Who can apply?
The scheme is open to anyone at a school or college in the UK, in the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man, or at an Army secondary school overseas that educates students to A Level standard (or equivalent). Candidates should be aged between 16 and 16 ½ on 1 January for the Spring competition and 1 July for the Autumn competition. An Application Form is available from your Army Careers Adviser and you should contact him/her well before the application closing date. (Note, do not confuse the Application Form with the Army Interest Form which you filled in initially).
We only accept applications with a guarantee from your Headteacher (current or proposed) that you will have a school or college place to study A Levels if we award you a Scholarship. You will be required to complete a detailed medical questionnaire that needs to be verified by your doctor. You will also be given a full medical if selected for the Army Officer Selection Board. Applications must reach the Recruiting Group (Officer Entry) by 1 December for the Spring Competition or 1 June for the Autumn Competition.
How do scholarships work?
The scholarship is designed to help the financial burden placed upon students and parents for the extra time attending Further Education whether it is in sixth form, school, or college. Subject to a successful application you or your parents will receive £1500 a year while you are still in education (a total of £3000). You will also be guaranteed a place on Officer Training at Sandhurst, from which you will be entitled to the salary as befitting an Officer in the British Army.
What academic qualifications are required?
Take not less than 7 subjects. At least C grade in English language, mathematics and a science or a foreign language. Achieve 46 points in your best 7 subjects.
GCSE A* = 8 points, A = 7 points, B = 6 points, C = 5 points
What is the selection system?
Once you have had an initial interview with your local Army Careers Adviser and completed the Scholarship Application Form. Your application will be forwarded to the Short Listing Board. There is no need for you to attend this board, the board sit and look at reports written on every applicant, one is from your Army Careers Adviser the other is from your Headteacher. When you have successfully passed the board you will be required to attend a one day (24 hour) selection at the Army Officer Selection Board, held in Wiltshire.
What are the medical fitness requirements?
Due to the nature of the different types of work within the British Army, you will be expected to pass an Army Medical Board. If you have concerns about this then follow
this link to find out more about the Army Medical Requirements.
If I am succesful in my application what am I commiting myself to?
Scholars are expected to serve a minimum of three years in the Army after training at Sandhurst – itself a year (ie four years in all). We hope that Army Scholars will make the Army their full time career.
Scholars can be released from this commitment if monies received from the MoD are refunded.
What other financial support may there be?
Subject to satisfactory performance, the Scholar could also receive a Bursary of £1000 per year whilst at university (a total of £3000 – or £4000 if on a four year course). After university the scholar will receive a “bounty” of £3000 once he/she has gained a commission following officer training at Sandhurst. On successfully completing Sandhurst the Scholar will be awarded a Short Service Commission (3 years extendable to 8).
What else will the Army be looking for in a future officer?
Successful candidates tend to be mature young men and women with a wide range of interests that often extend beyond school activities and reflect leadership qualities and a sense of civic duty.
Is the scholarship only for a select few Regiments?
A candidate is free to join any Regiment or Corps for which he or she is eligible. Your Army Careers Adviser will give you the information to help you think about which Regiment or Corps will suit you but you do not finally have to commit yourself until part the way through Sandhurst.
Scholars who become professionally qualified, such as doctors, nurses and vets etc will normally join their professional Corps.
What other benefits can I get from this scholarship?
During the summer holidays, Scholars are encouraged to attend a free course at the Joint Services Adventurous Sail Training Centre (Solent) or other adventurous training centres in Wales and Lancashire. These are fantastic courses and develop a scholars’ leadership potential. The MoD writes to parents/ guardians before Christmas, inviting attendance for the following year.