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Original poster

AFC Harrogate

8 replies

ShazzyG71 · 15/12/2023 19:03

DS is 16. He’s desperate to join the army but has decided before jumping in with both feet to apply to The Army foundation college in Harrogate. Does anyone have any experience of a son/ brother going there. Thanks in advance

OP posts:
JaffavsCookie · 15/12/2023 20:16

Not sons/brothers but i know quite a few kids that have been there and really turned their lives around.

Knockon · 15/12/2023 20:24

What would you like to know? I can help as friends were there as directing staff although not recently. For what its worth, the course is a really decent gallop of lots of applied skills, the majority of recruits love it and enter the army with the intention of enjoying a good few years of finding their feet in their chosen trade and once into the wider field army they continue their career trajectory like anyone who went to atr pirbright, winchester or itc catterick.

DragonMama3 · 15/12/2023 20:24

A uni friend - there siblings went. They really enjoyed it. It's Feb entry now isn't it? Not Sept? They teach them to drive. He'll grow up soon x

Original poster
ShazzyG71 · 15/12/2023 20:52

I just don’t know how he’ll get on there. ADHD. school refuser and previous mental health issues. I feel he’s too young but obviously I can’t or won’t stand in his way. I feel it will make or break him and that’s what I’m worried about, it breaking him. It’s long been his dream to join the army.

OP posts:
Original poster
ShazzyG71 · 15/12/2023 20:55

Knockon · 15/12/2023 20:24

What would you like to know? I can help as friends were there as directing staff although not recently. For what its worth, the course is a really decent gallop of lots of applied skills, the majority of recruits love it and enter the army with the intention of enjoying a good few years of finding their feet in their chosen trade and once into the wider field army they continue their career trajectory like anyone who went to atr pirbright, winchester or itc catterick.

i suppose the biggest thing I’m worrying about is the level of pastoral care. He comes across as a tough guy but he’s actually quite sensitive and emotional. I know it’s a precursor to possibly joining the army and he will have to toughen up but do they expect this of them at 16?

OP posts:
Knockon · 15/12/2023 21:56

Hmm, the medical assessment will require him to be cleared for his ADHD and mental
health before joining so this is definitely something to bear in mind when applying timing wise (ie if ever medicated then how long since use); the csa at capita may be able to give guidance on this from policy (jsp 950).

Regarding pastoral support, harrogate is considered like any education facility so is required to meet ofsted standards, the ds are drilled with welfare and safeguarding policy, there is plenty of downtime and lots of opportunities to develop themselves BUT it is employment not just strictly education so suitability is assessed at all stages and those who do not meet the standards will be discharged from service. There is a robust disciplinary system but for the most part the carrot is used rather than the stick.

Original poster
ShazzyG71 · 16/12/2023 08:59

Knockon · 15/12/2023 21:56

Hmm, the medical assessment will require him to be cleared for his ADHD and mental
health before joining so this is definitely something to bear in mind when applying timing wise (ie if ever medicated then how long since use); the csa at capita may be able to give guidance on this from policy (jsp 950).

Regarding pastoral support, harrogate is considered like any education facility so is required to meet ofsted standards, the ds are drilled with welfare and safeguarding policy, there is plenty of downtime and lots of opportunities to develop themselves BUT it is employment not just strictly education so suitability is assessed at all stages and those who do not meet the standards will be discharged from service. There is a robust disciplinary system but for the most part the carrot is used rather than the stick.

Thank you so much for all of that. That’s very reassuring. He hasn’t taken meds since he was 11 so had been off them 5 years. His mental health is very much improved. He had a very bad episode a couple of years ago after losing his nan, grandad, his older brothers best mate(suicide) and one of his friends who was 14( suicide). He absolutely fell apart and had to be removed from education as he just wasn’t coping. He’s in a much better place now and wants to make the most of his life. I read last night that intakes are march and September and we’ve had a chat and I think he’s decided to get a part time job for now and aim for September enrolment.

Thanks again for your reply.

OP posts:
Panic71 · 14/01/2024 15:28

Does anyone know if you can attend whilst wearing dental braces?

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