Government Grants

Assisted Places Scheme
The assisted places scheme no longer exists. Many schools have compensated for the loss of the scheme by increasing the number of grants they award.

Service families
The Ministry of Defence gives grants to children of parents in all ranks of the armed forces in specific circumstances. There are allowances for junior school and senior school boarders as well as day school allowances. There is also a special educational needs allowance. Allowances are increased annually. There are also small day allowances to enable children to be looked after by friends or guardians. Further information can be obtained from Service Education Units or from the Children's Education Advisory Service.

Some independent schools reduce their fees for children of service families, particularly for boarders. The extent of this help varies and you should ask schools for full details. Check that concessions are available to all ranks and to all children in a family. Ask also about 'extras' for which parents have to pay which are not included in the fees.

Diplomats
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office gives grants to enable children of diplomats and other government servants working abroad to attend boarding schools in Britain. Further information can be obtained from Diplomatic Service Families Association.