Diversity Meets Complexity: Supporting Armed Forces young people to thrive in post-16 education
Produced by: The Centre for Education and Youth (CfEY)
Commissioned by: SCiP Alliance
Funded by: A group of Uni Connect partnerships and the University of Winchester
Topic: Further Education | Post-16
Type: Research Report
Audience: Further education leaders | College practitioners | Researchers | Policymakers
Geography: England
Purpose: To better understand the experiences of Armed Forces young people aged 16–19 and identify how post-16 education providers can strengthen support and improve progression.
Download the report
Why this research matters
The transition into post-16 education is an important stage in every young person's journey. For those from Armed Forces families, experiences such as mobility, parental deployment and family responsibilities can create additional challenges alongside the opportunities that Service life brings. This research explores those experiences and provides evidence to help colleges, policymakers and practitioners strengthen support for Armed Forces young people.
Key insights
- Presents the first dedicated research exploring the experiences of Armed Forces young people aged 16–19 in post-16 education.
- Highlights how mobility, deployment and increased family responsibilities can influence learning, wellbeing and educational progression.
- Explores how these experiences shape decision-making about post-16 and post-18 pathways.
- Identifies practical recommendations to help post-16 providers better recognise and respond to the needs of Armed Forces young people.
Who is this research for
- Further education leaders
- College practitioners and student support teams
- Researchers
- Policymakers
- Organisations supporting young people from Armed Forces Families
