Contact your School Liaison for answers to all your child education questions and information about local school options.

RAF Alconbury-Molesworth-Wyton-Menwith Hill

          DSN: 314-268-3232

          Commercial: +44 01480 843232

          Email: schoolliaison.alconbury@us.af.mil

          Webpage: https://rafalconbury.com/school-liaison/

RAF Croughton-Fairford-Welford-Blenheim Crescent

          DSN: 314- 236-8097

          Commercial: +44 01280 70 8097

          Email: 422abg.sloschoolliaisoncroughton@us.af.mil

          Webpage: https://rafcroughtonfss.com/school-liaison/

Stavanger AB

          DSN: 314-224-0506

          Commercial: +47 5195 0506

          Email: faith.madsen@us.af.mil

          Webpage: https://www.426stavanger.com/student-life

Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA)

DoDEA schools are available at RAF Alconbury for families assigned to RAF Alconbury, RAF Molesworth and RAF Wyton.  Families assigned to other installations within the 501st community can apply for enrollment at Alconbury schools on a space-available basis, but will be responsible for transportation if residing outside of the authorized bus routes.

Alconbury Elementary School

          DSN: 314-268-4360

          Commercial: +44 01480 84 4360

          Webpage: https://alconburyes.dodea.edu/

Alconbury Middle High School

          DSN: 324-417-7120

          Commercial: +44 01638 460120

          Webpage: https://alconburymhs.dodea.edu/

Non-DoD Schools Program (NDSP) 

The NDSP is a program within the Department of Defense Education Activity. The purpose of NDSP is to provide educational support and financial assistance to defray costs of education and to facilitate educational continuity in international locations where there is no DoDEA school. NDSP does not approve, endorse, or certify schools.  You may choose the educational setting that best meets your child's needs. You must select an educational option that will allow your child to easily transition to the next grade when you return to the United States.

Families assigned to RAF Croughton, RAF Fairford, RAF Menwith Hill, RAF Welford, Stavanger AB and other Geographically-Separated Units (GSU) within the 501st support network may be eligible for NDSP for command-sponsored dependents.  Contact your School Liaison for more information.

**Note: No funding or reimbursement is available for any costs associated with attendance at host-nation schools or homeschooling for families assigned to RAF Alconbury, RAF Molesworth and RAF Wyton.  Families who choose these options are responsible for all expenses.

Host-Nation Schools

United Kingdom

All resident children in the UK are entitled to a state-funded education at no cost from age 5-16.  Independent (what are called “private” in the US) schools, including some post-16 Sixth Form schools, charge tuition.  Some faith/church schools are state-funded.  The British education system is a little different from US schools, but it affords children the opportunity to be immersed in the local culture and environment. The school year is divided into three terms with breaks in-between and a 6-week summer holiday.  Attendance is mandatory and you can be fined for unexcused absences.  Applications for a school space at state-funded schools must be submitted through the Local Authority where you live.  Click Here to search for and compare schools in the United Kingdom.

Norway

Education in Norway is mandatory for all children aged six to 16. Education is guaranteed by the Norwegian state and is thus free at public schools and taught only in Norwegian. The school year in Norway runs from late August to mid-June the following year. The Juleferie (Christmas holiday) from mid-December to early January divides the Norwegian school year into two terms. Children also have a vinterferie (winter break) and a Påskeferie (Easter break). The school day usually finishes at 3pm to pick up children from school. Norway has multiple different grading systems, both unique ones and ones that have been based on foreign grading systems. The formerly most common system of grades used at university level was based on a scale running from 1.0 (lowest) through 6.0 (highest).

Homeschool

The option to educate at home is available and legal in the United Kingdom and Norway.  Contact your School Liaison for information and resources on homeschooling.

The 422 MDS operates a clinic at RAF Croughton and 423 MDS operates a clinic at RAF Alconbury offering the following limited services for active-duty personnel:

• Family Practice
• Immunizations
• Dental
• Behavioral & Mental Health
• Satellite Pharmacy
• Lab

Medical Appointments:

Bldg 623, RAF Alconbury                       Bldg 56, RAF Croughton

DSN: 314-268-2273                               DSN: 314-236-8737

Commercial: +44 01480 842273            Commercial: +44 01280 708737

Dental Appointments:

Alconbury                                              Croughton

DSN: 314-268-4585                              DSN: 314-236-8819

Commercial: +44 01480 844585           Commercial: +44 01280 708819

Mental Health:

Alconbury                                              Croughton

DSN: 314-268-4504                               DSN: 314-236-8737

Commercial: +44 01480 844504             Commercial: +44 01280 708737

Pharmacy:

Alconbury                                              Croughton

DSN: 314-268-4556                               DSN: 314-236-8892

Commercial: +44 01480 844556             Commercial: +44 01280 708892

Educational and Developmental Intervention Services (EDIS)

DSN: 314-265-4513

Commercial: +44 01480 844513

Students enrolled at DoDEA schools who are not dependents of active-duty members may also receive immunization services and sports physicals at the Alconbury Clinic.

