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Forces and FCDO Families: CEA Boarding at OBH

Stability for Your Child’s Education

If you are a Military or Diplomatic family, you may find that your children have to change schools more frequently than you would prefer due to relocations. Located in the heart of the Suffolk countryside, Old Buckenham Hall (OBH) recognises the unique challenges you face. We have a long tradition of supporting families like yours, providing the stability and continuity children need to thrive throughout their prep school years.

Enhanced CEA Support - 10% Parental Contribution

For entry in September 2026 and beyond, currently serving members of HM Armed Forces or the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) who are in receipt of the Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) are eligible for our Enhanced Fee Remission.

We are pleased to provide this remission to ensure that families are only required to pay the minimum 10% parental contribution of the published gross full boarding fee. 

Military Personnel Discount

For those not in receipt of CEA, we offer a 20% reduction of the school fee for children of currently serving members of HM Armed Forces. We are committed to ensuring an OBH education is accessible to the wider military community.

The Boarding Pathway to Rugby School

As a member of the Rugby School Group, we are also delighted to facilitate a joined-up journey from prep to senior school. This seamless boarding pathway provides families seeking long-term stability with a clear route to Rugby School. From September 2026, Rugby School will support families in receipt of Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) who have progressed from OBH.

To be eligible for continued allowance-linked financial support at Rugby School, students must have attended Old Buckenham Hall for at least two years. This transition is subject to Rugby School’s standard admissions and entry criteria. Final decisions regarding entry and financial support remain at the discretion of the Head Master of Rugby School.

Ideally Situated for the Military Community

Situated in Brettenham, near Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds, OBH is conveniently located for several major military hubs in East Anglia. We are within easy reach of Wattisham Flying Station, RAF Honington, and Rock Barracks (Woodbridge). We are also just a short journey from Colchester Garrison, making us an ideal choice for families seeking a stable 'home-from-home' for their children while remaining accessible to the main regional bases.

Why Choose OBH?

  • An Adventure in Education: 85 acres of Suffolk parkland providing a reliable foundation from which your child can thrive.

  • Academic & Sporting Ambition: 31 scholarships secured in 2025 (from a cohort of 41 pupils) to local and national schools across a wide range of academic and co-curricular disciplines.

  • A Phone-Free School: An immersive environment focused on face-to-face connection and real-life adventure. Parent and child contact is encouraged and facilitated.

  • Bespoke Boarding: Newly refurbished dorms designed as welcoming, "home-from-home" spaces, launching Easter 2026.

Arrange a Personal Visit or Virtual Meeting

To discuss next steps, please contact our Head of Admissions, Lucy Dyson. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where is Old Buckenham Hall located? OBH is situated in Brettenham, near Ipswich & Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk. Our campus is within easy reach of Colchester Garrison, Wattisham, and Woodbridge.

Does OBH offer a military discount for families not in receipt of CEA? Yes. For serving personnel who do not qualify for the Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA), we offer a 20% reduction of the school fee for children of currently serving members of HM Armed Forces.

What is the "10% School" policy for Military families? As a "10% School," we ensure that families receiving the CEA only pay the minimum 10% parental contribution of the gross full boarding fee.

How many scholarships does OBH achieve? In 2025, from a cohort of 41 pupils, an incredible 31 scholarships were secured to leading senior schools including Rugby School, Sedbergh School, Gresham's School and Oundle School.

Is there a boarding pathway to Rugby School? Yes. Through our "Joined-up Journey," pupils who attend OBH for at least two years can facilitate a seamless transition to Rugby School with continued allowance-linked financial support.

CEA Explained: Supporting Military Families

The primary objective of the CEA boarding school allowance is to provide support to children from military and diplomatic families, enabling them to maintain a consistent education. Administered by the Ministry of Defence (MOD), this allowance is available to eligible individuals and helps finance their enrolment in leading boarding schools like Old Buckenham Hall. By ensuring uninterrupted education, it allows parents to fulfil their duties while their children receive a stable and continuous learning experience during crucial stages of their growth and development.