The DSFA is designed to help spouses, partners and family members of Foreign & Commonwealth Office diplomatic staff in every way – educational matters included.  Our services can range from offering advice on the education of our members' children to sponsorship for training courses.

Educational needs for children

The DSFA has an Education and Sponsorship Adviser who deals with all questions members may have about their children's education.

This can range from complex issues like keeping children with the family on an overseas posting or opting for a UK boarding school; how to find out about schooling at an overseas Post, to the difficulties of re-integrating children into the UK State school system after a period abroad. We also offer advice on obtaining funding for university students while the parents are living overseas.

Our adviser also:

• consults with FCO Administration on educational matters and educational policy developments
• informs DSFA membership on all FCO developments on education policy changes
• co-ordinates families' responses to the FCO Administration on contested policies
• lobbies on behalf of families in the case of inequitable policies.

Spouse/Partner Sponsorship Scheme
The DSFA's Spouse/Partner Sponsorship Scheme provides funding for partners to train in a portable skill. Find out more in Employment and Training.

Sponsorship for Open University
Open University (OU) – the UK's only university dedicated to distance learning – offers an excellent opportunity for DSFA members who want to study while overseas.

DSFA members pay UK fees, but additional fees for some examinations in venues outside the UK may be charged. The DSFA Sponsorship Scheme can also help with partial funding.