Dorset: Free science fair at The Purbeck School - Sat 28th Feb

Image: ThePurbeckSchool. 

Click on poster above to enlarge

 The event is designed for all ages, offering an educational afternoon with local organisations.

Highlights: STEM Ambassadors, "Sea Rex" photo op, craft a creature, and interactive science experiments.

Special Attractions: Science Dome (suggested £1 cash entry).

Location: Worgret Road Wareham, BH20 4PF

Information provided by Bovington HIVE 

BFBS Launches First-Ever AI Skills Programme Exclusively for Military Partners

BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service) has officially launched its AI Skills For Military Partners programme, an innovative course designed to help military partners build practical digital skills, expand career opportunities, and strengthen employability in a fast-changing, tech-driven world.

The programme, delivered through BFBS Academy, blends self-paced online learning with monthly live evening webinars and four one-off in-person workshops to be held in Cyprus, Catterick, Blandford, and Edinburgh. Fully funded by a £66,884 grant from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, the programme is tailored specifically for the needs of the armed forces community.

Jackie Collins, Head of Social Media at BFBS (Academy & Creative) and lead on the course, said: “Launching this programme at the start of the year is the perfect way to help military partners set themselves up for success in 2026. With practical AI skills, participants can confidently explore new opportunities, grow their careers, or enhance their businesses, turning the promise of new year in real action and results.”

Throughout the programme, BFBS Academy will support participants with tailored guidance, practical applications, and one-to-one coaching to ensure the training is meaningful, accessible, and immediately applicable.

The course will enable participants to:

• Build foundational AI skills relevant for real-world applications
• Understand how AI tools can enhance work or business growth
• Learn at their own pace with flexible online options, supported by live webinars and workshops
• Navigate AI responsibly and confidently

The launch marks a major milestone for BFBS Academy, reinforcing its mission to provide innovative, accessible training for the armed forces community, and empower military partners with the tools they need to thrive in a digital future.

Launch video: https://we.tl/t-ev4RgxmD9a

For further information, visit: BFBS Academy.

For general updates, follow BFBS Academy on Facebook, Instagram and X.

Highlands: The Military Liaison Group (Education) design a logo competition.

The Month of the Military Child is celebrated in April every year across the world and the winning logo of this competition will be used every year to promote and mark this celebration across Highland. 

MLG will be proud to have a logo designed by a child or young person that is unique and exclusive to Highland to mark Month of the Military Child.

There are 5 winning categories from Early Years through to Secondary, and also an overall winner – the competition is open to all children and young people in Highland.

To find out more and to enter the competition 👉 Latest News – Armed Forces Families Highland

DEADLINES for entries MONDAY 2ND MARCH 2026 – GOOD LUCK!

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Wales: Free courses for Spouses & Partners of Armed Forces personnel in Wales - Bookkeeping Basics for UK Start-Up Businesses

Click poster to enlarge.
The Family Foundation:
Free courses for Spouses & Partners of Armed Forces Personnel in Wales

We’re pleased to share Project Restart — a fully funded programme supporting wives, spouses and partners of serving personnel living in Wales.
These free, online courses are designed to build confidence, skills, and future opportunities, whether you’re:

• exploring a business idea
• returning to work
• rebuilding confidence after a career break
• or planning your next step

Bookkeeping Basics for UK Start-Up Businesses

• Day-to-Day Bookkeeping & Cash Flow
• UK Small Business Tax, Compliance & Working with Accountants
• Fully funded through the Armed Forces Covenant
• Learn at your own pace
• Enrol on any course that’s right for you
• Enrol for free today

https://lea-s-site-4be5.thinkific.com/bundles/project-restart

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.

Weeton: Career Information Session for Spouses and students - Wed 11 Feb 26

Information provided by Preston & Weeton HIVE

Chepstow: Free Course with St John Ambulance Cymru - Tue 17th Feb 26

Come learn how to use a defib this February with our free course. Email Elsie.Webster@sjacymru.org.uk for a space. (Spaces are limited)

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

CSF: Boarding School Webinar on 26 Feb

Webinar Details

Date: Wednesday, 26 February 2026
Time: 17:30 – 18:30

Session Highlights
• Key topics on boarding school education tailored specifically for military families
• Prep school boarding
• Life on campus as a boarder
• Live Q&A session to address individual questions and concerns

How to Register
Please register using this link

N.B. This company is not affiliated to, nor endorsed by the MOD, and families should continue to contact the MOD’s Education Advisory Team (UK) in good time to ensure a smooth transition to CEA and boarding. EAT(UK), part of Defence Children Services, is the MOD organisation in place for Boarding Schools and CEA advice and guidance. See https://dcs.school/ and the EAT(UK) pages at: https://dcs.school/?page_id=1239 MOD advice can be obtained by emailing: RC-DCS-HQ-EAT@mod.gov.uk

Wiltshire: Three FREE parent support courses from the Family & Community Learning Team

 

Wiltshire: Wiltshire Libraries: Children's books in other Languages

Information provided by South West HIVE Hub
 

Northern Ireland: Pre-School & Primary 1 admissions for September 2026

 

Admissions criteria for applications to Pre-school and Primary One for September 2026 are now live on our website.

