Where military children feel at home

Where military children feel at home

As a mother-of-three with a husband serving in the Army, RGS’s military families’ liaison officer EMMA SAYERS has first-hand experience of the challenges life in a Forces' family can bring. She talks about how RGS ensures service students thrive in our warm and inclusive community

Supporting Forces’ families

As military families liaison officer at Ripon Grammar School, I recognise the pressures faced by Forces’ families—frequent moves, disrupted education, and periods of deployment—and I am committed to helping provide a stable, supportive environment for every child. Our pastoral systems are flexible and responsive, ensuring each student’s individual circumstances are understood and supported. I also work closely in partnership Maggie Newman, a key member of the Army Welfare Team in North Yorkshire. She is a valuable link between the school, families, and the Army Welfare Service.

A personal perspective

As the wife of a serving Army member and a mother of three children across nursery, primary, and boarding school, I understand first-hand the emotional, practical, and educational challenges that military life can bring. Frequent absences and relocations reinforce just how important stability, clear communication, and flexibility are when supporting Forces’ families.

Boarding as a foundation of stability

I see every day how boarding at Ripon Grammar School offers continuity for students whose families may be posted elsewhere. It provides a consistent home base, uninterrupted routines, and a strong sense of belonging. Our boarding houses are warm, inclusive communities, with flexible exeat arrangements that reflect the realities of military life.

Supporting transitions and mid-year arrivals

I work with staff to ensure that students joining mid-year due to postings are welcomed and supported from the outset. A structured induction programme, buddy system, and regular check-ins help new pupils settle quickly. We also assess prior learning carefully to ensure continuity and identify any gaps, so each child can move forward with confidence.

Pastoral care and emotional support

I understand the emotional impact that deployment and separation can have on young people. Our pastoral team, tutors, and boarding staff provide consistent, sensitive support, and I help maintain strong communication with parents who may be stationed overseas, ensuring they remain closely connected to their child’s school life.

Building community and connection

I am passionate about creating opportunities for service pupils to connect with one another. Monthly meetings at Ripon Grammar School give students a space to share experiences and build friendships with peers who understand military life. Looking ahead, I am excited to further strengthen this community by:

*introducing student-led display boards celebrating the experiences and achievements of service children

*launching a monthly Forces’ newsletter, written by students

*creating student leadership roles to help organise trips, events, and activities for service families

These initiatives will help give service pupils a stronger voice within the school and raise awareness across the wider community.

Our commitment

My goal is to ensure that every military-connected student at Ripon Grammar School feels at home, thrives both academically and socially, and is fully supported through the unique challenges of service life.