About Service Children's Education
The History of SCE
British Families Education Service
The first British Families Education Service (BFES) schools opened in January 1947 to provide an education service for the children of families who were stationed in Germany after the end of World War 2.
The BFES was a department of the Foreign Office and its remit was to ensure that the children would receive an education at least equal to that which they would receive if they had remained in the UK.
By the end of 1947, 85 schools with 200 teachers and 3500 pupils existed across the British Zone of Germany. Primary schools were established in most areas, along with a single primary boarding school and two co-educational comprehensive secondary boarding schools. The impact was immediate and lasting and an increase in moral across all sectors of personnel was recorded, resulting in a unique level of Tri-Service co-operation and a Parliamentary commitment to the schools’ continuation.
In 1951 responsibility for schooling transferred to the Ministry of Defence, initially as a Tri-service organisation and later as a Defence Agency.
Today, Service Children's' Education schools are recognised by Her Majesty's Inspectors as being at the forefront of developments in Teaching and Learning, consistently achieving academic results in excess of normal expectations, and outstanding in the pastoral support provided for the children and families. The schools are a key focal point in each Garrison, drawing together the community and enabling the children to benefit from time spent abroad through numerous host nation activities.
Updated: 25/05/07
