Trust Signs Armed Forces Covenant
Staff and students from The 3-18 Education Trust visited RAF Shawbury to sign the Armed Forces Covenant, strengthening the Trust’s commitment to supporting Forces personnel, Service children and military families across its schools.
The Armed Forces Covenant is a national pledge that ensures members of the Armed Forces community are treated fairly. It recognises serving personnel, veterans, Reservists, their families and the bereaved.
More than 150 Service children currently attend schools within The 3-18 Education Trust. Many of these young people experience frequent school moves and periods of family separation during military deployments.
The Trust already provides a range of support for Service families. This includes pastoral liaison roles in schools with high numbers of Service pupils, close partnerships with Family Liaison Teams, effective use of the Service Pupil Premium and support for cadet organisations.
As an employer, the Trust also supports Service spouses and Reservists through flexible employment practices. It also recognises military skills and qualifications during recruitment.
David O’Toole, CEO of The 3-18 Education Trust, formally signed the covenant during the visit.
He said: “Signing the Armed Forces Covenant is something we have wanted to do for some time, and doing so here at RAF Shawbury feels entirely right. The values that underpin service life — commitment, resilience, teamwork and a strong sense of duty — are values we recognise across our schools.
“This Covenant reflects our commitment to standing behind those who serve and the families who support them. We want them to feel understood, supported and able to thrive within our schools and across our organisation.”
Representatives from Thomas Adams School and Hodnet Primary School attended the signing. Mark Cooper, Headteacher, and Ruth Holland, Service Child Coordinator, represented Thomas Adams School. Penny Lyall, Headteacher, and Alison Clarkson, Teaching Assistant, attended from Hodnet Primary School. Pupils from both schools also took part in the visit.
The Trust organised the event in partnership with RAF Shawbury and Sean McCarthy, Shropshire Council’s Armed Forces Covenant Lead.
Wing Commander Paddy Durnin, RAF Shawbury Station Commander, welcomed the signing.
He said: “I am delighted that RAF Shawbury is able to host the signing of the Armed Forces Covenant by The 3-18 Education Trust.
“Education is always one of the first considerations for Service families as we face frequent moves. Thomas Adams School and Hodnet Primary School have an excellent understanding of the support that Service parents and children need.
“By signing the Covenant, the CEO is reinforcing the Trust’s commitment across all its schools. We are very grateful for that support.”
Councillor Gary Groves, Shropshire Council’s Armed Forces Champion, also welcomed the Trust’s commitment.
He said: “This commitment sends a clear message that Service families in Shropshire will be recognised, understood and supported.
“Children from Armed Forces backgrounds often show remarkable resilience, but they can also face unique challenges. By providing the right support, both in the classroom and beyond, the Trust is helping every child to thrive.
“I welcome this positive step and look forward to continuing our work together to support the Armed Forces community.”
Signing the Armed Forces Covenant forms part of the Trust’s long-term ambition to achieve recognition through the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. The scheme recognises organisations that demonstrate a strong and lasting commitment to the Armed Forces community.
Staff and students from Thomas Adams School and Hodnet Primary School visit RAF Shawbury (Image courtesy of MOD)
Wing Commander Paddy Durnin RAF Shawbury, and David O’Toole, CEO, The 3-18 Education Trust sign the Covenant (Image courtesy of MOD)