Spotlight on: Targeted interventions supporting older service children

Across Greater Manchester and Lancashire, service children are growing up as part of the one of the largest armed forces communities in the country.

The GMC Student Support Project (GMCSS) delivered by Wigan and Leigh College, and the Achieve Your Potential (AYP) Project delivered by Blackpool and Fylde College, are working together to provide targeted interventions that address the unique challenges faced by service children. 

Young people from service families often find themselves navigating a unique set of challenges. The constant moving, the long periods of separation from parents, and the uncertain nature of military life can leave emotional and behavioural challenges. 

These young people, more so than their peers, can struggle with a sense of agency, confidence, and ambition. As a result, they may find it harder to engage in school life, and their academic performance and future opportunities can suffer, leading to reduced participation and lower levels of attainment and progression.

These initiatives, supported by a range of partners including the University of Lancashire, The Lancashire Colleges Group, Careers Ideas Limited and the Armed Forces Community HQ, aim to create a stronger and more inclusive learning environment where service pupils can thrive in further education. 

The goal of these projects is to ensure that the needs of the service children are recognised and actively supported. The projects bridge a gap by working closely with colleges, ensuring staff have the tools and knowledge they need to provide the right kind of support. A core aim of both is to increase the number of further education colleges that are signatories to the Armed Forces Covenant, ensuring military- affiliated students are treated fairly and have equal access to education and career opportunities. 

Emma Goodlet, Great Manchester Colleges Project Lead, and Royal Navy veteran said: “By working together across Greater Manchester and Lancashire, we can better understand and address the challenges faced by armed forces young people in further education. This initiative will help shape future policy and practices across the sector." 

Rosie Fearn, Director of The Lancashire Colleges group, stated “We are thrilled to be part of this initiative, ensuring service children in Lancashire and beyond have the support they need to succeed. These projects are about recognising their unique experiences and ensuring they can achieve their full potential.”