It is important that you read the published admissions criteria for each of the Pre-school settings or Primary schools you wish to list on your application.

More information on applying for a pre-school or primary school place is available at  https://ow.ly/gEVj50XFEeR

Information provided by HIVE NI

Bath Spa University - Upcoming Free Courses in Wiltshire and Online

Bath Spa University have two upcoming courses for military partners, both of which are fully funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust:

Marketing and Entrepreneurship

Tuesday 14 April for 12 weeks, Tuesdays 10am -2pm, Wiltshire

During this 12-week practical course, you’ll explore the fundamentals of digital marketing and entrepreneurship in innovative ways. Starting with your own ideas and goals, you’ll embark on a collaborative journey that covers key entrepreneurial concepts such as getting started, building a brand, and creating a business plan.

You’ll also dive into digital marketing essentials, including social media and audience engagement including developing creative assets. Our workshops combine essential knowledge with hands on activities, giving you the chance to apply what you learn and create a portfolio of work.

This course includes space for you to relax, build confidence, and connect with others. It’s designed to foster a supportive environment where you can recharge, share experiences, and grow your network in an informal setting.

Northern Ireland: Careers and Apprenticeships Fair - Wednesday 4th February

The Careers and Apprenticeships Fair is back! 

Join in at Theatre at The Mill for an evening of opportunity, support and networking!

This is your chance to meet local employers face-to-face from a variety of sectors, find out information from local colleges and universities, as well as taking part in our dedicated apprenticeship and job ‘have a go zone’. 

Wednesday 4 February, 5pm-9pm

Don't miss out - come along and take the first step into to your new career!

#ANBorough #Jobs #Apprenticeships #CareersFair

Information provided by HIVE NI 

Leuchars: Skills Development Scotland Careers Drop in at Bula Cafe - next drop in Thurs 19th February 2026

click on image to enlarge

Monthly Careers Drop In

Thursday 11-12 in the Cafe

Drop in and meet the local Skills Development Scotland Careers Adviser, Julie, who can help with job search, applications, CVs and advice and guidance about careers, school subjects and pathways.

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Dorset: Adult learning courses

For information about courses, learning opportunities, learning at home and more please visit
https://www.webenrol.com/skillsandlearningace/

For details of local courses and information see links below.

Link to our online courses (courses are held online via Teams at specific times with a “live” tutor)

Link to distance learning courses (These are online modules that can be accessed whenever convenient)

Link to courses in Blandford

Link to courses in Poole, Wareham or Dorchester

Information about our employability and careers courses (also known as work skills)

Information about our English for Speakers of Other Languages courses

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Fife: S1 placement request applications now open for children due to start in August 2026

If your child is currently in P7 and you don't want them to attend their catchment secondary school, you'll need to make a placing request.

The placing request process for children due to start S1 in August 2026 is now live.

Placing requests for S1 must be received by midnight on 15th March 2026. To find out more, and to apply online, go to: https://www.fife.gov.uk/.../apply.../enrol-in-primary-school

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Scotland: Moving to Scotland? Need to know about Special Educational Needs and the support available?

Moving to a new country and education system can be a worrying and busy time for families with a child with additional support needs.

Enquire is the Scottish advice service for additional support for learning. 

Providing easy to understand advice and information about additional support for learning legislation and guidance for families and professionals.

Enquire

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Hampshire: Forces Connect South East

Forces Connect South East

Hampshire County Council is proud to be part of Forces Connect South East

Forces Connect South East is a cross border partnership comprising Hampshire, Surrey, Kent, East Sussex and West Sussex County Councils, Brighton and Hove, Medway Councils and Sussex NHS.

It is a two-year Ministry of Defence Armed Forces Covenant Funded Programme aimed at making it easier for servicemen and women and their families, as well as reservists and veterans, to access public sector services including healthcare, housing, schools, financial advice and support to find jobs.

Click HERE for more information.

Information provided by South East HIVE Hub.

Vale of Glamorgan: Join the Vale of Glamorgan’s School Appeals Panels

Vale of Glamorgan Council:

We're looking for members to join our Independent School Appeals Panels

You’ll help make sure decisions about school admissions and exclusions are fair and transparent.

• Full training provided
• Voluntary role (travel expenses covered)
• Appeals can be heard in person or onlin

Interested? Apply online here.

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub.

Northern Ireland: Post Primary Online Applications are now open

 

Applications for a Post Primary place for September 2026 are now open via EA Connect

Applications close at 12 noon on 19 February 2026. 

It is important to note that applications are not considered on a first come, first served basis.

To apply visit https://connect.eani.org.uk/parent/ or see the website for more information on the admissions process www.eani.org.uk/admissions

#EAadmissions

Information provided by HIVE NI

Dorset: Special Education Needs & Disabilities help and support for ages 0 - 25.

Where to get some help and support

If you’re a bit unsure as to where to go first to find some help and advice relating to your child/young person’s needs then we have put together some information about some of the key places for resources and helpful people to speak to:

Our Local Offer provides information, advice and support for children and young people aged from 0 to 25 years with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families.
Visit SEND Local Offer HERE


Information provided by Bovington HIVE

For more information and support services