Wycombe Abbey Upper Sixth pupil awarded prestigious Army Officer Scholarship

Wycombe Abbey is thrilled to announce that pupil Emily (UVI) has been awarded an esteemed Army Officer Scholarship.

Following a year of challenging assessments and evaluations, Emily shares her insights on navigating the application process and her aspirations for a future in the British Army.

Have you always known that you wanted to go into the Army?

I've always known that I wanted to pursue a career in the Army. My dad served, and he often spoke about how the experience equipped him with crucial life skills he still relies on in life beyond the Army. A few years ago, I discovered the Army Officer Scholarship Scheme and realised it would be an excellent pathway to begin my own journey in the Army.

How do you qualify for the scholarship?

I started the application process at the start of LVI. It’s a lengthy process due to the number of medical and background checks that are required and there are numerous stages of online interviews ahead of the Army Scholarship Board, which is similar to an assessment weekend. The Army Scholarship Board is a very intense weekend consisting of further interviews, essays, command tasks, planning exercises, fitness tests and psychometric tests. Even when you are just sitting around in the mess, you are still being assessed. Despite the intensity of the weekend, I really enjoyed being with other like-minded people. I’m also proud to say that I beat all the boys in the fitness test!

How many people were on your selection weekend?

They ran three Army Scholarship Boards, with 32 members at each one. It was especially nice to meet seven other girls who also plan on going into the army.

What do you plan on studying at university?

Sport and Exercise Science. I am applying to a range of universities.

What are you most looking forward to about joining the Army?

When I’m at university, I will take part in Officer Training Corps, which is like Cadets. That will be a nice way of getting to know other people with similar interests and will join me at the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst after university.

What are you most nervous about?

As we speak, the world is changing rapidly, and at times, can be a scary place. Despite this, I’m excited to get stuck in and experience Army life firsthand.

How do you feel Wycombe Abbey has prepared you for the application process?

Ahead of attending the Army Scholarship Board, I sought advice from Padre Paul, who, having served in the British Army for five years and the New Zealand Army for 12, provided me with a wealth of valuable tips and helped me understand what to expect.

Whilst at school, I have participated in several interviews before and have been prepped on how to best tackle the interview process, allowing me to feel more confident. In my roles as Head of House, Sports Captain, and Lacrosse Captain, I have learnt to develop my communication skills, which helped contribute to my team's success in the command tasks.

What would be your top tip for younger girls who wish to apply for the Army Officer Scholarship?

Don’t be too nervous. Although the process may seem intimidating, the assessors are aware that you are new and want you to succeed. They are mainly looking for potential, so just be yourself!

Congratulations to Emily on this fantastic achievement, which is a testament to your hard work, determination, and aptitude. We look forward to seeing the success that your Army career holds!