3 weeks ago
Sex Abuse Allegations Rock UK's Army Training College For Teens
Some girls who went to a school that trains teenagers to join the British Army say that other students and grown-ups were very mean and hurt them.
One girl said that several other students hurt her very badly inside a room, and she felt like a piece of meat.
Another girl said a student trapped her in a room so she could not get out.
A third girl's mother said her daughter was scared to sleep because her door lock was broken.
The girls say the school had a culture where women were not treated with respect.
The police and the Army have received many reports of bad behaviour at the school over the years.
When one girl told the police what happened, nobody was charged with a crime, and the Crown Prosecution Service called the investigation 'entirely inadequate'.
The Army says bad behaviour is never allowed and that it is working to help people who were hurt.
It also says official visitors recognised the school as a caring place.
The girls hope that telling their stories will make the Army a safer place for everyone.
Four former female recruits allege rape, sexual assault, and harassment at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate, North Yorkshire.
Tilly, who said she was raped by fellow junior soldiers at 17, said she 'felt like a piece of meat' and left the Army two weeks later.
North Yorkshire Police received 16 reports of sexual offences linked to the college in the year up to June, including exposure, voyeurism, and sexual assault.
Ministry of Defence data shows 176 complaints of inappropriate sexual behaviour at the college between January 2018 and June 2025 — 32 against staff and 144 against junior soldiers.
Labour MP Emma Lewell called for an independent inquiry, while the Army said reforms are in place and safeguarding authorities recognised a 'culture of care' in January 2026.
- Who
- Four former female recruits at the Army Foundation College — named as Tilly, Monica, Amy, and Ellie — who allege sexual assault, rape, and harassment.
- What
- Sexual assault, rape, and harassment allegations against fellow junior soldiers and staff, alongside 176 recorded complaints of inappropriate sexual behaviour at the college since 2018.
- Where
- Army Foundation College, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom.
- When
- The incidents allegedly took place over the past five years while the women were minors; the story was published on August 6, 2026.
- Why
- The women say the college has a culture of misogyny and sexual violence, raising concerns about the safety of teenage recruits.
Alleged Victims and MP
Army and Ministry of Defence
Culture at the college
Alleged Victims and MP
The women describe a culture of misogyny and sexual violence, with instructors making inappropriate comments, rating female recruits' appearances, and entering dormitories without knocking.
Army and Ministry of Defence
The Army says safeguarding authorities and the Children's Commissioner's office recognised the college's culture of care during a visit in January 2026.
Justice and investigations
Alleged Victims and MP
No charges were brought in Tilly's case, and the Crown Prosecution Service described the police investigation as 'entirely inadequate'; Tilly reached a financial settlement with North Yorkshire Police.
Army and Ministry of Defence
The Army says reforms support victims, including specialist assistance through the Defence Serious Crime Command, and encourages anyone affected to come forward.
Future of the college
Alleged Victims and MP
MP Emma Lewell called for an independent inquiry and questioned whether the college should continue operating without a detailed investigation.
Army and Ministry of Defence
The Army maintains that unacceptable and criminal behaviour has no place in the Armed Forces and says it has introduced reforms to support victims.
Key facts
- College
- Army Foundation College, Harrogate — the Army's largest training establishment for recruits under 19
- Recruits alleging abuse
- 4 (Tilly, Monica, Amy, Ellie)
- Current intake
- 889 junior soldiers, including 70 female recruits
- Police reports of sexual offences
- 16 in the year up to June (exposure, voyeurism, sexual assault)
- MoD complaints (Jan 2018 – Jun 2025)
- 176 total — 32 against permanent staff, 144 against junior soldiers
- Victim's age at time of alleged rape
- 17 (Tilly)
- Call for inquiry
- Labour MP Emma Lewell (Defence Committee) questioned whether the college should keep operating
- Report published
- August 6, 2026, based on a BBC investigation
Quotes
Monica
Former Army Foundation College recruit, alleged sexual assault victim
“"He stood against the door so I couldn’t get out," she said.”
news18.com
“"I felt like a piece of meat," she told the BBC.”
news18.com
Sources
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