A lot of people seem to think that with fewer bases people won't be moving so therefore no requirement for CEA.
However - here's a example of recent career structure:-
2.5 year co-pilot tour in the South West
6 month CFS course Lincolnshire
2.5 year CFS tour North Yorkshire
Captain tour South West
ME Instructor tour with move to new super-base
Promoted into 2.5 year staff tour in Buckinghamshire
Flt Cdr Tour in Oxfordshire
IPT in Bristol
So in a relatively short time (15 or so years - school age) 7 moves which would involve 7 school changes.
Even with the reduction in bases the staff and HQ tours still exist.
Removal of CEA will only serve to add to the breaking of the military covenant.
I agree it needs to be tightened up and maybe gradually phased out over time - it is still a major factor in retention.
And I do use CEA and I personally have to contribute £11000 per school year the 90% is actually a bit of a mis-leading quote.
Parental contribution is a minimum of 10%.