Armed Forces children and young people can face significant educational challenges associated with high levels of mobility and parental deployment.

Pupils in Armed Forces families who are experiencing any difficulties at school should have their needs met under the Additional Support for Learning (ASL) framework. Indeed, Armed Forces pupils are explicitly recognised in this framework as a group of learners who may have additional support needs. However, our work with Armed Forces children and young people, families, educationalists, and other partners, suggests a lack of awareness and clarity around the operation of the Additional Support for Learning framework in relation to pupils in Armed Forces families.

In addition, the lack of educational data on Armed Forces pupils makes it difficult to consider whether the ASL framework is indeed meeting their needs.

We would like to see:

  • A clear account from the Scottish Government of the operation of the ASL framework in relation to Armed Forces pupils and a programme of awareness raising activities around this.
  • Collection and publication of national data on Armed Forces pupils in Scotland including data on ASL, attainment, exclusions and post-school destinations.