Army graduate, 17, awarded for English studies

Private Harry Allard, 17, from Eastbourne, had limited qualifications before starting at the prestigious college at Uniacke Barracks, Penny Pot Lane.

Harry said he was behind other children his age after growing up in Bergerac, in the South West of France.

But he was able to get NVQs in English, maths and ICT to win the Lewis Cup for Most Improved Junior Soldier in Vocational Education.

Harry said, “I didn’t have an education so I thought I would join the army. But now the army has given me an education.

“Because I had lived in France for around 14 years, my French was probably better than my English.

“But the Army Foundation College has given me confidence and loads of skills that will help me out in the army.

“I have done extra sessions and have been able to catch up quite a lot, I am happy that I won this prize because I wanted to improve myself.”

Harry joined the Army Foundation College in March for a unique 42 week long course combining vocational education and military training.

He now hopes to join 1st Battalion The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment – although he thinks that one day he will be able to use his French skills in the army. The graduation parade at Uniacke Barracks was the finale of the course and thousands of relatives and friends watched the Junior Soldiers pass off the square.

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