there is always plenty to do, with lots of space in which to roam, have fun and explore.
Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA)
At Kingham Hill, we can provide your child with an essential 'home from home' boarding experience.
Entry points are available from 1st Form (age 11) onward and currently the school is home to almost 30 pupils from HM Forces and FCDO families, who all claim the Senior CEA entitlement and pay 10% of the published fees*.
Click here to view our current fees.
*Please note that as of 29th July 2024, the School is awaiting clarification from the MOD and FCDO regarding how the application of VAT to school fees will impact CEA. Confirmation that CEA will increase to cover the VAT has not been received, hence from January 2025, there is a risk that parents may need to cover the shortfall.
Supporting you throughout
We understand that choosing the right school is an important and sometimes complex decision for families and with our highly experienced Admissions Team, you will be well supported throughout the whole admissions process.
Mrs Marshall (adjacent, left) and Mrs Megson (right) are here to answer your questions, help you to navigate anything that is unfamiliar, and generally provide guidance and reassurance.
They will be both be very happy to talk to you and can be contacted on 01608 731884.
Alternatively, please fill in our enquiry form.
Pastoral Care
Our staff at Kingham Hill includes many ex-military personnel who add depth to the support and nurturing of children from military families. Their experience and the family-style boarding house community at Kingham Hill ensures a strong support system for every child.
We take particular care of children whose serving parents are deployed and we understand the additional stress that this can bring. Resident staff are always on hand to listen, guide and mentor each child to ensure their wellbeing and happiness.
A Family View
"We never thought we would send our children to boarding school but, after attending seven schools by the age of 13, our oldest daughter asked us if we would consider it. A Forces friend mentioned Kingham Hill School and after looking at five other schools, we settled on Kingham Hill, primarily because they understood the specific needs of Forces families and also because they were so strong pastorally.
Over the past 11 years the school has exceeded our expectations, not just in our children fulfilling their potential in every area of life, but also during the tough times. The staff have done more than we could have asked and, at times, more than we might have done as parents!
We now have three well rounded individuals who are well prepared to face the challenges of the next stages of their lives thanks to the ethos and hard work of all at the school."
A Pupil's View
"When I was 11 years old our family decided that I needed to attend a boarding school. Having been to five primary schools in four countries, we agreed that I needed to have more stability in my life, especially as I didn't want to go to multiple secondary schools.
As my parents and I scoured the country's boarding schools, we finally came across Kingham Hill. Almost immediately we agreed that this was the right place for me and my sister, fundamentally because its pastoral care was truly second to none.
My 7 years at Kingham Hill have seen me to achieve things neither I nor my family would have thought possible. As such, Kingham Hill has definitely made me into the person I am today, and for that I am truly grateful."
Kingham Hill CCF
Our Combined Cadet Force has Army and Royal Air Force sections and both enjoy support from their parent unit - the Army section being fortunate to be affiliated to the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.
Whilst many of the activities on offer are ‘militarily themed’ and much support is received by the Ministry of Defence, there are numerous adventure training opportunities. The emphasis is upon personal development and instilling discipline and teamwork.
The CCF is compulsory for all Year 9 pupils, during which they undertake basic training such as drill, command tasks, fieldcraft, map reading and much more. After a period of combined training in the Army section, cadets may opt to stay in the Army section or move to the RAF section.
DofE
From Year 10 onwards our pupils can choose to work towards a Duke of Edinburgh Bronze or Gold Award. The nationally recognised award requires pupils to complete challenges in four areas, service, skill, physical and an expedition.
The CCF and Duke of Edinburgh programmes are part of our extensive co-curricular provision which support the Kingham Hill (unofficial) motto; 'work hard, play hard, serve well'.
