On 25th June 2025, Bourne Education Trust (BET) made history as the first multi-academy trust in the south-east of England to formally sign the Armed Forces Covenant, demonstrating its commitment to supporting military families and veterans within its educational community.
To mark this moment, the signing of the covenant took place at Kings International College, Camberley, timed just ahead of Armed Forces Day 2025. The event united students, staff, military representatives, governors and local community leaders in celebration of this groundbreaking commitment.
Students from across the Trust's network of schools participated in the ceremony, featuring inspiring addresses from Bourne Education Trust leadership, Armed Forces representatives and the students themselves, sharing perspectives on military service, family experiences and the vital importance of the covenant.
What are Bourne Education Trust pledging?
Through signing the covenant, Bourne Education Trust formally pledged: "We commit to uphold the Armed Forces Covenant and support the Armed Forces Community. We recognise the vital contribution that service personnel – both regular and reservist – veterans and military families make to our organisation, our community and our country."
This commitment extends beyond words, encompassing practical support for service children's education, career opportunities for veterans and military spouses and fostering understanding of military life within school communities.
Thank you to our speakers and guests
The ceremony featured addresses from:
Other military representatives and community leaders in attendance:
Vision for the future
"We are deeply honoured to be the first multi-academy trust in the south-east to sign the Armed Forces Covenant," said Alex Russell, CEO of Bourne Education Trust. "This represents far more than a symbolic gesture - it constitutes a firm, actionable commitment to ensuring that service personnel, veterans and their families receive the recognition, appreciation and practical support they deserve within our schools and broader communities."
The Trust's commitment builds upon its established reputation for championing inclusivity and strengthening community partnerships, now formally extending this ethos to serve those who have served our nation.