okay, long story short, i wasn't very good in school. Despite that, i am actually quite capable, and i regret not putting in the effort. I feel like i have potential, and that i would be able to make a difference as an army officer, that being said, i don't meet the minimum requirements to go for officer selection. I decided the only thing i could do is to get on with it and study a couple of subjects and go get some qualifications, however i decided this a little late as the exams are quickly approaching and i don't know the cut off date!
So does it strictly have to be gcse's and highers and such, or can i get another equivalent qualification and still be allowed to try out? please advise me on what i should do.

Any help is much appreciated.

p.s in case its of any importance here, i'm 17 so i'm not old enough to apply for an officer yet.

To be perfectly honest with the way the army is restructuring it's hard enough to get in without a degree let alone with your planned route.

Good on you for trying and I'm sure that's a great attitude to have but seeing as 90% of the intake at Sandhurst are Grads the other 10% have to be something special and I'm sure at least A Levels will be required or a great deal of life experiences.

You maybe would've stood a chance a few years back before the recession but they have to be so strict now to ensure they are taking the best of the best and that means taking no chances.

You've got a much better chance and I'm sure you could have an equally good time in the regulars plus you could work you way up to sergeant and specialise more.

Thank you for the reply. however, i dont want to join the army to have a good time (though obviously that is an attractive aspect), so even if i have to spend years trying i want to go for officers. If i were meet the requirements, will i be entitled to go to aosb? and if i do exceptionally well there, will i be allowed through? I know that with some preparation i could impress them, but will the lack of a degree make a difference? and will it stop me from getting the chance?

Thank you for any further response.

I think in all honesty that the only option open is to join up as a private soldier, show how good you are and work your way up the ranks eventually being commissioned. That may seem a lifetime away from achieving your goal, but what option do you have? Even if you obtained a decent education in the next few years, what's to say that you will be accepted or make the grade. If you started right at the bottom, you would be far more in touch with those who you may eventually command. I also believe that when you join there is an option to improve your educational quals.

G'Day Phantom

You're only 17, so you've time in hand, IF you get yourself gripped smartly. You mention "Highers", as opposed to " A" Levels, so visit your local recruiting office and find out what you need from the horse's mouth rather than from here. Then get them by any means possible. College, night-school, distance learning, whatever. Just get them. Two years should do it. While you're at the recruiters fix up an interview with the ACA (O) who'll weigh you up and advise of the sort of worldly / people / life experience that you'll need to compete in a field where 80% of the others are grads. Entry with Highers is entirely possible if you've done something major with your life, (and consequently can display substantial maturity,) while others are at uni. Then, and only then, will you have enough information upon which to base your decision.

Good luck whether it be through the Factory or the ranks.

Old Rat
Out

Join as an OR. Get a trade (and a grip!)

Originally Posted by The.phantom-wolf

i dont want to join the army to have a good time.

Take your head for a wibble.

You could always pursue an access course (this is a route into uni for people with no other qualifications) I know plenty of people who have done these and gone on to be accepted at red brick uni's. As you're 17 uni is still an option (an enjoyable one at that!) before you pursue an officer career.

17 years old, get into college, get some a levels under your belt, get to uni, do a degree, join up.
If you do not have enough GSCEs then retake, and see if you can get into a Institue to do a access.
Jamesy is right and this would be teh way to go.
In the interim, get yourself down the ACF or TA,
The other route to think about might well be looking at a Officer sponsorship at Uni.
look at the army website, but you need to get to uni first.
University Officer Training Corps - British Army Website

Originally Posted by David Powell

17 years old, get into college, get some a levels under your belt, get to uni, do a degree, join up.
If you do not have enough GSCEs then retake, and see if you can get into a Institue to do a access.
Jamesy is right and this would be teh way to go.
In the interim, get yourself down the ACF or TA,
The other route to think about might well be looking at a Officer sponsorship at Uni.
look at the army website, but you need to get to uni first.
University Officer Training Corps - British Army Website

I wouldn't necessarily say go for a degree... It could be more beneficial to get a years work experience to develop himself without gaining £35k debt. Although I thoroughly believe that university is the only reason I managed to overcome some of my character flaws such as being quite socially awkward, I don't think it is quite as valuable for everyone else.