Service children in education: a review of the literature from five countries

A review of the peer-reviewed literature relating to the education of children from armed forces families (service children) is presented. In England, service children have been identified by the Office for Students as an under-represented group in higher education. However, their educational journeys through compulsory education and towards higher education are relatively under-researched. Exploring literature from countries with similar educational, linguistic and armed forces cultures enables opportunities for researchers in the United Kingdom to be highlighted. The review identified a general lack of peer reviewed research into educational outcomes for service children, a lack of consensus on the impact of service life on children, and a tendency to focus on the barriers and challenges arising through service life.