The British Army Officer Scholarships were awarded to two Combined Cadet Force Cadets from the Brentwood School in Essex. The scholarship includes £3,000 in the recipient’s final school year, plus a confirmed Army bursary, worth up to £6,000, if they choose to study a recognised degree at a UK university.
The scholarship awards young people with leadership potential a place to train at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and later commission into the British Army as Officers. Candidates are assessed on their physical fitness, planning, teamwork and leadership skills. They also have to pass a series of interviews and write an essay as part of the selection process.
In their citation, Lewis Harknett and Scott Adeyinka were ‘recognised as possessing exceptional leadership potential’ and have secured a confirmed place to train as Army Officers with the Army giving them financial and career support through school and university.
Miss Megan Swettenham, Officer Commanding Army (CCF) said: “Lewis and Scott have both been valued members of the Army section of the CCF and are now Senior NCOs leading the younger cadets. Congratulations to both Lewis and Scott on their fantastic achievement. The CCF and the wider Brentwood community is very proud of their achievement.”
Seventeen-year-old Lewis said: “I couldn’t have achieved this without the support of the entire CCF team who have helped me prepare. Without the CCF, I would not have had the opportunity to find my passion for the Army and pursue a future career. I’ve really enjoyed the position of RSM and I look forward to helping develop the Army section this year.”
Brentwood School Headmaster, Michael Bond, presented the cadets with certificates, from the President of the Army Officer Selection Board, and Army Scholar felt badges for their CCF uniform, during the Senior School Assembly.
Photo Caption: Brentwood School Headmaster Michael Bond, Scott Adeyinka, Lewis Harknett, and Miss Megan Swettenham, Officer Commanding Army (CCF)
Story & photo sent in by Jude Bailey, Communications Manager at the Brentwood School