New Project supporting Armed Forces Pupils in Midlothian Awarded Funding 

A pupil support programme for Armed Forces Pupils is set to launch November 2025 following a successful award of £133,550 from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund. 

Run for two years

Known as the Midlothian Informed Personal Support Approaches (MIPSA), the programme will be open to all pupils with parents in regular service in the Armed Forces and will run for two years. 

Building confidence and attainment

The programme will offer various opportunities for military children to build confidence, boost academic attainment and receive bespoke learning support packages. 

Bespoke opportunities

As part of the support programme, pupils could receive bespoke youth work opportunities from Midlothian Council’s CLLE service, motivational coaching, tutoring, paid work experience and access to outdoor learning experiences. 

Partnership working

To deliver the programme Midlothian Council will work with the Army Welfare Service and Children First, Scotland’s national children’s charity which has expertise in supporting children and families through relocation and transitions. 

Mauricewood Primary pilot

The programme was developed following a pilot at Mauricewood Primary, which showed positive impacts on children's attainment, confidence, and wellbeing. 

Making a difference

Armed Forces Champion Cllr Pauline Winchester said: “This new project promises to make a real difference to Armed Forces children across Midlothian.  

Close community connections

“As a military child myself, I am deeply aware of the worries, feelings of isolation and disruptions to education that Armed Force pupils can experience and the need to develop close connections to the communities they live and study in.  

Tailored supports

“By tailoring additional support to military children, we can help them boost their confidence, wellbeing and educational attainment through youth work approaches.” 

ENDS