Medical In-Processing

To ensure active-duty members and family are enrolled in TRICARE to receive healthcare in England:

• Airmen will need a copy of PCS orders and AF Form 1466 for Accompanied Airmen to complete TRICARE enrollment form one of three ways;
  • In-person enrollment at Tricare Office
  • Telephonic Enrollment with Regional Contractor ISOS +44 20 8762 8384 Opt 4
  • Email enrollment, call Tricare at DSN 314-226-8143 for information. (Must have CAC enable computer for this option)
• If you miss the weekly in-processing briefing, just call Tricare Service Center or go to the clinic in the Admin Section of the Hospital and they will assist you.

National Health Service (NHS)

The National Health Service (NHS) is available to DoD Civilian and Contractor personnel.  You can Search for a General Practitioner (GP) by your postcode.  You should see the GP which covers the area where you reside.  Contact the GP Surgery or Centre (Clinic) to register as a new patient and you will be assigned an NHS number. 

Children under age 18 are eligible to receive free dental exams and vision exams through the NHS, however not all providers will have these appointments available.

Private medical and dental care is also available on the economy and some may be accepted by US insurance companies.  Contact your insurance company or discuss your insurance with the provider for more information on payment before agreeing to private care.

Contact your installation Housing Office for information about on-base Military Family Housing and off-base housing options and allowances.

RAF Alconbury

DSN: 314-268-3518

Commercial: +44 01480 843518

Email: 423CES.housing@us.af.mil

Webpage: https://www.housing.af.mil/Home/Units/RAF-Alconbury/

RAF Croughton

DSN: 314-236-8957

Commercial: +44 01280 708951

Email: 422ces.ceih@us.af.mil

Webpage: https://www.housing.af.mil/Home/Units/RAF-Croughton/

RAF Menwith Hill

DSN: 314-262-7886

Commercial: +44 01423 777886

Email: housing2@us.af.mil

Webpage: https://www.housing.af.mil/Home/Units/RAF-Menwith-Hill/

Stavanger AB
DSN: 314-224-0577

Commercial: +47 51950577

Email: 426ABS.CEH@STAVANGER.AF.MIL

Webpage: https://www.housing.af.mil/Home/Units/Stavanger/

For off-base housing, you can begin your housing search using these websites:

• Homes.mil
• Right Move
• Zoopla
• On the Market

It can be a challenging environment for spouses who are seeking employment in the UK and Norway. It is common for applicants to wait six months or longer to land a job that aligns with their education and/or experience.  The Military & Family Readiness center can assist with information about overseas employment opportunities, education and training resources, resume writing and interview skills.

Check out the Employment Guide from the Military & Family Center for further information and resources.

Employment Opportunities On-Base

• Federal and Non-Appropriated Fund (NAF) positions support installations through services in Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) and Force Support Squadrons (FSS). Hours range from regular, full-time to flexible part-time with varying employment benefits.: These positions provide support through various functions across the installation. Jobs are listed through the Office of Personnel Management at www.usajobs.gov.
• DODEA-Europe: These schools offer full-time positions, substitute teachers, administrative staff and educational aids. Go to www.dodea.edu/Europe/offices/hr .
• Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES): Apply at https://www.aafes.com or through local human resources offices.
• Community banks and credit unions: Jobs as bank tellers and managers.
• Defense Commissary Agency (DECA): Jobs at commissaries.
• Defense Contractors: Job opportunities in technology, management, accounting, and administration are available with contracting firms. Your installation’s contracting office and M&FRC office will have information about vacancies.

Employment Opportunities Off-Base

As part of the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) in the UK, command-sponsored family members (military or civilian) with a vignette stamp in their U.S. no-fee passport (and no employment restrictions on their passport/visa) are able to work on the British economy without a work permit.  A National Insurance Number (NIN) is required and is similar to a SSN.  Click Here to apply online for an NIN. [https://www.gov.uk/apply-national-insurance-number#4]

More Employment Resources

Indeed

Jobs

Gov.uk

Life In Norway 

LinkedIn 

Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO) 

Education & Training

Visit the Education Center for advice on education benefits, counseling to assist you reach your education goals, and testing services. University of Maryland Global Campus [https://europe.umgc.edu/] also offers programs at RAF Alconbury and RAF Molesworth.

RAF Alconbury Education Center

Bldg 678

DSN: 314-268-3306

Commercial: +44 01480 843306

Email: 423fss.ed.center@us.af.mil

UMGC: alconbury-europe@umgc.edu

RAF Croughton Education Center

Bldg 202

DSN: 314-268-8132

Commercial: +44 01280 708132

Email: 422abs.dpe@us.af.mil

UMGC: croughton-europe@umgc.edu

Additional Education Resources

Spouse Education and Career Opportunities (SECO) 

Veteran.com Military Spouse Education Benefits 

Childcare On-Base

Find the 501 CSW Youth Supervision Guidelines at: https://rafalconbury.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/501-CSW-Youth-Supervision-Guidelines.pdf 

Childcare facilities are available on-base at RAF Alconbury and RAF Croughton.  To apply for a space with any of these Child and Youth Programs, visit https://militarychildcare.com/.

