Our goal is to maintain a straightforward application process. You can complete the application online by following this link. During the process, you will be prompted to indicate your eligibility for CEA funding by checking a simple box.
Armed Forces Covenant
The signing of the Armed Forces Covenant
Year 9 MOD Boarder Being an MOD student at RAAS means feeling valued and encouraged to do our best.
Year 10 MOD Boarder We have a community here and it makes it feel like home.
Year 9 MOD Boarder Being an MOD student in Year 9 at RAAS is a unique experience. We get to learn in a supportive environment that understands our needs and interests.
Year 11 MOD Boarder We are all treated the same, and when we may need that extra support because a parent is away, it is always there for us. Open Days
The best way to find out about our school is to visit.
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Forces Families
The Royal Alexandra and Albert School has a long history of educating children from Forces families. This continues to this day, with the school remaining very popular with parents employed by the Ministry of Defence. Drawing from both personal and professional experiences of MOD life, many of our colleagues possess an understanding of the unique demands faced by Forces families. In addition, colleagues have attended training sessions by Canon Peter Bruinvels, Lead Consultant on the Armed Forces Covenant, to further understand the unique circumstances faced by MOD personnel, their partners and children. This awareness informs our commitment to providing additional flexibility throughout a child’s educational journey, and we aim to offer this whenever possible.
In support of Forces families entitled to CEA funding, we offer:
- Higher priority for admission: Recognising the importance of stability, Forces families receive priority in the admission process.
- Reduced deposit: Upon the acceptance of a place, families benefit from a reduced deposit amount.
- Reduced parental fee contribution: Parents entitled to the Continuity of Education Allowance are only required to contribute 10% towards the overall fees (as the remaining 90% are covered by CEA).
- Enhanced pastoral support: The school’s Coordinator for Foundation & MOD Students provides an additional pastoral link, meeting regularly with students and organising special events to give our MOD children further opportunities to socialise together.
- A school calendar that works for families: The school calendar keeps our Forces families in mind. Longer holidays and no compulsory exeats allow families to spend quality time together, reduce the cost of flights, and means that families do not need to make additional arrangements to accommodate boarding house closures.
CEA Funding
The Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) available to eligible Ministry of Defence personnel covers a substantial 90% of boarding charges at our school. Additionally, parents eligible for CEA may explore Childcare Vouchers, potentially easing the remaining 10% of fees. Please contact your employer directly for further details. Further information regarding CEA can be found here.
The breakdown below gives for a clearer picture of potential savings for an MOD Full Boarder:
2024/25 Full Boarding Fees (Years 3-11)
- Termly Fees: £6,500
- Termly Reduction from CEA: £5,850
- Termly Parent Contribution: £650
Crown Servants
The school recognises that some families of Crown Servants may also face instability due to postings. Crown Servants entitled to CEA funding also receive higher priority, reduced deposit requirements and reduced parental fee contribution. Please note that entitlement to the above is dependent on CEA funding.
Forces Families FAQs
Have a question? Our general FAQs can be found here. In addition, listed below are some questions which we often receive from Forces parents:
1. How can I initiate the application process?
2. When can I submit a boarding application?
For most Year Groups, boarding applications are accepted throughout the academic year. Typically, we admit students at the start of each term or half term. Please note that for Year 10 and Year 12 applicants it is essential that students join at the start of the Autumn Term, if at all possible, to ensure that they don’t miss out on important GCSE or A Level content.
3. How can I arrange an appointment to visit the school?
You are most welcome to visit us. We arrange school visits every weekday at 2pm during term time. These visits include a student-led tour of our school and boarding houses. Your student guides will typically be of a similar age to your child, offering a relatable perspective on our boarding experience. During your visit, there is also the opportunity to speak with our Director of Admissions and ask any questions you may have.
Please call 01737 649026 or email admissions@gatton-park.org.uk to arrange an appointment.
4. Is it necessary to visit the school before submitting an application?
No, there is no obligation to visit the school before starting the application process. You can initiate the application process before visiting, with no commitment involved. You are welcome to apply and subsequently visit us, or vice versa.
5. I reside far away from the school. Is an in-person visit mandatory?
If you are currently stationed overseas or live a distance from the school, we can facilitate the admissions process virtually. Your child’s interview can be conducted over Microsoft Teams in such cases.
6. Is the Royal Alexandra and Albert School a military school?
No, we are not. We are popular with a significant number of Forces families and take pride in the number of Forces students in our community. As such, we have introduced additional support and facilitate clubs which may interest our Force students, including a thriving Army Cadets. Despite this, our school culture remains centred on fostering inclusivity, embracing diversity, and delivering a holistic education.