How to get Army sponsorship for Uni without a year out?

[Muchtoomuchtodo]

DS’s birthday is at the end of June. He has been keen to do his Officers training after his A levels for years, but after absolutely excelling in his GCSEs he’s now wondering if he would prefer to go to University before doing that.

He cannot apply until he is 17 and 9 months which would be April of year 13 and the recruitment process can take many months. Is there any way that this could be done without him having to take a year out?

Has anyone done this.

40 years ago it was possible as I had friends who were sponsored and hadn't taken a year out.

A quick google shows it's still possible - apply at beginning of year 12. Selection board in summer of year 12 and then think they also give you something in y13 and then at uni.

I think it's a completely different selection process as it's a different way of joining (as you won't be actually serving in the Army for a few years) so the timescales are different. Have I used the word "different" enough in that response?