Sandhurst Military Academy

[Panic71]

Does anyone have experience of a son/daughter applying for a place at Sandhurst who can answer some questions for me?

Quite a lot of us have experience (varies: self, spouse/partner, DC)

What is it you want to know?

I wondered what the level of competition for places was like? My initial research led me to think that it was very, very tough to get into with lots of private school students and degree holders with exceptional grades. But then I watched the documentary from 2021 and the range of candidates seemed very broad.
We are going to an open day. I’m just keen to manage expectations for getting in really.

I went through RMAS a while ago. I do know that the private/state ratio is about 65/35 which the army think is amazing despite the 93/7 split of actual education.

I have a LOT to say about Olivia Perks which is possibly best not said in public. I think about her and her family most days.

OP, feel free to DM.

On competition, if DC passes AOSB, they will get a spot. There are frequently very last minute spots. Like, “can you come tomorrow?”
Some intakes will be more full (September for example captures graduates). But, they will get a spot if they pass AOSB and that is a very well conceived and moderated test of very many things, only a few of which are benefited by being at a private school.

DS left RMAS in ... 2021? I don't think it's that competitive if DS got in <cough> <cough> He's an NCO & says that it would have been helluva lot easier to get in if he had got A-levels 1st. The part I understand is that it was a long application process.

From what DS says...
1/3 are British who get salary while there
1/3 are commonwealth who get free place but not salary as well
1/3 are from overseas & paid £100k (each) to attend.

Most candidates have a degree, but you can join as an officer on A levels. Passing AOSB is the key thing

Has your DC been along to a recruiting centre to find out more? Which bit/s of the Army interest them the most?

What sort of open day are you going along to?

What's their physical fitness like?

They're a bunch of upper class twats, if shopping in Safeway/Aldi on a Friday is anything to go by, hth

A bunch of twats who you’d happily let defend you if we went to war presumably?

Can't speak for sandhurst but Dartmouth (navy) is more diverse these days, not completely reflective of society yet but in the right direction. First stage is to visit a recruitment office and see if they meet the criteria currently required both academically and physically.

Exceptional grades are definitely not required, my dc has a 2:1

The fitness requirements are published online so that's a good starting point and you can't be on any meds, or have any significant health problems

Do you mean Tesco Camberley? Bore off with your trolling. Much as I have fallen out of love with the institution, you’re talking shite and should be ignored.

JSP 950 details all of the medical requirements. It’s open source so can google it. If there’s anything you’re worried about, it could be worth a chat with GPbefore applying.

for example, I had OCD as a teenager but my GP didn’t disclose it, he quite rightly judged it was irrelevant but also I had worked really closely with him to fix it. If the form had been completed by someone else, the outcome might have been different.

No. Talking about the Aldi that used to be a Safeway, behind Tesco/M&S. You're obviously not a local. Bore off yourself.

No. Not at all. Wouldn't want them in charge of a shopping list, let alone security. They were what made me so anti-private school twats.

My BIL went to Sandhurst years ago, and has done well however he went to state school amd doesn't have a degree. He thinks his next promotion will be as far as he can progress due to his background! In saying that, he has progressed far up the ranks and we reckon he has a portfolio over 1 million in investments now. He can retire in his 40s and live an extremely comfortable life!!

Yes. What do you want to lnwo?

Some are yes. ..some are from state schools like my brother. Don't be so prejudiced

Possibly your brother doesn't push pensioners out of the way in order to get in the queue to pay for their beer. If so, good for him. Well brought up. Not like those with an unbelievable sense of entitlement.

It became well known locally not to go shopping on a Friday afternoon.

🙄

The upper classes wouldn't be buying beer. Back to your bridge.

Ho ho. You've never been there have you?

They periodically get banned by their chiefs from shopping there. Ask anyone in College town or Owlsmoor.

Shhh dear. The nurse will be here soon. It’s not the 1980s anymore. I understand that could be distressing for you.

Have you always been an apologist?

Anyhow, let's not let my hatred of those who shop in Aldi between 4 and 7:30 on a Friday continue to derail this thread.

We attended the open day on Saturday and were very impressed by the potential opportunities if he were to join the army. The thing I didn’t leave with was a sense of what the AOSB would actually look and feel like.

DS is only 16 so we have time. He had a burst arm drum last year and awaiting an appointment to see if it will need closing - that 100% will be needed to get through the medical.

We both left feeling that 18 was too young and he needs to build his confidence. He’s very fit, would fly through the fitness. Has done DofE and has PT each week. It’s the public speaking and standing out in a group he will struggle with right now.

I wouldn’t ever disagree that 18 is too young for Sandhurst. You end up with officers who are supposed to look after soldiers who can only just read and write, and have less life experience than them. My brother for example has served for over 20 years as an officer but has no idea how a credit card works.

Anything he does to enhance his confidence will not be wasted. If that’s retail, or bar work etc, it will pay dividends.