Alconbury Child Development Center-Paddington Station

Building 700

DSN: 314-268-3675

Commercial:+44 01480 843675

https://rafalconbury.com/family/child-development-center/

Alconbury Youth Programs

Building 680

DSN: 314-268-3604

Commercial:+44 01480 843604

https://rafalconbury.com/youth-programs/

Croughton Child Development Center

DSN: 314-236-8420

Commercial:+44 01280 70 8420

https://rafcroughtonfss.com/child-development-center/

Croughton Youth Programs

DSN: 314-236-8543

Commercial:+44 01280 70 8543

https://rafcroughtonfss.com/youth-programs/

Childcare Off-Base

Click Here to search for registered childminders off-base in the UK. 

15 Hours Free Early Education for 3 & 4 year-old children

All 3 to 4-year-olds in England can get 570 free hours per year. It’s usually taken as 15 hours a week for 38 weeks of the year, but can be adjusted with your provider.

The free early education and childcare:

•         Must be with an approved childcare provider

•         Stops when your child starts in reception class or reaches compulsory school age

•         May incur extra costs like meals, nappies or trips

•         Can start from the term after your child’s 3rd birthday

Click Here to find out more about free early child education with GOV.UK.

The Military and Family Readiness Center (M&FRC) offers a multitude of services aimed at improving the quality of life for all DoD ID card holders. The M&FRC is one part of the installation network that can support you and/or your family in a variety of areas to include: work and family life; personal finances; and deployments; exceptional family member family support, relocation and transition. Make the M&FRC one of your first stops upon arriving at your installation; our programs and services are an important resource for you and your family.

RAF Alconbury

DSN: 314-268-3557

Commercial: +44 01480 843557

Email: 423fss.dpf@us.af.mil

Webpage: https://rafalconbury.com/family/military-family-readiness/

RAF Croughton

DSN: 314-236-8157

Commercial: +44 01280 708158

Email: 422abs.dpf@us.af.mil

The Commander's Key Support Program is an official unit/family program designed to enhance readiness and disseminate family-relevant information and strengthen community. It is a commander’s program that promotes partnerships with unit leadership, commander-appointed volunteer Key Spouses families, the M&FRC and other community/helping agencies.  The program addresses the needs of all military as well as civilian families, with special emphasis on support throughout the deployment cycle, PCSing, and major family changes. Your sponsor should let you know how to contact your unit’s Key Spouse team, or contact the M&FRC to find out how to connect.

Families associated with the JAC at RAF Molesworth can email jac.families@gmail.com or connect on Facebook at JAC Molesworth Families.

Spouses in Stavanger, please contact 426ABSkeyspouse@gmail.com. 

Alconbury Molesworth Spouse Club is a community social club that supports and strengthens the base community. You do not need to be a spouse to become a member. We are open to any DOD cardholder who is a part of the Alconbury, Molesworth and Wyton community.

Our mission is to build the local spouse network while supporting the entire Alconbury-Molesworth community.  AMSC is a private organization and is not affiliated with the Department of Defense or US Air Force.

Our purpose is to support the tri-base community through social and professional connections. 

AMSC also gives back to the community by providing the Thrift Shop, DejaNew - Community Closet, on RAF Alconbury, through funds requests for squadron/unit events, and by offering annual scholarships to graduating high school seniors and spouses who are going back to school.

Visit the AMSC Facebook page for more information and upcoming events at https://www.facebook.com/AMSpouse/

For America’s military spouses, Military OneSource is the place to find practical and proven information and to connect with experts, useful resources and powerful tools for living your best MilLife.

From building stronger relationships to building your next career, Military OneSource is the best place to begin. We can help with parenting, education tuition assistance, health and wellness and more. It's easy to connect with expert consultants for personalized support to keep you and your family thriving.

The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Overseas Program provides you and your family with several important benefits:

• Nutritious food
• Tips on how to prepare balanced meals
• Nutrition and health screenings
• Other resources that help you and your family lead healthier lives

Eligibility

• The WIC Overseas Program is available to eligible participants living overseas*, including:
• Civilian employees
• Department of Defense contractors
• Family members
• Members of the uniformed services

*If you're using WIC in the U.S., you can continue your participation in the WIC Overseas program without having to re-qualify. Once you transfer overseas, contact your local WIC Overseas office to make plans to switch to WIC Overseas drafts.

WIC Overseas counselors determine eligibility for the program by evaluating income, family size, and certain other criteria.  Once a WIC Overseas counselor certifies you or a family member, you or the family member can enroll in the program. Your WIC Overseas counselor will determine how long you can participate in the program. Those who may be eligible for the WIC Overseas Program include:

• Expectant mothers during pregnancy and throughout the first six weeks after giving birth*
• Mothers until the infant is six months old if bottle-feeding or one year old if breast-feeding
• Infants and children until the end of the month in which they turn age five.  *After six weeks, mothers must contact a WIC Overseas counselor and reapply under either the bottle-feeding or breast-feeding category.

Contact your local WIC Overseas office to see if you and your children are eligible for WIC Overseas nutritional benefits:

Alconbury- Commercial: +44 01480-84-3158

Croughton- Commercial: +44 1280-70-8248

Stavanger- Commercial: + 44 01638-52-1728