CEA Support - Boarding for British Armed Forces Families

Westbourne House School, Chichester, supports UK Armed Forces families through the Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA). Discover our flexible day and boarding options and read more about the generous Forces’ Bursary.

How we support Forces Families

Serving UK military parents only pay 10% of the school fees, through the financial support received as part of the Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA).

Westbourne House School covers the remaining amount with an Armed Forces’ Bursary.

We are committed to supporting our armed forces families in every way; in addition to paying 10% of the school fees, forces families pay 50% of our deposit and only pay the £100 registration fee.

"All three children started at Westbourne House School and they haven’t looked back."

Toula, Parent

Transport & Nearby Bases

Westbourne House School has direct transport links to several UK airports including London Gatwick (60 minutes), London Heathrow (90 minutes) and Southampton (50 minutes).

It is perfectly located to serve a large number of Armed Forces bases including Portsmouth, Aldershot, Tidworth, Andover & Thorney Island, High Wycombe and RAF Benson.

Who can apply for the CEA?

Service personnel from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, British Army and Royal Air Force are all eligible to receive support from the CEA.

Please do email admissions@westbournehouse.org to find out more

Email Admissions To Find Out More

Continuity of Education Allowance

What is the Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA)

The Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) helps UK Armed Forces families provide stable schooling for their children, even during postings and deployments. At Westbourne House, we’re proud to support this through flexible boarding and a welcoming community for service children.

Can I use CEA at Westbourne House School?

Yes you can. Westbourne House has a generous bursary for Forces Families.

What boarding options are available for Armed Forces families?

Westbourne House offers full, weekly and flexible boarding options designed to meet the needs of service families. Our boarding community is incredibly supportive, warm and experienced in supporting children whose parents are deployed or stationed away. Your child would have a home-from-home experience at Westbourne House, whilst keeping in touch regularly with you.

Where is Westbourne House School located?

Westbourne House is a leading day and boarding prep school near Chichester, West Sussex. The school's location makes it easily accessible for families based in Portsmouth, Thorney Island or other south coast bases - and close enough for weekend visits when possible. It is also within easy reach of London and Gatwick.

How does Westbourne House School support military children emotionally and academically?

We understand the unique challenges of service life. Our pastoral team offers outstanding emotional support and communication with parents (recently recognised for our outstanding Pastoral Care by Talk Education), while our teachers ensure academic continuity. From Year 5, pupils are taught by subject specialists who ensure that each child is progressing well and catching up where necessary. All our boarders, including miliary children, quickly feel at home here. It is a very caring, fun environment and children thrive in and out of the classroom.