Pictured above: Sandhurst Scholar and Lower Sixth Form pupil Alex Rigler

Lower 6^th Form pupil, Alex Rigler has gained a scholarship into the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to train for the British Army.  All British Army officers are trained at Sandhurst and their former pupils include Prince William and Prince Harry.

Alex became interested in joining the Army by taking part in the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) at Brentwood School.  Alex then met with an Army Careers Officer that visits the school every year and expressed his interest in joining the Army.  Following three interviews a report was written about Alex and his abilities by his Commanding Officer and this was then sent to Sandhurst.  Alex was subsequently invited to attend a three day assessment course at Sandhurst during the school half term; the course included physical tests, obstacle courses, 500 metre sprints, leadership tasks, medical examinations, mental aptitude tests, planning tests, discussions and presentation skills.

Alex explained how one of the tests included getting his team of 10 men from ‘A' to ‘B' by using just two planks of wood and out of all the teams that took part, Alex's team was the only one to get safely across.  Alex also believes that his verbal presentation skills and confidence contributed to his success.  Sandhurst develops leadership in cadets by expanding their character, intellect and professional competences to a level demanded of an Army Officer.

Alex commented when he heard that he had been awarded a scholarship; "This is the biggest achievement of my life so far.  The CCF at school made me want to join the Army and I've always wanted to jump out of planes, so I have decided to join the parachute regiment".

Now that Alex's scholarship at Sandhurst is secure he can concentrate on his A Levels and choose to go to a university that he would like to, to study the subject of his choice, which he explained is likely to be Economics.  Upon graduating he will undergo a 44 week training course at Sandhurst before being regimented.  Alex said "it is nice to know at the age of 16 I already have a career ahead of me; many other pupils my age have no idea what they'd like to do."