Calls Are Growing for an Independent Inquiry Into the Army Foundation College in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, After Four Women Told the They

The women, who were 17 at the time, described a culture of misogyny and sexual violence. Former MP Sarah Atherton said public confidence could "only be restored through an independent inquiry, while Defence Committee member Emma Lewell said the college would have been closed down if it were any other school. The Army said "unacceptable and criminal behaviour has absolutely no place in our Armed Forces" and urged victims to come forward.

North Yorkshire Police received 16 reports of sexual offences linked to the college in the year to June, and Ministry of Defence data shows 176 complaints of inappropriate sexual behaviour between January 2018 and June 2025. One woman, Tilly, said she was raped by multiple fellow soldiers at 17, while another, Amy, slept across her door because the lock was broken. The Army noted a January 2026 visit by the Children's Commissioner recognised the college's "culture of care, and its discipline system was graded "outstanding" by Ofsted.