Genevieve (UVI) Awarded Army Officer Scholarship
16 September 2025 - All
We’re very proud to share that Genevieve has been awarded an Army Officer Scholarship. Read on to hear about her experience, what inspired her to apply and her advice for others considering a career in the Army.
Have you always known that you wanted to go into the Army?
I only decided to consider a career in the Army in September of LVI. I’d always been aware of the University Officers’ Training Corps, where you can train to be an officer at university without being obligated to join the Army afterwards. Excited by this prospect, I began exploring the Officer Scholarship scheme in more detail.
Emily Warrack (2025), who was in the year above me, proved to be a huge inspiration. Like Emily, I had no CCF or Army-related experience, so seeing someone I knew succeed in securing an Army Officer Scholarship made me realise that this was an achievable goal.
How do you qualify for the scholarship?
I began my application in October of LVI. It starts with a paragraph about yourself, your GCSE results and predicted A level grades, along with background checks and medical assessments. Next is a one-hour online interview with a recruiter. The scrutiny board then reviews this information, plus teacher references, to decide if you advance to the main board. The main board is a three-day programme with fitness tests, an assault course, two interviews, an essay and a planning exercise.
Was there a part of the process you found particularly challenging—or rewarding?
The interviews were intense but quickly became engaging conversations, giving me insight into Army life. The most nerve-wracking part was the planning exercise: you have an hour to develop a plan from a scenario pack, then present it to a panel of captains and colonels, answering questions entirely from memory. In my scenario, they even asked me to identify a Friesian bull in a field, completely irrelevant to the issue at hand, but every detail mattered. Despite the pressure, I stayed composed, taking comfort in my preparation, as the Officers had advised.
How many people were on your Army Scholarship Board?
They ran one group in June and another in July, which I attended. Each week featured several selection boards, each lasting three days and assessing 32 candidates. On my board, there were nine girls; this may not sound like many, but it’s actually a relatively strong number, as the Army remains predominantly male. It was great to be amongst so many likeminded young women!
Within the group of 32, we were split into four teams of eight to complete tasks together. Out of my team, three of us were successful, along with one of my friends from my prep school, Godstowe, who was in the wider group of 32. It was wonderful to reconnect with her after losing touch.
What do you plan on studying at university?
I’m hoping to go to Cambridge to study Philosophy, Religion, and Theology, and I plan to join the University Officers’ Training Corps while I’m there.
What are you most looking forward to about joining the Army?
I would like to work at organisation where service is at the core. Being in a team of people and having the honour to lead a group will be tough at times but an amazing privilege, nonetheless. For me, the Army offers the perfect blend of physical and intellectual challenge.
What are you most nervous about?
As an officer, you’re not only responsible for yourself, but also for the people in your platoon. The prospect of having to make a decision in combat where someone could consequently lose their life is understandably nerve-wracking.
Do you have an idea yet of which regiment or corps you’d like to join?
I’m hoping to join the Household Cavalry. I’ve always loved ceremonial parades and was lucky to see the mounted regiment in person at the Major General’s Review of the Trooping of the Colour. Having grown up riding horses and with a love of music, it feels like a perfect fit. The combat role of this regiment would include armoured reconnaissance and surveillance.
How do you feel Wycombe Abbey has prepared you for the application process?
I’ve been incredibly lucky to have such a strong support network at Wycombe Abbey. Padre Paul has been amazing, always willing to talk through what military life is really like. His perspective as someone who has served has been invaluable. Alongside him, my tutor, Mrs Try, guided me through the planning exercises and helped me practise the speed, distance, and time equations, something I was a bit nervous about since I don’t take Mathematics A level. My Housemistress from last year, Miss Allen, was also incredibly supportive throughout the entire process.
Mr Wall, our S&C coach, went above and beyond to help me prepare physically. I was determined to be as fit as possible ahead of the selection board.
Every staff member I spoke to, as well as my friends, were so supportive, and I truly can’t thank them enough for all their guidance and encouragement.
How did you feel when you found out you had been awarded the scholarship?
I felt an overwhelming sense of pride when I opened the letter and couldn’t wait to share the news with all who supported me. I burst into tears, and so did my mum on the phone. To celebrate, we had a meal at the pub and spent the evening together with some family friends.
What would be your top tip for younger girls who wish to apply for the Army Officer Scholarship?
My number one recommendation is to focus on your fitness. There are three physical tests, and the required standards are provided beforehand. Your fitness is one of the few things you can control. It’s also important to practise your speed, distance and time calculations.
Ultimately, just be yourself. If you’re not authentic, the selection board will see straight through it. Make sure you enjoy the process, the assault course and evenings in the mess were so fun. You’re surrounded by like-minded people, many of whom could become friends for life!
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