PCS to UK
Resources for kids in The UK
Stars and Stripes
May 22, 2026
For kids moving to bases in the U.K., here are resources for childcare, youth and teen centers, and school options while living overseas. (Rawpixel.com - stock.adobe.com)
Source
Our 2026-2027 “Welcome to The U.K.” magazine is a guide for newcomers and is a vital resource for understanding your new home in England.
Children may think of moving to England as an exciting new adventure. They may also struggle with the big change. Luckily, every installation has resources available to help your kids settle into their new home.
Children may think of moving to England as an exciting new adventure. They may also struggle with the big change. Luckily, every installation has resources available to help your kids settle into their new home.
Childcare is available on many bases in England. Visit www.militarychildcare.com for details and to register your children.
Child Development Center (CDC)—These centers offer weekday childcare for children ages 6-weeks to 5 years.
School-Age Care (SAC) or the School-Age Program (SAP) is available for students in first through fifth grade. The programs offer before and after school care with homework help, clubs and structured activities.
Family Child Care (FCC) providers are certified and regulated by the DOD to care for children in their homes. Some offer extended hours.
Youth Programs and Teen Centers provide a place for older kids to meet up, hang out, get homework help or learn something new. Take part in a movie night, have fun during open recreation, take a class, join a club or sports team, and so much more. Most teen centers are part of both Boys and Girls Clubs of America and the 4-H Clubs which provide unique and fun programs.
Your installation’s School Liaisons are a good first resource for any questions regarding school options while stationed in England. While many students attend a Department of War Education Activity (DoWEA) school, not all installations offer DoWEA schools. Both homeschooling and British schools are available.
RAF Alconbury School Liaison Bldg. 671 | Phone: (+44) 01480-843232 Schoolliaison.alconbury@us.af.mil
RAF Croughton School Liaison Bldg. 72 | Phone: (+44) 1280-707498 422abg.sloschoolliaisoncroughton@us.af.mil
Tri-base Region: RAF Lakenheath School Liaison Bldg. 950 (M&FRC) | Phone: (+44) 1638-525077 48fss.ccl.slo@us.af.mil
DoWEA schools are located on base in the Tri-base region and at Alconbury. They accept enrollments throughout the year to accommodate military families.
Enroll at: www.dodea.edu/registration.
RAF Alconbury
RAF Croughton, RAF Fairford, RAF Welford
There are no DoWEA schools on the 422d Air Base Group installations. Visit the base School Liaison to for details and explore local schools. Children in these locations have a few Non-DOW Schools Program (NDSP) options. Visit www.dodea.edu/non-dow-schools to see funding options and to register.
Private Schools. The NDSP can provide your family with funding for your children to attend local British private or international schools. These may be far from your home and require boarding.
Local British public schools are another option. Though the British system is different, public schools may be your child’s closest option. The NDSP can help offset costs like books and public transportation that are typically included in American public schooling.
Online or homeschooling programs may also be an option, funded by the NDSP.
Tri-base Region (RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, RAF Feltwell)
Feltwell Elementary School (grades Pre-K to 5th)
Lakenheath Elementary School (grades Pre-K to 3rd)
Liberty Intermediate School (grades 4th to 5th, on RAF Lakenheath)
Lakenheath Middle School (grades 6th to 8th)
Lakenheath High School (grades 9th to 12th)
If your child attends a British school, there are a few things to keep in mind.
The British school calendar will not include U.S. holidays and USAFE Family Days.
Repeated absences even for mild sickness or medical appointments have serious consequences and fines up to £1,000.
The school year runs from early September to late July.
School-sponsored transportation is not typical. Most students take public buses.
Report cards are infrequent and letter grades are typically not given.
Uniforms are required.
While in the U.K., families fall under the U.S. federal regulations that allow for home schooling, not the rules of any particular U.S. state. You are not required to register with the installation or any state agency. It is highly recommended to use an accredited online school or purchase a robust homeschooling program to ensure the transferability of credits. Your children may be eligible for auxiliary services offered by DoWEA-Europe. Contact the School Liaison for more information and to connect with homeschool groups. n