Welbeck College

WELBECK COLLEGE

If you’d like to join the Royal Navy as an Engineer Officer or as a Warfare, Logistics, Aircrew or Royal Marines Officer, you could study at the Defence Sixth Form College (DSFC) at Welbeck, near Loughborough. This is a purpose-built sixth form college (with on-site, en suite boarding accommodation), boasting some of the country’s finest, state-of-the-art facilities and equipment. You’ll study alongside other students pursuing careers in the Armed Forces and Ministry of Defence (MOD) Civil Service.

How to apply:

Welbeck DSFC welcomes young men and women from a variety of backgrounds, all looking for something that exceeds the average sixth form experience. Alongside your academic studies, you’ll learn how to develop loyalty and teamwork, as well as how to communicate as a leader.

Extra-curricular activities:

Include a heavy emphasis on sport and fitness, including outward bound activities such as rock climbing, dinghy sailing and navigation. In addition, all Welbeck students join the Combined Cadet Force and take part in regular military training activities, including a range of adventurous training pursuits.

How to apply:

The College selects approximately 185 students each year: all join during the first year of their A-level studies and the tuition is funded by the MOD.

To apply for sponsorship to the Royal Navy (via Welbeck DSFC) you should be:

• medically fit

• a UK, Commonwealth or Irish citizen

• aged between 15 years and 17 years six months on 1st September in the year of entry. You will also need:

• an A grade or better at GCSE (or equivalent) in Mathematics

• a B grade or better in dual award Science or Physics

• a C grade or better in English Language.

After application, the Welbeck DSFC selection procedure for the Royal Navy is the Admiralty Interview Board (AIB) which takes place over two days. During selection you’ll be assessed in a wide range of skills, such as communication, leadership and effective intelligence. Final selection for Welbeck DSFC is dependent on passing the AIB and achieving the required grades at GCSE or equivalent.

After Welbeck:

After successfully completing two years of study at Welbeck DSFC, as an Engineer Officer you’ll go on to read for a degree at university via the Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme (DTUS). Following graduation, you’ll move on to Officer training with the Royal Navy before entering your chosen career full time. For non-engineers, you’ll be guaranteed a Naval College Direct Entry place at Britannia Royal Navy College (BRNC) or Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM). If you decide to attend university you’ll need to attend AIB again to be considered for a bursary award.