Service children take centre stage at Wiltshire celebration event

More than 100 children from Armed Forces families came together at Tidworth Garrison Theatre to celebrate the success of a year-long project designed to strengthen support for Service children in Wiltshire schools.

The project, funded by the Armed Forces Education Trust and supported by Wiltshire Council, has engaged 42 schools since October 2025, benefiting thousands of children from Armed Forces families.

Throughout the academic year, schools have been working to better understand and respond to the unique experiences and challenges faced by Service children.

A celebratory event brought together around 140 children aged 7 to 14 from 24 participating schools. Pupils had the opportunity to showcase their work, take part in fun workshops, share what they had learned and celebrate the progress their schools have made in supporting Armed Forces families.

Displays from all participating schools were featured during the event, highlighting a range of initiatives and activities developed throughout the project. Certificates were presented to recognise the commitment and achievements of the children and schools involved.

Cllr Jon Hubbard, Wiltshire Council Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: "This was a fantastic opportunity to see so many young people gathered together to celebrate their achievements and showcase the work they have been involved in throughout the year. The displays demonstrated the creativity, enthusiasm, and commitment of both the pupils and school staff who have embraced this project.

"Wiltshire has a significant Armed Forces community and it is important that our schools understand and respond to the experiences of Service children, who can face unique challenges as a result of family mobility, deployment and change. This project has helped schools strengthen the support they provide and ensure Service children feel understood, valued and able to thrive. I would like to congratulate all the children who took part, thank the schools for their commitment and recognise the valuable support of the Armed Forces Education Trust in making this project possible."

Charmian Hickman, Chief Executive Officer, Armed Forces Education Trust said: “The Wiltshire Festival of Friends has been a great example of what can be achieved when schools, local authorities and partners work together to support Service children. By connecting pupils with shared experiences, building staff expertise and strengthening collaboration across schools, the project has created a lasting legacy that will benefit military families across Wiltshire. We are delighted to have enabled such a successful initiative and congratulate all who took part on the difference they have made.”

Chantell Knight, Service Champion, Kingdown School, said: "The Festival of Friends has been an invaluable opportunity for our school to celebrate and support our service children. Through collaboration with other schools, we have developed new ideas, strengthened our provision, and built a community that recognises the unique experiences of military families. Most importantly, it has helped us ensure that every service child feels connected, valued, and supported throughout their time with us." 

The project will continue beyond the celebration event, with schools now developing case studies of the improvements they have made to support Service children. These will be brought together in a digital booklet, due to be published in the autumn, enabling schools across Wiltshire and beyond to share learning and best practice.