Subscribe to trusted local news
In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.
- Subscription costs less than £1 a week with an annual plan.
Already a subscriber? Log in here.
28
Jul
New data shows violent crimes increasing at Harrogate's Army Foundation College
The number of violent crimes recorded at Harrogate's Army Foundation College has increased sharply over the last two years, new figures show.
The college, on Penny Pot Lane, is the only basic junior training site in the British Army for recruits under the age of 18.
It has been dogged by allegations of abuse and bullying in recent years despite being praised by Ofsted.
The Stray Ferret submitted a freedom of information request to North Yorkshire Police seeking the number of investigations opened into crimes at the college between August 1, 2023, and July 7, 2025.
Violent crimes against another person experienced the greatest increase, rising from one in 2023 to five and 13 by July this year.
Sexual offences also increased significantly, from one in 2023 to five in 2024 and five by July 7 this year.
Breakdown of crimes recorded at Harrogate Army Foundation College.
A previous freedom of information response published by North Yorkshire Police in October 2023 revealed nine rapes, two incidents of voyeurism and two sexual assaults had been reported at the college between July 2022 and August 2023.
No details have been given as to whether any of the latest incidents involved recruits or staff at the college, nor did the police disclose, as requested by the Stray Ferret, how many of the offences, if any, led to someone being charged.
We have covered allegations of bullying and abuse at the college extensively in recent years, including an account from a former recruit who alleged another recruit tried to take his own life on-site following incessant bullying.
An ex-female recruit and friend of Jaysley Beck, who killed herself at a barracks in Wiltshire following a sustained period of harassment, also told us she believes sexual harassment is “100% a systemic problem in the army”.
But Ofsted’s glowing report on the college’s welfare provisions published last year painted a totally different picture.
‘We take any allegations of criminal or abusive activity extremely seriously’
The Stray Ferret put the recent freedom of information response to the Ministry of Defence. We asked what the college, and the military as a whole, is doing to combat criminal activity.
An army spokesperson told us:
We take any allegations of criminal or abusive activity by or against our personnel extremely seriously and have robust procedures in place to address any such behaviour, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all our students and staff.
The most recent Ofsted report on welfare and duty of care in the armed forces highlighted that high standards of care, welfare, and safeguarding are deeply embedded in Harrogate’s training programmes.
The Army Foundation College transforms civilians to soldiers, is a driver for social mobility and works hard to ensure that every junior soldier enjoys a promising start to their military career in a safe and welcoming environment.
'There are two stories told at Harrogate AFC'
The Stray Ferret also approached the Child Rights International Network, a charity that campaigns to raise the military age.
Jim Wyke, a coordinator at the charity, said the army “cannot credibly claim to prioritise the wellbeing of recruits” without an independent review being carried out.
He told the Stray Ferret:
There are two stories told about the Army Foundation College: one of ‘Outstanding’ welfare ratings from Ofsted and a well-touted ‘zero tolerance policy’ on abuse; the other, of convicted instructors, systemic sexual and physical abuse, attempted suicides, and violence behind closed doors. These latest figures speak for themselves —18 sexual or violent crimes in just six months.
Until there is a full, independent review of child protection at the college, the army cannot credibly claim to prioritise the wellbeing of recruits. We’ve seen what happens when institutions protect their image over children’s safety. Enough platitudes. It’s time for action.
We urge Harrogate residents to write to their MP and demand an inquiry into abuse at the Army Foundation College.
Supportive and inclusive or a culture of violence: What's the real story behind Harrogate Army Foundation College?Ex-Harrogate Army Foundation College recruit – and friend of Jaysley Beck – believes nothing will change‘Jaysley was infectious’, friend and ex-Harrogate Army Foundation College recruit says
0