'It must ever be remembered that the main purposes for which the regimental schools are established are, to give the soldiers the comfort of being assured that the education and welfare of their children are objects of their Sovereign's paternal solicitude and attention, and to raise from their offspring a succession of loyal subjects, brave soldiers, and good Christians.'

Army children were seen as good future recruits, well-disciplined, familiar with military ways. School discipline was very strictly enforced. A significant proportion of each year's recruits were soldiers' sons and the daughters of soldiers often married a soldier.