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Four former recruits allege sexual assault and harassment at a UK Army college, raising concerns over safety and culture.
Sex Abuse Claims Rock UK’s Biggest Army Training College For Teen Recruits (Photo: BBC)
Four young women have alleged that they were sexually assaulted and harassed while attending the Army Foundation College (AFC) in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, with one claiming she was raped by several fellow junior soldiers when she was 17.
According to a BBC report, all four women attended the college over the past five years and say the incidents took place when they were minors. Speaking publicly for the first time, they have alleged that the institution has a culture of misogyny and sexual violence.
The Army described the allegations as “extremely distressing and serious”.
Complaints and police reports
The BBC reported that North Yorkshire Police received 16 reports of sexual offences linked to the college in the year up to June, according to information obtained through a Freedom of Information request.
The reported offences included allegations of exposure, voyeurism and sexual assault. No details were provided on whether any of the cases resulted in prosecutions.
Ministry of Defence (MoD) data showed that 176 complaints of inappropriate sexual behaviour were recorded at the college between January 2018 and June 2025. Of these, 32 allegations were against permanent staff and 144 against junior soldiers.
AFC is the Army’s largest training establishment for recruits under the age of 19. It currently has 889 junior soldiers, including 70 female recruits.
“I felt like a piece of meat”
One of the women, identified as Tilly, said she joined the Army with hopes of becoming a soldier but left shortly after the alleged attack. She alleged that several fellow junior soldiers assaulted and raped her after inviting her into a room. According to her account, the incident lasted for hours. “I felt like a piece of meat,” she told the BBC.
Tilly said she left the Army two weeks later. The BBC reported that she informed police about the alleged rape, but no charges were brought. It said the Crown Prosecution Service later described the police investigation as “entirely inadequate”.
Tilly later reached a financial settlement with North Yorkshire Police, with no admission of liability by the force.
Other women recount experiences
A second woman, Monica, alleged that a fellow soldier trapped her inside a room and sexually assaulted her.
“He stood against the door so I couldn’t get out,” she said, adding that she eventually managed to push him away.
Another woman, Amy, was said by her mother Cheryl to have faced sexual assault and near-daily sexual harassment during training. Cheryl claimed the lock on Amy’s room was broken, leading her daughter to sleep across the doorway to prevent male soldiers from entering.
A fourth woman, Ellie, alleged that sexist behaviour by some staff influenced male recruits. She claimed instructors made inappropriate comments about women, rated female recruits’ appearances and entered dormitories without knocking.
Ellie said her experiences led her to abandon plans for a military career.
Questions over culture at the college
Several instructors at AFC have been convicted by courts martial for physical and sexual offences in recent years. However, the BBC said none of the allegations made by the four women related to those individuals.
The women argued that the convictions raised concerns about the broader culture at the college. Tilly alleged that after reporting her rape, she heard an instructor making derogatory comments about her.
Cheryl also claimed her daughter experienced misogynistic verbal abuse from staff members.
Labour MP Emma Lewell, who sits on the Defence Committee, called for an independent inquiry into the college and questioned whether it should continue operating without a detailed investigation.
Army response
In its response, the Army said unacceptable and criminal behaviour had no place in the Armed Forces and encouraged anyone who had experienced or witnessed such conduct at AFC to come forward.
The Army said reforms had been introduced to support victims, including specialist assistance through the Defence Serious Crime Command. It also said safeguarding authorities and the Children’s Commissioner’s office had recognised the college’s culture of care during a visit in January 2026.
Despite those assurances, Tilly said the Army’s claims of inclusivity did not match her experience at Harrogate.
“I know if I had a daughter, I would never send her to the Army,” she said.
About the Author
Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influen…Read More
London, United Kingdom (UK)
August 06, 2026, 17:52 IST
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